A formal dining room isn’t just a place to eat — it’s a social space for everything from holiday celebrations, to birthday gatherings, to special moments with loved ones. Whether your home has a dedicated formal dining space, or you’re just wanting to give your existing space a refresh to make it more suitable for entertaining guests, it’s completely normal to have questions about furnishing it. In our experience online and in our furniture showrooms, one repeat question we hear from shoppers is “How much will it cost to furnish my formal dining room?”
As you’re likely aware, formal dining spaces have their own unique features and cost considerations. Unlike more casual dining rooms, kitchen dining areas, or breakfast nooks, a little bit more goes into furnishing a formal dining room. But exactly how much? And what pieces of furniture are really essential? It’s easy to feel intimidated, but by the end of this short guide, you’ll have nothing to worry about.
Today’s goal is two-fold — to walk you through the core furniture pieces you’ll need for a formal dining room, and to break down typical pricing so you can plan your formal dining room (and your budget) confidently. Keep scrolling for our helpful breakdown below!
[Editor’s Note: Refurnishing more rooms than just this one? Don’t miss other guides in our “How Much to Furnish a Room?” Series here.]
[Important Disclaimer: The cost estimates in this article are based on typical furniture prices available in the U.S. market as of September 2025, including what you can generally expect to find at Woodstock Furniture & Mattress Outlet. These ranges are intended as a helpful guide, not a guarantee. Actual prices may vary over time due to changes in materials, manufacturing, supply chains, shipping and availability.]
The Quick Answer
For shoppers in our market, the cost of furnishing a complete formal dining room can vary depending on quality and budget. Generally speaking, the cost is as follows:
Entry-Level Budget: $1,400 – $4,500
Mid-Level Budget: $4,500 – $10,500
High-End Budget: $10,500+
These estimates are based on the range of prices you can find in our own showroom on the essential furniture pieces we list in the section below. However, please note that both cheaper and more expensive options may exist, and that there are optional pieces, upgrades, and alternatives to consider that are not included in these figures.
Reusing furniture pieces you already own or shopping second-hand, clearance, or as-is furniture can certainly bring the cost down considerably, but today we’re really focusing on the typical cost of brand new furniture. Below, we’ll break down the specific furniture pieces you’ll likely want to consider for your new formal dining room, and some typical prices for them.
Core Furniture Costs for Formal Dining Rooms
The pieces on the chart below are items that we’ve determined to be essential furniture for most formal dining rooms:
Item | Price (Entry-Level to High-End) |
Dining Set (w/ 6 to 8 Dining Chairs) | $500 – $7,250+ |
Buffet / Server / Sideboard | $400 – $4,000+ |
China Cabinet / Hutch | $500 – $3,000+ |
Total | $1,400 – $14,250+ |
Optional / Upgrade Items to Consider
With formal dining rooms, there is the assumption that this space will be used for special occasions and for entertaining guests in the home. For this reason, dining sets, buffets, serving tables, sideboards, or China cabinets are considered standard. Beyond these items, you may also want to consider:
- Area rugs
- Coordinating wall art
- Tablescapes and centerpieces
- Additional dining chairs for large gatherings
- Decorative mirrors and lighting fixtures to make the space feel even grander
Factors That Influence Formal Dining Room Cost
Beyond what we’ve discussed already, there are a few additional factors that can impact the overall cost of furnishing your new formal dining space, including:
- Table Size – Typically, the greater the seating capacity, the higher the cost. A grand dining table perfect for entertaining a large group of guests, will understandably be more expensive than something quaint and casual.
- Quality of Material & Craftsmanship – Dining tables and sets come in a wide variety of materials and build qualities. A 120” long solid wood live-edge dining table made domestically will cost more than a modest, imported dining set made with a combination of veneers and solids.
- Buying a Dining Set vs. Mixing-and-Matching – Most often, buying a complete dining set (i.e. a dining table with matching chairs) winds up being more convenient and affordable than buying chairs a la carte. If you can find a full set that you like, it may save you time, hassle and expense.
3 Smart Shopping Tips for Formal Dining Rooms
- Measure your space to ensure proper clearance around the table for chairs and movement. Better yet, go ahead and read our guide to finding the right size dining table for you!
- Seriously consider expandable tables with table leaves for maximum flexibility no matter how many dinner guests you’ve got coming over.
- If you entertain a lot and your dining room gets frequent use, be sure to choose durable pieces built well enough to last for years to come.
Shopping for Dining Sets or Other Dining Furniture? Come See Us!
Furnishing your formal dining room is an investment in both function and atmosphere. By choosing pieces that fit your style, budget, and space, you’ll create a place where guests feel welcome and meals with loved ones feel extra special. Here at Woodstock Furniture & Mattress Outlet we’d love to help you explore options that bring your vision to life — all within the budget that fits you best. See you soon at any of our North Georgia or Metro Atlanta furniture stores!
For more helpful guides just like this one for other rooms in your home, browse the rest of our How Much to Furnish a Room Series below:
- How Much Does It Cost to Furnish a Casual Dining Room or Dining Area in 2025?
- How Much Does It Cost to Furnish a Kitchen in 2025?
- How Much Does It Cost to Furnish a Master Bedroom in 2025?
- How Much Does It Cost to Furnish a Kids Bedroom in 2025?
- How Much Does It Cost to Furnish a Guest Bedroom in 2025?