Turn the tables

It's the most important piece of furniture in any dining room, and usually the focal point. So updating your dining table to a contemporary style is a quick win. There are lots of shapes and silhouettes to choose from, from modern dining table and bench sets to more traditional wooden dining tables fit for the smartest dinner parties. Work out how many people will use it, and how often. Then pick the piece that best suits your needs.

Pull up a chair

 Naturally, an updated dining table needs updated dining chairs. And the choices are just as broad. Upholstered velvet dining chairs look the most luxurious. Or, to give your old dining room an industrial edge, opt for leather dining chairs with copper or brass legs.

Wonder wall

To update an old dining room without having to grab a paint brush, wall art, wall sculptures and mirrors are your best bet. A gallery wall of vintage maps or movie posters will recreate a French bistro – the new way to do old. While large mirrors on bare walls will add light and create an illusion of space, completely changing your dining room's vibe.

Lighten up

Light's important – both natural and artificial. To update a dark and dated dining room, contemporary lighting is a bright idea. Use floor lamps to add ambience to big dining rooms. Or if your space is on the smaller side, wall lamps are your best bet – pick mixed metals for an industrial dining room, or wall lamps with fabric shades for a more traditional space.

Top it off 

Dining accessories are the icing on the cake when it comes to updating your dining room. A concrete or brass vase makes a stylish centrepiece, while complementary gold cutlery and pink dinner sets will make a space feel super modern. Plus, they look great on the 'Gram.