Yay! It’s reveal day for our Summer Dining Room! Simple dogwood stems, fresh greenery and layered texture create an effortless summer tablescape anyone can recreate.
Today I’m excited to share a tour of our simple summer dining room, filled with easy styling ideas, DIY furniture, and seasonal accents that keep the room light and welcoming.
I wanted to finish one more room for summer before we start replacing the flooring next month. It’s been a busy season here — we even had a flood from a busted refrigerator filter earlier this summer — so finishing this space felt like a small victory.
For this refresh I focused on using pieces I already own, mixing in just a couple of new items that brought the whole look together. Using existing decor keeps costs down and makes the process more sustainable while still feeling fresh.
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The turquoise dinnerware is new this season and provides the perfect pop of summer color. For the centerpiece I borrowed dogwood stems from my summer mantel just for the photos — don’t tell anyone! The soft white blooms and verdant stems bring a casual, garden-fresh vibe to the table.
Everything else is a mix of thrifted or handmade items from around the house. One small new addition was a textured utensil caddy that works well as a tabletop accent and is equally useful for summer picnics or casual outdoor meals.
A fun fact about this room: I built all of the furniture myself. When we moved into this home more than seven years ago we had very little furniture and a tight budget. I started looking for bargains online and at secondhand shops, and when I couldn’t find pieces I loved I learned to build them. The farmhouse table, bench and console are all DIY projects that saved money and allowed me to customize scale, finish and detailing.
I also made the curtains. Turning simple drop cloths or basic fabric from the store into striped, tailored panels is an affordable way to get the exact look you want, and sewing or hemming curtains is a project most makers can complete in a weekend.
I love transforming everyday supplies from the hardware store into attractive, functional furnishings. A few coats of paint, simple joinery and a bit of distressing can turn pine boards and inexpensive materials into heirloom-style pieces that fit your home perfectly.
Back to the tablescape: I kept the styling relaxed and intentional. A strong centerpiece, layered textures, and thoughtfully chosen colors are all you need. For summer, I prefer lighter textiles, natural fibers and pops of color like turquoise to keep the mood upbeat.
A pretty plate, a cloth napkin and a simple napkin ring are all it takes to make individual place settings feel special. Add a woven charger or placemat for texture, and layer with glassware that complements your color palette. Small details like napkin styles and candle holders make a big impact without being fussy.
Sources for my Summer Dining Room
- Hyacinth placemat chargers (similar styles available at home decor stores)
- DIY beach-inspired framed canvas art (tutorial on the blog)
- DIY media console (tutorial)
- DIY farmhouse table (tutorial)
- DIY farmhouse bench (tutorial)
- Striped drop cloth curtains (DIY tutorial)
- Turquoise dinnerware
- Turquoise goblets
- Napkins with pom trim (found at many craft and home stores)
- Locust-style napkin rings (similar options available online and in stores)
- Wood candle sconces
- Dogwood stems (artificial or fresh stems work well)
- Teak wood vase (vintage or handcrafted options)
- Wicker chairs or similar rattan seating
- Medallion throw pillows
My goal was to create a summer dining room that feels bright, comfortable, and approachable. Whether you build furniture, repurpose thrifted finds, or refresh what you already own, a simple tablescape and a few seasonal touches can completely change the feel of a room.
More Posts You Will Love:
- The Best Summer Decorating Ideas
- Summer Favorites Printable & more!
- 25+ Stunning Summer Fireplace Mantel Decor Ideas
I hope this tour inspires you to freshen your own dining room for the season. Small updates—swapping in colorful plates, adding natural stems, layering textiles, or building one custom piece—can create a welcoming space you’ll enjoy all summer long.