16 Dining Room Items Generation X Should Modernize

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Generation X has always been good at adapting to changing times, the trailblazers of grunge music, MTV revolution, and personal computers. But over the years, their dining room can end up being a snapshot of decades past. It may not be what you want in your sleek, functional home of today. Yes, nostalgia is wonderful, but if your dining space feels like a flashback party waiting to happen, it’s time for a refresh.

That doesn’t mean you need to throw out everything that’s familiar when modernizing your dining room. It’s about functionality with aesthetics, keeping comfort first and foremost. While your dining room may have personality, here are some items that could use a slight upgrade to bring it into the present.

Tableware You’ll Want To Show Off

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Maybe a story is told by those chipped plates and mismatched mugs, but it’s not exactly inspiring. One improvement that can make a real difference is to invest in a set of modern dinnerware—elegant, simple designs in neutral tones. Your tableware should match the meal and surrounding, not be the focus, in a bad way.

Curtains That Add Life

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Ornate heavy drapes can darken your dining room and make it look dated. Also, don’t go for heavyweight fabrics, linen or sheer panels are a better idea. They let in natural light that brightens and opens up your space.

Functional Storage Solutions

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Say goodbye to clunky china cabinets, and hello to wall mounted storage or modular units that can grow with you. The room doesn’t feel as crowded with these sleek options.

Wall Art That Speaks

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Framed posters or dated prints might have some sentimental value, but they only age your dining space. If you’re not a fan of family photos, consider swapping them out for modern artwork or a gallery wall. Adding abstract art, photography or a mix of mirrors can easily make it contemporary and reflecting your personality.

Open Shelving for Display

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Sometimes closed cabinets can make a room feel boxed in—switching to open shelving lets you show off eye catching dinnerware or decorative items and also creates an airy spacious feeling. Make sure to keep it tidy, though, as you don’t want a visual clutter.

Multipurpose Furniture

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When your dining room doubles as an office or play area, furniture that can do all for you is the answer. The transitions can be seamless and still remain polished with a foldable dining table or extendable chairs.

Centrepieces That Wow

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Say your farewell to faux fruit bowls, lace doilies. A single statement vase or cluster of candles can make a modern centrepieces not feel too much. Less is more as far as modern design goes.

The Dining Table

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The dining table is the room’s centerpiece, but those old fashioned, bulky designs own the space. Swap it for a clean liner table with a lighter finish or a mix material design, like wood and metal. The good news is that these modern options offer the same durability but in a fresh, open look that creates a more welcoming space.

Chairs That Fit the Times

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Do you remember those ladder back chairs or floral upholstered ones you had decades ago? They’ve had their moment. Choose chairs in sleek shapes and made of molded plastic, metal or minimal wood designs. Bonus: families or dinner parties will find these to be much more comfortable and easy to clean.

Lighting That Shines

Brown Downlight Chandelier
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The chandelier with dangling crystals was the height of sophistication, now it’s more like a time capsule. Pendant lights or statement LED designs can make a huge difference in your dining room. Houzz study discovered that one of the top three changes homeowners make to their dining spaces is lighting upgrades.

Textiles That Blend

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Paisley seat cushions and lace tablecloths are out of the modern decor race. Solid colors or subtle patterns are the focus of today’s textiles; simplicity. Choose materials that are fashionable but also simple to clean (try stain proof fabric or materials that can be tossed in the washing machine).

The Ceiling’s Role

Man Polishing the Ceiling
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Don’t forget to look up! Even the most modern dining room can seem dated with a plain or popcorn-textured ceiling. A coat of paint, wood paneling or even decorative tiles can finish off the entire room.

A Fresh Color Palette

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One of the easiest ways to modernize is with a fresh coat of paint, which is finally something you can do. Change those beige walls to soft grays, soft blues, or a bold accent color. Colors that are calming, yet make a statement, are often a good choice for modern spaces. You can use a fresh palette to make your dining room feel like new.

Smart Home Integration

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You might not have considered adding tech to your dining room, but there are things like smart lighting systems or even Bluetooth speakers to add a bit of ambiance. A report by Statista estimated that over 77 million of American households will own smart homes by 2025 – so why not start to integrate them now?

Sideboards With Style

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If your sideboard or buffet looks like it probably was that of your grandmother’s dining room, then a change is needed. Find designs that offer contemporary flair in combination with storage, like sleek, line free cabinets, or mid century modern designs. These pieces can serve dual functionality, functional storage and aesthetic anchor to the room.

Rugs That Ground the Space

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Rugs in the dining room may either join the room together or totally overwhelm it. If yours is from the ’70s, ’80s or ’90s with bold patterns, trade it in for something a bit more simple. Neutral color or geometric patterned flatweave rugs are stylish and easier to clean when inevitable spills occur.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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