Formal dining room ideas: 6 wow-worthy looks to update your space

Does your dining room need an update? Whether you like to host dinner parties and holiday gatherings or want a more inviting spot to gather everyone for dinner each night, you deserve a beautiful dining area. To inspire your own update, we’re sharing six formal dining room ideas for all interior design styles and floor plans, complete with ways to make each look your own.

6 formal dining room ideas you’re sure to love

Having a formal dining room means different things to different people. For some, it’s the spot where you eat when you manage to pull your family away from the TV for the night. For others, it’s an elegant space for entertaining friends and family for special occasions. Whatever it means to you, these formal dining room decor ideas will get you started.

The trick to choosing the right formal dining room ideas for your space is to look for ways to make it your own. You don’t have to recreate an image piece-for-piece (although you can if you want to) — it’s usually more practical to identify the elements you love and blend them with what you already have.

1. Glam dinner party dining area

This glam five-piece dining set creates a perfect spot for dinner parties, drinks with friends, and conversations over cocktails. Round tables like this one work well in small spaces and encourage a more intimate setting because everyone’s facing each other.

This table has extra eye-catching appeal with its counter-height pedestal base (also available in standard height) and mirrored finish. Plus, the black velvet chairs with gold accents will add a dramatic finish to any space.

How to make it your own: 

• Capture eclectic elegance by mixing and matching your dining chairs — perhaps alternating grey and blue velvet upholstered chairs
• Pair the table with a mirrored accent cabinet and mirrored wall art for a brighter space that reflects your color palette and any natural light in the area
• Place a pair of armchairs nearby to create a lounge-style appeal — this works well in open-plan dining spaces visible from the living room

2. Rustic dining space

This six-piece wood table dining set boasts elegant tapered legs and a rustic plank-style tabletop for a transitional look. It comes with four upholstered chairs and a matching bench that adds accessibility for extra guests. The set would work well in an open-plan home with plenty of natural light, and we love how it looks on a modern area rug with a wood floor underneath.

Rustic furniture can transform a space, especially if your home has wood planks, wainscotting, or beadboard walls. And don’t forget rustic wall art to complete the look.

How to make it your own:

• Hang contemporary artwork or wall decor for more of a transitional appeal — you can even pick the artwork first and base the room’s color palette on the design
• Change up the look and go for a more laid-back boho style by skipping the set and pairing the table with rattan dining chairs instead
• Add an antique-style China cabinet on one wall to display special-occasion dinnerware

3. Modern dining room

A marble-top table can help you capture the traditional look of a formal dining room with a contemporary update and a splash of luxe styling. This seven-piece dining set comes with six white upholstered chairs that would work well with a bright color palette and white walls.

We love how this dining room uses dark draperies to add contrast. The extra dashes of dark grey from the artwork and area rug ground the design and keep it from feeling too bright.

How to make it your own:

• Hang a funky light fixture over the table to add a focal point and another layer of lighting
• Use two grey upholstered chairs at the heads of the table for added variety
• Dress this formal dining room idea down for more casual get-togethers with a fun tablecloth to cover the marble top

4. Live-edge dining set

Live edge wood maintains the tree’s natural shape, bringing eye-catching lines and natural wood texture into your space. This live-edge dining set could make any room feel elevated and cozy while adding an instant focal point. 

The dark-toned tabletop in this space would work well with lots of natural light and some high-contrast decor pieces. And if you’re working with an industrial style or retro dining room design, the hairpin legs will fit right in.

How to make it your own:

• Use this table in a boho dining room with a greenery centerpiece and colorful dining chairs
• Pair the table with a Sheesham wood server to add more natural tones and textures to your dining area
• Add other natural wood dining room furniture for a rustic aesthetic — for example, a Sheesham server or rustic bar unit

5. Dramatic dining room table

You can’t go wrong with this ceramic top dining table’s bold matte gunmetal finish if you’d like to add a touch of drama to your dining area. The table stands out with clean lines, hard edges, and a black ceramic top, creating an elegant marble-like appeal.

The spacious rectangular top is supported by sled-style legs that flare outward with a mid-century modern-inspired expression. It’d be an excellent fit for a retro dining room or a shared space with a modern home office.

How to make it your own:

• Add a unique light fixture that shows off your personal style — try a hanging industrial light or an elegant crystal chandelier for extra flair and contrast
• Combine gray and beige upholstered swivel chairs for an attractive, office-style aesthetic and comfy seating
• Use high-contrast geometric artwork on the walls to match the bold look of the table

6. Mid-century modern perfection

Can’t get enough of the retro aesthetic? This rectangular table captures the mid-century modern look with tapered, flared legs supporting a bullnose edge and fluted apron. And with the contemporary-inspired dark walnut, this elegant table could work in a wide range of spaces.

The pendant light completes the mid-century look in this dining room. Bonus points if you add a sideboard or hutch on one wall — for example, this dining room uses a dark walnut server from the same set as the table.

How to make it your own:

• Add a bar cart to the dining room for added versatility and a casual cocktail night appeal
• Go for a natural aesthetic by adding several houseplants to the dining area
• Place the table near built-in shelving decorated with retro accents for an authentic mid-century modern feel

Create an entertaining space you’ll love

We hope these formal dining room ideas inspire you to create a dining space for everything from dinner parties and holidays to family dinners and relaxing mornings with family. Remember, you don’t need a dining room to create a formal dining space — today’s dining areas often shine with open floor plans and lounge-style settings.

Coaster Furniture’s selection of dining room sets and tables offers hundreds of pieces if you want to check out more formal dining room ideas. When you’re ready to buy, our store locator makes it easy to find local retailers for convenient pickup.

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