How To Decorate a Dining Table For Everyday Use

When styling your dining room, it’s easy to overlook the focal point of the room…the dining table.

Although it’s where you eat, when not in use, a dining table presents the perfect opportunity to turn a large empty space into a contemporary work of art that draws in the eye.

So, if your dining room lacks appeal, why not try our simple tips for styling your table and bringing life back to the room.

Understanding the basics styling tips

To begin, it’s essential you know the general rules for styling a dining table – so you can create a statement look rather than a cluttered mess. Below are some helpful tips to ensure you style your dining table right every time.

Include more than one object: Generally, it’s best to have more than one decoration on your dining table for depth and texture. This doesn’t mean you need to have multiple different items but instead focus on making a statement look with a few simple pieces. You could use candles with different heights and widths or a variety of plants. The choice is yours, but including more than one object prevents the table from looking barren and odd.

Mix Materials: To avoid a space that clashes, it’s good to include decorations made from different materials, including wood, metal, glass, plastic – the list goes on. Each material will affect the space differently: Glass creates the illusion of more space, whereas wood can bring a natural element into the room. So, by including different mediums, you can balance the dining room’s look for proper styling.

Tip: Try to include decorative elements that don’t clash with the dining table material, like wood with wood, as this can also cause a conflicting style.

Have different colours: Including decor that varies in colour is just as crucial as having items with different materials. Try mixing hues that complement each other rather than match, like green with orange or white with black.

Match Your Decor to Other Elements in The Room: Leading on from colour, it’s also very appealing when you match your chosen decor colour to other furniture pieces in the room – excluding your dining table. You could tie these objects to the colour or material of your dining chairs or a painting on the wall. By matching your decorations to other items in the area – you provide a blend which ties the room together.

Keep it casual & straightforward: Like every other object in your house, above all else, functionality is crucial. You want to use your space without being affected by styling, so always consider practicality when decorating.

Don’t over clutter small tables: Small round or square-shaped tables have tight surface areas, so it’s important not to overcrowd the space. When styling a small table, stick to the rule of three decor objects and group them in the centre of the table; this will create a neat look that’s practical and not overcrowded.

Change the look each season: Every new season presents the chance to change things throughout your home. So don’t be afraid to alter the look of your dining table. You could bring nature into your home with plants in Spring or cosy up the space in Winter with candles and decorations that provide warmth.

With the general tips out of the way, you can focus on what to include on your dining table for style and functionality.

How to decorate a dining table for everyday use

You could use many different decorative objects to style your dining table; which ones you choose depends on your personal style. Some of the best decor ideas to style your table include:

• – Adding candles: Candles are very stylish and a simple way to add texture to your dining table. You could have a few individual candles or use candlesticks to create depth and height; both are fantastic, easy styling choices for a dining table that bring warmth. However, if you’re going to include candles, ensure to mix and match them – have different heights and types to create a composed style that looks appealing.

• – Add foliage: If you don’t have a chandelier above your dining table, this is your opportunity to add height and draw the eye upwards with some plants. Whether they’re fake or real, plants can bring a natural element and a source of colour to make your dining space pop.

• – Add flowers: Like plants, flowers are a great way to bring nature into your home and draw in the eye. Flowers have vibrant colours that will stand out on your dining table, and you can change them up easily for different looks. Adding flowers to your dining table also presents the opportunity to include a beautiful statement vase, whether that be glass or ceramic.

• – Add a table runner: If you’re not familiar with a table runner, they’re a piece of cloth perfect for decorating and classing up your dining table. They provide a central line to place other decorations for a symmetrical, clean look. If you choose to include a table runner, ensure you buy a simple, durable and easy to clean for functionality. You could even buy a few different styles to change the look when you desire.

• – Add coasters: If you’ve finished styling your dining table but still feel like there’s something small missing, coasters might be the solution you’ve been looking for. Coasters are practical decorations that can be grouped with bigger items or stacked on top. Not only do they add a functional touch to your dining setting, but they also add to the appeal of the space.

• – Add a napkin holder: Everyone knows the struggle of having to interrupt your meal to remove sauce or food from your fingers. So why not add more functionality to your dining table with a napkin holder? They come in various shapes and colours to suit your style and are super handy when dining too.

• – Add fruit: If you’re looking for a way to brighten your dining table, then a fruit basket is the perfect solution. Group together in a bowl, different fruits can offer a rich colour to any space in a simple manner.

• – Add a tray: A tray is the perfect way to organise your decor and remove clutter. If you’ve decided to include coasters, candles, and books at your table, you may find a tray helps keep these items together and tidies up the dining table surface for functionality.