Furnishing Your Dining Room - How Much Does It Really Cost?
The dining room is more than just a place to eat—it’s where memories are made. From hosting festive holiday dinners to enjoying everyday family meals, this space plays a central role in your home. Redesigning your dining room is a great way to elevate both its functionality and its aesthetic appeal, turning it into a space that feels inviting, stylish, and practical for any occasion.
But how much does it really cost to redesign a dining room? From selecting the perfect dining table to choosing decor that complements your style, costs can vary greatly depending on factors like materials, size, and whether you opt for custom or ready-made pieces. While the price of a full dining room redesign may seem daunting, careful planning can help you create a beautiful space that fits your budget and reflects your personal taste.
In this blog post, we’ll break down the real costs of redesigning a dining room, covering everything from essential furniture to stylish accessories. Whether you’re planning a high-end makeover or a more budget-friendly update, this blog post will help you understand what to expect so you can make informed decisions.
Factors That Affect The Cost of Furnishing & Accessorizing Your Dining Room
The cost of redesigning your dining room depends on several factors, each of which plays a role in shaping both the final look and your budget. Here are the key considerations:
Room Size: The size of your dining room significantly impacts the cost of furnishing and accessorizing. Larger rooms require bigger tables, more chairs, and additional decor, which can quickly add up. Conversely, smaller dining spaces may allow you to focus on fewer, high-quality pieces.
Furniture Materials: The materials you choose for your furniture can drastically influence costs. Solid wood dining tables and chairs are timeless and durable but often come with a higher price tag compared to veneer or laminate options. Glass or metal tables may provide a sleek, modern look, but they can also vary widely in price depending on quality.
Custom vs. Ready-Made Pieces: Ready-made furniture tends to be more affordable and readily available, making it a popular option for those working with tighter budgets. However, opting for custom furniture and decor allows you to tailor each piece to your space and style. It typically comes with a higher cost, but often results in a stunning, one-of-a-kind dining room.
Style Preferences: Your preferred style—whether it’s contemporary, farmhouse, traditional, or minimalist—also impacts the cost. Styles that feature intricate detailing or specialty materials typically cost more than simpler options.
By understanding these factors, you’ll be better equipped to plan your dining room redesign and allocate your budget effectively.
Essential Furniture Pieces - What To Budget For
When furnishing your dining room, a few key pieces will anchor the space and take up the bulk of your budget:
Dining Table
The dining table is the centerpiece of your dining room, and its cost will depend on the size, material, and craftsmanship. Prices typically range from $2,000 to $10,000. Budget-friendly options include smaller solid wood or veneer tables, while mid-range options feature durable hardwoods like oak or walnut and often include extendable designs. High-end tables use premium materials like marble, glass, or reclaimed wood and may include custom options for a truly unique piece. Investing in a high-quality table ensures your dining room has a functional and stylish focal point that will last for years.
Dining Chairs
Dining chairs are an essential part of your dining room design, and their cost can vary widely depending on style, material, and whether they are side chairs or host chairs. Prices typically range from $500 to $3,500 per chair. Budget-friendly side chairs are often made of wood or metal with simple designs, while mid-range options may include upholstered seating and higher-quality craftsmanship. Host chairs, which are typically larger and more detailed, fall into the higher end of the spectrum, often featuring luxurious fabrics, custom upholstery, or intricate detailing. Mixing side chairs with more elaborate host chairs can balance both cost and style, creating a cohesive and inviting dining space.
Buffet or Sideboard
A buffet or sideboard is a functional and stylish addition to your dining room, providing essential storage for dinnerware, linens, and serving pieces while also serving as a surface for decor or serving food during gatherings. Costs for buffets and sideboards typically range from $2,000 to $5,000. At the lower end you’ll find pieces made from engineered wood or simpler designs in solid wood. Mid-range options often feature high-quality hardwoods, elegant finishes, and added details like soft-close drawers. High-end sideboards include custom designs, intricate craftsmanship, and premium materials such as reclaimed wood or lacquered finishes. Investing in a well-made buffet not only adds practical storage but also enhances the overall aesthetic of your dining room, making it a worthwhile addition to the space.
By prioritizing your investment around these key pieces, you’ll create a functional, stylish foundation for your dining room. Now let’s discuss the decor and accessories.
Decor & Accessories - Bringing Personality To Your Dining Room
Once your key furniture pieces are in place, it’s time to bring the room to life with decor and accessories. These finishing touches add personality, warmth, and a sense of style to your dining room without necessarily breaking the bank.
Area Rugs
Rugs are a great way to add texture to the space. One of the most important things to remember when sourcing an area rug is to ensure you source the appropriate size. You want to be able to pull out the dining chairs without them leaving the area rug. Area rugs typically start around $1,500 with larger, high-quality rugs, especially those made of wood or natural fibers, ranging from $6,000-$8,000 or more. A well-chosen rug will tie the room together and protect your flooring, making it worth the investment.
Draperies & Window Treatments
Custom drapery can be a significant expense, with prices starting around $1000 per window (depending on fabric, window size, and design complexity), but they are a worthy investment due to their tailored fit and functionality. Unlike ready-made curtains, custom treatments are made to perfectly suit your window size, room light requirements, and style. They can include specialized features like UV-filtering liners to protect them from sun damage, or blackout options for complete privacy and light control. Custom drapery elevates the room both in appearance and practicality, offering long-term benefits that outlast off-the-shelf options.
Artwork
Adding art can make a big impact on the overall design. Framed prints and artwork generally start around $100 to $1,000, depending on the artist and size of the print, and there’s really no maximum on how much a piece could cost. Custom framing or original art can increase these costs considerably, but art makes such a personal statement for the homeowner, and should be tailored to what brings you joy to gaze at.
Statement Light Fixture
Lighting plays a critical role in your dining room, both for functionality and ambiance, helping to create the perfect atmosphere. A statement light fixture over the dining table not only illuminates the space but also serves as a striking focal point, tying the design together. Chandeliers and pendant lights, which typically range from $1,000 to $5,000, add elegance and personality to the room. For additional layers of lighting, consider adding wall sconces, which can provide soft, ambient light and highlight architectural details or decor. Sconce prices usually range from $300 to $1,500 per fixture, with custom or designer options on the higher end. Thoughtfully placed sconces can add depth and dimension to your dining room, complementing the overhead lighting and enhancing the overall mood. By choosing well-designed lighting, you can elevate the functionality and style of your dining space, ensuring it feels warm, inviting, and perfectly suited to any occasion.
Prioritizing Big-Ticket Items: Where to Splurge & Where to Save
When redesigning your dining room, it’s important to prioritize big-ticket items that will have the greatest impact on the space. Pieces like the dining table, dining chairs, and statement lighting should take precedence, as they anchor the room both visually and functionally. A high-quality dining table is worth the investment, as it serves as the centerpiece for meals, gatherings, and everyday use. Similarly, comfortable and durable dining chairs are essential for creating a space that feels inviting and practical for long dinners or entertaining guests.
Lighting is another area where a splurge can make all the difference. A statement chandelier or pendant light over the table not only sets the tone for the room but also elevates the overall design, making it a worthwhile investment. On the other hand, accessories like table linens or decorative items, while important for adding personality to the space, can be selected from more affordable options without compromising the overall aesthetic.
By focusing your budget on high-quality, statement-making pieces, you ensure your dining room remains both stylish and functional for years to come. Investing in durable furniture and impactful lighting provides a strong foundation that you can complement with decor and accents over time.
Redesigning your dining room is an exciting opportunity to create a space that’s as functional as it is beautiful. By investing in key pieces, you can establish a strong foundation for a room that enhances both everyday meals and special occasions. Thoughtfully selected furniture and decor not only reflect your personal style but also ensure your dining room remains timeless and inviting for years to come.
If you’re ready to start planning your dining room redesign, we’re here to help. Contact us for a personalized consultation and let us guide you through the process of choosing pieces that suit your space, style, and budget.
Don’t forget to download our free guide, Furniture Costs Breakdown: What to Expect When Furnishing Your Home, to get a detailed overview of typical furniture costs for every room.
