For a lot of people, the dining room table is a catch-all for day-to-day activities and chores- whether it be a dump spot for the daily mail or extra kitchen space to prepare food. For others, it may be solely a piece of furniture used to display your personality and present a statement piece. Being a house of five, my table is more often a dump space (think monthly bills mixed in with half eaten cereal bowls) than a highlight, but I think you can use your kitchen table effectively for both. Here are some design ideas that will show off your space, but also allow for day-to-day activities.
Classic
I think the most classic centerpiece would be the bouquet of flowers. You don’t necessarily have to have fresh flowers- that can get expensive (unless you are picking them out of your backyard, which is obviously free and also what I would consider a “statement piece”). A smaller space can utilize a small mason jar with a few flowers or even a small pot with some faux foliage from the dollar store (I’m ALL about never having any follow up maintenance).
The next timeless centerpiece would be candles. Going vertically will definitely give you more table space, but you don’t necessarily have to. I like the idea of small tray with different sized candles to add depth. It makes it easy to move too, especially if you need the space for dinner prep!
Placing a runner along the length of your table can also be considered a centerpiece. You don’t have to worry about an object being in the way or cumbersome, since you can drop anything right on top! You can always add a tablecloth underneath for some contrast or get wild and take two or three shorter runners along the width of the table rather than the length.
Modern and Minimalist
Rather than a large bouquet of flowers, why not try a tall vase with a single flower, or even a branch? This draws the eye to the space while only taking up a minimal amount of it.
Geometric or metallic accents are also a good choice for a centerpiece. Try some metallic orbs of different sizes or even a hexagonal tray that presents salt, pepper, or even a napkin holder.
Practical
I think the most functional item that could double as a centerpiece on your dining table would be fruit. It’s practical and adds a pop of color. And seeing as you are most likely placing your fruit into a bowl, you have plenty of options when it comes to making it cohesive with your space. Not only that, but having fruit so present out in the open might even promote healthier snacking!
Another idea that I love is having a couple herb plants in the center of your table. They add fresh cooking inspiration and make the ingredients so accessible! Just the presence of herbs in your kitchen will no doubt create an aroma that can definitely enhance the dining experience without being overpowering, and you have the ability to customize the look with rustic wooden boxes or glass jars.
Seasonal
Are you one of those individuals that changes decor with the seasons? I’m jealous. I don’t have the energy or the space to store all those off season decorations. But you can definitely still have a practical space while celebrating all the different holidays and times of the year. Many of these suggestions are variations on what has been already mentioned, but it’s fun to talk about anyway.
Spring is going to be the best time to show off the flowers (pastels work great this time of year), but also those fresh herbs or seasonal fruits, like citrus. Linen table runners will work best.
In the summer, think bold colors, like yellow sunflowers, daisies, or deep green tropical leaves. Beachy themes also work very well- try a piece of driftwood or a bowl filled with sand and candles.
Fall is definitely more of a rustic feel. Anything that invokes the idea of warmth or coziness will do. Pumpkins or gourds can be centerpieces themselves or even a bowl of acorns or pinecones found at your local park (wink wink: free!). Try to incorporate warm tones like burnt orange, deep red, or mustard yellow.
Winter can tend to have a lot of similarities with fall- warmth and coziness. Candles and metallic accents do well, but you can’t really go wrong with holiday touches like a lantern or wreath.
Don’t Forget
There are a couple more elements you should take into consideration when picking out your centerpiece.
The Table Itself: Consider the materials that were used to build your table. A sleek modern design may not pair well with a rustic mason jar flower arrangement just as a natural, wooden table probably wouldn’t pair well with a bold, rigid, geometric centerpiece.
Lighting is Important: Lighting over your table can be either broad or precise. A singular pendant hanging over the table can emphasize an individual piece in the center of the table, such as a colorful piece of glass. Wider, chandelier type lighting may do better with a lengthier centerpiece, like a table runner. Don’t have much light at all? Consider utilizing candles- not only are they visually pleasing, but double as an intimate ambiance.
The decor you use on your dining table doesn’t have to be permanent. Your decor should change as your style evolves to keep it fresh and inspiring. Feel free to experiment with different concepts to find what works for you in the moment.
Do you have an awesome centerpiece you’d like to highlight? Do you have an idea but not sure how to make it work? Leave your comment below!