Forgotten Then Found | The Comeback of the Formal Dining Room

July 08, 2025

For a while there, formal dining rooms were on the endangered list – right next to landlines and fax machines. People knocked down walls in favour of the open-concept revolution, ate on kitchen islands in their pyjamas (or still do), and reserved the "fancy room" for Christmas or Thanksgiving and, well…not much else.

But guess what?

The pendulum is swinging back – gracefully, of course – and formal dining rooms are making an appearance and pulling up a chair once more for their rightful seat at the table.

Dining – Not Just Eating | Why the Ritual is Making a Comeback

In the age of fast food, faster texts, and work-from-anywhere lifestyles, people are craving something a little more grounded and traditional. Enter: the return of the dining room. The real one. With the long table, the plush chairs, and that “hostess with the mostest” energy. You may remember this feeling from when you were a child, or maybe you've only seen it in movies. But it turns out, this long-standing favourite entertaining room is making a grand re-entrance, and from the looks of it, it might be here to stay.

So, if you've been asking yourself, “Are formal dining rooms out of style?”

We've got some answers!

Beyond the Kitchen Counter | Why We're All Craving A Dedicated Dining Space

Let's face it, working from home, though it's been a tremendous advantage for many, has blurred the boundaries between "kitchen counter" and "workspace," and let's be honest – sometimes we just need an excuse to officially log off. It can become a real mental game when you see the kitchen counter, and instead of being inspired to put out a beautiful spread, you may simply see it as another reminder that work is waiting for you.

Formal dining rooms, however, offer a dedicated escape and hold the space for connection – offline. They're a stage for meaningful meals, catch-ups over candles, and real-life human interaction that doesn’t come with another virtual meeting invite as you slurp your third cup of noodles.

Refinement has returned.

Stylish. Social. Smart. | A New Era of Dining Spaces

Unlike the stuffy, over-decorated dining rooms from our childhood memories (remember the doilies, untouched china cabinets, and heavy built-ins?), modern dining rooms offer a fresh take on the tradition we all secretly love and long for. They bring all the comfort and familiarity, minus the clutter, and add a serious dose of style and smarts. These aren’t just formal rooms reserved for the “good dishes” once a year – they’re versatile, design-forward spaces built for real life, any day of the week!

Picture this: a soft and creamy dining room with a modern built-in wine bar, a sculptural chandelier, and a harvest table that stretches as far as your guest list. Whether you're throwing a themed dinner party, hosting a family game night with snacks that never make it to the couch, or just a cozy midweek meal after work and school, this space doesn’t just function – it flows, feels, and feeds the soul.

A Canvas for Creativity | A DIY-er's Dream

No more limited, bland beige boxes with the exact same dining set everyone had way back in the day. Today’s dining rooms are where design dreams come to life – think moody wall treatments, oversized artwork, velvet seating, and unexpected textures that whisper luxury. Or shout it.

Whatever your vibe might be, the modern dining room is a place to make a statement – and not just with your charcuterie board or your unique spin on turkey dinner.

The Best of Both Worlds | Open Concept Meets Defined Dining

Here's the thing, dining rooms don't have to be secluded, stuffy or far away from all the fun. You can still have your cake and eat it, too (in the dining room)! These days, designers are getting clever with layouts that keep dining rooms open to the rest of the home while still feeling distinct and an environment of their own. A lowered ceiling, a bold area rug, or a dramatic light fixture to anchor the space is sometimes all it takes to carve out that moment of magic where dining becomes not just something you do…but something you experience.

Set the Scene | Dining Room Styling Tips

If you know in your heart you want a traditional dining room with a twist, but aren't sure how to put your own spin on it while keeping the integrity of tradition alive, here are some ideas:

• Light the way. Add a bold chandelier to bring radiance to the space. Invest in flex. An extension table for five or fifteen, and comfortable, stylish chairs? You can never go wrong.
• Address the walls. Dawn the walls with mural-style wallpaper or moody paint – it can transform the space.
• Stick to a theme. Choose a colour palette, hardware and furniture that speaks to the rest of your home – but with a twist unique to this space.
• Layer your lighting. One pendant won’t cut it – think sconces, candles, dimmers etc.

And that's just scratching the surface – the ideas are endless!

Dining Has Never Looked So Good

So, are formal dining rooms out of style? Not even a little bit! They're evolving. They're expressive. They're functional. And most importantly, they give us a reason to gather – on purpose, with purpose (and comfort).

Whether you love hosting elegant dinner parties, family meals that go way past dessert, or just want a gorgeous place to sip your coffee in peace, there’s a dining room style for everyone.

So many ideas, yet not sure where to start? Explore our collection of dining room furnishings and create a space where style and connection sit in perfect harmony.

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