How to Design a Chic Elegant Dining Room
- Cici
- Jun 7
- 5 min read
When we talk about chic elegance, we're referring to that perfect balance between classic sophistication and fresh modern style. Think timeless silhouettes—like antique-inspired dining chairs or a delicately carved sideboard—reimagined in striking finishes such as matte black, smoked glass, or warm metallics. In this curated collection, traditional forms are paired with unexpected materials: sculptural candle holders, a showstopping contemporary chandelier, and soft gold accents that catch the light just right. The result is a dining space that feels elevated yet welcoming, layered but never fussy. This look is all about contrasts that complement—old and new, matte and shine, form and function—all working together to create a room that feels polished, personal, and quietly luxurious.
1. Hooker Furniture Mélange Madeline Credenza
A true statement piece, this black credenza is all about drama and detail. The antique-inspired floral overlay adds a hint of romance, while the dark finish keeps it grounded and versatile. We love it as a refined anchor to the dining room—perfect for storing dishware while giving the space a touch of old-world glamour. The mix of texture, shape, and subtle sheen makes this piece both timeless and visually rich.
2. Hooker Furniture Charleston Upholstered Dining Chairs (Set of 2)
With their sculptural silhouettes and gently arched details, these dining chairs strike a perfect balance between classical and current. The black rubbed finish adds depth and contrast, echoing the intricate detailing on the sideboard while creating a bold outline around the seat. Their elegant curvature brings a softness to the space, and the warm, neutral upholstery ties in with other organic textures in the room. Together, they add a sense of classic elegance, but far from conventional.
3. Modern Round Glass Dining Table with Sculptural Wood Pedestal Base
This round dining table brings sculptural clarity to the space—light, open, and undeniably chic. The smoked glass top keeps things airy while subtly reflecting light, offering contrast against the deeper tones of the chairs and sideboard. Its sculptural wood pedestal base introduces a clean architectural moment without overwhelming the room. We love how the mix of materials—glossy, matte, transparent, and natural—adds visual interest while remaining cohesive. It anchors the dining space without feeling heavy, making it ideal for rooms that need elegance and flow.
4. Ornate Black Arched Wall Mirror
This black-framed mirror adds a touch of refined drama to the space. Its elongated, curved silhouette and delicate scrolling detail feel elegant without tipping into ornate. Placed above the sideboard, it brings depth and dimension while echoing the black finishes seen throughout the room. The softness of the curved form plays beautifully against the angular base of the table, while its dark frame ties directly back to the dining chairs—reinforcing a consistent visual rhythm. It’s a classic accent that enhances the architecture of the room.
5. Modern Feathery Round Chandelier in Alabaster & Gold
This alabaster chandelier delivers a soft glow and sculptural impact, anchoring the room with a statement that’s both refined and ethereal. The teardrop-like alabaster pieces cascade in layers, catching the light and adding natural variation in tone and translucency. Paired with a warm gold frame, it introduces a quiet shimmer that elevates the entire palette—perfectly contrasting the matte black finishes below. It also echoes the petal motif found in the sideboard, making it feel intentional, not ornamental. Dramatic yet still elegant.
6. Modern Black and Brass Wall Sconces (Set of 2)
These sleek vertical sconces add just the right amount of contrast and clarity to the dining room. With a slim black frame and subtle brass detail, they echo the finishes in both the chandelier and the mirror while introducing a modern linear form that breaks up the softness of the curved furnishings. The clear glass cylinders offer a clean, warm glow—perfect for flanking a mirror or illuminating a moody wall moment. They’re refined, streamlined, and smartly understated—an essential supporting element that quietly elevates the entire space.
7. Set of 4 Lace 6.5” Black & Silver Canapé Plates
These sculptural canapé plates add a glamorous detail to your tablescape. With their laced-edge silhouette and glossy black and silver glaze, they deliver just the right dose of drama & elegance. Their shape subtly reiterates the carving on the credenza as well as the dining chairs, reinforcing a theme of classic forms reinterpreted with bold contrast. Perfect for appetizers, desserts, or a table setting side dish as a conversation-starting detail.
8. Black & Gold Orb Sculpture
Accessories like this matte black and gold orb sculpture subtly reinforce the color palette and geometry seen throughout the room. Its circular form echoes the mirror and table, while the gold detailing ties back to the chandelier and sconces. These small touches help carry the design language across the space—offering moments of cohesion and polish without being overly coordinated.
9. Set of 3 Decorative Black Metal Candle Holders
These candle holders add another layer of sophistication through their intricate detail and matte black finish. The silhouette references classical forms while the ornamental banding subtly echoes the mirror frame and sideboard motif. It’s a simple styling choice that reinforces the overall palette and elevates the tablescape without competing for attention.
10. Gold Damask Cloth Napkin Set
These soft gold damask napkins add a touch of timeless formality while reinforcing the overall palette. Their subtle shimmer picks up on the chandelier’s warm glow and the metallic tones found in other accessories—bringing texture, cohesion, and quiet luxury to each place setting.
11. Black Rhinestone Mesh Napkin Rings
These rhinestone mesh napkin rings are an easy way to add polish and repetition of the black accent tone across your tabletop. Their subtle sparkle ties back to the chandelier and black candle holders while reinforcing a high-contrast, high-style palette. Small detail, big impact.
12. Round Woven Champagne Metallic Placemats
The understated sheen of these round woven placemats adds just the right amount of texture and warmth under each setting. Their soft champagne tone mirrors the napkins and soft gold accents throughout the room, anchoring the table styling with a subtle glow. A foundational piece that lets the more sculptural elements shine.
Final Thoughts:
This dining room concept is a masterclass in chic elegance—a study in contrast, restraint, and curated layers. Classical shapes are reimagined in bold black finishes, softened by golden light, warm metallics, and sculptural forms. From the floral motif of the sideboard to the cascading alabaster chandelier, each piece balances tradition with modernity, creating a sense of quiet luxury that feels thoughtful and current.
The harmony comes from intention: repeated tones, rhythmic silhouettes, and a clear point of view. Whether you’re designing a space from scratch or simply elevating your tabletop for a special occasion, these selections work together to create a setting that’s polished, cohesive, and unforgettable.
Love the vibe but not sure how to customized it to your specific space? That’s where we come in. For more in-depth interior design services, see the note from Cici below & visit our Interior Design Studio Cley Atelier.
