Modern Table Settings to Elevate Your Dining Room
Refine your dining aesthetic.
Create an effortless yet intentional dining space where you can enjoy weekend brunches, at-home wine tastings, and themed dinner parties with refreshing modern table settings. The modern dining experience incorporates functional pieces that can work well by themselves or layered with other pieces in your dinnerware collection. Keep reading to learn how to create a modern table setting below, from geometric table linens to modern centerpieces.
Modern Tablescape Necessities
Modern Table Setting Ideas
Modern Tablescape Necessities
Dinnerware + Flatware
AllModern has a wide selection of dinnerware and flatware pieces to help you set the table and prepare for different dishes or dining aesthetics. Dining bowls are categorized under salad bowls, cereal bowls, soup bowls, or dessert bowls and come in sleek ceramics, matte neutrals, and a variety of colors. Dinner plates come in different sizes and shapes so you can plan for appetizers, entrees, and dessert dishes.
AllModern also offers several dinnerware sets that include everything you need from dinner plates to bowls, and even drinking glasses or mugs. Complete your table setting with a flatware set in sleek stainless steel – choose from silver, copper, or brass. Check out our dinnerware and flatware selections by clicking below.
Serveware
Create a modern tablescape for buffet-style dining and large meals with AllModern serveware. Set out the appetizers with a cheese and bread board in an abstract shape or marble-like finish and make buffet-style dining easy with one of our selection of serving trays, platters, or bowls in combination with a set of serving utensils. Pass around ice tea or mixed cocktails in one of our pitchers and carafes with ribbed detailing and geometric forms. Browse serveware below.
Drinkware + Barware
Elevate your modern tablescape with a range of AllModern glassware and barware. Matte mugs with wide cylindrical shapes give morning coffee sessions a cool sophistication, while wine, champagne, and cocktail glasses with mid-century modern notes help set the tone for holiday celebrations and dinner parties. With AllModern’s selection of barware including shakers, bar sets, wine coolers, and other items you can amplify your bartending skills. Click below to view all drinkware and barware.
Table + Kitchen Linens
AllModern’s table and kitchen linen selections balance modern design with relaxed concepts to work for any modern dining aesthetic. Placemats and table runners come in a unique vinyl lattice pattern or woven fabric with muted colors so you can decide which to use for everyday dining and which to bring out for those special occasions. AllModern’s table linen selection also includes linen napkin sets to elevate your modern table. Napkin rings with fun textured details and carved wood create a sophisticated look for your dinner parties or game nights. Browse table and kitchen linens below.
Modern Table Setting Ideas
Look over these modern dining table setting ideas to get inspired on how to set a modern table that aligns with your contemporary home aesthetic.
1. Start With the Basics
Dinnerware sets the tone for your dining aesthetic, which makes it a great place to start. Select chargers with matte finishes and up-turned edges to frame appetizers or entrees. Then layer the look with a dinner plate, salad plate, and soup bowl. Omit any bowls or plates you won't be eating off of for this lineup – there's no reason to do extra dishes. Opt for a neutral uniform look with dinnerware of the same color, or add a pop of brightness with white against black. For an art deco twist as seen above, choose honey yellow against matte emerald green.
Elevate your dining area with modern place settings or table linens with contemporary designs. Create an eclectic backdrop with vinyl place mats with a pressed lace pattern and a metallic gleam or opt for a neutral backdrop with woven placemats and a table runner in muted colors. Soften up hard surfaces and clean edges with placemats and a table runner.
Give a nod to mid-century modern design by selecting glasses with ribbed patterns, cylindrical silhouettes, and moody stains. Think: clean lines and functionality. Opt for a streamlined aesthetic by grouping glassware sets together on the dining table or sideboard, or juxtapose glassware with different stains, designs, and shapes for an intentional contrast.
Balance a minimalist aesthetic by mixing matte stoneware with metallic flatware in silver or gold tones and metal accents like the cast marble candlesticks pictured above. White dinnerware creates a fresh, clean look, while layered accents in shades like cream, gray, or black bring visual dimension to modern table settings. Add in a faux marble decorative serving tray to create a relaxed tablescape that helps the metal details stand out.
A modern tablescape can be as elaborate or as simple as you want. Keep your modern dining area streamlined with just the necessities for a look that’s all about modern minimalism. Define the space with a table vase in a sculptural form and a fresh (or faux) floral arrangement that can change to accommodate the seasons. Leave the tabletop clear and place a bar cart off to the side to hold the bulk of glasses to serve buffet-style.
Pro Tip:
Exude modern design with a contemporary centerpiece using vases. Think abstract, sculptural forms and geometric shapes to get started. A large table vase in a cylindrical shape acts as the main focal point, while a white curved vase with an abstract pattern brings visual interest. Complete your modern centerpiece with a decorative object like a sphere figurine.
Curate a modern table setting with Scandi-inspired design concepts. In Scandinavian design, natural materials and elements of the outside world bring balance and warmth to interior spaces. You can do the same with dinner table setting ideas that include notes of greenery and leafy textures. Place a sprig of greenery in a stained glass table vase for a touch of greenery on a small dining table, or line a table runner with small succulents and candles to bring a natural element to your modern tablescape design.
Pro Tip:
Check out 5 Steps to a Scandinavian Dining Room for more Scandi-inspired ideas.
7. Blend Moody Glassware With Smooth Ceramics
Ground your dining aesthetic by introducing smooth ceramics and stoneware to complement glassware with unique shapes, textures, or moody stains. By keeping dinnerware neutral, you allow modern glassware to stand out for your guests to appreciate, while glossy ceramics still hint at refinement.
Pro Tip:
Read our guide Entertaining Essentials for Every Occasion for more information on how to host a successful dinner party.
Ready to browse?
