The dining table, alongside the sofa, is one of the focal pieces of furniture in the living room. Even when not in use, it’s too important and large to overlook and should be decorated to match or contrast with the overall style of the room.
In this article, I’ve prepared 35 photos and ideas to help you decorate your dining table. Divided into three sections based on the type of table, you’ll find inspiration for rectangular, round, and glass dining tables. Let’s dive into these ideas.
How to Decorate a Rectangular Dining Table
Rectangular tables offer great opportunities for beautiful decorative compositions. You can play with symmetry, rhythm, and contrast to achieve a modern look. Take inspiration from the following ideas:
Image: Ideas for decorating rectangular dining tables
- Wooden box centerpiece: Find a suitable-sized wooden box and fill it with flowers. This unique decorative planter will add originality to your dining table.
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- Play with symmetry: Create a symmetrical centerpiece using three elements. The eye is naturally drawn to symmetry, making this a pleasing choice.
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- Fruit bowl centerpiece: Although it may seem typical, decorating a rectangular dining table with a fruit bowl is a popular and timeless choice. Find a bowl that captures your attention, and let it adorn your table without needing further embellishments.
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- Plants: Plants are versatile and can decorate any part of a home, including the dining table. Choose from a variety of plants, flowers, and small trees to enhance the appearance of your table. Not only do they add beauty, but certain plants are also known to improve mood, making them the perfect complement.
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- Coordinate with your home’s dominant color: If your walls are painted blue or any other color, consider adding decorative accessories in the same color. However, avoid overdoing it if everything in the room already matches the color, as it may overpower the space.
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- Candles: Candles are always an appropriate decoration for any table or space. Don’t feel limited to centering everything; experiment with different positions for your decorative elements to find the perfect arrangement.
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- Wicker or other natural fiber placemat: Use a low wicker placemat or any other natural fiber material and place a damajuana on top. If desired, complement the centerpiece with a modern vase filled with flowers.
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- Table runner for larger tables: For tables that accommodate eight or more guests, a table runner is always appropriate as it covers the entire length of the table. Consider adding a rectangular centerpiece to complete the scene harmoniously.
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- Ceramic tray with a beautiful potted plant: A simple and effective way to decorate any dining table is by using a fine and elegant ceramic tray to hold a lovely potted plant or flowers.
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- A single large planter: If you have a large and stunning table like the one pictured above, consider placing a single oversized planter as the centerpiece. Opt for weathered wooden or ceramic planters, which perfectly complement rustic-style tables.
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- Play with material and shape contrast: Create a striking contrast by adding a white lacquered centerpiece to a rectangular wooden table. This effect, combined with the Eames chairs and decorative feather and paper lamps (Eos by Umage/Vita), is magnificent.
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- White vase on a tree trunk slice: A white vase placed on a tree trunk slice is a fail-proof detail that suits any table or decorative style. It’s a classic, just like a pair of jeans.
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- Trio of vases: In interiors, odd numbers tend to look better. Place three proportionate accessories on your table, making sure they are not too overwhelming in relation to the table size.
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- Keep it simple: If you have a square table for four, a single centerpiece will suffice. If there’s a pendant lamp above the table, it will contribute to the decoration, eliminating the need for additional adornments.
Image: Ideas for decorating rectangular dining tables
- Play with materials, mix styles, and create contrasts with good taste for a magazine-worthy scene.
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- Wicker basket with a large bouquet: If you like this idea, consider natural or colored baskets, such as black, to match your table. There are many basket designs available, as shown in the following image.
Now, let’s move on to decorating round and oval dining tables.
How to Decorate a Round or Oval Dining Table
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- Proportional damajuana: Place a damajuana of suitable size on an oval table, just like the one seen in the image above from Kenay Home.
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- Simple and minimalist: Use a fruit bowl, tray, and matching plates to allow the fruit to add color and visual interest to the table. Despite being a common choice, fruit bowls remain a good option.
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- Transparent glass vases: Fill transparent glass vases with branches or flowers. The transparency of the glass allows the beauty of the contents to shine through.
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- Square tray for contrast: Use a square tray to contrast with the round shape of the table. If you have a stylish table like the Tulip and iconic Eames chairs, you won’t need much more to decorate the table.
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- Transparent or non-transparent vase with eucalyptus leaves: A vase filled with eucalyptus leaves can add both decoration and fragrance to your dining area.
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- Rustic tray on a delicate tablecloth: Place a rustic tray on a fine tablecloth and fill it with items prepared for setting the table.
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- Embrace the small: A trio of small pots with cacti or succulents is always a safe bet for round or oval dining tables.
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- Large vase with splendid flowers: A single large vase in the center of the table always looks fantastic. Don’t overthink it; classic options work well for oval or round tables, as seen below.
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- Practicality in simplicity: With a single centerpiece, you only need to move one object when it’s time to set the table. This simplicity is both decorative and practical.
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- Modern touch with sculptural elements: For a modern decoration style, add minimalist sculptural elements like candlesticks. The pendant lamp above the kitchen or dining table also contributes to the decoration, as mentioned earlier. Check out this article for 10 perfect lamps to hang above your table.
Now, let’s move on to glass dining tables.
How to Decorate a Glass Dining Table
Glass tables require a bit more attention to detail. When selecting a glass dining table, we often choose one for its elegance and ability to visually occupy less space. Here are some ideas to consider:
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- Ceramic or glass vases: Vases made of ceramic or glass suit glass dining tables exceptionally well. Choose vases that harmonize with the table’s style.
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- Natural elements with contrasting ceramic finish: If well-coordinated, you can use natural elements that contrast with the glass top of the table, as featured in this combination from Banak Importa.
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- Wooden planter and white placemat: Opt for a large wooden planter that matches your wooden chairs and place it on a white placemat that complements the glass table. This combination is perfect.
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- Sophisticated vases: Select vases that are more than just vases; they should be works of art in themselves. Alternatively, choose elegant and subtle artworks to decorate your glass dining table.
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- Traditional ceramics with natural finishes: If you don’t like the glossy look of glass vases, consider traditional ceramics with a more natural finish. The contrast between this type of ceramic and the glass table is striking, especially if you have wooden chairs or a wooden table frame.
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- Add a touch of gold: If your decor is based on neutral tones, consider adding a touch of gold. It will highlight and brighten up the entire dining area.
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- Monstera plant: The Monstera plant is trendy these days. Would you dare to place one in the center of your glass dining table?
As you can see, there are countless ideas for decorating a dining table. Remember to consider the lamps, colors of the dining or living room, textiles, and other elements in the overall scene. Everything is important, so make sure everything complements each other.
If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to leave a comment. I’d be delighted to respond. And if you’ve made it this far, you might be interested in learning how to decorate a coffee table.
