How to Make Your Summer Dining Room Feel Cozy with Just a Few Easy Changes
Featuring my favorite block print tablecloth!
Let’s talk dining rooms for a sec. Not the stiff, formal kind. I mean the kind you want to hang out in. Where the chairs are soft, the lighting is warm, and it feels just as comfy as your favorite reading nook.
Now, here’s a little backstory: growing up, our dining room was all wood. Wood table, wood chairs, no rug—just linoleum underfoot. It was practical. Easy to clean. Definitely kid-proof. But cozy? Not exactly. Here's an example of what it looked like...if you understand this, then you're my people haha.
Fast forward to today—I’ve got two kids, three pets, and a serious love for cozy layers. And guess what? My dining room is still clean and totally livable… but now it’s soft, welcoming, and ready for everything from pancakes to game night.
Let me show you how I made it happen—without giving up style (or sanity).
It All Starts with Fabric
If you’re only using your table to eat, you’re missing out. I always say the dining table is prime real estate for decorating, especially in the summer.
I started this refresh with one of my favorite pieces—a block print tablecloth in the prettiest green. It instantly lightened the whole space and gave it that relaxed, cottagey feel I love.
I layered in:
A textured scalloped-edge napkin
Vintage-inspired dishes
And yes, even green books stacked with faux eucalyptus in a wicker basket—because I have to have books on every surface :)
This combo adds softness and depth. A tablecloth may seem simple, but it changes everything.
Cozy Can Still Be Kid- and Pet-Friendly
Let’s just settle this now: slipcovers are not just for fancy houses or formal dining. They're a mom's best friend. I used a slipcovered chairs on one side of our table and the head chairs and a mix of painted white chairs on the other side. Easy to wash, super forgiving, and adds that cozy, layered look.
Add a soft throw blanket over the side of a chair and boom—you've got comfort and charm.
Soften the Hard Surfaces
One of the biggest mistakes people make with dining rooms? Too many hard surfaces. Wood floors, wood table, hard chairs—it can feel cold. That’s why I always bring in a big jute rug to ground the space. It adds warmth, texture, and keeps the chairs from scraping (bonus!).
And don’t be afraid of rugs under your table—especially something durable like jute. It’s basically built for real life...plus, it hides allll the crumbs and is super easy to clean when needed.
Mix, Match, & Make It Yours
Here’s what I love:
Mismatched plates still feel intentional when you stick to one color palette
Vintage textures like doilies, old books, and brass candlesticks give warmth and personality
Layered lighting (hello candles!) brings in that soft, glowy vibe that makes people want to linger after dinner
Nothing has to match. Nothing has to be new. It just has to feel like you.
Clean, Even with Chaos
Okay—let’s talk reality. I’ve got three animals and two kids. And my dining room still looks and feels clean. It’s not magic—it’s just being intentional:
Slipcovers = toss in the wash
Durable rugs = easy vacuum or shake out
Layered decor = hides the random crumbs and life that happens
I promise, you can have cozy and still have clean. You just need the right pieces.
Let’s Talk Pattern Play
One of my favorite parts of this summer setup is how all the patterns play nice together. It might seem like a lot—block print, buffalo check, and florals—but when you keep the tones cohesive, it just works.
The block print tablecloth gives that breezy, vintage summer feel.
The green and white buffalo check napkins with ruffle trim add texture and a touch of cottage charm.
And the floral throw blanket draped over the chair brings in softness and ties the whole palette together.
The key? Stick to a similar color family (in this case, soft greens and neutrals), vary the scale of the patterns, and don’t overthink it. Cozy doesn’t mean matchy-matchy—it means layered, collected, and lived-in.
Your dining room doesn’t have to be formal or off-limits. Let it be soft. Let it be layered. Let it be a space where your family wants to gather and stay. With just a few simple updates—like a tablecloth, a cozy rug, and a little texture—you can completely transform the vibe.
Get The Look
(click on picture to take you to store):
Wicker basket, vintage books & candles – all thrifted! Green tea towel, butter pats, and small bowls are all from Hobby Lobby.
Have you softened up your dining room for summer yet? I'd love to see it—tag me @thriftyandchicdecor on instagram so I can cheer you on 💚
xo,
Alicia
Thrifty & Chic
Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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