Updating an outdated dining room is an excellent way to breathe new life into a vital living space. Updating a dining room isn’t just about superficial changes; it is about revitalizing an area that holds important memories and serves as a hub for building future ones. By taking on this project, you will be able to create a space that reflects your personal style while also improving your day-to-day life by modernizing the aesthetic appeal and increasing functionality to better suit your current lifestyle.
Whether it is increasing the amount of light in the room or optimizing the layout, there are easy ways to update your dining room. Other ideas might require a greater investment of time or money, but regardless of how much time they require, implementing them is an investment in the future that will help create a setting that encourages interaction, dialogue, and shared experiences over a meal.
Updating an Outdated Dining Room
There are numerous ways to update an outdated living room, depending on your style preferences and the amount that you want to invest. Rather than adopt all the changes that we suggest, try just a few. Even minor changes can make your space feel fresh and modern.
First Steps
Before you dive into any dining room refresh project, you need to do just a bit of groundwork.
Start by assessing your goals and needs for your dining space. Your needs and preferences are likely to have changed over time, so consider how you use the space now and in the future. Use Pinterest, Instagram, and other home-inspired blogs to gather inspiration. Choose the colors and styles that suit your personal tastes. Set a budget for your project so that you can prioritize which projects to complete and only work on others if you have the resources. Finally, go through your space, cleaning and decluttering items you want to donate or throw away, so you can start fresh.
Add New Wall Color
Whatever color you painted your dining room walls ten years ago, there is a strong chance that it is already outdated. Paint color trends shift faster than almost any other element. Thankfully, changing wall colors is a simple and inexpensive process. Colors that are on trend for 2024 and beyond are earthy, organic, and warm; shades of blue, green, burnt sienna, and beige are all good choices. You can also bring your dining room into the modern era by painting unconventional surfaces, such as the ceiling. Designers are increasingly using color on the ceiling to make rooms feel cozier and more welcoming.
Wallpaper for Pattern and Texture
Freshening your walls does have one of the biggest visual impacts on your space, but if you want to do more than just change the wall color, consider wallpaper. Wallpaper patterns are available in a wide range of colors, styles, and patterns, so you will undoubtedly find one that complements your personal style.
While installing wallpaper can be difficult, new peel-and-stick options make the process so much easier. If you are concerned about the high cost of wallpaper, consider painting a portion of the wall and then installing wallpaper on the remaining wall space. You can also simply add wallpaper to a focal wall to give the room a pop of pattern and texture for a fraction of the cost of wallpapering the entire room.
Update With Modern Accessories
Sometimes all you need to do to update your space is add exciting new accessories that edge your dining room toward a new style or look. Consider adding houseplants or table decor, such as large bowls or vases filled with fruit or cut greenery, to liven up the space. Candles, glassware, and sculptural accents are additional options to consider when selecting new surface decorations.
Refresh Dining Chairs
Take a look at your current dining chairs to decide if they are worth keeping or replacing. It is not always necessary to purchase new dining chairs to make your dining room more stylish. Instead, if your dining chairs are of good quality, consider reupholstering, covering, or painting them.
Reupholstering them is an excellent opportunity to select a fabric that complements a new wall color scheme. It is also an opportunity to upgrade the padding to ensure that the pieces remain comfortable. Some chairs are still functional, but their shape and style have seen better days. For these, you could consider purchasing a chair cover that alters the shape of the chair. Other chairs, however, can be refreshed by applying a coat of paint. This is more than just an opportunity to be bold and creative; it is also a cost-effective solution.
Never be afraid to mix and match your dining chairs. If you want to make another simple change, replace only the head and foot chairs with chairs with a different style, color, or texture from your side chairs.
Add a Statement Light Fixture
Investing in just one new light fixture will have a transformative effect on your dining room. A new light fixture is an ideal way to give your room a central focal point.
Choose a bold, light design that is a statement piece, a conversation starter, or a classic piece that supports the aesthetics and function of the room. Viable options for dining rooms include chandeliers and pendants. Dining light fixtures come in a variety of styles, finishes, and sizes, offering versatility to suit different design preferences and architectural styles. Choose a light that either reflects the design of your dining room or the style you want to create.
Bring in a New Rug
Implementing a new color scheme can be difficult, but one of the best ways to bring it all together is with a rug. A rug blends different colors into gorgeous patterns and textures. They also ground furniture in a certain location and make it look like it belongs in the room. Find a rug in your home or buy a new one that fits your dining room area. Choose a size that is appropriate for your table. You should be able to comfortably pull out the chairs from under the table so that they still remain on the rug. Be sure to choose a rug that is low pile and easy to maintain so that it is easy to keep clean.
Incorporate Different Wall Decor
Changing the wall art and décor in your dining room is a great way to introduce new colors and styles. Consider a variety of shapes and sizes of wall pieces. A single piece of large wall art and a mirror can make a dramatic wall statement. You could also consider combining pieces, such as cohesive collections or more eclectic gallery walls.
Allow in More Natural Light
In order to maximize natural light, many modern spaces use minimal window coverings or do away with curtains completely. While we still believe that window coverings are essential in modern interiors, we recognize the goal of increasing natural light in a room.
Natural light not only has incredible health benefits, but it also adds a fresh look to any room. Rather than covering windows with heavy drapes and blinds, install curtains that can be opened to allow the most light to enter. Hang rods so there is enough room on the side to pull the curtains out of the way. If you live in an area where privacy is a concern, you can add sheer curtains or shades that bring in natural light while maintaining coverage at all times.
Invest in Better Storage
The dining table and chairs are the stars of the dining room show, but your storage furniture is a vital supporting character. Investing in good storage solutions can make or break the functionality of the dining room. Consider options like sideboards, china cabinets, console tables, buffets, and even custom built bench storage when you are thinking about adding storage to the dining room.
Before you purchase any new pieces, evaluate the ones you have and see if you can update them to fit your new design. Options like painting or refinishing them can give them a whole new look at a fraction of the cost of buying new pieces. You can also plan ahead of time and shop sales or visit vintage and thrift stores to see if you can find new or “new-to-you” items.
Add Wall or Ceiling Paneling
Wall or ceiling paneling can transform the appearance and style of your dining room while adding depth and texture to the walls. Consider your style before selecting a panel style: modern wall paneling has sleek and clean lines, whereas raised panels or picture frame molding can give your dining room a classic and traditional appearance. Many wall panel designs work well on focal walls, so it is not necessary to use them throughout the room. You can further customize your paneling by painting or staining it to match a new color scheme or design style.
