Formal dining rooms are often associated with traditional, formal spaces that can only be used for special events. A dining room does not have to feel formal in order to be formal. Modern dining rooms are as elegant and inviting as traditional dining rooms but are a lot more approachable.
You can give your space a fresh, modern feel by choosing a modern, minimalistic look.
Contents
- 1 Modern Art
- 2 Graphics are your best friend
- 3 Keep it simple
- 4 Chic and Elegant
- 5 Choose Statement Pieces
- 6 Unique and original
- 7 Formal and contemporary dining spaces
- 8 Bold Textured Wallpaper
- 9 Open Concept Modern Dining Space
- 10 Mixture of Modern and Traditional
- 11 Modern Art Collection
- 12 Get a glass table
- 13 Mid-Century Modern
- 14 Mismatched Chairs
- 15 Keep it Minimal
Modern Art
To create a purposeful, finished look in your dining area, take a cue form this modern space. A lot of modern furniture has stark lines and sharp angles that can make your room feel cold and uninviting. You can make a room feel cozier and more modern by using oversized art pieces that are brightly colored.

Graphics are your best friend
The stunning dining room by kcharlottephoto features softly yellow chairs and a striking graphic rug. Modern can be interpreted in many different ways. However, modern decorating allows you to play with bolder colors and patterns that don’t clash with your furniture.
Keep it simple
This modern dining room by lily_atno3 shows that you don’t have to make your space look cluttered or unfinished with the right furniture. If you want a modern, minimalist look for your dining room, choose a paint color that adds dimension and matches the colors of your table and chairs.
Chic and Elegant
Easyinterieur’s dining room is feminine and chic. The gold finishes and ghost chairs give the room a glamorous feel. To avoid creating a stuffy environment, add gold accents to your dining area with whites, beige, or soft pinks.
Choose Statement Pieces
Modern design is often characterized by a mixture of bold and neutral colors, as well as the deliberate use of textures or statement-making materials. This dining room by meinhausstaging is our favorite, featuring deep blue chairs and a shiny chandelier.

Unique and original
The beckybratt dining room is full of personalization and elegance. Its muted bench cushion and square-shaped light fixture in gold give it a contemporary cafe feel. Mixing modern styles is a great way to create a space that feels personal and purposeful.
Formal and contemporary dining spaces
The gregnatale oversized dining room proves that even modern and contemporary design can feel formal. We love the bold use of blue chairs and the double-purpose metallic gold bookshelf. A dining room can be a great place to display your favourite pieces and provide visual interest.

Bold Textured Wallpaper
Bold wallpaper is great for dining rooms, such as this one from rachaelsdrealtor. This textured look is so unique and interesting that we can’t stop admiring it. The designer can experiment with different patterns and accents by using a simple color palette.
Open Concept Modern Dining Space
A modern dining room can be a great option for an open-plan floor plan. It can provide a seamless transition from the dining area to the living space. We love this modern look from experimentingwithdecor that features a neutral wood table paired with contrasting black chairs. Contrasting colors can be used to add visual interest and warmth to a space by choosing modern furniture.

Mixture of Modern and Traditional
The table in this lovely dining room by revivalroom has traditional accents that are paired with modern touches like these teal dining chairs and an industrial-inspired light fixture. As long as the space feels modern and fresh, don’t be afraid of using traditional pieces.

Modern Art Collection
The stunning home by loridennisinc has a large modern art collection which works well with the ultra-contemporary dinner set. Modern dining rooms are a great place for displaying art works to add dimension and texture to the space.
Get a glass table

A glass dining table is elegant and modern. It’s also easy to clean, making it ideal for open-plan homes. This stunning Maite Granda kitchen and dining area features a glass table that allows for more light and opens up the space. Glass is a great option if you’re looking for modern accessories like brass or gold.
Mid-Century Modern
Mid-century modern design is a trend that we can’t get enough. This dining room by Bespoke Only shows why. Mid-century modern’s straight lines and angular designs are a great way to add a vintage and modern feel to your space. MCM decor looks great when paired with deep colors like navy, black, and hunter green.
Mismatched Chairs
Although you might think mismatched chairs are reserved for homes with farmhouse or shabby chic decor, Forbes + Masters’ dining room proves that it can be used in modern spaces. The variety of modern styles that complement each other is what we love. This allows you to mix and match styles, such as formal and traditional, while still keeping the space modern and playful.
Keep it Minimal
A minimalist design is in fashion right now. This open-plan dining room by Cathie Hong shows how it can be styled with modern furniture. Minimalist spaces are often reduced to the essentials. A minimalist space can be very open and airy. However, adding accessories such as a rug or a framed image to the space will keep it from becoming boring.