Kin Dining Table with Kin Dining Chairs in Nightcap Navy pictured in Eva Surry Hills House

The dining room is a special gathering space where life happens — from Sunday brunches to spontaneous chats over tea, it’s a space to decompress, reconnect and share in the everyday moments that matter most. Whether you’re designing a new layout or simply refreshing your space, thoughtful dining room furniture and décor can turn mealtimes into rituals and elevate your entire home.

Let’s explore some of the latest trends and ideas for setting up a dining room that’s as functional as it is beautiful—one that suits your style, supports your lifestyle, and invites connection.

A Shift Towards Sustainability

One of the most welcome shifts in recent years is the move towards sustainable dining room furniture. More people are investing in durable, responsibly crafted pieces—like a solid timber dining table or oak dining chairs—that offer longevity and a lighter footprint.

Certified Timber & Reclaimed Wood

Look for dining tables and chairs made from FSC-certified or reclaimed timber. These materials not only reduce environmental impact, but also lend a sense of timelessness to your dining area. A wooden dining chair with natural grain or a rectangular dining table crafted from oak wood can bring soul and character to your home.

Durability Over Disposable

When it comes to a dining table and chairs, quality matters. Choose pieces designed to last—whether it’s a 6-seater dining table for family dinners or a compact 4 or 2-seater dining table for smaller spaces. An intentional approach to furniture means you’ll have a story to tell for years to come.

Emphasising Multi-Functionality & Comfort

In today’s homes, the dining room table often pulls double duty—as a workspace, craft table, or spot for late-night catch-ups. Furniture that blends versatility with comfort is essential.

Extendable & Modular Dining Tables

An extendable rectangular dining table is perfect for entertaining, offering the flexibility to host more guests when needed, without taking up unnecessary space day-to-day. If your layout is more compact, a small dining table in a corner nook can still offer plenty of style and function.

Ergonomic, Comfortable Seating

Contemporary dining chairs are designed for lingering. Think curved backrests, generous cushioning, and supportive forms that encourage long conversations. Whether you prefer timber dining chairs, upholstered dining chairs, or a matching dining chair set, comfort is key.

Natural Materials & Earthy Textures

There’s something undeniably calming about natural materials—and dining room trends continue to embrace that grounded, organic feel. Whether it’s a timber oak dining table, rattan-backed seating, or stone centrepieces, earthy textures are having a moment.

Woven & Wooden Accents

Timber dining chairs Australia-wide are making a statement this year, especially when paired with soft linen upholstery or subtle cane details. The combination adds warmth and texture without overpowering the room.

Earthy Table Décor

Incorporate stone or terracotta in your dining table centrepieces, or style a few native florals in a tall ceramic vase. These elements pair beautifully with oak dining chairs or a wooden dining table, creating a cohesive and welcoming aesthetic.

Personalised Colour Palettes & Finishing Touches

Bringing nature inside continues to be a strong theme in 2025. It’s all about soft sage greens, warm sand tones, and gentle blushes—with the occasional bold pop for contrast.

Layered Textiles

Try a patterned rug under your dining table set, or layer cushions on your dining room chairs for added texture. A simple runner or cloth napkins in earthy hues can bring extra warmth to everyday meals.

Statement Artwork

Give your dining nook personality with an abstract print or oversized artwork above a round dining table. It’s a simple way to add depth and create a focal point without cluttering the space.

Lighting That Sets the Tone

Lighting can completely transform how your dining room feels. Whether you're setting the scene for a dinner party or easing into a quiet breakfast, thoughtful lighting makes every meal feel intentional.

Pendant Lights as Centrepieces

A pendant or chandelier above your dining table draws the eye and anchors the room. Aim for adjustable lighting to suit the occasion—bright for a dinner prep, soft and ambient for winding down.

Layered Lighting

Pair overhead fixtures with wall sconces or floor lamps to create dimension and warmth. With a mix of task and mood lighting, your dining room stays functional and atmospheric no matter the time of day.

Styling with Meaningful Touches

Your dining room should reflect your life—filled with pieces that bring joy, spark memories, and invite guests to feel at home.

Thoughtful Centrepieces

Swap out your dining table centrepieces with the seasons: fresh flowers in spring, native greens in summer, andmoody dried arrangements in winter. These small updates can transform the feel of your space without major changes.

Everyday Rituals, Elevated

From artisanal dinnerware to a favourite table runner, let your dining setup celebrate the small rituals. Whether you’re enjoying your morning coffee or hosting friends, it’s these little moments that make the space yours.

Bringing It All Together

When designing your dining room, aim for balance—between beauty and function, tradition and trend, individuality and intention. Whether it’s a modular dining table and chair set, a small dining nook with oak dining chairs, or a large 6-seater dining table that hosts every gathering, the pieces you choose should support how you live.

Let your dining room become a space where connection comes naturally. A place for shared meals, easy laughter, and the quiet comfort of being together.

Because at the end of the day, dining isn’t just about what’s on the table—it’s about the way you choose to savour each moment around it.