Luxury For the past two decades, open-plan living has been the dominant trend in home design. Combining kitchens, dining areas and living rooms into one expansive space offered flexibility, made entertaining easier and created a sense of flow and openness. This design style promised functionality and modernity, becoming the gold standard for new builds and renovations alike.
But as lifestyles evolve so do our preferences. Many homeowners are now experiencing what can only be called “open-plan fatigue.” The lack of defined spaces can make homes feel chaotic and noisy, with no real escape from the hubbub of daily life. With people spending more time at home, there’s a renewed appreciation for spaces that serve a specific purpose – like the dedicated dining room.
The Case for the Formal Dining Room
The return of the formal dining room marks a shift towards intentional living and embracing the idea of creating distinct areas within the home. But why now, after years of tearing down walls in favour of open spaces?
Restoring Focus
A formal dining room provides an opportunity to create a space focused on meals and meaningful conversations. In an age of constant distractions, it’s a place where the family can gather without the hum of the dishwasher or the glow of the television in the background. The ritual of sitting down to eat in a dedicated space can elevate even the simplest meals into moments of connection.
Multi-Purpose Flexibility
Dining rooms aren’t just for eating. With thoughtful design, they can serve multiple purposes. When not hosting meals, they can become spaces for working, crafting or hosting book clubs and game nights. The formal dining room can easily adapt to the rhythm of daily life, making it both functional and special.
A Return to Elegance
There’s something undeniably charming about a formal dining room. It evokes a sense of tradition and sophistication that’s often lost in open-plan spaces. A beautifully set table, the soft glow of a chandelier and carefully chosen décor can turn a meal into an occasion. It’s about bringing a little ceremony and elegance back into our homes.
Styling a Formal Dining Room: Key Considerations
Bringing back the dining room isn’t just about dedicating the space, it’s about styling it to feel inviting and purposeful.
Choosing the Right Table
The dining table is the heart of the room so selecting the right one is crucial. A large rectangular table works well for traditional dining rooms, while round tables are perfect for smaller spaces, creating a cosy, intimate atmosphere. Retro-inspired designs, such as mid-century modern pieces or antique-style tables, are particularly popular, blending nostalgia with contemporary appeal.
Lighting for Atmosphere
Lighting can make or break the mood of a dining room. Chandeliers add instant glamour, while pendant lights or wall sconces provide softer, ambient illumination. Layering lighting – such as combining a central fixture with subtle wall lights or candles – allows the atmosphere to shift effortlessly from casual family dinners to formal gatherings.
Retro-Inspired Tableware: Nostalgia Meets Modern Trends
The return of the formal dining room offers the perfect opportunity to experiment with tableware that blends nostalgia with modern design. Retro-inspired pieces – think coloured glassware, patterned china and gold-accented cutlery – bring a touch of vintage charm to the table while keeping it fresh and stylish.
Coloured glassware, for example, has made a huge comeback, offering a fun yet sophisticated way to introduce pops of colour. Pairing vintage-inspired plates with contemporary serving dishes creates a unique and eclectic table setting. Sourcing these items from antique shops or modern collections designed with a nod to the past ensures your dining space feels curated rather than dated.
For a truly personal touch, consider layering tableware in unexpected combinations. A bold floral print plate beneath a neutral-toned soup bowl can create a dynamic but balanced look. These choices add visual interest while allowing you to tailor the table setting to the occasion or season.
Elegant Textiles: The Foundation of Dining Room Style
No formal dining room is complete without elegant textiles. From tablecloths to curtains, the fabrics you choose set the tone for the space. A linen tablecloth or runner adds timeless appeal, while velvet placemats or napkins offer a luxurious texture that feels special for dinner parties.
Retro-inspired patterns, such as bold stripes or delicate florals, can inject personality without overpowering the room. Pair these with neutral elements, like plain white napkins or understated curtains, to keep the overall aesthetic balanced.
Beyond the table, textiles play a role in tying the room together. Upholstered dining chairs, for instance, add comfort and style, while floor-to-ceiling curtains in rich fabrics bring drama and a sense of privacy to the space. These details, though subtle, help create an environment that feels polished and cohesive.
Why Now? The Cultural Shift Driving Change
The resurgence of formal dining rooms reflects broader cultural shifts. As homeowners seek to slow down and create intentional spaces, the appeal of distinct rooms with clear purposes is growing. The pandemic era heightened our awareness of how we use our homes, with many craving separation between work, leisure and family life.
There’s also a nostalgic element at play. The dining room harkens back to traditions and a sense of elegance that open-plan spaces sometimes lack. By reviving these spaces, homeowners are not only reintroducing function but also infusing their homes with character and warmth.
Reimagining Tradition for Modern Living
The formal dining room isn’t just a relic of the past – it’s a versatile, elegant space that fits beautifully into modern life. With the right blend of retro-inspired tableware, luxurious textiles and thoughtful design choices, these rooms can be both functional and stylish.
Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a quiet meal, a dedicated dining room provides a space to slow down and savour the moment. In 2025, as we embrace a shift toward intentional living, the revival of the formal dining room reminds us that some traditions are worth keeping – and reimagining.