Transitional Dining Room Design Ideas
Get ready to gather friends and set the table.
Your dining room is special because it's unlike any other room in your home – it's a space dedicated to enjoying a meal, drinks, and conversation. If you're anything like us, the space probably can also become a place to temporarily work from home or to drop your reusable grocery bags from time to time. We want you to remember why you love your dining space, so we created the below list of our favorite ideas for sprucing up or creating your dream transitional dining room.
Choose a Timeless Dining Table
A gorgeous dining table should be the heart of your transitional dining room. Whether you're looking for a table that seats two or 10, it's worth investing in something that is high quality and timeless. Look for a classic wooden table to pair with contemporary chairs. We love rustic and coastal dining tables because they work seamlessly with every other style. If you host dinner parties or Sunday brunches, consider a table with a removable leaf.
A transitional dining room is the perfect space to try out an unexpected trend. We love the mix-and-match dining chair look. Rattan chairs and upholstered Parsons chairs are two favorites that look great when paired with any wooden dining table and with each other. Alternatively, benches are a comfy and on-trend addition to a dining room setup.
Pro Tip:
Looking for a bit more inspiration on how to make this trend work? Check out our guide How to Mix & Match Dining Chairs.
If space allows, think about adding a buffet table or sideboard. These help maximize smaller dining tables, because you can keep food and wine bottles to the side while leaving room on the table for place settings and glasses. When you aren't using the buffet table or sideboard as a serving area, simply hide your extra dishes and wine glasses inside. Place books or vintage-inspired decor on top to elevate your dining room.
It's practically a given that we pair our beautiful dining table with statement lighting. For dining rooms, we gravitate toward chandeliers because they show off the room while lighting up the most important area. You'll need to post your paella on Instagram with this great lighting.
Pro Tip:
Love transitional lighting? We've got an entire guide dedicated to this trend! Check out How to Pick a Transitional Chandelier.
A luxurious area rug is the easiest way to update your dining room. We recommend choosing a size that's large enough to keep all legs on the rug, including the table and chairs. Not only does this look best, but it will keep everyone safe as they scoot toward and away from the table. If you're worried about spills, choose a jute or polypropylene rug. If you're nervous about crumbs, choose a low-pile rug – they're easiest to vacuum.
Adding an oversized piece of landscape or abstract artwork to your dining room can make a big difference. It instantly adds a bit of visual interest to the room and can be swapped out year-round to accommodate seasonal trends. Or consider hanging a curated gallery wall for an easy conversation starter.
Complete your transitional dining room with a few sophisticated and simple pieces of decor. We love a bold mirror and a couple of faux plants for an earthy touch. If you have the space, consider shaded twin lamps, woven baskets, or vases. Keep the decor minimal so that the room stays light and inviting.
Ready to update your dining room?
