How to Design Your Dining Room Like an Interior Designer

A Simple Guide to Getting the Right Scale + Finishing Touches

It is finally finished, our dining room makeover that is!

When we first moved into our home, the dining room was one we didn’t put a lot of work into because so many other spaces needed our attention first.

So we threw up a stone accent wall and basically called it good. Now that we have tackled some of the more pressing areas like the kitchen, entryway, living room, etc it was time to give this space some more attention.

I wanted this space to feel like its own room even though it is open to both the living room and entryway.

The design of our home is slowly transforming into a mix of moody traditionalism with vintage European influences, blending classic design with bold yet cozy spaces.

Naturally I wanted our dining room to follow suite and like the rest of our room makeovers it needed to be done on a budget.

So just in case you also wanted to spruce up your dining room I thought I would share some simple tips, tricks, and ideas to make it easy.

The Only Cheat Sheet You Need to Get the Scale + Finishing Touches Right

Designing a dining room can feel overwhelming — but it really comes down to a few key measurements that designers follow every time to create a space that feels curated, balanced, and finished. This guide breaks down the simple rules of thumb for lighting, rugs, curtains, artwork, and more — so you can style your dining room with confidence (without second-guessing every decision).

Choosing the Right Chandelier Size + Hanging Height

Lighting sets the whole mood of a dining room — but the wrong size fixture (or hanging it at the wrong height) can throw everything off. Here’s how to get it right every time:

How to Calculate the Right Chandelier Size for Your Dining Table

The biggest mistake people make is choosing a chandelier that’s too small — especially in smaller dining rooms. Even if your dining room is compact, a larger light fixture will instantly make the whole space feel more intentional and elevated.

Here’s the simple formula designers use:
Your chandelier should be about half to two-thirds the width of your dining table.

Table Width	Chandelier Size Range
36″ table (small round)	18″–24″ chandelier
48″ table (4-6 seats)	24″–32″ chandelier
60″ table (6-8 seats)	30″–40″ chandelier
72″ table (8-10 seats)	36″–48″ chandelier

Pro Tip: If you’re in between sizes, go bigger — especially if your ceilings are 9ft or higher. A larger fixture always feels more custom + high-end.

How High Should You Hang a Dining Room Chandelier?

The sweet spot for hanging height is 30–36 inches above the tabletop — measured from the bottom of the fixture to the top of the table.

Go closer to 30″ if you have 8ft ceilings
Go closer to 36″ if your ceilings are 9ft or taller

If your ceilings are extra tall (10ft+), you can hang the chandelier a little higher, but keep it within that cozy, eye-level range so it still feels connected to the table.

Pro Tip: The chandelier should always feel like part of the dining table — not floating out in the middle of the room. If you’re eyeballing it, aim for the bottom of the fixture to hit right around eye level when you’re standing.

Shop Dining Room Chandelier Finds Here!

What If You Don’t Have Overhead Wiring?

No overhead light? No problem.

Designers actually love to use plug-in sconces or a floor lamp tucked into a corner to give the dining room that soft, ambient glow. You can even hang a plug-in pendant on a wall hook to fake the look of a chandelier without hiring an electrician.

Here are some of my favorite plug-in light fixtures!

How to Choose the Right Rug Size for Under the Dining Table

The #1 rule for dining room rugs: your chairs should still be on the rug, even when they’re pulled out. Here’s how to measure:

Rug Size Formula:

Add at least 24 inches to each side of your dining table.

Table Size	Rug Size
4-6 seats	8×10′
6-8 seats	9×12′
8-10 seats	10×14′

Best Materials for Dining Room Rugs (That Can Handle Messes)

Dining rooms are prone to spills, so choosing the right material is just as important as getting the size right. Here are the best options for durability + easy cleanup:

Flatweave rugs: Lightweight, easy to shake out, and typically more affordable.
Low-pile rugs: Easier to clean and chairs slide smoothly.
Indoor/Outdoor rugs: Surprisingly stylish options that are stain-resistant and washable.
Wool rugs: Naturally stain-resistant, though higher maintenance.

Common Rug Sizing Mistakes to Avoid

Going too small — the rug should always extend beyond the chairs.
Choosing a high-pile rug that makes pulling chairs out difficult.
Skipping a rug altogether — even a budget-friendly rug instantly makes the room feel more finished.

Pro Tip: If you’re on a budget, layer a smaller vintage rug over a larger jute or natural fiber rug for a designer look without the splurge.

Here are some of my favorite dining room rug finds!

Curtain Hanging Height That Makes Your Ceilings Look Taller

One simple tweak that makes any dining room feel more high-end: hanging your curtains high and wide.

Curtain Rule of Thumb:

Mount your curtain rod 8-12 inches above the window (or closer to the ceiling if you have low ceilings).
Extend the rod 8-12 inches past the window frame on each side to make the window feel bigger.
Curtains should kiss the floor or puddle slightly for a designer look.

Best Fabrics for Dining Room Curtains

Linen or linen blends: Light, airy, and gives a casual, relaxed vibe.
Cotton: Crisp and clean, perfect for a tailored look.
Velvet: Adds warmth and a little luxury (especially in colder climates).
Sheers: Layer under heavier curtains for softness and filtered light.

Common Curtain Hanging Mistakes to Avoid

Hanging the rod directly on the window frame — always go higher.
Curtains that are too short — they should just kiss the floor.
Choosing curtains that are too narrow — panels should be 2-3x the width of the window for that full, designer look.

Pro Tip: If you’re on a budget Amazon has great affordable curtain options that can be customized with clip rings or hem tape.

Here are some of my favorite budget friendly curtain finds

Adding Wallpaper + Board and Batten for Instant Character

If your dining room is feeling flat, adding wallpaper and/or board and batten is one of the easiest ways to give the space instant architectural interest.

Choosing to add wallpaper and board and batten to this dining room was actually one of the first design designs I made for this space.

I went with this beautiful peel and stick floral wallpaper from Wallblush and had the paint color matched to the darkest part of it.

You can find the complete wallpaper + board and batten tutorial here!

Wallpaper Tips:

Use wallpaper on just one feature wall to add pattern without overwhelming the room.
Stick to neutral tones or subtle patterns if you’re nervous about bold designs.
Peel-and-stick wallpaper is perfect for renters or anyone wanting a low-commitment option.

Board and Batten Formula:

Typical board and batten height is 1/2 or 1/3 the height of the wall
Use painters tape to mark out the layout to see if you like it
Paint it in the same color as your walls for a subtle texture or go bold with contrast paint.

Pro Tip: Pair wallpaper above board and batten for that designer-layered look without breaking the bank.

Shop all my favorite dining room wallpaper finds here!

Using Large Mirrors or Artwork in a Dining Room

Artwork or a large mirror can totally transform a dining room — but only if it’s hung at the right height.

I love both artwork and mirrors in the dining room. Which you choose to add will really depend on how the rest of your dining room is designed.

Using Large Mirrors or Artwork in a Dining Room

When to Add a Large Mirror

In our dining room the wallpaper already added some much character and pattern, a gallery wall filled with artwork would just look too cluttered and busy.

Using a large mirror is a great way to reflect light and make the room feel larger and more open.

I found this vintage inspired version from Walmart and I love the ornate detail it has.

How to Add Artwork

If you opt for a simpler wallpaper pattern or just freshly painted walls, a gallery wall or large piece or artwork is a great way to add character and pattern to your dining room.

Hang artwork so the center of the piece is 57-60 inches from the floor (that’s eye level for most people).

If you’re hanging a gallery wall, treat the whole grouping as one piece and center it at the same height.

The best part is that adding artwork doesn’t have to be as expensive as it sounds. I frequently order prints off Amazon and use this trick to make them look like real paintings!

How to Style Your Dining Table Without It Feeling Cluttered

The secret to a perfectly styled dining table is layers without clutter. Here’s a simple everyday formula:

Choose the anchor piece for the center of the table (vase, bowl, etc)
Add seasonal fruit, fresh or faux stems, a vase filler.
Layer in two sculptural objects on each side (like candle sticks or tall vases)

This simple formula is perfect when you want a simple centerpiece that you can leave up as daily decor.

Pro Tip: Keep the centerpiece low so the table still feels open for conversation.

Here are some of my favorite faux stems and vases to use as dining room centerpieces!

Bonus Designer Tip: Layer in Warmth + Personality

How to Design Your Dining Room Like an Interior Designer

What really makes a dining room feel curated, not cookie-cutter are those little collected layers. Try adding:

A small lamp on a sideboard or console
Vintage candleholders mixed with new pieces
A framed art piece leaning on a shelf or ledge
Mismatched chairs for a more collected look

Remember to include pieces that mean something to you personally. Those are the pieces that really give a space character and warmth.

For instance in every makeover we do, I incorporate one of my Nana’s old scarves or handkerchiefs. I usually frame it and display it somewhere in the room or hanging on the wall.

These personal touches make a space feel curated and not so “store bought and trendy”.

How to Design Your Dining Room Like an Interior Designer

I hope this will help you take the first step to confidently designing your dining room.

Creating a dining room that feels curated and designer-inspired is all about getting the basics right — and now you’ve got the secret measurements to make it easy.

Just remember these are just guidelines to help you, not strict rules you must follow. It’s your home and it should feel like yours.

If you’re ready to bring your vision to life, don’t forget to download your free Dining Room Design Cheat Sheet with all the essential rules in one place — because everyone deserves a beautiful home (without the guesswork)!