Setting the perfect ambiance in your dining room is so important for enjoying intimate meals with family and friends. One way to really make your dining space feel extra cozy is by incorporating dark and moody design elements. In this post, I will share over 32 different ideas that you can use to achieve that perfect moody dining room vibe.
Add A Dark Chandelier
One of the easiest ways to bring darkness and drama to your dining room is by swapping out your existing chandelier for a dark and beautifully designed one. Look for fixtures made from bronze, iron, or brass and consider ones with layered textures like tassels or drum shades. The addition of a dark chandelier will instantly make your space feel more glamorous and moody. It helps establish a focal point above the dining table too.
Incorporate A Mural Wallpaper Pattern
If your dining room has some bare walls that need livening up, consider utilizing wallpaper with an artistic, dimensional pattern. Murals depicting nature scenes, textures, or designs are perfect for setting a richly layered tone. The dark colors and imagery will make a statement without being too overpowering since it’s on just one accent wall. Look for removable wallpaper too in case you want a change down the line. A mural wallpaper adds depth and visual interest to your dark moody dining room.
Use A Dark Wood Dining Table
One of the most impactful pieces in any dining room is the table itself. Opt for one made of a richly colored wood like walnut, mahogany or ebony. The darkness of the tone will set the perfect stage for your moody dining space. Consider letting the wood have a bit of aging distressing around the edges for extra charm.
Choose A Patterned Rug
Beneath the table, lay down an area rug with an artistic woven or printed design. Patterns with textures like tassels or overlapping motifs give visual appeal. Dark hues like navy, green or burgundy make a statement. Make sure the rug is large enough for chairs to be pulled out when dining.
Hang Bold Artwork
Draw the eye up from the table with large scale artwork above the dining set or buffet. Paintings, photographs or mirrors with moody elements make a wonderful focal piece. Consider printed imagery depicting nature scenes, antique maps or botanicals for a cohesive look.
Include A Buffet Or Sideboard
Provide extra serving space and visual interest with a buffet or sideboard. Opt for distressed wood, metal with patina, or ornately carved detailing. Consider one in a darker tone like black or green painted wood. Add height with sculptural accents on top like a mercury glass vase arrangement.
Use Dramatic Floral Centerpiece
To finish off each dining experience, design a flowers arrangement befitting a moody space. Choose blooms, foliage and textures with darker hues like berries, amaranth, or olive to match the overall tone. Incorporate elements like branches, stones or tapers for layered depth and earthy charm.
Display Collections Or Memorabilia
Showcase treasured items on shelves or inside a curio cabinet. Collections with vintage or antique elements add atmosphere. Examples include vintage books, luggage tags from travels, framed family photos in muted tones, or polished stone artifacts from nature. The displayed memories give a narrative element to the dining space.
Add Layered Textured Window Treatments
Windows need privacy and moodiness too. Hang panels of held back velvet curtains with sheers peeking out underneath. Or install tie-backs on long curtains made of textured linen, chintz or brocade. Consider natural fiber roman shades with a woven texture. Layering multiple window dressings adds visual drama perfect for a dark moody vibe.
Incorporate Terraccota Or Concrete Accents
Add organic textures through materials like terra cotta, river stones, marble or concrete. Example accents include a plant stand, candlesticks or bookends in terra cotta. Small abstract sculptures or vessels made of concrete incorporate natural elements. Place them near windows or on shelves to complement the earthy ambiance.
Layer Textured Throws On The Chairbacks
Draping chairs with cozy throws is a great design and functional element. Opt for inviting textures like furs, cable knits or woven materials. Rich tones such as wine, olive or navy provide visual depth. The tactile accents enhance the room’s sense of comfort and coziness during meals.
Use Moss Or Foliage In Corner Plantings
Incorporate greenery without a major time commitment using lush faux plants or preserved moss accents. Tuck groupings into dark planters or baskets in the corners of the room or on shelves. Moss spheres, ficus trees and fern accents bring organic elements while requiring no watering. Their natural textures add warmth and habitat atmosphere.
Incorporate Decorative Sconces
Wall sconces make a beautiful statement when lit and give ambient task lighting without a stark overhead fixture. Look for designs with character like brushed metal, terra cotta or unique shades. A pair of sconces on the dining room walls provides drama and visual balance in the space.
Display A Painted Or Distressed Serving Tray
Serve meals or set out small appetizers on a decorative tray. Distressing wood trays with steel wool creates an aged patina look. Or paint clay, ceramic or metal trays in mood-setting hues like sage, olive or oxblood for a curated look. Place on a buffet, side table or nest in centerpieces.
Layer velvet Pillows On The Chairs
Dining chairs get invite an extra dose of luxury with plush velvet or corduroy pillows. Mix solids and prints in complementary colors like emerald, plum or sapphire. Consider tassels or braid trim details. These textural accents provide visual interest and coziness to the seating area.
Hang A Dark Shelving Unit
Provide display space with a textured shelving unit hung on an accent wall. Wood shelves in espresso or gray painted metal shelves add dimension. Style with vignettes of plates, books and trays. Integrated lighting offers task lighting and shows off accents beautifully in the evening.
Paint Or Distress Wood Furniture
Refresh older wood furniture like cabinets or built-ins with a fresh dark painted finish or hand-distressing techniques. Rich tones like navy, olive or moody grays transform dated pieces into statement accent furnishings. Distressing looks worn-in while revitalizing the wood grain’s natural beauty.
Incorporate Patterned Wallpaper Accents
Small pieces of peel-and-stick wallpaper add visual punch without a full wall commitment. Apply strips in a border, behind furniture or in a geometric panel. Floral, damask and artsy prints set a richly patterned tone. Coordinate with furnishings for cohesion.
Use Tasselled Or Raffia Window Shades
Swapping traditional blinds for shades dressed up with tassels or texture makes a dramatic impact. Look for shades made of materials like thick woven raffia, abaca rope or sisal. Their irregular textures block sunlight beautifully while complimenting earthy interiors.
Incorporate Ceramic Or Metal Chargers
Place chargers under serving pieces or as protective mats under placeholders. Natural ceramic chargers in terra cotta or slate gray work well. Or opt for chargers made of materials like hammered brass or copper for high contrast. Change with the seasons.
Display Candles In Votives Or Sconces
Candlelight sets the romantic scene. Group votives or tea lights together on a tray, mantle or built-in shelves. Or show them off individually in decorative wall sconces, black metal candelabras or lacquered candle holders.
Layer Textiles On Furniture And Tables
Piles of coordinating textiles invite guests to linger. Drape kilim pillow patterns and woven squares over side chairs. top tables with textured runners, doilies or overlays. Muted solids and low-volume prints layer visual appeal into seating groupings.
Hang Glass Jar Pendant Lighting
Vintage apothecary jars or vessels dangle ethereal lighting. Hang mismatched sizes grouped together low over the table for intimacy. Consider oil-rubbed bronze fixtures and glass jars tinted with metallic washes for visual warmth.
Incorporate Sculptural Centerpiece Elements
Incorporate organic accents like twisted branches, feather sprays or collected shells into floral centerpieces. Sculpted elements add artistic movement and tactile appeal. Consider incorporating natural elements like stones, driftwood or carved wood pieces too.
Hang A Patterned Or Moody Wallpaper Border
An all-over wallpaper treatment isn’t necessary – a decorative border provides pattern where the eye travels. Position 4-6 inches from the ceiling for definition. Foliage, damask and geometric prints complement dark interiors in gold, blush or charcoal tones.
Set The Table With Dark Patterned Chargers
Lay chargers with artistic prints under each place setting. From botanicals to paisleys, textures add upbeat contrast. Stack several together with different patterns for a layered look that coordinates without clashing.
Cluster Moss Polls, Stumps, Or Logs
Instead of singular pillar candles or crystals, group moss-covered wooden elements together in centerpieces. Branch stumps, tree disks and stacked logs look naturally gathered. Consider preserving real pieces for long-lasting appeal.
Incorporate Darkened Mirrors
Add depth and sparkle with low-lit mirrors. Consider antiquing mirrors with silver patina or hanging artisan smoked glass mirrors. Place on walls, above mantels or in vignettes for reflected light.
Showcase Family Style Serving Dishes
Display treasured serving pieces grouped by material or type. Feature pieces like ceramic colanders, nesting wood bowls or hammered serving trays stacked or nested together. Change displays seasonally.
Add Layered Curtains, Sheers, Or Shades
Windows need depth that curtains alone don’t provide. Layer sheet curtains underneath lighter voile sheers or linen. Consider Roman shades under roller shades in coordinating fabrics. The multiple layers provide interest and soften outer scenes.
Paint Or Distress Wooden Cabinetry
Reinvigorate built-in cabinets or sideboards with dark painted finishes. Rich greys, navies and olives transform dated looks. For shabby style, lightly distress painted pieces with sandpaper around edges and corners.
Incorporate Sloped Or Irregular Paneled Walls
Embrace unique architecture like cathedral and sloped ceilings. Accent with decorative moulding or wall trim painted a complementary tone. Hang patterned wallpaper in geometric shapes that follow architectural angles.
