At once elegant and homey, farmhouse dining rooms are perfect for gathering friends and family together to enjoy a meal. They’re often characterized by rustic wooden dining table sets, linen accents, creamy whites and pastels. Still, farmhouse style can be interpreted in a number of ways, from a modern to more traditional look. If you’re in need of a bit of inspiration, consider the following farmhouse dining room ideas while you browse our gallery below.

Choose Distinctive Furniture

When it comes to picking out farmhouse style furniture, don’t be afraid to mix and match finishes and styles — it’ll only add to the charm. For a classic look, go for a long, reclaimed wood dining table, wooden chairs with slatted backs or upholstered dining chairs in a striped linen fabric. Alternatively, make a splash with midcentury bucket chairs in a muted hue. They’ll add just a touch of playful, modern style to the mix. Hutches and sidebars also work well in farmhouse dining rooms. Use them to display your serveware, wine collection or to set out a buffet for guests to serve themselves.

Make It Your Own with Lighting and Decor

While you pick out lighting and decor for your dining room, you’ll want to find pieces that add to the warmth and rustic appeal of your space. In particular, the lighting you choose to go above your dining table is key in helping to anchor and illuminate the room. Chandeliers or lantern lighting are perfect if you’re going for a more traditional farmhouse look. On the other hand, glass orbs, angular metal light fixtures or pendant lights with woven shades would all add a touch of contemporary flair.

The Elements of Farmhouse Dining Room Decor

You should also determine whether you want to go with neutrals, pastels or rich colors. All of these color schemes can work, so pick one and run with it! If you find you need a little guidance while picking out your furniture and decor, consult the handy guide below to farmhouse style and its variations. Of course, feel free to bend the rules or mix styles to your liking!

Modern Farmhouse:

• Off-whites, grays, browns
• Glass, dark metals, light to dark woods
• Some modern furniture pieces

Rustic Farmhouse:

• Pastels, creams
• Reclaimed finishes, painted metal, white-washed to medium woods
• Mismatched, simple furniture

Elegant Country Farmhouse:

• British-style greens, medium to dark blues and reds
• Rich woods, dark metals
• Country-style furniture with a decorative flair