
The dining room can be easy to overlook when it comes to a style refresh—because either it's a transient space used for only a few hours a day or it's simply not used at all. (We see you, kitchen bar!)
But perhaps the room dedicated to sitting down to culinary delights and fun gatherings would get more use if it had a healthy dash of decor updates.
The good news is that you don't have to track down the fancy wallpaper or place settings. Sometimes, all your dining room needs is a new main event—that is, a new setup for the actual dining that will take place.
Since where we sit to sup has come so far from the heavy, stuffy tables of yore, we thought it time to round up the best table-chair combinations to style your dining room, with some tips on whom each look is best for.
Whether you plan on hosting lavish dinner parties this season or just want a more casual way to enjoy a meal with your brood, this list has something for everyone.
Here are five fresh dining room looks from Instagram to help you reconnect with your favorite people during meals, plus all the expert tips you need from designers to re-create the looks.
First up on our table upgrade list is this comfortable and welcoming dining room nook from @attirail.in. It's perfect for young families or people who enjoy entertaining small groups.
"Dining nooks are very popular right now because they maximize space efficiency while also creating an intimate dining area," says Anna Tatsioni, lead designer and architect at Decorilla. "I like pairing built-in bench seating with pedestal tables and chairs, then adding in bold-patterned cushions that complement the room's palette."
Get the look: Pair your favorite table with this Rosin sand corner banquette to create a snug dining space.
A distant but still casual and homey cousin of the dining nook is this clean breakfast table design from @changoandco.
"This trend focuses on creating a cozy and welcoming atmosphere for quick meals or casual gatherings," says designer Nicole Saunders, of The Design Build Vault. "The chairs bring a playful and eclectic vibe, while the natural wood and warm tones create a rustic yet modern look."
Get the look: An expandable dining table like this one from West Elm can accommodate quick and casual meals of all sizes.
Who knew this sleek table had a place outside the boardroom? The designers at @altforliving definitely did.
"I love to include executive tables in my designs. They are the perfect blend of elegance and functionality," says Tatsioni. "The long and dark table paired with cane-backed chairs creates a sophisticated atmosphere—perfect for making a statement while maintaining a timeless aesthetic."
Get the look: This Kenmore dining table and Antoanela cane-backed dining chairs will give your space high-end appeal.
If you prefer classic, upscale design, you might be drawn to this formal yet intimate dining room from @pulpdesigns.
"When I want to add a touch of elegance and versatility to design projects, my go-to is the formal round table," says Tatsioni. "These are ideal for homes that like to host formal dinners or gatherings because they add a touch of luxury and bring a sense of inclusivity."
Get the look: Give your next gathering a luxurious vibe by gathering guests around a statement table like this one from AllModern.
Are you the kind of person who doesn't like straying too far from the living room couch for a meal? Then you're going to love this inviting dining room look from @baileymarieturner.
"It's all about creating a warm and inviting atmosphere through textures and upholstery," says Tatsioni. "I love it because it emphasizes comfort and warmth in the dining table. I've noticed that using plush, upholstered chairs encourages longer and more enjoyable meals."
Get the look: Inspire your guests to linger around the table with a few of these Arden upholstered dining chairs.

Simone Biles is a gymnast extraordinaire. The most decorated gymnast in the combined history of the Olympics and world championships, she even has several moves named after her.
When it comes to real estate, Biles also displays some winning moves. When she isn't training for competition, she has a hand in scoring some medal-worthy homes.
Biles' social media posts give us a front-row view of her home life, and now, the new Netflix series "Simone Biles Rising" explores her return to elite competition after she withdrew from the 2020 Olympics.
(Netflix)
The show follows her as she juggles her personal life—including building a new house—and prepares mentally and physically ahead of her return to the Olympics.
So when not twisting, tumbling, or leaping over the vault, where does Biles land?
(David Ramos/Getty Images)
The Texas native has stayed in her home state, investing in some real estate.
Biles and NFL safety Jonathan Owens married last year and are now building a lakeside mansion from the ground up. Over the past year, Biles has shared highlights of the construction.
She revealed the two-story build will have an upper level with a game room, home theater, and wet bar. A balcony will overlook the water.
One room with sliding glass doors will feature lake views, and one bathroom is clad is eye-catching black and white tile.
Contemporary estate: While construction continues on the lakeside mansion, the newlyweds can relax in the property that Biles picked up in 2020.
Brand new when she bought it, the 4,000-square-foot contemporary estate has four bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms. It sits on just over an acre.
The kitchen might look familiar to viewers of the Netflix show. She and Owens can be seen eating brunch at the enormous island and hanging out on the oversized gray sofa in the family room.
When it was on the market four years ago, the home was described as "immaculate" and "luxurious."
It features an open floor plan, and the kitchen has stunning black and white quartz counters, custom cabinets, and an oversized island. The primary suite includes dual closets and a spa bath.
But the feature that may have clinched the deal for Biles is the mud room with a pet-washing and feeding area.
It's located close to downtown Houston, the Woodlands Mall, and a golf course.
We don't know what Biles paid for the place, but it was on the market for $863,500 in 2020.
(Realtor.com)
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Traditional abode: Biles also owned another home nearby. The traditional brick home was on the market in 2018 for $375,000. The sale price Biles paid isn't disclosed.
Some social media photos show Biles in the three-bedroom, 2,737-square-foot home, which she eventually sold to a family member.
The residence features coffered ceilings, a great room, and a kitchen with a walk-in pantry. There's also a formal dining room and a spacious primary suite overlooking the backyard.
(Realtor.com)
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Owens, who currently plays for the Chicago Bears, recently made a home purchase of his own. He picked up a three-bedroom abode in the St. Louis area, his hometown.
It might serve as a landing spot for visits with family and friends, or a place for one of Owens' family members.
The three-bedroom dwelling built in 1985 is in "pristine" condition. Highlights of the 1,400-square-foot space include vaulted ceilings, built-in shelving, and skylights. The kitchen has stainless-steel appliances, and there's a main-floor primary suite.
The basement can be finished as a bonus space, and there's a two-car garage and a fenced yard.
The home was on the market for $230,000 and sold last month. The sale price hasn't been disclosed.

(Realtor.com)
(Realtor.com)
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Randy White contributed to this report.