Home
/
Ideas
/
Dark Dining Room Ideas

Dark dining room ideas and inspo.

Are you designing a dark dining room and looking for inspiration? You’ve come to the right place. Spoak has all the interior design inspiration to get those creative juices flowing. Browse room designs, inspiration images and decor ideas or take our free room design tool for a spin below!

Ready to start designing?

Don't know your style? Take our quiz.
Dark Romantic designed by Camille Hunter
Dark Romantic Designed by Camille Hunter

Design tips for decorating a dark style dining room

Here’s how to achieve the dark aesthetic room of your dreams.

What’s the best way to design and decorate a dark dining room?

Creating a dining room that serves as a welcoming hub for meals, gatherings, and memorable conversations begins with thoughtful planning. The arrangement of furniture not only influences the room's aesthetic appeal but also its practicality and comfort. By employing a strategic approach to your dining room design, you can achieve a space that harmonizes form and function, making every meal an experience to cherish.

Whether you're in the process of a dining room remodel or looking to makeover your existing one, these are the key elements to include in your design:

  • Paint or Wallpaper: Select a color or pattern that sets the desired mood for the dining room and complements the dark style you want to achieve. We are partial to covering walls, ceilings, and trim in a uniform paint color to create a cohesive look. Or consider an accent wall to serve as a focal point.
  • Dining Table & Chairs: The heart of the dining room, your table should be chosen with care, considering its shape, size, and placement. This piece sets the tone for the room's overall design and functionality, acting as the anchor for all other elements. Pro tip: Divide your table’s outside dimensions by 24 inches to find out how many people you can seat comfortably. Complementing your table, the chairs should offer comfort and style.
  • Storage Furniture: Practical yet stylish storage solutions like buffets, sideboards, and credenzas are key to a clutter-free dining area. They provide essential storage and a space for serving dishes. Position these pieces to maintain a clear pathway around the table, ideally 3-4 feet from the table’s edge.
  • Area Rug: Love them or hate them, rugs in the dining room are a hot topic. A well-chosen rug can define the dining space and add a layer of warmth and texture. If you opt for a rug, ensure it extends at least 24 inches beyond the table on all sides, allowing chairs to remain on the rug even when pulled out.
  • Decorative Lighting: Central lighting, such as a chandelier or pendant, should be positioned directly above the table to illuminate the area evenly and serve as a visual centerpiece. Dimmer switches can adjust the mood.
  • Curtains or Blinds: Window treatments not only help control the light and provide privacy but also serve to tie the room's design together. They offer an opportunity to inject color, texture, and pattern into the living space, making it more inviting and personalized. Whether flowing and sheer for a light, airy feel or rich and textured for a more luxurious look, curtains play a pivotal role in setting the tone and atmosphere of the dining room. Don’t forget the curtain rod!

Get creative and have fun with your dark dining room makeover! If you need an extra hand, check out our step-by-step guide on How To Design a Room.

What materials and home decor should I use to achieve a dark dining room design?

Dark interior design styles embrace moody atmospheres and sophisticated aesthetics through the use of deep color palettes, rich textures, and dim lighting. To achieve a dark dining room aesthetic, start with paint or wall covering. Walls painted in shades of navy, forest green, or charcoal provide a dramatic backdrop for bold, luxurious furniture and accents in materials like velvet, leather, and dark wood. Metallic finishes in brass or gold can add a touch of glam, while layered lighting creates a cozy, intimate vibe. Decor elements often include abstract art, plush rugs, and statement pieces that stand out against the dark interiors. This style exudes elegance and depth, making spaces feel enveloping and serene.

Shopping list preview
Get a free shopping list for your dining room
Read more about dark dining room ideas and inspo.
TESTIMONIAL “Let’s talk about my favorite thing on the interwebs: Spoak. I want to invest in the space I’m spending all my time in, and if I’m gonna invest, I wanna do it right. Spoak makes it easy to build dream spaces to see if they feel right.” Kelton, Author & Homeowner | Spoak member since 2021
Bring your design vision to life. Spoak is an interior design app for consumers and professionals. Whether you’re green behind the ears or an interior design vet, we create tools that are easy and fun.
EASY-TO-USE INTERFACEYou need zero experience to create beautiful spaces with Spoak.
ACTIVE COMMUNITYJoin our design-obsessed community to meet and form friendships for a lifetime.
EXCLUSIVE BRAND DISCOUNTSSpoak members receive exclusive discounts at over 50+ home furnishing stores.
TRUSTED BY OVER 52,000+ DESIGNERSSure, one of two might be a fluke, but 52k and growing? We’re onto something here.

Our mission is to make interior design easier and more enjoyable for everyone.