Sure, we take snacks at the kitchen island and light lunches in the dining nook, but there’s nothing quite like laying the table in a formal dining room to really set a festive mood. The formal dining room may be used frequently by a large family or mainly for momentous get-togethers and special holidays, but always for making memories. With that in mind, this room deserves a special kind of attention. It should be a space that feels magnetic, to draw family members and friends to it and make them want to linger awhile. This collection of 51 formal dining room ideas provides inspiration, tips and accessories to help you design yours.
Designer:SISSY + MARLEY NYC
Define your best features. This formal dining space draws attention to a set of elegant arched window frames by using a defining black paint finish that contrasts dramatically against soft white surroundings.
Visualizer:ArtPartner Architects
Use screens to set the scene. These arched window frames are softened by fine lattice screens, which lightly shade the influx of natural sunlight to make a mellow mood. The modern dining chairs bring in contrast to the scheme with their deeper shades.
Visualizer:Nada Hossam
Eclectic glamour and golden accents. Assorted upholstery covers these dining chairs with creative, eclectic flair, whilst gold coloured accent pieces introduce a luxe aesthetic.
Visualizer:Asmaa Harb
Ensure even distribution of light. In large spaces with long dining tables, it‘s important to supply good light to the diners situated at each end of the table. These two elongated sputnik chandeliers spread illumination far and wide.
Visualizer:Mai Anh Nguyen
Earth colours. Despite their formality, chic dining rooms can still feel connected to nature. Select rich earth colours to complement a lush garden view and elevate with metallic accents, like this eye-catching golden circle chandelier .
Visualizer:Maryna Grechko
Anchoring light installations. In an open plan living room arrangement, anchor a formal eating area with a commanding light installation like this cluster of unique dining room pendants.
Visualizer:Pj Q. Escozar
Create neat zoning with a dining room rug . Flatweave rugs provide an island of colour and differential texture beneath an open plan dining room. Choose machine-washable options for easy maintenance.
Visualizer:iMax Studio
Disrupt stuffy appearances with unexpected colour. Bring formal dining room schemes into the modern realm by introducing randomly interspersed accent chairs, multicoloured chandeliers, and colour-blocked paint effects.
Visualizer:Alaa Magdy
Dripping with wealth. Nothing takes a sophisticated dining room design more upmarket than a fabulously oversized crystal chandelier–except maybe a classical work of sculpture. If you’re going all out, one of each makes a winning combination.
Visualizer:Alina Dobranitsa
Clear foundations. Lighten the presence of your dining suite in an open concept by selecting a table or chairs with a clear acrylic or glass base.
Visualizer:梦太初
Luxurious layers. Patterned dining chairs, floor-to-ceiling display shelves, an oversized chandelier, statement art, and a deeply textured feature wall all come together to create a feast for the eyes.
Visualizer:Olga Kondratiuk
Ethereal eating areas. Crisp white drapes, clean white walls, and rose gold accents style a heavenly dining room decor scheme. A delicate dining room chandelier diffuses the light like wisps of cloud across the sun.
Visualizer:Hakim Salama
A great place for a piano. Whether it’s just to build a look of grandeur or to perform at an after dinner soiree, a piano makes an impressive and entertaining addition.
Visualizer:Vinicius Milanese
Living the high life. Draw attention to a high dining room ceiling with attractive wood panelling. Accentuate tall and narrow alcoves to further stretch the vertical plane.
Visualizer:Ahmed Tarek
Delicate additions. Slender slices of white marble and metallic strips thread between bookmatched wooden boards to create an exquisite feature wall. Decorative mirrors and a blossom-like chandelier add bright overlays.
Visualizer:MANARCH Studio
Create your own architectural interest. If you want to get in on the arch trend, you don’t have to move home or rebuild. Fashion a partial arch with a custom-made, open-sided bookcase, which can work double duty as a light permeable room divider. The mid century modern dining table and chairs feel right at home against the arching backdrop.
Visualizer:Abijith M
Bring balance to decorative neoclassical settings with a simple, modern dining set. The decorative intricacies of classical boiserie should not have to compete for their rightful limelight.
Visualizer:Omran Architects
Be there or be square. A square dining table is great for keeping conversation between the whole group whilst seating couples evenly side by side.
Visualizer:PRESSRENDER 3D
Be bold in black and white. It’s simple, it’s crisp, and most of all it’s highly effective.
Visualizer:Maria Papko
The bespoke lighting plan. Mini pendant lights can be clustered or aligned to make a focal lighting feature that is as large or as small as you desire.
Visualizer:Jingai Vision
Create a courtyard connection. Art is nice, but Mother Nature’s own creation is unbeatable.
Visualizer:Olha Karaliash
Curate a sculptural focal point with artistic dining room pendant lights.
Photographer:Nour El Refai
When the table isn’t set for diners, it should be made presentable for the rest of the day. Decorative trays and bowls make simple centrepieces that are easily removed when meal times roll around once more.
Visualizer:Noura Faris Designs
Symmetrical style. Not only do these luxe gold wall sconces complement a stunning central light fixture, but they evenly flank a fabulous feature wall and gold trimmed buffet. Tufted accent chairs place a pop of mirrored colour at either end of the table.
Visualizer:Lawasha Studio
Bask under skylights. This glass ceiling treatment allows sunlight to illuminate the warmth of woodtone panels behind an integrated bookcase.
Designer:Antonio Pernas Varela| Visualizer:Cristian Andrade
Play with scale. If there is only space for a small dining set, make the area into a larger statement with a sprawling modern light fixture.
Visualizer:Mohamed Ayman
Create visual stops in a centrally situated dining space. Use striking storage units and mature indoor plants to slow the eye from gliding straight past.
Via:Dwell
Exaggerate a round dining set with a much larger round rug , the combination will create a visual pull toward the centre of the arrangement.
Source:Minacciolo
A striped rug contributes easy interest to a plain dining room decor scheme. Select a wireframe pendant light shade to complement the linear pattern.
Source:MDF Italia
Areas of attraction. It doesn’t take a lot to elevate a small dining area; select just one piece of 3D wall art and a striking modern fireplace to completely transform the essence of the room.
Visualizer:Ehrlich Yanai Rhee Chaney Architects
Where natural light doesn’t quite make it from the windows to the table, install high-gloss floor tiles to help light reflections travel. Dandelion canvases serve as beautiful dining room wall decor pieces.
Visualizer:Rosendo Maximiliano Mesillas Alvarado
Marvellous marble. Marble tables, artistic marble focal walls, and marbled rugs, we love them all.
Visualizer:Muhammed Faisal
Instate a stately dining room design with not just one but several exquisite chandeliers. Follow up with deeply decorative crown moulding, boiserie, gilded mirrors, and sensational dining chairs.
Visualizer:Vogue Architects
Colour kissed. Whilst boiserie remains under a graceful cloak of white, upholstered dining chairs and a floral mural add just a kiss of teal.
Visualizer:Muhamed Khaled
Counteract the linearity of a wainscot or boiserie panelled room with a round dining table and curved dining chairs. In this example, a modern buffet unit continues the curvaceous motif.
Visualizer:Amir Omar
Be inspired by art, like this abstract, red accent dining room. The modern dining table and red chairs play their part beautifully in the overall setup.
Designer:Land & Houses Public Co.
Complement your architecture. Airy, open plan layouts and light filled dining areas require sizeable furniture sets, otherwise nothing makes sense to the eye. Team with a large area rug and a substantial buffet to amp up the impact.
Designer:Masar Architects| Visualizer:Soha Khaled
Green, gold and glamorous. Emerald green dining chairs set a rich aesthetic alongside gold framed mirrors and a luxurious gold-trimmed sideboard.
Visualizer:Javier Guevara
White stone and simple lines fashion a formal minimalist dining room.
Designer:PanoramicStudio
Where formal dining rooms are attached to the kitchen, create a cohesive flow with similar materials and complementary tones.
Visualizer:Mohamed Waleed
Sapphire accents, spectacular modern chandeliers, and marble flooring make striking companions for the counteractive industrial properties of a raw concrete feature wall.
Visualizer:Duc Vu
Widen the dining party staging area with a double-width wooden dining table and a complementary wood slatted ceiling.
Visualizer:Trung-Chung Nguyễn
A racetrack shaped dining table will put your room bang on trend. Accompany the trendy furniture piece with equally curvaceous chairs and gently rounded alcoves.
Visualizer:bside visuals
Hitting on another popular trend, rattan dining chairs aren’t only for relaxed boho settings. Match this earthy aesthetic with a high-end table and designer pendant lights to retain an air of elegant formality.
Visualizer:VizLine Studio
and tables sit well in industrial surroundings where they achieve a warming effect on cool metal elements, exposed brickwork, and raw concrete.
Visualizer:Lucas Schaefer
Look up. The view just gets better and better with atmospherically illuminated ceiling beams and a pool of overlapping circle chandeliers .
Visualizer:Esmael Abdelhamed
Grounded in grey, this suave dining room design is boosted by decorative wall mirrors, large light installations, and the iconic Easy Chair by Pierre Jeanneret.
Visualizer:Fawzy Designs
Ruby red accents, art relics, and rounded motifs shape a unique dining room design with a deep allure. Luxurious Platner chairs surround the glass top dining table .
Visualizer:Another Artist
Let amazing views do the talking, and keep dining furniture on the down-low.
Visualizer:hilight. design
Choose one standout piece to mould your dining area. The white dining table stands out against the black chairs.
Visualizer:Juba Render
Pick an off-beat hue to give your dining room individuality and go all-out.
Artistic surroundings promote inspiration and creativity, joy and wonder. Without art, the human-created world becomes grey and industrious, cold and closed. Art allows us to think about ourselves in new ways and experience what other animals cannot. With such importance, why should we wait for a trip to the art gallery or museum to feel the positive effects? Let’s bring uplifting art into our homes in the form of enthralling paintings, extraordinary sculptures, and intriguing collectables to enrich and reshape our everyday lives. Take these two youthful home interiors for example, where a peppering of colourful art instils fresh fascination, vibrant energy, and a sense of child-like fun.
Designer:Mia| Photographer:Leo Studio
In this 270 square metre Art Residence in Xian, China, the living room is punctuated with modern artistic elements that brings subtle decor to life. A detailed living room chandelier design adds a classic core.
A Keith Haring throw pillow adds a fun pop of contrasting colour to the blue L-shaped sofa.
A Mickey Mouse inspired sculpture ornaments a unique chest of drawers by the sofa. Its ombre finish delivers an uplifting flicker of pastel to the glossy black unit.
Abstract pattern creates movement through the centre of the space in the form of a large living room rug . Its blue and white colourway perfectly complements the blue modern sofa with its clean white edge piping.
The modern coffee table is home to Mikki by Hikari Shimoda. This large and lively flocked resin character infuses a blast of colour and whimsey that evokes emotions of childhood.
A colourful “J’aime la vie” accent cushion proclaims “I love life”, which incidentally was also the title of the winning Eurovision song contest entry for Belgium in 1986, by Sandra Kim.
Pinocchio artwork is displayed on a punchy green sideboard. The largest of the collection is the Mighty Jaxx Supersized A Wood Awakening figurine, created by French designer Juce Gace.
Smaller figurines in alternative colourways make a bright group in front of a coordinating, framed Pinocchio print.
Colour is quietened in the kitchen and diner spaces, where an air of restrained formality takes over. Here, a round dining table is encircled by plain black upholstered dining chairs , and lighting is tucked away secretly into the ceiling.
The upholstered dining chairs are brightened by a polished chrome framework, which ties in with a set of unique kitchen bar stools behind.
The chrome kitchen bar stools look like liquid mercury with a fluid, freeform silhouette.
Grey and white gloss kitchen cabinets build a sleek backdrop that reflects light from the kitchen and dining room windows.
Sculptural monochrome vases, a silver decorative tray and a unique candle are gathered in eye-catching adornment of the simple kitchen island. The remainder of the kitchen countertop remains blank and minimalist, with all appliances concealed below in the base cabinets.
A sleepy beige, grey, and wood bedroom decor scheme becomes charged with the energy of a boldly black and white chequered throw and pillow set. Linen covered wall panels make up the headboard, whilst a wooden soffit provides a practical mount for overhead lighting.
A glass wall divides the bedroom sleeping space from the dressing area.
The second bedroom holds another calming beige, grey and wood palette, which this time is enlivened by a punchy floral bedspread.
On the bedside table , a playful Mickey Mouse inspired figurine introduces a translucent pink accent.
The modern side table complements the lively figurine with a magical iridescent quality.
Built-in storage cabinets build a neat perimeter around the bedroom, which match the aesthetic of fitted units in the living room and bathroom areas to achieve a cohesive flow.
Visualizer:Young Just Vision
Our second example of an art lover’s home is also an appreciation of spectacular designer furniture. The large, modular sofa maintains a neutral presence under simple white upholstery that allows the smaller pieces in the room to shine.
Black window frames starkly define the edges of the living room’s panoramic view, like a framed painting.
A dashing blue lounge chair swoops in alongside the sofa, where it is positioned to enjoy the outer view rather than what’s on the projector.
A split media shelf is decorated with a modern planter that paints a crisp black focal point.
The dark planter is balanced by a black floor lamp on the opposite side of the sofa arrangement. Along with a statement red lounge chair, the lamp makes up a welcoming reading area.
Illuminated bookshelves await a library of tomes, whilst playing host to prized superhero decor .
A huge structural column and two narrow partition walls divide the living room from a semi-open plan home office space.
In the neighbouring dining room, it’s a bright red dining table that demands attention.
Designer wooden dining chairs lightly accompany the colourful rectangle dining table .
A minimalistic kitchen design fades lightly into the background of the eating area.
mark a small kitchen peninsula.
White base cabinets run behind a second structural column and another narrow partition.
A shelf has been constructed between the pillars of the home office, both to provide a prominent place for decoration and to strengthen the segregation of space. A handmade vase fills the breach.
Black and white wall art makes a bold welcoming statement inside the home office area.
shelving runs toward the wall art at different lengths in a secondary burst of creative energy.
A unique desk commands the floor.
LED strips brighten the bookshelves.
Just off the home office, another unique table design serves as both a meeting area and a formal dining spot.
is displayed on a bespoke base shelf that wraps around from the kitchen.
An assortment of stylish chairs surround the table.
Abstract art colours the wall.
Dark isn’t the first theme that comes to mind when designing a kitchen. Stereotypical assumptions are of white and bright kitchens matched by light wood—something like the color of breakfast pancakes. Have you ever thought otherwise? Perhaps something like a modern dark kitchen?
We’ve got a collection of stunning spaces sure to switch up your vision. This black kitchen design inspiration is the sexiest interior design can muster. All divulging in shades of black, navy, or dark brown, they add what white kitchens cannot—a seductive allure that says sleekness and sophistication at the same time. Take a peek at some brilliant interiors on the darker side to see if a modern luxury black kitchen could be for you.
Modern Dark Kitchen Design Ideas to Inspire Your Next Renovation
1. Make it an All Black Kitchen
Visualizer:Design At Sketch
Almost completely covered in black, a few minor elements shine in chrome and wood in this kitchen interior. We love how the textures do the talking, especially through the matte table under black wood-panelled walls. But having an open approach like this means that every one of your accessories on display—including knives, wine glasses, mugs, cutting boards, teapots, cookie jars, etc.—need to be on point.
2. Add Wooden Elements
Visualizer:Bogdan Tovstyy
This black beauty edges towards wooden elements. We see a speckled floor, a white wall, and a central bench. Rounded black lamps hover over the island, providing functionality and style. If you’re wondering how visual intrigue is added to this modern black kitchen… a huge credit goes to the abstract art!
3. Complement the Black Kitchen with Orange
Source:Vancouver House
A bit of curve rounds out the hard edges—adding some much-needed warmth. This wave-design bench leads up to an orange-hued enclave in this black-and-silver interior. The burnt orange sure makes a design statement (apart from the unique central island).
4. Keep Your Dark Modern Kitchen Simple
Visualizer:Panda Fox Studios
A simplistic look makes this black kitchen a winner. We see the basics: a light floor, a black minimalist island, and sleek cabinetry. But the contrast between light and dark keeps the ambiance interesting, while the large window welcomes plenty of natural light.
5. Make it Dark… Or Not?
Visualizer:Who Cares Design
If you’re eyeing a dark kitchen aesthetic but are hesitant to make the change, this is it. Introducing more light, this black kitchen is hardly dark at all. Black benches, cabinetry, fixtures and stools are intersected by large-panel windows, a white shelving stand and light flooring.
6. Make Use of Asymmetry in the Black Modern Kitchen
Visualizer:Visual Method
This modern black kitchen takes another angle on this kaleidoscopic space, breaking all spatial boundaries. Black and glass alternate in this chic kitchen as the interesting ceiling design keeps the space unconventional. We’ve also got to appreciate the cherry blossoms, doubling as decor even within the interior.
7. Factor in Some Warmth
Source:Modulnova
This warmer-looking kitchen makes a move to brown. It strategically achieves the purpose with the use of wood. This not only introduces natural textures but also makes the ambiance inviting. Talk about a modern style that’s equal parts welcoming!
8. Place a White Island in a Black Modern Kitchen
Visualizer:Jean Regauer
An instant way to brighten up a dark kitchen (we mean, get the best of both worlds)? This kitchen space shows us how by using a white island on a black floor. The backsplash further enhances this dark-and-light effect, while the cowhide rug adds just the right amount of coziness.
9. Make Marble Your Best Friend
Architect:Chamberlain Javens Architects
If you’re looking to create a modern luxury black kitchen, you know what you’ve got to do: Go big on marble! This natural stone adds the luxe factor to any space, especially as a large, central island, as seen in the kitchen above. You can also add it through the backsplash.
10. Make it Mysterious
Visualizer:Tomek Michalski
You can double the visual intrigue in your all black kitchen by adding some mystery. In this kitchen, mood-lighting sets the scene in black and grey, while a marbled bench acts as the hero. The back inlet and flooring create contrast and depth. Taken together, these elements make the space an interesting one.
11. Layer Gray and Gold
Visualizer:Mitaka Dimov
Black kitchens are cool, but what if we layer in gray and add accents of gold? This stunning kitchen space uses gray flooring to add diversity to the otherwise black palette. The thick gold panel is one way that makes the space look incredibly high-end.
12. Add French Style to Black Kitchen Design
Visualizer:Aeroslon
Make your kitchen both modern and French with traditional black cabinetry. In this space, standing armoires act as sinks, and all other displayed items remain black. The stark white clock can surely act as the focal point of the space!
13. Consider Soft Elements
Visualizer:Julia Sultanova
Rough, light wood and low-hanging white lights set this kitchen interior a world apart. You can also notice a layer of light gray cabinetry, adding variation to the otherwise dark color palette. These elements factor in softness to the black kitchen design.
14. Let the Accessories Do the Talking
Photographer:Mikko Ryhänen
In this black-and-wood creation, the accessories take center stage in adorning the interior. We love the houseplant, but the crockery deserves a special mention for doubling as decor. The light oakwood backdrop further warms the space up.
15. Consider a Matte All Black Kitchen
Visualizer:HDR Designer
Neat square panels perfectly line up to emphasize the stark black minimalism that is at play here. We love how the cabinetry is matte black with no hardware, adding a sense of simplicity. The herb planters are a healthy green addition to bring the otherwise simple space.
16. Add Some Stencilling to Black Kitchens
Visualizer:Julia Sultanova
Fine lines and stencilling set this monochromatic space apart. Lined by black magnetic lights, black stencils and glossy white facades, it makes its mark on a light wooden floor.
17. Build a Shape Out of Black
Visualizer:Huso
18. Create a Modern Dark Kitchen with Gradients
Visualizer:Mario Nogueira
If you’re wondering how the intrigue in this space is working… It’s the gradients from black, to charcoal, to light grey. White surrounds in the walls and a monochromatic hanging light. This clever design technique makes sure the space is anything but boring, even if it’s using mere neutrals (minus the stunning orange dining chairs, of course).
19. Leverage Black Textures
Visualizer:Nefeli Kallianou
One instant way to add interest to a black kitchen is with textures, as seen in this metallic matte kitchen. This accounts for decorative presence in the light and bright space, providing character to an otherwise simple room.
20. Work on the Functionality of the Modern Dark Kitchen
Visualizer:İbrahim Ethem KISACIK
This dark modern kitchen makes sure it’s as functional as is stylish. The central island is paired with a black dining table, while all necessary appliances are fixed into the cabinetry. We also see pendant lights and lighting under the hood providing just the right illumination.
21. Create a Modern Classic All Black Kitchen
Visualizer:A&L Interior Design
Folks seeking an inviting all black kitchen can look towards this modern classic space. It merges contemporary elements (through sleek black cabinetry) with traditional ones (as seen in the wooden backsplash) to bring together the best of both worlds.
22. Put Essentials on Display in Your Modern Black Kitchen Interior
Visualizer:Polygon
Yet another kitchen that uses black and wooden elements to create a dark-themed interior. What sets this one apart is the hanging pans. They do offer easy access as the residents cook, but they also double as decor! (Note how the pans also use black and wooden elements to stay coherent with the theme).
23. Add the Industrial Style to the All Black Kitchen
Via:Emotion School
Industrial style lovers, rejoice! This is THE inspiration to set up your favorite interior design style, the dark way. This kitchen uses rustic wood and exposed elements for the ceiling to create an industrial black kitchen interior.
24. Make a Statement with Black Chunky Lamps
Via:HomePicture.in
All eyes on the two chunky lamps hanging in this monochromatic setting. They do add focus but also allow the contrasting white inset to shine. Not to forget the central island, providing plenty of storage space.
25. Make Room for Keepsakes
Visualizer:Maxim Goryachev
There’s nothing like personalizing your space to who YOU are. This kitchen serves the purpose by adding keepsakes and heirlooms. Also, black leaves room for details, so it’s one of the best colors to use if you’re hoping to display knick-knacks.
26. Use Black to Add Intimacy
Visualizer:Helen Bank
Who says dark colors make small spaces feel smaller? We only see black adding luxury to this compact space (with some credit to the white flooring adding brightness). This kitchen—with black marble backsplash—speaks opulence, and for all the right reasons!
27. Enhance Black Kitchen Design with Patterns
Visualizer:Ksenia Lenski
This black kitchen interior makes a design statement with the patterned marble island. Its sleek metallic legs lift it off the floor, creating an illusion of space. Simultaneously, the textured inset makes sure visual interest is added.
28. Don’t Forget a Black and White Rug
Visualizer:Nada Aboelrous
If you’re not in for a complete kitchen renovation, simply painting your cabinets black and adding a black-and-white patterned rug will achieve the purpose! We love how this kitchen keeps sets the base with white and tops it with black.
29. Let the Lighting Make a Statement in the All Black Kitchen
Architect:Artpartner Architects
When everything else is understated, letting the lighting create a statement is a good idea. This matte black kitchen interior uses rod lighting to do the talking. It sticks to the all black kitchen color scheme, though!
30. Tone it Down
Visualizer:Valeria Mosolova
This open floor plan uses dark gray throughout, showing us that black can work in more spaces than the kitchen 😉 It sure makes a design statement for those cooking and dining—or lounging!
31. Consider a Black and Wooden Bar
Visualizer:Amir Emami
This is the ultimate modern luxury black kitchen! After all, what’s better than displaying your favorite collection of beer right behind the black kitchen island? The low-hanging pendant lights also add to the black kitchen design.
32. Add the Gothic Vibe
Visualizer:Sebastian Lorio
This dark-gray kitchen is super simple with its sleek, hardware-less cabinetry. Well, except the far left end. Here, we see a statement piece of art and intriguing layered lighting created a focal point.
33. Stick to the Minimalist Style for Black Kitchens
Visualizer:Miguel A. Ramos
This compact kitchen space follows the simple rule: white walls paired with black cabinetry and an island. Even in this nook, the space is able to make a style statement while providing optimal functionality. The window here gives a contrasting element of light to the otherwise dark modern kitchen.
34. Layer Lighting in the All Black Kitchen
Visualizer:Tatiana Durnescu
We see shades of gray and black coming together to bring this modern dark kitchen to life. What we especially love is the multiple types of lighting, all layered together to bring visual interest to the space.
35. Set the Backdrop For Your Living Space
Visualizer:Sasha Zolotukhin
