The Comeback of the Dining Room

Photography by Nicole Dianne

Funny how the way we live tends to ebb and flow. As I often tell my kids—there’s nothing new under the sun. And the longer I live, the more I know it to be true.

A Quick History Lesson:

Before the mid-century modern movement, homes were divided by both purpose and practicality. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, compartmentalized layouts weren’t just about social formality—they were functional. Separate rooms helped conserve heat in winter, keep cool in summer, and contain kitchen odors long before HVAC and high-efficiency ventilation systems existed.

Each space had a clear role: the parlor for entertaining, the kitchen for work, and the dining room as the social centerpiece. Meals were events, and the dining room reflected that—often the most decorated space in the house, meant for conversation and connection.

Then came the postwar 1950s and the rise of the modernist movement. Architects like Richard Neutra and Joseph Eichler began designing for a new way of life—open, optimistic, and family-focused. Walls came down to make way for natural light and flow. The dining room became more casual, sometimes merging with the kitchen in the form of the eat-in nook.

By the 1980s and ’90s, cultural shifts toward multitasking and togetherness pushed the open-concept trend into full swing. The once-separate dining room was often absorbed into a “great room,” or swapped for larger kitchens and family rooms that better suited everyday life.

And over the past 20 or so years, many dining rooms have disappeared altogether—or at least taken a back seat. In new builds, they’ve been downsized, converted into playrooms, offices, or flex spaces. Formal dining became something of an afterthought, reserved for holidays or the rare dinner party.

Photography by Nicole Dianne

And Now… We’re Circling Back:

But something interesting is happening again. We’re seeing a (wonderful, from my point of view) shift toward bringing back the dedicated dining room—a space with a sense of occasion, designed for gathering and connection. The very walls we once tore down are reappearing in thoughtful ways, creating intimacy and a slower rhythm within the home. And I love it.

Because having a true dining space gives us permission to dress the table again. To light candles. To layer linens. To open a good bottle and make an evening of it. There’s something deeply comforting—and dare I say healing—about the ritual of sitting together, breaking bread, and conversing face-to-face.

We are social creatures, and I think we’re collectively craving real connection more than ever. The dining room, it seems, is back to remind us of just that.

Design Takeaway: How to Bring Back the Dining Room (Your Way)

1. Layer the lighting. A statement chandelier sets the mood, but pair it with sconces or a lamp on a sideboard for added warmth.

2. Mix old and new. Pair an heirloom table with modern chairs—or vice versa—for a look that feels timeless but not formal.

3. Focus on texture, not perfection. Linen napkins, organic ceramics, and natural woods lend an approachable elegance.

4. Make it part of everyday life. Don’t wait for guests—set a pretty table just because. A few candles and real glassware can turn a weeknight dinner into a ritual.

A Few Favorite Finds:

So tell me—are you one who loves a well-dressed table? Or are you still team “eat wherever the mood strikes”?

Lisa

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