Serious cooks understand the importance of plating. Good food feels more special when the presentation makes you do a double-take — and the same goes for the room around it. 

Thoughtful dining room design signals that sitting down to eat matters, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or bringing a little ceremony into your family’s daily routine. In this guide, you’ll find formal dining room ideas that set the scene and give your meals the attention they deserve. 

1. Modern and traditional elements

It’s in the name: A formal dining room should have an air of formality. Traditional interior design runneth over with sophisticated details that make sitting down to dinner feel like a special moment — think crown molding, elegant chandeliers, and rich materials. But too much refinement can read more dated than timeless. 

This modern formal dining room takes subtle inspo from mid-century design via retro lamps and dining chairs with tapered legs. For a more in-your-face mid-century modern look, iconic pieces like a Sputnik light or Platner armchair dial up the unique, design-forward character. 

2. Statement lighting fixture

The mid-century furniture in this formal dining room keeps everything light. Tapered legs and clean lines cultivate an airy, open feel. Nothing draws much attention — until you look up. The intricate, handwoven rattan chandelier is impossible to ignore. It adds weight right where it’s needed, drawing focus to the dining room table. 

Search for a statement lighting fixture on Onton

3. Bold wallpaper

Dining rooms don’t typically have as much furniture as other rooms in the house. A dining table, chairs, and maybe a sideboard buffet or hutch are usually all you need. That means your walls carry most of the visual weight. 

Wallpaper is a great way to define the room’s personality. Here, a bold yellow and orange zigzag pattern and matching curtains read playful and bright. It’s a great way to soften the formality of the table and chairs, creating a space that feels more energetic and approachable. 

4. Moody color palette

Monochrome doesn’t have to be monotone. Here, emerald green is used with confidence. It covers the walls, doors, and upholstered chairs. The key to making a dramatic color palette work is balance. Light green tones in the artwork and house plant, light wood finishes on the dining table and console, and a grayscale rug temper the saturation just enough. The result is a luxury, modern dining room design that’s bold but controlled. 

5. Stylish sideboard or buffet

Dining room inspiration doesn’t stop at dining tables and chairs. Silver cutlery, serving platters, gorgeous tablecloths, and fine dishware are part of the experience — and they need a home. A sideboard or buffet is part storage, part staging area, somewhere to set dishes during a meal, pour drinks, or serve dessert. Here, dark walnut fits in perfectly with the rest of the furniture’s caramel tones, turning a storage feature into a design moment. 

6. Mismatched dining chairs

Playing around with different types of chairs lightens the seriousness and ups the personality. Plus, it adds texture and movement to a formal dining room that might otherwise feel too uniform. 

Here, the same chair style in primary colors keeps the overall look energetic and cohesive. When choosing mismatched dining room chairs, look for designs with similar scales and finishes to build a design conversation that feels consistent rather than haphazard. 

Find various dining room chair styles on Onton

7. Area rugs

In open layout spaces, a rug is essential to separate a dining area from the kitchen or living room. Typically, a rug under a dining table should provide at least 24 inches of chair clearance, moving up in scale depending on the size of the dining area. But choosing a rug isn’t just about size; also find something that completes the room’s look. That might mean grounding the space with a neutral color or emphasizing an aesthetic, like a geometric pattern for an Art Deco design. 

8. Wall art

Wall art gives the eye somewhere to land. In a formal dining room, a strong visual anchor can make bold design choices feel more balanced. Here, a gallery wall runs parallel to the dining table and sideboard, mimicking the length of the furniture and reinforcing a sense of structure. That balance tames the energy of the red upholstered chairs and sculptural pendants, pulling everything into the same visual rhythm. 

9. Varied textures and materials

When everything in a dining room shares the same finish, tone, or material, the design can feel flat or overly staged. Mixing textures and materials softens that effect. In this space, layered curtains (structured linen over soft sheer), a tactile rug, upholstered chairs, and a wood table with visible grain all work together to add depth. It’s still formal, but not so buttoned-up that it feels off-limits. 

10. Architectural details

An elegant dining room set isn’t the only way to make a statement. Sometimes, a room’s architectural details are beautiful enough to take center stage. In this modern farmhouse design, coffered ceilings and wainscotting create a stately, formal vibe. The pared-back wooden dining table and beige chairs almost fade into the background. The result is a space that feels refined without trying too hard. 

11.  Glamorous metallics

The eye can’t resist something shiny. In this formal dining room, a contemporary Sputnik-style pendant light immediately draws attention, while a trio of metallic mirror frames reflects ambient light across the space. Paired with mustard yellow curtains and warm-toned artwork, the finishes give the room a rich visual rhythm that reads elegant without being unnecessarily flashy. 

12. Built-in banquette

What makes built-in banquette seating formal? It’s tailored. That sense of permanence and customization adds polish, especially when paired with luxe materials like the velvet upholstery in this image. 

Here, the dandelion couch color is the main attraction against a simple dining table style and white area rug. To make a banquette feel just as striking, go for bold, tufted upholstery, dramatic overhead lighting, or a statement wall behind that draws you in. 

13. Greenery

Minimalist spaces often rely on greenery to add life without clutter. A single potted plant, trailing plant, or sculptural branch can break up the straight lines and clean color palettes. 

In this minimalist formal dining room, two oversized leafy plants in either corner add bold color and organic shapes, subtly echoing the curves of the dining table and chairs. It’s a great way to add visual cohesion without relying on extra furniture pieces. 

14. Bright and airy

A formal dining room doesn’t have to feel off-limits between holidays. If you use the space regularly, opt for design choices that feel open and inviting — and take full advantage of natural light and green views. 

Here, sheer curtains let in soft morning light, a slim lantern pendant adds structure minus the bulk, and the absence of a rug lets the wood floor reflect plenty of light. It’s a setup that works just as well for everyday breakfasts as it does for dinner parties. 

15.  A round table

Consummate hosts can stop worrying about the perfect seating arrangement. A round dining table makes a space feel more intimate, which invites conversation. Design-wise, curved tables soften a room’s flow, which can make square or small dining areas feel more open. 

Explore formal dining room design inspiration with Onton

Ready to design a gorgeous dining room? Use Onton’s AI-powered search engine to explore your formal dining room design ideas, from chandeliers to tablecloths. Try prompts like “dining room wall decor,” “banquette pillows,” or “sideboards” to browse pieces from the best brands. 

Once you discover a few favorites, use Onton’s Imagine tool to preview how they’ll look in your space. Just upload a photo and start experimenting with furniture, layouts, and formal decor details. 

Dream up your ideal formal dining room design with Onton. 

FAQ

Where can I find a formal dining room table set?

You can shop for a formal dining table and chairs on Onton. Onton features dining room table sets from top furniture brands and single pieces you can mix and match. That way, you can build your unique dining setup. 

What goes in a formal dining room?

Typically, a formal dining room includes a dining table, chairs, and a sideboard or buffet for storage and serving. Decorative lighting, a rug, wall art, and statement pieces like mirrors or curtains complete the look. 

What’s the basic rule of formal dining?

Balance style with function. A formal dining room should feel polished and cohesive but also comfortable enough for guests to want to linger. Pay close attention to symmetry, quality materials, and details that elevate everyday meals.