For most people, the dining room is a place we visit every day. Whether you’re enjoying a tasty snack or sitting down for an entire meal, the dining room tends to play an active role in your day-to-day activities. Of course, you’re not throwing dinner parties all the time, which is why today I’ll be sharing how to decorate a dining room table for everyday life!
There are many different things to consider, from practical aspects to the visual flair of your dining room table decor. There’s no need to beat around the bush, so let’s just get right into it!
Ten Decor Ideas for Your Dining Room
A big part of mastering how to decorate a dining room table for everyday use is knowing which items you’ll need for practical decor. Unfortunately, it can be really easy to gather more items than you actually need.
Before you know it, your kitchen table just ends up overflowing with items, leaving little room to actually eat. Remember, the best option for your tabletop won’t always be the one that looks the most striking.
Still, while value over vanity is the key to a good dining room layout, that doesn’t mean you can’t make it look amazing in the process. Here are a few of my favorite decor pieces.
Start Your Curation with a Tablecloth or Runner
A great way to start decorating your dining table is with a tablecloth for your centerpiece. The color and pattern of your tablecloth will help set the overall “mood” of your dining table. Lighter colors are excellent if you want a brighter, casual mood, while darker colors work best for more formal settings.
If you have a lengthy dining table then you might want to consider getting a table runner instead of a tablecloth, as this will likely match the proportions of your tabletop better. While you’re at it, pick up a set of complementary placemats to go with your tablecloth.
Want to make the whole area match? Pick up a decorative area rug or kitchen runner to really tie the entire look together.
Select Your Centerpiece
The table centerpiece is the main point you want to focus on when learning how to decorate a dining room table for everyday use. Ideally, you want to match the centerpiece to the size of your table and the style of your decor.
If you have a smaller table then you can use a single item as the centerpiece for your dining room table. However, the term “centerpiece” is somewhat deceiving, as a large centerpiece is often made up of a small variety of different items.
Essentially, a centerpiece is simply an item—or collection of items—that serves as the main focal point of your dining room table. Here are a few options I think you’ll love.
Pick Your Favorite Plant
Plants are a classic choice when it comes to dining table decorations. You have plenty of options to choose from, including fresh flowers, small succulents, faux flowers, and even complete bouquets!
Regardless of what you get, it’s important to match your plant selection to the larger color scheme of the room. That said, “matching” doesn’t necessarily have to mean using the same colors. In fact, having brightly colored flowers surrounded by a relatively muted palette can look amazing, but it all comes down to your specific color selection.
While aesthetics are important, it’s also vital to choose plants that will display well for a long time. For that reason, it may be worth considering fake flowers for your dining room if the area doesn’t receive a lot of natural light.
Try Dried Foliage Instead
If you’re not looking for the responsibilities that come along with maintaining a live plant then you might want to consider dried foliage instead. There are many great options worth considering, but I especially like this dried Pampas Grass!
Like live or faux plants, dried foliage presents the best when placed in a pretty vase, jar, or pot. You’ll want to keep them out of direct sunlight though, as sun exposure can cause them to discolor and start falling apart quickly.
If you’re going for a minimalist vibe then dried flowers alone can make for a nice centerpiece. However, you can also pair them with other items—or even alongside live flowers—if you want a bit more visual variety in the center of your table.
Decide on Your Glass Decor
Glassware is nearly a necessity when it comes to perfecting your centerpiece. Single glass pieces, such as a vase, can be used as a simple standalone display. If the vase, glass, or bowl isn’t ornate enough to stand on its own, consider filling it with other decor to add more visual appeal.
Unless you own an especially impressive collection of decorative glass vases, chances are, you’ll want to add some visual pizzazz to this focal point. This is where the flowers from the previous tip can come in handy! Flowers, paired with a nice vase, will look very tasteful, especially in the center of a round table.
Of course, you’re not limited to only a single item. In fact, some of the best glass dining room table centerpieces feature multiple pieces of varying sizes. For example, you could place a large vase in the middle of the table, and then place a small vase on each side of the larger vase. The varying heights will help add a sense of visual flow to your tabletop.
Show Off Your Unique Art Collection
When learning how to decorate a dining room table for everyday life, sometimes it pays off to think outside the box. While flowers are definitely a tried-and-true option, have you considered the idea of displaying a small art piece as a centerpiece instead?
I absolutely love doing this, as it allows me to give some “screen time” to smaller art pieces that otherwise simply sit on a shelf somewhere. Of course, you will be limited by the size of the table you’re working with, but small sculptures and similar collectibles should easily fit within these size restraints.
Simply put, artwork is great for your dining room table. Not only does it serve as an excellent conversation starter for when you have guests over, but it also gives you something to admire as you go about your daily life.
Cherry-pick a Few Candles
A lot of what I’ve suggested so far only helps improve the visual aspects of your dining area, but this next option can improve the smell as well! Candles are available in many different sizes, shapes, and scents, giving you a nearly unlimited number of options to place in the center of the table.
I’d suggest putting a bit of thought into the scent you select, as the ambient scent can really affect the “mood” of a room. From a visual standpoint, it’s also worth looking into some dedicated candle holders specifically for your dining room table.
Candleholders help prevent wax from dripping onto your table and improve visual flow thanks to the various heights they can provide, making them a worthwhile investment if you ask me.
Arrange Your Favorite Fruits
If you want to enjoy some functional decor then placing a fruit bowl on your table is a great idea! You can pick any bowl you’d like, but I think that sticking with a floral theme tends to pair best with the bright colors of most fruits.
I really like filling a bowl with fresh fruit, as this means a quick snack is only ever an arm’s length away. You can even change the fruit out as the seasons change, giving you the perfect decoration for every part of the year.
However, not everyone enjoys eating fruits, and some people may want a fruit bowl for the aesthetics alone. Fortunately, you can also buy faux fruits online, giving you a decorative alternative that never goes bad and always looks its best.
Consider a Coffee Cup Set
Coffee and tea cup sets are another practical decorative solution. If you already own a set of decorative cups then the dining room table is the perfect place to display them.
On the other hand, if you don’t currently have a set worth displaying then this could be the perfect excuse for a quick shopping trip. I’d suggest checking out your local thrift shops first as it’s really hard to beat the visual appeal of a vintage tea cup set.
Don’t feel like you’re limited to strictly vintage options though. As long as your cup set matches the overall larger theme of your dining room table, some decorative drinkware can really help bring the entire space together.
As an added bonus? You’ll be ready for whenever you have company over!
Repurpose Your Coffee Table Books
If you have a particularly large dining room table with lots of space to fill then this next suggestion might be useful to you. I’ve mentioned in a different article how well-placed books can do wonders for coffee tables. The same is true for dining tables.
While I wouldn’t consider this a necessity when learning how to decorate a dining room table for everyday use, I still think that a few handpicked, expertly placed coffee table books can pair nicely alongside your main centerpiece.
I suggest placing the centerpiece in the middle, with a stack of books towards each end of the table. This gives the entire setup a sense of symmetry, while also providing anyone sitting down some reading materials to look through!
Additional Things to Consider for How to Decorate a Dining Room Table for Everyday Life
By now, I hope I’ve given you plenty of inspiration on how to decorate a dining room table for everyday use in various ways. Still, there are a few more things I want to go over before I wrap things up.
Think of these as the finishing touches!
Try to Vary the Heights
I’ve mentioned it a few times above, but having varying heights of decorative items in the middle of the table is really an easy way to make your arrangement look more professional!
Your options are somewhat limited if you’re working with a smaller table, but even then, having just a few items of different heights will generally look much better than having a single item. You don’t want to go overboard though, so make sure that diners can have a clear line of sight to the other dining room chairs.
The last thing you want is a centerpiece that’s so large that it completely obstructs your view!
How to Decorate a Dining Room Table for Everyday Life – Lighting Can Add a Lot
This is definitely a finishing touch, but have you taken a look at the lighting in your dining area? Professional interior designers always take lighting into account, using ambient light, recessed lighting, layered lighting, and other sources of lighting to show the dining table in the best light.
Of course, you don’t have to completely redo the lighting in your dining room. After all, this article is about how to decorate a dining room table for everyday use, not about taking on a whole dining room renovation!
Still, I’d strongly recommend adding a set of hanging lights if you don’t have one already. These are relatively non-intrusive and provide excellent, even lighting to the table as a whole. You can even install color-changing LEDs if you want to be able to switch up the room color for any special occasion.
Wall Art Makes the Perfect Backdrop
You guys know I’m always mentioning the importance of a good gallery wall, but this is especially true in the dining room. By installing some wall art in view of your dining table, both you and your diners will be able to enjoy the added visual interest of your carefully curated art collection on full display.
Hanging paintings is a great option if you’re trying to make your dining room feel a bit more classy, while family photos might work better if you’re going for a more intimate atmosphere.
Like all the other decorations, you’ll want to make sure that your selection of wall art complements the dining space as a whole. However, since it’s part of the backdrop, it’s especially important that your art doesn’t clash with the walls or ceiling, so keep that in mind while making your selections.
Final Thoughts For How to Decorate a Dining Room Table for Everyday Life
So, what did you think? Do you think you can master how to decorate a dining room table for everyday use? I know I went over a lot of options, but trust me: it’s nowhere near as complicated as it might seem!
Hopefully, this article has given you some decor inspiration for your dining room, and perhaps even some ideas for the rest of your home. As always, I love to hear what you guys have been up to so be sure to let me know about your latest dining table decor projects in the comments below.
Until next time, guys. Take care and have a great week!
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Decorate a Dining Room Table for Everyday
How do you decorate a dining room table when not eating?
Well, I’ve gone over quite a few different ways above, but if you’re looking for a simple place to start then I’d suggest placing a vase of flowers on your dining room table. Other simple decorations include replacing the tablecloth, placing a few handpicked decorative books on the table, and adding a rug underneath for a more complete look.
Should I put a tablecloth on my dining room table?
With the exception of special events where spilled food is nearly a guarantee, I generally don’t recommend a table cloth for every situation. The main point of a tablecloth is to make your dining room table look better, so whether you should use one really depends on how the table itself looks. If the tabletop is finished wood or another aesthetically-pleasing material then it’s most likely fine uncovered. However, if you have a relatively cheap-looking table then you can instantly make it look better with the simple addition of a tablecloth.
What are the 3 essential items needed when setting a table?
Without a doubt, the most essential items for setting your table are tableware (dishes, glasses, and cutlery), napkins, and table decor. As you’ve seen, there are plenty of creative ways you can decorate your table, so just start with the basics and build from there!
How do I make my dining room elegant?
There are plenty of great options to make your room as a whole look more elegant. A great place to start is with a paint refresh. From there, upgrading your cutlery, placing flower arrangements, displaying artwork, and adding a rug beneath the table can all help improve the overall elegance of your dining area.
How to decorate dining room in low budget?
Improving the lighting, placing glassware, and adding artwork to the walls are some of the best ways to give your dining room a premium feel. However, if you’re willing to invest a bit of money into the space then there’s something else you can try as well.
The most important thing to bear in mind is that you don’t want anything visible that looks “cheap”. As such, I recommend avoiding complete sets, instead trying to find tables and chairs from different manufacturers that complement each other without matching completely.
What not to do when setting a table?
There are a few “tabletop sins” to avoid when setting your table. Fortunately, these are extremely easy to avoid, so long as you know what they are ahead of time.
First, avoid going overboard with the table décor. While you definitely want the area pleasant to look at, you don’t want it to look cluttered and crowded. Many times, you’ll find that less is more!
The next thing to avoid is having too tall of a centerpiece. It’s great to have an impressive display for your guests to admire, but it defeats the purpose if they can’t easily see over it.
Lastly, take close note of the scents in your dining room and adjust accordingly. While having flowers or candles around can be a great thing, these scents don’t always work well alongside the smell of a freshly cooked meal. Limit the number of scented items you have in the area to avoid an overbearing combination of smells.
