15 Designer Secrets to Make Your Dining Room Look Expensive
Creating an elegant-looking dining room doesn’t have to come with a high price tag. With the right design tips and smart styling choices, you can transform your dining space into something luxurious and sophisticated. Designers know how to combine colors, materials, and decor to create a room that feels high-end, even on a budget.
Focusing on key elements like lighting, furniture, and accessories can elevate your dining room and make it the centerpiece of your home. Here are 15 designer-approved secrets for making your dining room look expensive.
Invest in Statement Lighting
One of the easiest ways to make your dining room look expensive is by investing in a statement light fixture. Whether it’s a chandelier, pendant lights, or a modern design, lighting sets the mood and instantly elevates the space. Choose a fixture that complements the style of your room but has a bold or unique design.
A large, well-placed light draws attention to the dining table and adds a sense of luxury. Don’t be afraid to mix materials like metal and glass for a more high-end look. Make sure the lighting is at the right height to create an intimate, cozy atmosphere.
Incorporate a Bold Color Palette
A bold color palette can transform a plain dining room into a stunning, upscale space. Deep jewel tones like navy, emerald, or burgundy bring a sense of richness and depth. You can paint an accent wall, choose bold dining chairs, or incorporate these colors through accessories like curtains and rugs.
Darker shades can make the room feel more intimate and refined. Pair bold colors with metallic accents, like gold or brass, to add an extra layer of sophistication. Don’t be afraid to experiment with color – the right palette can make your dining room feel instantly expensive.
Choose High-Quality Fabrics
The fabrics you choose for your dining room can greatly impact its overall look and feel. Opt for high-quality materials like linen, velvet, or silk for curtains, tablecloths, or chair cushions. These fabrics add texture and luxury to the space, making it feel more polished and expensive.
Velvet dining chairs, for example, can make a simple dining set look much more upscale. For a dynamic and layered look, consider mixing textures, such as pairing a linen tablecloth with velvet cushions. High-quality fabrics are an investment that pays off in the overall appearance of your dining room.
Hang Large-Scale Artwork
Large-scale artwork can be a statement piece in your dining room, adding a sense of drama and sophistication. Whether it’s a bold abstract painting or a photograph, oversized art makes a space feel well-curated and expensive. Choose artwork that complements your dining room’s color scheme but stands out enough to draw attention.
Hanging one or two large pieces creates a focal point in the room without overwhelming the space. Art doesn’t have to be costly – you can find affordable prints or even create your own DIY art to make the room feel high-end.
Add Mirrors for Elegance
Mirrors are a designer’s secret weapon for making a dining room look larger and more expensive. A well-placed mirror can reflect light, brighten the space, and add a touch of glamour. Choose a mirror with a decorative frame, whether ornate or modern, to complement the style of your dining room.
Hanging a mirror opposite a window can maximize natural light and make the room feel more open. You can also create a gallery wall of smaller mirrors for a unique, stylish touch. Mirrors not only enhance the look of the room but also make it feel more expansive.
Use Metallic Accents
Incorporating metallic accents is a simple way to make your dining room feel more luxurious. Gold, brass, and silver accents add a touch of glamor without overwhelming the space. You can introduce metallics through light fixtures, candlesticks, picture frames, or even silverware.
Pairing metallic elements with rich colors like navy or emerald creates a stunning, upscale look. Even small touches, like gold-rimmed glassware or a metallic tray, can instantly elevate the room. Mixing metals, like gold and bronze, can add depth and interest to your design.
Layer Rugs for Texture
Layering rugs is a designer trick to add texture, warmth, and sophistication to your dining room. Start with a large, neutral rug and layer a smaller, patterned rug on top. This creates a dynamic look that feels thoughtfully designed and luxurious.
Rugs also help define the dining area and can make the space feel cozier. Choose materials like wool or silk for a high-end feel, and look for rugs with intricate patterns or bold colors to add visual interest. Layering rugs also makes the room feel more personalized and expensive.
Opt for a Statement Dining Table
The dining table is the focal point of the room, so choosing the right one can make all the difference in creating an expensive look. Opt for a table with a unique shape, material, or design to make a statement. Solid wood, marble, or glass tables give off a sophisticated vibe and stand the test of time.
Don’t be afraid to go bold with your choice – a large, statement table can make the room feel grand. Pairing it with simple, elegant dining chairs ensures the table remains the centerpiece of the room. A high-quality dining table is an investment that elevates the entire space.
Mix and Match Dining Chairs
Mixing and matching dining chairs adds personality and a designer touch to your dining room. Instead of sticking to a single style, try combining different chair designs, fabrics, or colors to create a more dynamic look. For example, you could pair upholstered chairs with wooden ones or mix modern chairs with vintage styles.
This approach makes the room feel more curated and expensive, as though it’s been designed over time. Just be sure to keep some common elements, like color or material, to maintain cohesion. This playful mix adds charm and sophistication to your dining space.
Bring in Fresh Greenery
Fresh greenery is an affordable and effective way to make your dining room look more expensive. A large plant in the corner or a vase of fresh flowers on the dining table adds life and elegance to the space. Plants like fiddle leaf figs or monstera add height and interest, while smaller succulents or bouquets bring a touch of nature indoors.
Greenery helps soften the room and make it feel more inviting. You can also experiment with seasonal plants and flowers to keep the look fresh throughout the year. Incorporating greenery is a simple way to enhance the room’s luxurious feel.
Add Crown Molding
Crown molding is a subtle but powerful detail that instantly elevates the look of a room. Adding molding to the ceiling or around windows and doors gives the space a polished, finished feel. It’s a relatively inexpensive upgrade that makes a big impact, creating a sense of craftsmanship and luxury.
Choose a design that complements your dining room’s style, whether it’s traditional or modern. Painting the molding in a contrasting color can also add visual interest. This small architectural detail helps make your dining room feel more custom and expensive.
Install Wainscoting or Paneling
Wainscoting or paneling adds texture, depth, and a timeless elegance to your dining room. These architectural details give the walls a more finished look and make the space feel high-end. You can paint the paneling in the same color as the walls for a subtle effect or choose a contrasting color to make it stand out.
Wainscoting also protects your walls from scuffs and scratches, which is practical in a dining room. Installing these features is a great way to add luxury without breaking the bank. Paneling instantly upgrades the room and gives it a more expensive feel.
Accessorize With Candles
Candles add a sense of warmth and luxury to any dining room. Choose tall candlesticks for a formal setting or smaller, scented candles for a more relaxed atmosphere. Candlelight creates a soft, flattering glow that instantly makes the room feel more elegant. Pair your candles with metallic holders for a glamorous touch.
Arranging a few candles in the center of your dining table can create an inviting, high-end look. Whether for a dinner party or everyday use, candles are an inexpensive way to make your dining room feel luxurious.
Choose Elegant Table Settings
Elegant table settings are the finishing touch that can make your dining room look truly expensive. Invest in high-quality dinnerware, silverware, and glassware to create a polished look. You don’t have to spend a fortune – even simple white plates paired with stylish napkins and gold cutlery can feel luxurious.
Layering your table settings with placemats or chargers adds dimension and sophistication. For an extra touch of elegance, consider adding a centerpiece or decorative napkin rings. Thoughtful table settings make your dining room feel more curated and high-end.
Declutter for a Clean Look
A clutter-free dining room looks more expensive because it feels open, spacious, and thoughtfully designed. Keep surfaces like your dining table and sideboards clear of unnecessary items. Minimalist decor and organized spaces allow key pieces, like your dining table or light fixture, to stand out.
Consider using hidden storage solutions for items like extra dinnerware or linens to maintain a tidy appearance. Decluttering your dining room doesn’t cost anything but instantly gives the space a more luxurious feel. A clean, open room looks more expensive and inviting.
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