10 Restoration Hardware Dining Room Ideas: My Favorite RH-Inspired Dining Room Styles & Layout Tricks

Last year, a client asked me if we could make their tiny dining nook feel like a Restoration Hardware catalog page without tearing down any walls. At first, I thought, “Well… we might need a magic wand for that.” But after some laughs and sketching, I realized small spaces can actually push us to be more creative. Today, I’m sharing my 10 favorite Restoration Hardware–inspired dining room ideas that I’ve used in real homes — complete with style notes, layout tricks, and a few lessons from my own design bloopers.

1. Go Oversized with the Table

One of my favorite RH signatures is the unapologetically oversized dining table. Even in a smaller room, a large, rustic wood table can make the space feel important. The trick is to pair it with benches or armless chairs so movement stays fluid. I once used this trick in a condo dining layout where the table doubled as a homework desk.

save pin

2. Mix Textures Like a Pro

Restoration Hardware isn’t all about one material — think weathered oak with linen, or steel with leather. This layering adds depth and prevents a “catalog showroom” feel. In one project, we kept the palette neutral but swapped chair fabrics for subtle contrast, which instantly warmed up the room.

save pin

3. Statement Lighting Is Non‑Negotiable

If there’s one RH move I swear by, it’s anchoring the dining space with an oversized chandelier. Low-hanging but not in-your-face, it adds drama and defines the area. Just watch your sight lines — you don’t want your guests peeking around a giant metal hoop to make eye contact.

save pin

4. Wall Art on a Grand Scale

Instead of many small frames, think one or two massive art pieces for that gallery vibe. I once sourced a vintage map that stretched almost the whole wall, and it brought instant RH cred without the price tag.

save pin

5. Neutral Doesn’t Mean Boring

Yes, RH loves its neutrals, but the magic is in the tones — warm greys, subtle taupes, creamy whites. Layering these shades with varied materials makes the room timeless. Using a visual floor plan helped my clients see how different neutrals play together before buying a thing.

save pin

6. Play with Scale in Accessories

A chunky ceramic vase or an absurdly tall candlestick can make a dining table feel styled without clutter. Just don’t overdo it — your guests still need space for their plates!

save pin

7. Vintage + Modern Mix

RH often blends old-world charm with clean modern touches. I like to sneak in one vintage sideboard against a streamlined wall shelf. The mix keeps the room feeling curated, not copy-pasted.

save pin

8. Use Texture on the Walls

Think beyond paint: wood paneling, limewash, or grasscloth can add the tactile depth RH designs are famous for. In one dining room, we used reclaimed wood cladding, and pairing it with an open-concept kitchen layout made the whole space flow beautifully.

save pin

9. Anchor with a Rug

While some fear rugs under the dining table, the right flatweave defines the space and absorbs sound. Just choose something washable, especially if red wine is in your dinner rotation.

save pin

10. Bring in Dramatic Greenery

From a tall olive tree in the corner to simple eucalyptus branches in a vase, greenery softens the strong furniture lines. Bonus: it’s the easiest seasonal refresh you can do without a budget crisis.

save pin

FAQ

Q: Can I make a small dining room feel like RH without overspending?

A: Absolutely. Focus on scale, texture, and one statement piece instead of a full suite of RH furniture.

Q: What’s the most important RH element to invest in?

A: Lighting. A well-chosen chandelier can set the tone for the whole room.

Q: How do I keep neutrals from looking flat?

A: Layer different warmths and textures — think linen, oak, and brushed metal all in the same palette.