It’s that time of year again! The Ideal Home Dining Room Awards are back for 2026, and there’s no better way to celebrate the innovative brands and products that have made our dining room this year.
From tables and chairs Lighting Think, our panel of experts shine the spotlight on the best of the best in every corner of the dining room. So, if you’re looking for dining room inspiration, you’ll find a round-up of our winners and much-admired retailers below.
Ideal Home Dining Room of the Year: Furniture Village Tiber Draw Leaf Extending Dining Table and Cantilever Dining Chairs
(Image credit: Furniture Village)
The best dining rooms are those that combine simple functionality with elegant looks for the ultimate hosting experience. And this is where This set from Furniture Village the best
‘I’m a fan of this Furniture The Village Dining Table for its smart and very smooth extendable function, as well as the ceramic tabletop that looks like luxurious travertine stone,’ says Sara Hesikova, Room Decor Editor Ideal home.
‘Just look at this dining table and chair set. Can’t you just imagine sitting there for hours and hours with friends and family over a lovely long lunch or a delicious dinner? The luxe-look dining table extends from a six-seater to an eight-seater and the cantilever chairs will keep you comfortable no matter how long the get-together lasts.’ Ideal home.
Retailer of the Year: Oak Furnitureland
(Image credit: Oak Furnitureland)
From tableware to furniture, the best dining room retailer should have it all. Oak Furnitureland It certainly does, with quality design and timeless appeal to boot.
‘If you haven’t seen the Oak Furnitureland range in person, I urge you to visit the showroom,’ explains Ginevra. They are very well made and feel like they will last a lifetime.’
‘The lifetime furniture guarantee is what finally sold me on being Retailer of the Year on Oak Furnitureland as it shows that this is a company that really believes in its products,’ adds Sara.
‘I also love the many space-saving dining solutions the brand offers and are made from quality solid oakwood.’
Much appreciated: Furniture Village
Best Dining Table: Oak Furnitureland Bentley Dining Table
(Image credit: Oak Furnitureland)
Many households know all too well how difficult it can be to create an environment that can comfortably host friends and family without being strapped for space. Hence the extended dining table, viz This is from Oak Furniturelandis a game changer.
‘This dining table is versatile. Perfect for the dining room, open plan space or kitchen, it has two butterfly leaves which expand it from an eight seater to a 10 seater – perfect for Christmas and special occasions. It’s also made from solid oak, so it’s built to last,’ Ginevra explains.
Much appreciated: West Elm Aubin Dining Table
Best Dining Chair: Atkin and Thyme Cora Oak Dining Chair in Olive Green Boucle
(Image credit: Atkin and Thyme)
Boucle is one of those trends that we keep coming back to, and Atkin and Thyme’s colorway puts a sophisticated spin on the classic fabric.
‘Between the contemporary yet timeless shape with the curved back, the honeyed solid oak material perfectly complemented by the olive green upholstery, it’s a clear winner in my eyes,’ says Sara.
‘A design classic in the making, Cora’s timeless, mid-century look is given a contemporary twist with boucle fabric,’ adds Heather Young, Editor-in-Chief Ideal home.
Best Dining Room Lighting: Industville Alabaster Stone Slope Pendant Light
(Image credit: Industville)
Lighting is key to setting the tone in a dining room, and This pendant from Industville Adds an elegant touch to any scheme.
‘This light has instantly gone on my wish-list,’ says Heather. ‘The lovely soft light from the alabaster globe diffuser is perfect for a relaxed dinner.’
‘I find the finishing on this pendant light very beautiful and unique. Especially when it comes to alabaster-finish bulbs – I haven’t seen this anywhere else before,’ adds Sara.
Best Storage Furniture: Bisley Fern Peak
(Image credit: Bisley)
Storage is key to an organized dining room, and Bisley’s Fern Peak Putting joy into efficiency. ‘Investing in a Bisley fern cabinet is the perfect way to add a pop of color to your dining room as it comes with over 20 different colors to choose from,’ says Sara.
‘Reeded glass panels enhance the design, making it one of the most stylish ways to store crockery in the dining room.’
Much appreciated: Cotswold Company Inglesham whitewash oak glass display cabinet
Best tableware and crockery: Fleur by Villeroy & Boch
(Image credit: Villeroy & Boch)
Tableware is an essential part of dining room decor, and This collection from Villeroy & Boch Making pulling together the perfect look easier than ever. ‘Here’s an instant way to up your tablescaping game without even trying!’ says Heather.
‘I love the mix and match approach with the range of colors and products in this collection so you can create a plan that works for you.’
Much appreciated: Spode Heritage Green Italian
‘One small step’ for sustainability – Dining room: Alternative flooring, Eco-Core
(Image credit: Alternative Flooring)
‘These days it’s quite common to see products made from recycled materials, but a carpet that’s made from recycled materials and can be completely recycled at the end of its life (so it doesn’t end up in a landfill) is commendable,’ says Ginevra.
‘This Super soft, wool-like flooring Also comes in a choice of 10 classic colours.’
Judges
Heather Young
Heather Young has been Ideal homeEditor from the end of 2020, and Editor-in-Chief from 2023. Having recently completed a kitchen extension project, he knows first-hand what it takes to make a kitchen-dining space your own.
Genevera has been Benedetti’s deputy editor Ideal home Magazine from 2021, first joined the team in 2011. She oversees the brand’s magazine publication, and has written about every area of the home—from shopping and decorating to kitchens and bathrooms.
Sara has been a content editor at Hesikova Ideal home Starting from June 2024, titled as News Writer in July 2023. It still is Ideal Home Certified Specialist in Training on Furnitureand specializes in living rooms, bedrooms, hallways, home offices and dining rooms.
Congratulations to all the winners and highly commended retailers at this year’s Ideal Home Dining Room Awards. We hope this provides you with plenty of inspiration for your own dining room plans.
