We’ve been in an extended period of casual comfort when it comes to interior design and that means open floor plans that flow from one function to another effortlessly. Long ago we stopped seeing formal dining spaces and instead we embraced open plan living which feels casual and unrestrained. Just as all design trends eventually fade, so has the open floor plan.

We’re beginning to see the return of the formal dining room and I feel like this is long overdue. One of the major challenges in a separate dining room is avoiding the overly stuffy feeling that can often occur. Instead, we’re going to be seeing spaces that feel very intentional and celebratory.

What’s Causing the Return of the Formal Dining Room

There is usually an event or a series of events either regionally, nationally or even internationally that spark a subtle change in design. During and after Covid we saw an emergence of green from paint manufacturers. This represented a return to nature and grounding in our spaces.

Oftentimes, it’s nothing as dramatic as that and it could be simply a collective desire for change as we’re seeing right now. Events of the world are leaving us feeling strained and that sparks a desire for community and family. The formal dining room indicates we want more connection and we’ll do that by lingering at a dining table that’s built for comfort and connection. Here are some of the reasons we’re ditching the open plan dining and opting instead for a separate place to convene with loved ones.

1/ Separate Spaces for Separate Functions

I know that a lot of homeowners are fed up with their whole house being on display constantly. It’s hard to contain the normal, everyday mess that occurs in an open concept home whereas a more divided space allows us to close the door on messy spaces.

We may all have a desire to keep our homes spotless at all times but realistically, this has obvious challenges for anyone that has a busy family. So instead of feeling incompetent because we can’t keep our perfectly curated home clean at all times we’ll opt for separate spaces that feel more manageable and aren’t on constant display.

2/ A Desire for Special Occasion Spaces

Decades ago we would often hear a knock on the door and open it to find friends or family stopping by to have a coffee and say hello. Depending on geography, you may still indulge in that practice (lucky you!) but for most of us that has become a rare occurrence.

Instead of gathering around the island for coffee, people are now looking for special evenings gathered around a table together. It seems we’ve abandoned the kitchen table and the island and instead, we want to celebrate with our loved ones while seated around a beautifully decorated dining table with space for everyone.

This allows for deep connection because these dedicated rooms encourage us to linger and spend time together. Think of this as an invitation to open your doors more often to those you love.

3/ Adds Value to Your Home

The embrace of open plan homes has resulted in many families opting to do without a dining room in favour of a more family friendly space. We ditched the dining tables for craft rooms, jungle gyms or just an extra space for the family to gather and play.

Now we’re seeing a swing of the pendulum and the desire to get back to in-home entertaining in a more formal way that makes our homes more valuable.

If you’re planning to sell your home you may be considering the best layout for value. The craft room may seem unnecessary for some which leaves your space feeling less valuable to those people. There is a perceived value from buyers when there’s a separate dining space in your home.

4/ Perceived Elegance

After a decade of casual living a lot of us are ready for something new. The return of the formal dining room feels to me like a return to elegance and formality. There is something so opulent about a dining room that’s decked out for a formal dinner.

We’re also starting to see the return of upholstered dining chairs, statement light fixtures and elegant drapery in those spaces. If you need help finding the perfect dining chair for your space, read this post.

This is a room truly meant for opulence and luxury so if you want to have fun with bold colour and pattern, the dining room will be the perfect backdrop.

With a separate space you can incorporate the bold design that wouldn’t work in an open concept home. I love to have fun in a dining room even when the rest of the home is fairly neutral.

What to Expect in Dining Rooms in 2026 and Beyond

1/ Deep Colours and Moody Spaces

This is a rejection of the long period of neutral paint colours we’ve been experiencing in the last 10-15 years. Today’s dining room will have deeply saturated paint colours to give a rich and luxurious feeling to the space.

Don’t want to paint? Wallpaper is another way to make a big statement. No pattern or colour is off limits if it works in your space. Consider this your permission to have fun and design your dining room in a way that will make you want to use it often. Have fun and let it truly reflect your personality. If you don’t feel qualified or comfortable selecting your own paint colours, find out more about my in-home and online colour consultations.

2/ Elegant but Comfortable

There has been an appreciation for Scandinavian living in the last decade and that meant very minimal, pared down pieces in our home. We’re beginning to see a return of comfortable but elegant upholstered dining chairs. As well, look for curved backs and even the return of armchairs at the heads of the table.

We’re aiming for evenings that last forever so comfort is paramount. The aim of this new dining style is to return to the time of meals that last for hours. We want to assemble and connect with loved ones and the dining room is the place to do it but it must be comfortable first.

3/ Statement Light Fixtures

Designers have always preached about the importance of statement light fixtures but homeowners are jumping on the wagon now too. Dining rooms are designed to feel dramatic so don’t be shy when purchasing new fixtures.

There is no single fixture that works in every dining space so go for the style you love but make it dramatic. An oversized chandelier is equally as elegant as a long, linear fixture covered in a shade. The real trick to making lighting feel outstanding is to layer the lighting (read this post to learn more). I like to use a combination of overhead lighting along with wall sconces and possibly a lamp or two on a buffet. And don’t forget about dimmer switches because you want to be able to control the amount of light in your dining room.

4/ Statement Accessories (Rugs, Artwork)

As always, it’s the finishing touches that will make your space sing. We want to see pieces that feel representative of you. This is a great space to hang artwork you’ve collected on your travels because you’ll be incorporating yourself into the space. Family heirlooms, small collections and items collected from your travels can all add to the personal feeling you’re trying to create in this space.

Bold colours and patterns are all welcome in the new dining room. We want the space to feel warm and welcoming but also playful so have fun with these accessories. They’ll make your space shine!

How are you feeling about the return of the formal dining room? Will you be incorporating this trend into your own home? If you feel overwhelmed by design decisions, reach out to me. I’d love to discuss how we can work together.

Warm regards,

Adrienne