Your dining room is where everything comes together: friends, family, conversation, and memories.

Surprisingly, many homeowners end up neglecting this room. Are you one of them? It’s so easy to let your dining room become cluttered and unused, but it’s time to redecorate and make the most of this space!

Adding little touches and changing key elements can make redecorating simpler than you think. If you’d like to create the dining room of your dreams (that you never knew you wanted), then read on for some simple tips that make a big difference.

1. Paint the Walls

This one seems like a no-brainer, but changing the color on the walls can make your dining room look like a whole new space!

Stop by the hardware store and pick up some paint samples in a variety of colors. You’ll be surprised by what can work with what you already have.

Generally, warmer colors work better to enhance the appetite and create a harmonious environment for friends, laughter, and food.

It’s also wise to consider the amount of natural light the room gets when choosing a new paint color. Don’t be afraid to try something new!

2. Update Lighting

Bored with the plain or outdated lighting fixtures in your dining room?

Adding some modern fixtures, such as chandeliers or wall sconces, can update the entire look. Overall, try to stick with dimmer lighting for a warmer, more inviting feel.

Changing up the lighting can create an entirely different space. Shop around until you find pieces that suit your dining room style, such as a sleek square sconce for a modern look, or vintage chandelier for a traditional feel. Lighting can do a lot to enhance the ambiance of the room.

3. Get Creative With Dining Room Seating

Break away from the traditional dining room set by incorporating less common seating options.

Adding a dinette bench or wingback chair can bring variation and interest to your design. Shop around and find unique seating arrangements that inspire you.

If you’re interested in changing to look of your chairs, slipcovers are another great option to keep the seating in your dining room looking fresh.

These are a cost-effective alternative to buying new chairs or reupholstering and can add a whole new look to your dining room set.

Click here to see some options of Italian dining furniture,

4. Play with Patterns

Coordinating the patterns and textures of your dining room can add a lot of visual interest to your design.

It’s best to start with a dominant design and pair it with a more subtle, muted pattern. Get creative with it and find surprisingly harmonious design schemes.

Incorporate napkins, a tablecloth, or even artwork with patterns you find pleasing together.

Consider your personal style and find what works for you. If you’re not sure where to start, check out Better Homes and Garden’s guide to mixing patterns.

5. Coordinate Colors

Choose your favorite colors and furnish your dining room accordingly!

For instance, try pairing jewel tones such as turquoise and amethyst with gold accents.

You could also choose a modern scheme of black and white, any combination of pastels, or complementary colors such as purple and yellow.

The possibilities are endless, but generally sticking with complementary colors or a warm/cool scheme is pretty fool-proof. For some inspiration, check out HGTV’s designer tips for choosing a color scheme.

6. Add Some Greenery

As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Earth laughs in flowers.”

Bringing in some fresh cut flowers or leafy bouquets can add life and whimsy to your dining room. As an added bonus, it can refresh the air with fragrance and create a more earthy, natural space.

Grabbing some flowers from the market or picking them fresh from your garden adds a natural touch to make your dining room airier and more inviting.

Try pairing your pickings with existing elements of your design scheme, or contrasting against pure white to add a stunning pop of color.

7. Bring in the Season

Decorate your dining room for the holidays! Update the colors of your tablecloth or runner to suit the seasons.

Simple touches like hanging a rustic painting of a pumpkin or adding a centerpiece of sparkling Easter eggs can make your space fresh and festive.

8. Accent Decor

There are infinite ways to decorate your dining room. Bring in a brass candelabra for a vintage touch. Find fun napkin rings to ornament the places at your dining room table. Add a festive table runner to bring all your accessories together.

Adjusting small elements and adding decorative touches can really enhance the overall look of your dining room design.

9. Wall Art

This one is completely up to your individual taste. Purchase an original piece of art that you really love, or find wall art at your nearest major retailer.

Matching and coordinating colors from your art can add an overall sense of unity and harmony to your dining room design.

Try to keep it simple to enhance the environment without overpowering the look of your dining room set and other decorations.

10. Find a Focal Point

Got a key piece you really love?

Whether it’s a floral centerpiece, dramatic chandelier, or colorful painting, make it the focus of your dining room! Shop for napkins, dishes, glassware, and accents that work harmoniously with the key piece of your choice.

Finding something to focus on can make it easy for anyone to have a dining room that looks like it was professionally designed.

If possible, bring the item with you when shopping for accents. Match colors, coordinate patterns, and get creative with it!

Final Thoughts

Your dining room is the center of your home, and it’s time to make the most of this space. Whether you’re entertaining a crowd or enjoying a family-style meal with your loved ones, small touches can create an unforgettable space for your guests.

Your home is where it all happens. If you would like more ideas on how to enhance your home, check out our articles on how to transform your kitchen on a budget or how to improve your home’s curb appeal. Happy decorating!