See ideas for updating this sometimes-neglected space, whether you have $100 or $10,000
Perhaps you’re dreaming of giving your dining room a complete overhaul (but it’s not going to happen anytime soon), or maybe you like your dining room the way it is but want to change a few components. Whether you work with a designer on a long-range plan to redecorate the space over time or want a quick perk-up now, a dining room refresh is doable.
Even without knocking out walls or making other layout changes, there’s a lot of potential for rejuvenation, including small swaps like new linens and lighting or more substantial changes such as a new table and refinished floors. Here are some ideas to help you prioritize, whether your budget is $100 or $10,000.
If your budget is around $100. Clean, declutter and DIY. If the dining room has become a catchall for stray papers and miscellaneous items, start with a good clearing out. It won’t cost a thing, and you may be surprised at what a big difference it makes. Also take this opportunity to remove any decor items you’re tired of.
When you’re done cleaning and decluttering, consider picking a DIY project to freshen up the space. For example, you could frame pressed flowers from your garden to hang on the wall, paint old wooden dining chairs or shop your house and bring in something from another room, such as a potted plant or table lamp.
If your budget is around $500. Swap out the lighting and add a mirror. Of all the changes you could make to your dining room, boosting the light has the biggest potential to transform the look and feel of the space. Swap out a dated ceiling fixture for a pendant light or chandelier, and hang a mirror on the wall to reflect the light and make the room feel more spacious. Have a little more wiggle room in the budget? Install a dimmer switch so you can control the ambiance.
If your budget is around $1,000. Declutter, replace the lighting, add a mirror and change the wall color. Painting the walls a color you love will give your dining room more personality and help the space look more pulled together.
If you do the painting yourself, your only costs will be about 3 gallons or so of paint (check this guide or ask the paint store to calculate the right amount) and basic painting supplies.
If your budget is around $1,500. What’s next? After adding new lighting, a mirror and paint, consider upgrading a few dining chairs. If you’re not ready to spring for a whole new set, changing just the chairs at each end of the table can be a good intermediate step. Intentionally mixing up a set is a great way to make your dining room feel more personal and save money to boot. Ready for a bigger splurge? Invest in new chairs all around.
When it comes to art for the walls, choose something that speaks to you (and fits your budget), whether that means family photos, architectural sketches or an original painting.
If your budget is around $5,000. Lighting, mirror, paint, dining chairs, a rug, artwork — next up is a new dining table. A great table is the hardworking center of your dining room, and it’s worth getting this piece right. If you’ve moved, consider whether your old table works in the new space or if a different size or shape would be better.
In the dining room shown here, for example, a round pedestal table makes the most of the compact space, but additional leaves mean it can extend to seat 10 to 12 people.
If your budget is around $7,000. Along with the dining table, a credenza or sideboard is one of the biggest-impact (and most costly) pieces of furniture in the dining room. It needn’t match your table, but it should complement the style of the other furniture in the room. Have some wiggle room in the budget? Add a sound system so you can stream your favorite playlist during dinner.
If your budget is around $8,000. With the main building blocks of your dining room under control, it’s time to add some fun extras, like curtains and a bar cart. If your windows are a standard size and shape, you can opt for ready-made curtains. If they’re not, you’ll probably need made-to-measure curtains.
If you have room in your budget after purchasing window treatments, consider adding a bar cart, bar tray or new vase. These little things can give your dining room loads of character.
If your budget is around $10,000. Lighting, mirror, paint, chairs, rug, artwork, table, sideboard, curtains, a bar cart — what’s left? Make your space really shine by refinishing the floors. Fresh, gleaming floors will make your dining room feel like new.
If you have room in the budget, think about taking on a bigger change, like upgrading the windows or doors, or adding a special feature like a window seat, banquette or built-in shelving.
