Dining Table Decor 101

Dining tables are the hub of your home. They are the site of casual dinners and celebrations, a place to grab a quick breakfast on your way out the door through the week and a place to stretch out with the paper and a cup of tea on the weekend. Whether your dining table is in use or not, some creative styling will add interest and personality to your entire space. Read on to discover how a simple – or elaborate – centrepiece can completely elevate your dining room and make even the most casual of meals feel special.

1. Plants and Greenery

We already know that flowers, artificial or otherwise, look amazing, but a non-floral arrangement is definitely worth a try too. Whether you are foraging a few nearby branches to create a connection to your local surrounds or visiting the florist for a highly stylised arrangement, greenery always looks glorious. And while an entire plant is probably not the first thing you think of for a dining table centrepiece, a contained and compact cactus makes a great styling statement, as does a cluster of potted plants. After all, it’s Year of the Houseplant every year, isn’t it?

2. Bask in the glow

Candles in some ultra-chic candelabras? Yes, please. Whether you are styling in perfect pairs or a single bold statement, candelabras create a luxe design moment even when your table is not in use. When you are sitting down for a meal though, turn those overhead lights off and take advantage of candle light’s gentle glow and enjoy the ambience. No filter needed.

3. Assemblage

If you love nothing more than a good vignette, consider crafting one for your dining table from some favourite decorative pieces. As ever, when curating your objects, play with texture, size and height, but keep your collection in the same neighbourhood as the room’s overall colour palette to avoid the collection looking too ramshackle. If your table doubles as a place to do homework through the week, keep your collection together and mobile by arranging it on a tray so it can easily be moved to one side.

4. Earthy elements for the minimalists and monochrome for everyone

Even if you are a minimalist who can’t resist keeping every surface clear, you can still incorporate earthy elements in your table décor. Keep it simple with an unfussy rustic bowl, items with a raw timber finish or other natural elements. Designers advise keeping items oversized which will draw attention to paired back furniture and maintain the feel of a minimal space. If earthy vibes aren’t your thing, a monochromatic collection always looks amazing. A trio of ceramic vessels or vases is a shortcut to instant luxe on your dining table.

5. A pendant above

If you have a spectacular pendant or chandelier above your dining table, a centrepiece with a low-profile might be for you. A low décor arrangement won’t compete with your overhead light and there are plenty of options from the rustic to the glam: a gorgeous tray with a metallic finish, a low stack of books or even a branch can work in a pinch for those with coastal or rustic leanings. An overhead pendant light is an integral part of your dining table story and you can read our guide to selecting the right one for you here. With so many options and images to inspire, you can absolutely bring your own flair to the dining table!