Dining Table Centerpieces That Will Blow Your MInd

Dining room table centerpieces are commanding decor items. When looking for a decor item to accent your dining room, a table centerpiece will do the trick.

Dining Table Centerpieces

You could be like most people and use a vase filled with flowers as a centerpiece. Your dining room and kitchen table deserve greater attention and care. If you’re having difficulty making a decision, this is why we’re here, and rest assured we can help. 

A creative centerpiece on the dining table, however, can make your guests feel welcomed and set the atmosphere you’d like to have while entertaining your friends and family. As potlucks and buffets have become more popular, the importance of setting a beautiful and creative kitchen table started to ebb.

As you’ll see in the examples that we handpicked just for you, while flowers are popular, they’re not mandatory for when you want a new centerpiece. Whatever you decide to do, you want to let your creative juices flow. 

38 Amazing Dining Table Centerpiece Ideas 

After careful research by our team of in-house design experts, we created a list of the best centerpieces you’ll find in home across the country. 

Permanent Dining Table Centerpiece

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The most effortless centerpiece is one that is built into your dining table. Some tables come with a feature in the center, like this lighted table runner with clear crystal shapes.

A centerpiece is a dramatic focal point appropriate for the holidays and special events. When you don’t have to worry about your centerpiece arrangement year-round, you can focus on place settings and another home decor.  

Monochrome Dining Table Vases

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Another option for a dining table centerpiece is using cases and vessels that have the same color. If the color you choose is neutral – like these white vessels – it give you wide latitude in decorating for the season or for a particular theme, using the same vases each time.

All you have to do is change the color of your linens and lowers or materials that you place in and around them. This is a great idea if you don’t have a enough storage space for extra vases.

Green Kitchen Decor

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For a more organic look, use greenery and your dinner menu inspiration. Combining flowers, lush leaves or branches, along with produce or kitchen items can create a marvelous tableau.

You can always kick up the formality by adding some glitter elements or just add a multitude of votives for extra drama.

Minimalist Dining Table

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For those who are not into over-the-top dining table centerpieces, embracing minimalism, perhaps with a touch of the futuristic is a good option. You can also turn to this concept when time – or inspiration – is short.

Pull out a piece of dramatic serve ware or an interesting vessel and make it the star of the show with some metallic elements or pluck a single bloom and showcase it along with some branches from the backyard.

Natural Materials Dining Table

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This starkly adorned modern table represents one of the best centerpieces for a modern dining room. This dining table centerpiece idea relies on the stark nature of the branches and the fact that nothing else is added.

Similar branches can be purchased from floral supply, or you could use a larger piece of driftwood, an interesting log, or sections of bare branches that have a certain look. The other key to success with this look is keeping the rest of the table minimalist as well.

Potted Plant Dining Table Centerpiece

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A tight budget or an impromptu dinner don’t mean that you have to forego a centerpiece. Look to the potted plants you already have at home to take center stage on your dining table. One large plant is all you need, but if you don’t have one of those, a series of smaller pots can be used alone or with votives.

You could even make pots of kitchen herbs work for a centerpiece. Or, if it’s summertime or you’re in a warm climate, you might have an outdoor pot of flowering plants that come be brought in for the evening.

Fruit Decor Dining Table Centerpiece 

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With dining table centerpiece ideas, fruit is a no-brainer. Allow food to be the centerpiece idea. Here, a large bowl of red apples makes a dramatic focal point for this black dining set but would be equally striking in any dining room.

Green apples, autumn squash, artichokes, piles of grapes, but stick with a  produce theme. The secret to making a big impression is to fill the bowl or vessel you want to use for your centerpiece.

Favorite Flowers

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Flowers are the most common table centerpiece and for good reason. They bring in a touch of the outdoors, add color and enliven the table. You don’t need a traditional floral centerpiece. 

Instead of having larger bouquets of tulips, this setting uses single stems in a larger number of slim vases, which give the impression of abundance without breaking the bank. the can be done with all kinds of flowers and all types of containers.

Farmhouse Dining Room Table

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A luxe space can still host an elegant and casual dinner by making the table less formal. This setting uses a fringed, blanket-like throw as a tablecloth and includes basket win holders and plenty of loosely arranged flowers.

You can mix and match tableware of different sizes. Stay within the framework of the same color scheme and project a stylish vibe, despite the chandelier overhead. Most of all, the outdoor bistro-style armchairs lend spoonful of country casual flair.

Colorful Dining Table Centerpiece Ideas

As we continue on our journey through dining table centerpieces, the following ideas showcase elegance and originality. 

Beautiful Centerpiece

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We’re generally not fans of faux flowers, however, this setting mixes beautiful spring blooms on the table with oversized paper blossoms hanging from the ceiling. This is a great way to get maximum impact for a more modest budget.

The signs on this table are meant to indicate that love is love, no matter who the people involved. For other types of occasions, colorful signs –along with the flowers — can jazz up a neutral space.

Color Scheme

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In a tent-like room, surrounded by vibrant floral printed wall coverings, the flowers on the table do not need to be a big investment. Here, a modest number of blooms are used on the table while additional flowers are hung in sprays from the ceiling. The technique, along with the cocooning space, gives the feeling of being surrounded by flowers.

Floral Arrangement

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Occasionally, there just isn’t time — or a budget —  to go all out for a floral display. In those cases, choose a flower that you can afford to buy in a decent quantity and then make it be center stage in a clear glass case at the center of the table. This is great to pair with a minimalist place setting that carries through the restrained nature of the decor.

White Orchids

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If you’re lucky enough to have a long table, try using multiple vessels of the same style in different sizes and shapes. Overall, flowers make the best centerpieces when displayed with bouquets filled with the same flowers.

This creates a table setting that looks really abundant without using a ton of fresh flowers because the vessels are large but the necks are small, so they don’t need as many stems to be full

Dining Room Table Design

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A slightly more modest option is to have two arrangements on the table with some sort of tray or decor display in the middle. This could be a mirrored platter of candles, a tray of fruit or other seasonal material. Use your imagination because this is a wonderful way to add to the impact that two bouquets can have,

Green Thumb Centerpiece

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Not every table needs to have fresh cut flowers. Using potted plants either alone — or in combination with flowers — is a budget conscious way to set an interesting table. Here, some minimalist grasses and green plants have been placed in two dramatic, matching containers as part of the table decor.  The plants are paired with small decorative containers that pair well with the dark decor in the room.

Modern Style Centerpiece Lighting

Large chandelier over dining table

Plants, mixed with dried elements are highlighted with a very large, long lighting feature. Anytime you can add unusual lighting to a table centerpiece, you’re sure to make a design statement. The crystals that look like they are flowing from the end are another element that adds interest. This is a very imaginative way to create a dramatic table setting.

Traditional Dining Room Design

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Even a single potted plant can be a good centerpiece if you make it the highlight of the table. Try placing the plant on a tray or mirror to make it the focal point. You can always add votives or other candles when it’s time to serve dinner too.

Fruit And Assorted Items

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Accessories and fruits make for the best centerpieces when you want to achieve a tablescape. These types of items are ideal for creating a themed table as in this global setting. Gilded pomegranate-covered bowls pair well with natural wicker cloches that are accented with large feathers.

Around these larger pieces, fruits of all types are arranged, adding color and natural element to the table. Using a runner to define the center of the table helps draw the eye down the length of the display.

Kitchen Table Design

Large chandelier over dining table
Large chandelier over dining table

Greenery Dining Room Table Design

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In addition to flowers and potted plants, plain greenery, and pine cones make wonderful highlights. One idea is to start with a large tray and arrange a single glass vase to display a larger spray of greens.

Afterward, use large leaves around the bottom of candlesticks to fill out the tray at the center of the table. This is especially dramatic if the room already has plenty of green elements.

Pampas Grass Centerpiece

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Another budget-conscious option is to use multiple vases full of the same type of greenery, such as these eucalyptus stems. The repetition is great for making a statement without lots of cut flowers and the vases are all the same height, which creates a specific look. They are arranged in a specific order even though the colors are different.

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Similarly, this intimate table relies on a single vessel of greenery not just for impact but also because of table size. It’s a great example of how a smaller table can still have a magnificent setting when do use a bit of creativity. By placing the dandelion sculpture near the table, the metal vase of greens can play off the artwork and make the table seem larger.

Large chandelier over dining table

If you want a table setting to be over the top, try adding greenery or something dramatic on the floor. Even if you choose to play it simple, the mixture of evergreen and dried branches create an abundant, woodsy setting that is a touch rustic yet still refined.

While the upholstery resembles tree bark, you could achieve the same idea with your own dining set by using a tablecloth, placemats or other elements that play up the forest vibe.

Fresh Herbs Centerpiece

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The bowl of fruit you keep on your counter can also serve as a centerpiece for your dinner table. Add some candles and all your tableware and you’ll have a table setting that is ideal for any dinner with friends or family. There’s no reason you can’t repurpose things for a centerpiece!

Flowers and Fruit

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For a really dramatic table, combine your favorite fresh flowers with an abundance of fruit for the centerpiece. The lush blooms, plentiful greenery and cascades of grapes and other fruits make it look like it’s positively bursting.

In this setting, the luxe factor is high because of the fresh floral panels that are at the corners, but the table setting on its own is super. With a centerpiece so full and lush, minimalist place settings work well because they don’t detract from the overall look.

Modern Art Centerpiece

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If you’re feeling really creative, try coming up with a tablescape that includes none of the typical table decor: no flowers, fruit, greenery or vases. This particular table plays on the concept of “the elephant in the room” and has as its focal point the mesh elephant hanging from the ceiling.

With such a dramatic thing overhead, the table is a simple minimalist style, with LED lighted chargers underneath each dark dinner plate. With this bold decor, a minimum of items on the table is the best choice.

Artful Arrangement Dining Table

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If this doesn’t redefine your idea of a beautiful centerpiece, there’s a good chance you’re incapable of enjoying the finer things in life. 

Dining Room Table Candles

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Creating lots of drama with a minimum of flowers — or none at all — is possible when you use lots of candles. Whether you gather up every size and shape or stick with one type and size, more is more when it comes to candles.

Turn down the lights and fire up the wicks and you’ll instantly have a dramatic atmosphere for dinner. Candles make everyone look good and make for a warm, moody vibe. This table uses a few orchid plants interspersed among a collection of tapers, which are an elegant shape and a little less commonly used these days.

Large chandelier over dining table

Even without flowers, candles are still a great option. An interesting holder with multiple bases is a clean, contemporary look for a centerpiece, whether being used during dinner or just as decor. Simple fixtures like these allow for versatility when it comes to tableware or adding other elements. Have extra time?  You can add different items to jazz up the candleholder too.

Posies and Personalization

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This dining table centerpiece has a little bit of everything — plus something really special. The tablescape includes candles, flowers, fruit, greenery and more. But what really distinguishes the table is the personalized chair covers for each guest.

This would be a wonderful thing to do for a very special occasion. If you happen to be handy with machine embroidery, it would be easy to personalize ready-made chair covers. Even iron-on letters could be used to embellish chair covers.

Vessels and Vases

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For a very cost-conscious centerpiece, just use a large and interesting vessel that you already own. Or, invest in one that you can use repeatedly for different dinners.

It’s a great way to highlight a favorite artful vase or vessel. If it happens to be by an artist that you really like, the piece is also a great conversation starter during the meal.

Centerpieces With Different Sizes

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Or, instead of one large piece, use a collection of pots, vases and vessels to create a low-maintenance tablescape. With or without candles, this is an interesting way to create a centerpiece that doesn’t require buying anything new.

Shop your own collection around the house and pull pieces that you think might work well together and then edit the pieces until you come up with an ensemble that you really like.

Modern Vase Dining Table Centerpiece

Large chandelier over dining table

Dining Table Cloches

Large chandelier over dining table

Glass cloches are an excellent item to use for centerpieces. Either singly or in multiples. you can put absolutely anything in them. Fruit, flowers, food — anything your heart desires.  You’ll want to avoid candles inside a cloche because the lack of oxygen will cause them to go out rather quickly.

Cloches are really dramatic, especially if you place food under them as the centerpiece and then later lift them all for guests to have access to what’s inside.

Home Decor Accessories

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Last but not least, all your home decor accessories are potential fodder for a table centerpiece. Candles, figurines, sculptures, birdhouses, puts, tools — just about anything can play a role in your table centerpiece with a bit of creativity.

Follow a theme and them pull in all the things that you own that will fit. Try out different combinations and find what works best. Sometimes, it might just be a few accessories and other times, it might be a centerpiece bursting with items.

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Your dining room table can be anything you want. This example features bench-style seating and in line with the modern farmhouse aesthetic.

Modern Pendant Lighting

Large chandelier over dining table

As you can see, the options for table centerpieces are many and have nothing to do with having a big budget. Sure, an explosion of fresh flowers down the middle of the dining table makes a magnificent setting. Other arrangements can also have the same impact. Get creative and try different things.

If you’re a little less crafty or don’t think you can dream up something really novel, then stick with a safer choice like lots of candles or a single vase full of greens. the important thing is to have something to anchor your table and make guests feel welcome.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ

How Do I Choose A Centerpiece For A Dining Room Table?

One popular method is to place two candles on either side of a vase filled with a rich bouquet of flowers. For something more contemporary, try candles or botanical decor in odd-numbered groups. Also, you don’t need to use just one vase. You can use a few small vases and small flowers to create a more intimate and delicate table atmosphere. 

How Tall Should A Dining Room Table Centerpiece Be?

As a general guideline, you’ll want to keep your tall pieces at 24” or higher and your short pieces at 12” or under. Some clients are hesitant about using tall centerpieces. If your client decides to nix the talls, you’ll need to adjust your decor accordingly.

What Is The Most Popular Form Of Centerpieces?

Centrepieces are a major part of the decoration for a wedding reception, being used widely at wedding receptions with flowers being the most popular form of centrepieces.

Can I Use A Fish Tank As A Dining Room Table Centerpiece?

With the right design, and DIY fish tank would be a stylish and original table centerpiece. You wouldn’t want the tank to have big top should the fish splash water onto your table.

Also, choose the right fish for the tank. Some fish breeds get nervous or excited when other people are in the same room or too close to the tank.

What Would Be A Gender Neutral Idea For A Table Centerpiece?

A safe gender neutral centerpiece would be a colorful balloon bouquet. If you didn’t want to go with something colorful, then neutral tones like white, silver, and gray would be a pleasant touch. 

Dining Table Centerpieces Conclusion

A dining room table isn’t the same without a centerpiece. Choosing a centerpiece decor item for your table is easy. Floral arrangements are home design favorite. Decorative bowls are also popular. 

You don’t need to hire an interior designer to help you find or create a table centerpiece. How hard is it to shop for votive candles or create an artful arrangement with vibrant blooms for your dining room table? A 12-year-old could get the job the done as well as anyone else.

A table centerpiece should be a beautiful addition to your dining room. Anything less would be a design failure. For full effect, consider your natural light sources. Don’t be afraid to go beyond a glass vase and fresh flowers when creating dining table centerpieces.