Swaps that will make your dining room feel formal

Dining rooms often end up being treated like an afterthought—used occasionally but not really designed with intention. The good news is, it doesn’t take a renovation to make yours feel formal and polished.

By making a few smart swaps, you can transform it from casual and functional into a space that feels ready for dinner parties and special gatherings. These changes are affordable, practical, and instantly elevate the look.

Upholstered Chairs

Wooden or plastic chairs lean casual and can make a dining room feel unfinished. Switching to upholstered seating instantly raises the level of the space. You don’t need to spend thousands on designer sets—stores like Wayfair and Target carry affordable upholstered chairs in linen, velvet, or faux leather that still look polished.

Upholstered chairs also add comfort, encouraging people to linger at the table longer. Even mixing two upholstered captain’s chairs with simpler side chairs adds formality.

Coordinated Place Settings

Paper napkins and mismatched plates scream everyday use, not formality. A coordinated set of dishes, cloth napkins, and even budget-friendly flatware instantly changes the atmosphere of the room. You don’t have to splurge—brands like IKEA and Crate & Barrel sell simple, timeless sets that look pulled together.

The key is consistency. When every place at the table matches, the space feels styled rather than haphazard. Add a charger plate beneath dinnerware for another affordable detail that makes meals feel more special. Guests notice this effort immediately.

Statement Lighting

The light fixture is the centerpiece of most dining rooms, and swapping a basic flush mount for a chandelier or pendant is transformative. Even affordable fixtures from Home Depot, Lowe’s, or World Market can make the table feel like a focal point. A good rule is to choose a fixture that’s about two-thirds the width of your dining table for proper proportion.

Lighting doesn’t just improve the look—it sets the mood. Dimmable bulbs make a space feel softer and more inviting, which adds to that formal, elevated feel.

Table Runner and Centerpiece

A bare table can look stark, especially in a dining room meant for hosting. Adding a table runner with a centerpiece brings the whole look together. Neutral runners in linen or cotton feel elevated, while adding candles, a vase of flowers, or a decorative bowl makes the space more welcoming.

The key is balance—you don’t want a cluttered table. One strong centerpiece or a few grouped items are enough.

Floor-Length Curtains

Curtains that stop at the window sill or just below look unfinished. Floor-length curtains frame the room and make it appear taller and more refined. Even budget curtains from Target or IKEA work as long as they’re hung high and wide to create the illusion of height.

Stick to solid colors or subtle patterns for a timeless look. Adding curtain rods in metal finishes like matte black or brass also helps tie the whole space together.

Large Rug

A dining table floating without a rug can look bare, while a properly sized rug grounds the entire space. Choose a rug large enough that chairs stay on it, even when pulled out. This not only looks polished but prevents the awkward shuffle of chair legs catching on the edge of a too-small rug.

Materials matter too. Low-pile rugs or flatweaves are best for dining rooms because they’re easier to clean. Jute, wool blends, or durable synthetics work well and can still look upscale without being high-maintenance.

Matching Glassware

Serving water or wine in mismatched glasses immediately makes a table feel casual. Investing in one set of matching stemware makes hosting more impressive. You don’t need to buy crystal—affordable sets from IKEA, World Market, or even Costco elevate the look instantly.

Having consistency in glassware signals attention to detail, which guests always notice. A simple set of wine glasses, water goblets, and tumblers can cover most occasions, giving you flexibility without overcomplicating things.

Artwork or Mirrors

Bare walls make a dining room feel empty. Hanging large-scale art or a mirror instantly elevates the room, adding both character and formality. Oversized prints, framed maps, or even black-and-white photography create a sophisticated backdrop.

Mirrors are especially effective because they reflect light and make the room feel bigger, which adds to that high-end look. Even one well-chosen piece on the main wall can completely change the feel of the space.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.