10 Dining Room Buffet Decorating Ideas: Creative Buffet Styling Tips from a Designer’s Own ProjectsElena FairmontSep 24, 2025Table of Contents1. Layered Artwork2. Seasonal Centerpiece Swap3. Add a Lamp4. Statement Mirror5. Styled Tray6. Personal Touches7. Mix Heights8. Play with Texture9. Anchor with Plants10. Flexible Entertaining ZoneFAQTable of Contents1. Layered Artwork2. Seasonal Centerpiece Swap3. Add a Lamp4. Statement Mirror5. Styled Tray6. Personal Touches7. Mix Heights8. Play with Texture9. Anchor with Plants10. Flexible Entertaining ZoneFAQFree Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREEOnce, a client handed me a vintage buffet cabinet and said, “Make it feel like Paris in the 50s.” I laughed, but deep down I was thrilled—small challenges like this always spark my best ideas. Over the years, I’ve learned that styling a buffet isn’t just about pretty décor. It’s about creating a moment, a mood, and yes, a bit of drama in your dining room. Today I’m sharing 10 buffet decorating ideas straight from my projects—proof that small spaces can ignite big creativity. If you’re rethinking your dining layout too, my recent room planner project might give you extra inspiration.1. Layered ArtworkI love to lean a large art piece against the wall, then layer smaller frames in front. It feels effortless, but still curated. The only trick? Watch the proportions so it doesn’t overwhelm the serving surface.save pin2. Seasonal Centerpiece SwapRotate a statement vase or sculpture with the seasons—tulips in spring, pumpkins in autumn. It keeps the buffet fresh and gives you an excuse to visit the flower market.save pin3. Add a LampA buffet lamp adds height and ambiance instantly. I once used mismatched lamps for a bold, eclectic look—it’s not for everyone, but in the right room it works magic.save pin4. Statement MirrorA big mirror above the buffet not only makes the space feel bigger, but also bounces light during dinner parties. Frameless styles feel modern, gilded frames feel classic.save pin5. Styled TrayGroup smaller items—a candle, small vase, coasters—on a tray. It keeps the countertop from feeling cluttered, while still letting you show personality.save pin6. Personal TouchesFamily photos, travel souvenirs, or ceramic pieces you’ve collected over the years make the buffet uniquely yours. In a recent project, I used pieces from my client’s honeymoon in Morocco as accents, styled alongside a dining floor plan mockup we created for flow and balance.save pin7. Mix HeightsUse objects with varying heights—tall candlesticks, medium vases, low bowls. The eye dances across the arrangement instead of landing in one flat line.save pin8. Play with TextureCombine glass, wood, ceramic, and metal. For one modern space, I paired a velvet runner with hammered brass candleholders—it was an unexpected mix that guests loved.save pin9. Anchor with PlantsEven one lush plant can bring life. I’ve used trailing pothos in a tall urn for drama; just remember to protect the surface from water stains with a mat or plate.save pin10. Flexible Entertaining ZoneKeep a section clear so it can work as a serving station during parties. In one installation, this area doubled as a wine bar—planned entirely in my kitchen layout draft so the flow made sense.save pinFAQQ: Should my buffet décor match my table setting?A: Not exactly. I like them to complement each other, but the buffet can be a bit bolder—it’s like the supporting actor who sometimes steals the scene.Q: How much space should I leave clear?A: At least one-third of the buffet top should be kept open for function and visual breathing room.Start for FREEPlease check with customer service before testing new feature.Free Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREE