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 transformed our dining rooms this year.
From tables and chairs to lighting ideas, our panel of experts have judged every corner of the dining room to shine a spotlight on the best of the best. So, if you’re searching for dining room inspiration, you’ll find our round up of winners and highly commended retailers below.
Ideal Home’s Dining Room of the Year: Furniture Village Tiber Draw Leaf Extending Dining Table and Cantilever Dining Chairs
The best dining room is one that combines effortless functionality with sleek appearances for the ultimate hosting experience. And this is where this set from Furniture Village excels.
‘I’m a fan of this Furniture Village dining table for its smart and very smooth extendable function, as well as the ceramic tabletop that looks just like luxurious travertine stone,’ says Sara Hesikova, Room Decor Editor at Ideal Home.
‘Just look at this dining table and chair set. Can’t you imagine sitting there over a lovely long lunch or a delicious dinner with friends and family for hours and hours? The luxe-look dining table extends out from a six seater to an eight seater and the cantilever chairs will keep you comfy no matter how long your get-together lasts,’ adds Ginevra Benedetti, Deputy Editor at Ideal Home.
Retailer of the Year: Oak Furnitureland
From tableware to furniture, the best dining room retailer should have it all. Oak Furnitureland certainly does, with quality design and timeless appeal to boot.
‘If you haven’t seen Oak Furnitureland’s ranges in person, I urge you to get to a showroom,’ explains Ginevra. They’re so well made and feel like they’ll last several lifetimes.’
‘The lifetime furniture guarantee is what ultimately sold me on Oak Furnitureland as the retailer of the year as it shows this is a company that truly believes in its products,’ adds Sara.
‘I also love the many space-saving dining solutions the brand has on offer and that they’re made from quality solid oakwood.’
Highly Commended: Furniture Village
Best Dining Table: Oak Furnitureland Bentley Dining Table
Many households know all too well how tricky it can be to create an environment that can comfortably host friends and family without feeling stuck for space. That’s why extendable dining tables, like this one from Oak Furnitureland, are a gamechanger.
‘This dining table is so versatile. Perfect for dining rooms, open plan spaces or kitchens, it features two butterfly leaves that extends it from an eight-seater to a roomy 10 seater - perfect for Christmas and special occasions. It’s made from solid oak too, so it’s built to last,’ explains Ginevra.
Highly Commended: West Elm Aubin Dining Table
Best Dining Chair: Atkin & Thyme Cora Oak Dining Chair in Olive Green Boucle
Boucle is one of those trends that we keep coming back to, and Atkin & Thyme’s colourway puts a sophisticated spin on the classic fabric.
‘Between the contemporary yet timeless shape with a 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, the Cora’s timeless, mid-century looks have been given a contemporary twist with the boucle fabric,’ adds Heather Young, Editor in Chief at Ideal Home.
Best Dining Room Lighting: Industville Alabaster Stone Slope Pendant Light
Lighting is key for setting the tone in a dining room, and this pendant from Industville adds an elegant touch to any scheme.
‘This light has immediately gone on my wish-list,’ says Heather. ‘The beautifully soft light from the alabaster globe diffuser is perfect for relaxed dinners.’
‘I find the finish on this pendant light both very beautiful and unique. Especially when it comes to the alabaster-finish bulb – I haven’t seen that anywhere else before,’ adds Sara.
Best Storage Furniture: Bisley Fern Peek
Storage is key for an organised dining room, and Bisley’s Fern Peek puts the fun in functionality. ‘Investing in the Bisley Fern cabinet is the perfect way to add a pop of colour into your dining room as it comes with over 20 different colourways to choose from,’ says Sara.
‘The reeded glass panels elevate the design, making it one of the most stylish ways to store crockery in the dining room.’
Highly Commended: The Cotswold Company Inglesham Whitewash Oak Glass Display Cabinet
Best Tableware and Crockery: Fleur by Villeroy & Boch
Tableware is an essential part of dining room decor, and this collection from Villeroy & Boch makes it easier than ever to pull together the perfect look. ‘This is how to instantly up your tablescaping game without even trying!’ says Heather.
‘I love the mix and match approach to this collection with its range of colours and products so you can create a scheme that works for you.’
Highly Commended: Spode Heritage Green Italian
‘One Small Step’ for Sustainability – Dining Rooms: Alternative Flooring, Echo-CoRE
‘It’s fairly common to see products made from recycled materials these days, but a carpet that is made from recycled material and fully recyclable at the end of its life (so it doesn't end up in landfill) is to be praised,’ says Ginevra.
‘This super soft, wool-like flooring comes in a choice of 10 classic colours, too.’
The Judges
Congratulations to all of the winners and highly commended retailers in this year's Ideal Home Dining Room Awards. We hope this has provided you with plenty of inspiration for your own dining room schemes.
