4 Simple Dining Room Styling Tips From H&G’s Interiors Expert

Creating a beautiful dining room that feels both elegant and inviting takes more than just a table and chairs. From statement pendant lighting to carefully layered table settings, the right combination of pieces can transform any space into a stylish haven for entertaining. In this guide, H&G’s stylist Sophie Wilson shares the essential dining room items and design tips every home should have this season – perfect for creating a room that’s both functional and full of charm

From chic tabletop treasures made for lingering dinner parties to a timeless room set-up inspired by a designer showroom display, H&G’s stylist, Sophie Wilson, serves up a feast of fresh decorating ideas this spring.

Ahead, a must-have list of all the items and design details no dining room should go without.

Table of Contents

How to bring your dining room design vision to life

Winnings showroom De La Espada table — This De La Espada table in the Winnings showroom caught my eye, with its ash timber base and gloss forest green tiled top. I used this as a foundation to build this month’s ‘The Room’ scheme from.

Even for me, stepping into a showroom can feel overwhelming – and I’m in and out of stores most days.

To separate inspiration from all the visual ‘noise’, when I spot a hero piece I love, I take a quick snap on my phone, then build a moodboard of complementary pieces, drawing on the main style, finish or colour to create a cohesive, shoppable scheme.

A dining room materials and furnishings moodboard. — 1 Dulux Honeydew. 2 Dulux Nereus. 3 Dulux Shallot Leaf. 4 Pinch ‘Anders’ large pendant light, $11,970; 5 Smeg ‘Fab 50’s Style’ 524L refrigerator in White, $4990; 6 Missoni ‘Marea Nastri 100’ placemat and napkin set, $620; 7 Case Furniture ‘Orb’ grinder in Beech, $165 each; 8 Serax ‘Grace’ tumblers, $155/set of four; 9 De La Espada ‘Ando’ chairs in Ash, $2180 each, and 10 ‘Twenty-Five’ medium dining table in Ash and Green Tiles, $18,860; 11 Missoni ‘Bucarest’ rug (200x300cm), $8285, all available at Winnings. Harlequin ‘Melograno’ wallpaper in Forest/First Light, Wallpaperdirect.

Sophie’s dining room design tips

House and Garden stylist, Sophie Wilson, standing with a bowl next to a round dining table covered in a cream linen tablecloth, set with limes, a white vessel and a silver vase filled with greenery. — H&G Stylist Sophie Wilson knows a thing or two about setting a table with style. (*Photography: Lauren Trompp*)

1. Invest in the big ticket items

Natural oak dining table set shown outside from Coco Republic. — I love this ‘Carmel’ extension dining table for its curved corners and solid design. The Blonde Natural finish pairs well with many classic, coastal or contemporary looks; $6395, Coco Republic.

It’s no easy task hunting for a dream dining table that’s flexible, durable and made in a style you’ll love for years to come.

There are some great extendable designs available, which offer space to grow or accommodate many a lively gathering.

Tan Bellino Dining Chair
MCM House, $395

Austen Dining Chair
Castlery, $798

Temple and Webster Nadia Hand Woven Rush Chairs

Tan Bellino Dining Chair
Temple & Webster, $449

Marlow Walnut Dining Chair in Naxos Beige Interior Secrets

Marlow Walnut Dining Chair
Interior Secrets, $720

2. Add a pretty pendant

Gubi 1972 Pendant above a marble round dining table surrounded with Bistra dining chairs. — Gubi ‘Tynell’ 1972 pendant light, $1999, Cult. (*Image: Gubi*)

A detailed pendant light – such as this bamboo pleated designer shade – hung above your dining setting will offer ambient light and visual interest to your room. Opt for a single statement fixture to centre the room’s focus, or hang a cluster of lights in varying heights to add dimension and drama to an otherwise simple space.

Wonboyn Ceiling Pendant
Freedom, $399

Iris 4-Light Chandelier
Castlery, $319

Tamsin organic pendant light Temple and Webster

Tamsin Organic Pendant Light
Temple & Webster, $139.99

Cloud fringed oval pendant in Limestone Aura Home

Cloud Fringed Oval Pendant
Aura Home, $249

3. Layer your place settings

Dining room design tips table setting green scalloped placemat and plate setting. — ‘Heirloom’ placemat in Emerald Green with Ivory Embroidery, $89/set of four, Luxe & Beau. (*Image: Luxe & Beau*)

Create a visual feast before you serve a culinary one by layering linens, napery and pretty plates in different sizes and with varied intricate details. Don’t be afraid to combine various styles, colourways and patterns for a contemporary tablescape guaranteed to get guests talking.

Fig Leaf Placemats
Maison Balzac, $119

Les Classiques Dinner Plates
No.22, $149

Garden Party Flower String Placemat Set of 4 in Natural from Myer

Garden Party Flower String Placemats
Myer, $29.98 (usually $59.95)

Dinner Plates in Terracotta
Our Place, $130

4. Hero your flatware

Sabre Paris bamboo handle cutlery on a forest green linen napkin. — Sabre Paris bamboo five-piece cutlery set, $235, from Emporean. (*Image: Sabre Paris*)

I love to keep my overall room scheme neutral and classic, then I add interesting details via everyday items like statement cutlery.

There are so many different cutlery sets on the market now, choosing a style to suit your dinner party or entertaining aesthetic is easier than ever.

Sabre Pop Cutlery Set in Green
Abask, $110

Jamie Oliver Big Love Classic Cutlery Set 16 Pieces in Silver

Jamie Oliver Classic 16-Piece Cutlery Set
Myer, $89.99

Saltara 16 piece cutlery set in Mint from Freedom.

Saltara 16-Piece Cutlery Set
Freedom, $59.95

Country Road Nolan Soft Gold 16 Piece Cutlery Set in Soft Gold from Myer.

Nolan 16-Piece Cutlery Set in Soft Gold
Myer, $199

Whether you’re hosting friends for a long weekend dinner or just enjoying quiet meals at home, these dining room ideas will help you create a space that’s stylish, welcoming, and effortlessly put together. By investing in key pieces, adding statement lighting, and layering the details that make a tablescape sing, your dining room can become a true design destination.