How to Design a Mid-Century Modern Dining Room

by Ann Hayward 07/07/2025

If you want to explore the mid-century modern interior design style, the dining room is an excellent place to start. No matter if you have an open floor plan or traditional formal dining room layout, you can use elements of mid-century modern design to enhance your space. Here are some ideas for simple ways to add a modern touch to your dining room:

Pastels + Natural Wood

Pastel colors and natural wood tones are a perfect recipe for a mid-century modern dining room. You can include pastels either with wall paint or with a large area rug under the dining table and chairs. If you choose chairs with upholstery, go for pastel shades in any hue. You can also carry the color scheme further with smaller details like wall art and decorative accessories.

A natural wood table is a great focal point for a mid-century modern dining room. Opt for a table with simple, clean lines made of teak, oak, rosewood or walnut. The chairs are another place to include natural wood. Go for chairs with wooden peg legs for an instant mid-century modern vibe.

Simple, Comfortable Chairs

Mid-century modern design is all about form following function. This also means comfort is key. What better place to prioritize comfort than in your dining room chairs? When you’re searching for the perfect chairs, prioritize clean lines, simple shapes and curved edges. However, comfort is majorly important, so make sure you try out the chairs if possible. A great-looking chair means nothing if you don’t want to stay in it for an entire meal.

Bold Lighting

Light fixtures are an excellent way to add mid-century modern style to any room and the dining room is no exception. In fact, most dining rooms already have a central piece of lighting or chandelier to serve as a focal point while also illuminating the meal. Luckily, there are tons of mid-century modern-inspired pendant lights and chandeliers on the market. Try a sputnik-style chandelier for something with bold, artistic lines. If you prefer something softer, opt for a spherical lamp shade on a regular pendant light to add some more comfort to the room.

Mid-century modern design can work in any room of the home. However, the dining room presents you with some unique opportunities to make your style choices shine.

About the Author

Ann Hayward

Born in Philadelphia and raised in the suburbs, Ann Hayward got her Pennsylvania real estate license at age 18 even before going to college. This second-generation real estate professional followed in the footsteps of her father and two uncles, inheriting their passion for the business. Licensed in DC, Maryland and Virginia, Ann is accomplished in her career, with numerous designations including SFR, SRES, PSA, WHC, and multiunit Housing Development Finance Professional (HDFP) from the National Development Council. She specializes in Prince Georges and Montgomery Counties, Northern Virginia and Washington, DC, all jurisdictions where Ann has lived and knows very well. In addition to her professional expertise, she owns and manages personal investment property, understands and has been involved in the renovation/remodeling process, and has great resources which she shares with clients. When you hire Ann to represent you, she will make your buying or selling experience an enjoyable, rewarding one. Her compassion, sensitivity to her clients’ needs, eye for detail, and ability to see the big picture when guiding you through a purchase or sale are unique assets that will ensure your success. A diverse and relevant background also gives Ann a distinct edge. For 30 years, she worked in fast-paced, high-pressure television and theatrical production, attaining the highest achievement – DGA membership as a Director, and as an award-winning staff and freelance writer. Her keen audio visual skills and design sense benefit sellers in marketing their properties, and are invaluable in helping buyers see the potential of space. A true renaissance woman, Ann was also an income tax professional and office manager for H&R Block, so she thoroughly understands the tax and financial implications of acquiring and selling real estate. Her superior organizational skills are further evidenced as owner of a downsizing/professional organizing business, Managed For You, which allows her to connect with everyone from millennials to boomers and seniors, whether for small space planning or assisting with major decluttering and transitioning. Ann holds an AB in American History from Simmons College, Boston, plus attended Robert Wagner Graduate School of Public Administration where she was a candidate for Doctorate. She additionally studied Film Direction at the American Film Institute in LA, and was a Stanford University post-graduate Professional Journalism Fellow. Personally, Ann is an avid if not very good golfer, and the co-founder of a nonprofit 501c3 organization offering educational guidance, tutoring and counseling for youngsters from elementary school through college admission. She sits on the board of trustees of a nonprofit educational film production corporation as well. (202) 494-6252 [email protected]