Top 9+ Dining Room Trends That Will Be Out of Fashion Soon

Overly Matchy-Matchy Furniture Sets

Dining rooms filled with matching tables, chairs, sideboards, and even light fixtures have dominated catalogs for years. However, according to recent surveys by home design platforms, over 60% of interior designers now say clients are asking for more eclectic, personalized spaces (based on a 2024 Houzz report).

The sterile look of perfectly matched sets is being replaced with a mix-and-match approach, where vintage chairs are paired with modern tables. This shift not only makes rooms feel more inviting, but also lets people showcase their personalities.

The trend of uniformity is fading as homeowners want dining spaces that tell a story, rather than look like they were ordered straight out of a showroom. It's no longer about having everything looking the same; it's about creating a memorable, lived-in space.

Designers predict that within the next year, these "matchy" looks will feel dated and uninspired. If you’re shopping for dining furniture, consider mixing materials, colors, and styles for a more current vibe.

Gray-Dominated Color Schemes

Gray has ruled dining rooms for nearly a decade, but its reign is ending fast. According to the 2024 National Kitchen & Bath Association trend report, gray has dropped out of the top five color preferences for new dining spaces.

People now crave warmth, so hues like rich browns, warm whites, and even muted greens are coming in strong. Homeowners are realizing that gray can make a room feel cold and uninviting, especially in spaces meant for gathering and sharing meals.

Warm color palettes are proven to boost appetite and encourage conversation, which is exactly what a dining room is for. If your space is wrapped in gray, consider adding color through paint, art, or upholstery to keep up with current tastes.

As more homes embrace cozy, inviting colors, expect all-gray dining rooms to quickly look out of date.

Heavy Industrial Decor

The industrial trend—with its exposed pipes, metal chairs, and concrete accents—has been a staple since the early 2010s. But according to a 2024 survey by the American Society of Interior Designers, 71% of respondents say they’re tired of the look.

Dining rooms now lean toward softer, more organic materials like wood, rattan, and natural fabrics. Industrial decor often feels harsh and uncomfortable for dining, a place where people want to linger and relax.

The move away from this style is also fueled by the desire for spaces that feel connected to nature and well-being. Soft lighting, rounded edges, and natural textures are taking over.

If your dining area still channels a warehouse vibe, it’s time to swap in some warmer, gentler elements. The era of stark industrial dining rooms is nearly over.

Formal, Unused Dining Rooms

The formal dining room that’s only used for holidays is fast becoming a relic. According to a 2024 Zillow home trends report, more than half of homeowners are either repurposing or removing their dining rooms altogether.

Open-plan living has made dedicated dining spaces less practical, especially for families who use every inch of their homes. Instead, people now want multi-use spaces that can double as offices, homework zones, or cozy breakfast nooks.

The idea of a “showroom” dining room is losing favor as families prioritize livable, adaptable spaces over rarely-used formality. If your dining room is gathering dust, consider how it could serve your real, everyday needs.

The days of the untouched, museum-like dining room are numbered.

Giant Statement Chandeliers

Oversized, sparkling chandeliers have been showstoppers in dining rooms for years. But designers now say that these flashy fixtures are beginning to overwhelm smaller, more intimate spaces.

In the 2025 Home Lighting Trends Forecast, over 68% of designers recommend scaled-back lighting, like simple pendant lights or subtle sconces, for a more relaxed dining experience. The shift is toward fixtures that complement the room rather than dominate it.

Large chandeliers can make ceilings feel lower and rooms feel cramped—a problem for the many people living in smaller homes and apartments. Minimalist, functional lighting that's easy to clean and maintain is becoming the new standard.

If you’ve been eyeing a massive chandelier, think twice; a more understated fixture will keep your dining room looking fresh.

All-White Dining Rooms

Once seen as the epitome of chic, all-white dining rooms are now considered bland and impractical. According to a 2024 survey by Apartment Therapy, over 75% of respondents say they prefer dining spaces with color, pattern, or natural wood tones.

White dining rooms are hard to keep clean, especially for families with kids or pets, and they can feel sterile rather than inviting. Designers recommend adding color through painted walls, colorful chairs, or vibrant artwork.

Even subtle touches, like warm-toned wood or patterned rugs, make a big difference in making the room feel alive. If your dining room is all white, a few pops of color will instantly update the space and make it feel more on-trend.

Minimalist, Bare Walls

For years, minimalist dining rooms with empty walls and little decoration were all the rage. Now, though, experts say that people crave personality and warmth.

The 2024 Home Decor Preferences survey found that over 60% of homeowners are adding art, mirrors, or shelving to their dining rooms. Empty walls can make a space feel unfinished and cold.

By adding art or personal photos, you can create visual interest and make guests feel more comfortable. Even something as simple as a framed print or a gallery wall of family photos can transform the mood of a dining room.

The era of bare, echoing dining spaces is quickly disappearing as people embrace unique, expressive decor.

Bulky, Upholstered Chairs

Oversized, heavily cushioned dining chairs may look comfortable, but they are quickly going out of style. According to the 2025 Furniture Trends Analysis, sales of bulky upholstered chairs have dropped by nearly 30% since 2023.

These chairs often take up too much space, make dining rooms feel crowded, and are difficult to clean. Sleeker, lighter chairs made of wood, metal, or rattan are now preferred for their versatility and ease of maintenance.

Lightweight chairs also make it easier to rearrange the dining area for different occasions. If your dining room is crowded with large, puffy chairs, consider swapping them out for something more streamlined and functional.

Farmhouse Decor Overload

Farmhouse style—with its shiplap walls, distressed wood, and mason jar accents—has flooded dining rooms across the country. But according to the 2024 National Real Estate Staging Association report, farmhouse decor is now considered “overdone” by 61% of realtors.

Buyers and renters are looking for more contemporary, individual styles that stand out from the crowd. Farmhouse elements can feel kitschy if overused, and they often clash with newer architectural styles.

If your dining room is full of barn doors and vintage signs, try paring back and blending in some modern or eclectic pieces. A lighter touch with rustic accents keeps the space feeling fresh instead of dated.