At a Glance:
Are Formal Dining Rooms Out of Style?
Choosing a Formal Dining Room Set by Size
Choosing a Formal Dining Set by Design
Choosing a Formal Dining Set by Table Shape
Trending Formal Dining Room Sets
Formal dining rooms, long considered a staple in traditional home design, have recently seen a resurgence in popularity. While open-concept living has become a go-to for many, formal dining spaces still hold a significant appeal, especially for homeowners who appreciate a designated area for meals apart from where they cook. From providing a space to gather for special occasions to offering a stylish showcase for furniture and decor, formal dining rooms are far from out of style. In fact, they may be the secret to creating a more refined and organized home environment. Learn more inside.
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Shop Dining Room SetsAre Formal Dining Rooms Out of Style?
Contrary to the assumption, formal dining rooms are far from outdated, and many homeowners continue to embrace them for a variety of reasons. Here's why formal dining rooms remain a beloved feature in modern homes:
✅A designated eating area encourages mealtimes
One of the top benefits of having a formal dining room is that it fosters regular mealtimes. With a dedicated space to eat, families are more likely to sit down together and enjoy their meals, free from the distractions of TV or household clutter. With its more ceremonial approach, a formal dining room reduces distractions that casual dining spaces deal with, and that means every time you sit down to enjoy a meal, quality time is the focus.
✅Formal dining rooms are versatile for everyday meals and special occasions
While the name suggests “formality,” dining rooms aren't just reserved for holidays or dinner parties. Many households a formal dining rooms daily for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. At the same time, the room transforms into a perfect setting for hosting special events, from Thanksgiving feasts to dinner parties with friends.
✅Formal dining spaces separate eating spaces from the rest of the home
In a world where multitasking is the norm, it's refreshing to have a space solely for dining. A formal dining area offers a break from distractions like electronics, phones, and work tasks. This separation allows you to focus on your meal, encouraging mindful eating and meaningful conversation.
✅Formal dining rooms can be impressive!
If you're someone who enjoys showcasing your home's design, a formal dining room is the perfect opportunity. Formal dining room design serves as a great canvas for luxurious furniture, elegant lighting, and beautiful decor. Whether you lean toward a traditional or modern aesthetic, a well-designed dining room makes a lasting impression on guests and reflects your personal style. Inspiration and ideas for formal dining room space abound even today’s most popular productions like Southern Living, Elle Decor, House Beautiful, and Pinterest.
What Does a Formal Dining Room Include?
Creating the perfect place to dine starts with selecting the right formal dining room furniture and decor. Here are the key pieces you'll typically find in a formal dining space:
✔Dining Table: The centerpiece of the dining room, a formal dining table sets the tone for the space. Whether you prefer a classic wood table or a sleek, modern design, this is the piece everyone gathers around. Make sure to choose the right table size and shape that fits the room and your lifestyle.
✔Dining Chairs: An elegant formal dining chair is essential to set the scene. Upholstered chairs are a popular pick for formal dining rooms, adding both comfort and style. For a traditional setup, place two armchairs at the ends of the table and flank them with side chairs. Mixing materials or adding a pop of color with chair fabrics can also add a contemporary twist to the space.
✔Dining Room Storage: Storage is an essential component of any formal dining room, providing a place to keep dinnerware, glassware, and serving utensils. While hutches are a popular choice, credenzas and buffets offer stylish alternatives. These pieces also double as display areas for decor, making them both functional and decorative.
Learn more: Dining Room Furniture: The Essentials
Choosing a Formal Dining Room Set by Size
\When selecting a formal dining room set, the size of the table and seating arrangement should complement both the room's dimensions and your household's needs. Starting by considering the number of people you need to seat is one method for how to design a dining room. Remember to consider how often you host and whether a table with a removable leaf might be helpful. Here's a breakdown of the most common dining set sizes:
- Formal dining room sets for 4: Though not as common in formal settings, dining sets for four are an excellent choice for smaller dining rooms or households with limited space. While these sets may not be ideal for those who enjoy hosting, they provide an intimate and cozy dining experience.
- Formal dining room sets for 6: The standard size for most dining rooms, a dining set for six offers plenty of seating without overwhelming the room. This size works well for both everyday family meals and occasional gatherings, making it a versatile and practical choice.
- Formal dining room sets for 8: Perfect for larger families or those households with frequent guests, an eight-person dining set provides ample seating while still allowing for a comfortable amount of space around the table. It's an excellent option for homes with a dedicated dining room that sees frequent use.
- Formal dining room sets for 10: For the ultimate host, a 10-person dining set is a must. These larger sets are ideal for those who regularly entertain and host holiday meals or dinner parties. However, it's essential to ensure you have enough room for both the table and chairs without crowding the space.
Choosing a Formal Dining Set by Design
The design of your formal dining set plays a crucial role in setting the room's tone and ambiance. Traditional, Provencal, Victorian, and farmhouse styles are right at home in a formal dining room, adding elegance and even a dash of drama.
Traditional Dining Room Sets
Traditional dining room sets feature rich wood tones, intricate carvings, and classic silhouettes. These sets are perfect for homeowners who appreciate timeless elegance and craftsmanship. A traditional dining room set fits seamlessly into more formal homes or spaces with a vintage or historical feel.
Provencal Dining Room Sets
Inspired by the French countryside, Provencal dining room sets bring a rustic charm to the dining space. Featuring distressed finishes, soft colors, and graceful lines, these sets are ideal for homes that embrace a relaxed, casual elegance. French provincial dining room set designs pair beautifully with neutral palettes and homes that lean toward a cottage or country aesthetic.
Victorian Dining Room Sets
For those who want to make a bold statement, Victorian dining room sets are the way to go. These pieces often include ornate detailing, dark woods, and luxurious fabrics, creating a dramatic, opulent atmosphere. Victorian dining sets work well in larger homes or rooms where you want to showcase grandeur and sophistication.
Farmhouse Dining Room Sets
Farmhouse dining room sets bring warmth and a welcoming feel to any formal dining space. These sets often feature rustic wood finishes, sturdy construction, and simple, clean lines, making them perfect for homeowners who love a blend of traditional charm and modern functionality. With natural textures and neutral colors, farmhouse dining sets pair beautifully with homes that embrace a cozy, laid-back vibe, offering a perfect balance of casual elegance and timeless appeal.
Learn more: Modern Dining Room: Essential Furniture & Style Tips
Choosing a Formal Dining Set by Table Shape
The shape of your dining table not only impacts the room's layout but also influences how people interact during meals. Here's a quick guide to choosing the best table shape for your dining room:
- Formal round dining room sets: Round tables are perfect for smaller spaces and intimate gatherings. They encourage conversation since everyone is seated within easy reach of one another. Round tables are great for families who value closeness and communication during mealtimes.
- Formal oval dining room sets: Oval tables offer a blend of intimacy and formality, providing a soft, elegant shape that fits a variety of room sizes. They're an excellent choice for homes that regularly host both small family meals and larger gatherings.
- Formal rectangle dining room sets: Rectangular tables are the go-to choice for formal dining rooms—especially in larger dining settings. This classic shape provides more seating and is ideal for entertainers who host big events or holiday dinners. If you’re looking for formal dining room sets for 10, you’ll almost certainly need a rectangular table.
Trending Formal Dining Room Sets
Wanting to buy formal dining room set styles nearby? Keep reading to shop dining room sets in top styles like French Provencal, Victorian, traditional, and farmhouse. You’ll love these dining room sets Milwaukee shoppers can explore at Colder’s in-store or online.
homestyles Monarch 7-Piece Off-White Dining Set
Shop This homestyle Dining Set
This formal dining table set for 6 is perfect for a rustic and charming yet formal dining room. If you love farmhouse style, then the accompanying two-tone X-back chairs and table will fit right in. We love the mix of classic wood and distressed white paint. It’s also great for small dining rooms because it can seat either four or six, depending on whether you use the 18” removable leaf.
Liberty Abbey Park 7-Piece Antique White Trestle Table Set
Shop This Liberty Furniture Dining Set
This trestle table ensemble is a calming, neutral set perfect for a traditional or French Provencal dining room. We love the luxury (and comfort!) of the upholstered chairs. Mixing and matching side chairs and hostess chairs adds a touch of playful elegance. Overall, it’s the attention to detail that sets this piece apart, from the nailhead trim to the carved trestle base and button tufting.
Liberty Arden Road 6-Piece Satin Cherry Dining Set
Shop This Liberty Furniture 5-Piece Dining Set
Whether you love traditional or Victorian style, this luxe formal dining table set for 8fits the bill. It includes an eating surface with a 24” leaf to make room for all your happy diners. If you’re looking for formal dining room ideas, we recommend pairing dark, elegant dining room sets like this one with a light neutral rug to add contrast and balance to your space. A light-colored rug and neutral wall paint let the eye breathe and give you permission to incorporate a dark table and chairs—and even a rich, dark-stained buffet or hutch for added storage.
Liberty Magnolia Manor 7-Piece Weathered Bisque Optional Rectangular Table Set
Shop This Liberty Furniture 7-Piece Dining Set
Among our favorite classic dining room sets, this one stands out for its light wood tone. It is a dream for those who want to bring a touch of European flair to a dining space with its French Provencal details that capture the essence. We love the intricate, graceful lines of the chair backs, chair legs, and table legs. The upholstery adds a touch of softness while the wood warms up the space, creating a welcoming dining room where you and your guests will want to linger even after the meal is done.
Signature Design by Ashley Maylee 7-Piece Dark Brown Dining Table Set
Shop This Signature Design by Ashley Dining Set
This moody and dramatic dining set will make a statement in your room. With its elegant lines and rich tone, it’s perfect for a Victorian dining room design. It pair perfectly with a chandelier and the Signature Design by Ashley Maylee dining room hutch for an impressive presentation that feels special no matter the occasion.
Liberty Americana Farmhouse 6-Piece Black/Dusty Taupe Dining Set
Shop This Liberty Furniture 6-Piece Dining Set
Opting for a formal dining room set with bench can make your space feel more inviting and more like your favorite chic restaurant. With cream upholstery, button tufting, and a medium-tone wood table, this set is ideal for a traditional or refined farmhouse dining room design. Pairing it with a neutral, textured rug will make it lean more toward farmhouse style, while choosing a Persian or floral rug will tie in better with a traditional aesthetic.
Learn more: Timeless Traditional Dining Room Sets
Keeping it classy has never been more stylish with the latest selection of formal dining room sets from our catalog of brands at Colder’s. Big or small, no occasion is unworthy of ceremony, and we can help you make every meal feel special with our stock of formal dining room sets from the top brands on the market. Searching for “formal dining room sets near me”? To explore our top picks, plus a full selection of other formal dining table sets, visit us today at one of our four Milwaukee furniture stores near you today!
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Shop Formal Dining Sets at Colder’s
Don’t put off happiness — and shop dining room furniture online for unbeatable prices at Colder’s. Our friendly experts are always happy to help you discover the perfect formal dining room set for your home setting, whether you call us at 414-476-1574 or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by one of our Colder’s locations in West Allis, Oak Creek, Delafield, and Grafton, Wisconsin to touch, see, feel, and experience home products that fulfill your dreams. Visit us today!
Learn More: 12 Best Dining Room Tables