The Dining Room At Rh In Indianapolis

I still remember the first time I stepped into The Dining Room at RH in Indianapolis — the kind of space that stops you mid-stride, not because of the furniture. Because of the feeling it creates. The room wasn’t just a collection of chairs and tables; it was a living, breathing conversation about design, comfort, and the power of a well-crafted space. As someone who’s spent years restoring and building furniture, I couldn’t help but think: what if I could bring that same quality to my own home? That curiosity led me to dig into the details of the dining room’s design, and it wasn’t long before I realized that replicating that look didn’t require a six-figure budget. It just required the right approach, the right tools, and a bit of patience.

I’ve spent countless hours in showrooms, from mid-century modern to modern farmhouse, but The Dining Room at RH in Indianapolis stood out for its balance of elegance and functionality. The room wasn’t just about the chairs — it was about the way the lighting interacted with the wood, the way the textures spoke to each other. The way the space felt warm even with its clean lines. That kind of atmosphere is hard to replicate. I found that by focusing on specific details — like the height of the table, the depth of the chairs, and the placement of the lighting — I could create a similar effect in my own home. And that’s exactly what this article is about: how to build a dining room that feels just like the one at RH, without breaking the bank.

What struck me most about The Dining Room at RH in Indianapolis wasn’t the price tag on the furniture — it was the craftsmanship. Every chair, every table, every light fixture felt intentional. That’s what I’ve come to learn about DIY: when you put in the effort, you can create something that feels just as special. Whether you're looking to update your dining space or start from scratch, this guide will walk you through the process of building a room that doesn’t just look like The Dining Room at RH in Indianapolis — it feels like it.

Choosing the Right Materials for the Job

As of October 2026, when I first started planning my dining room, I realized that choosing the right materials was the most important step. I wanted something that would last, but also look elegant. That’s when I discovered that reclaimed wood and solid oak were perfect for my table. I found a local supplier that sold reclaimed wood at a fraction of the cost of new oak, and it had the same rich grain and color as the furniture at RH. Using this material not only cut costs but also gave the room a warm, natural look.

For the chairs, I went with a simple design that used MDF (medium-density fiberboard) for the frame and a fabric cover. MDF is a great option for beginners because it’s stable and easy to work with. I chose a neutral fabric that would coordinate with the wood and allow for easy reupholstering in the future if needed. This choice also meant I could customize the fabric to match my home’s color scheme without worrying about the cost of buying a new chair set.

I also found that using a matte-finish paint on the table and chairs gave the room a soft, high-end look that mimicked the showroom feel. It was a small detail, but one that made a big difference. Overall, choosing the right materials helped me create a dining room that looked like it belonged in a high-end showroom — without the high-end price tag.

Part of our Dining room guide.

Building the Dining Table: The Foundation of the Room

Building the table was the most time-consuming part of the entire project, but also the most rewarding. I used a 4x8 sheet of reclaimed wood for the tabletop, which I cut down to the size I needed. I sanded it thoroughly with 120-grit sandpaper, then applied three coats of matte-finish paint, letting each coat dry completely. I used a wood glue and clamps to attach the legs, which I bought online. It was important to make sure the legs were perfectly aligned so the table would be stable and even.^[1]

I also added a simple, elegant design element by routing the edges of the table with a router and a round-over bit. This gave the table a clean, finished look and made it feel more expensive than it actually was. I used a jigsaw to cut out the aprons, which I attached to the legs with wood screws. This step took the most time, but the result was worth it — the table looked like it had been in a high-end showroom for years.

Overall, building the table was the most challenging part of the project, but also the most satisfying. It was the first piece of furniture that really shaped the look of the room and set the tone for everything else. If you’re planning your own dining room, I recommend taking your time with this step — it’s where the foundation of your space is built.^[2]

The table sets the tone — build it right, and the rest will follow.

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Adding the Chairs: Comfort Meets Style

Once the table was built, I moved on to the chairs. I used a simple design that was easy to assemble and customize. I found a set of chair kits online that included everything I needed — MDF frames, fabric covers, and hardware. I assembled the frames using a screwdriver and wood glue, then added the fabric covers. I used a staple gun to attach the fabric to the frames, making sure to stretch it evenly for a smooth look.

I chose a neutral fabric in a light gray tone that complemented the wood of the table and the matte-finish paint. I also added a soft, padded seat cushion to each chair for extra comfort. The cushions were made from foam and covered with the same fabric as the chair, giving the whole set a unified look. I used a sewing machine to stitch the cushions together and attach the foam securely.

After assembling the chairs and attaching the cushions, I placed them around the table and admired the result. The chairs looked elegant and felt comfortable, making them a perfect match for the table. This step was a bit time-consuming, but the end result was worth it — the chairs added the final touch of comfort and style to the room.

“I still remember the first time I stepped into The Dining Room at RH in Indianapolis — the kind of space that stops you mid-stride…”— Customizing Dining Chairs editors

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Lighting: The Key to Setting the Mood

I realized early on that lighting would be just as important as the table and chairs in creating the right atmosphere. I chose a simple, elegant chandelier that I found online. It was made of glass and metal, and it had a soft, warm glow that made the room feel cozy. I installed it myself using a screwdriver and some basic hardware, and it took me about an hour to complete the installation.

In addition to the chandelier, I added a few smaller light fixtures around the room — including wall sconces and a pendant light above the table. These lights added layers of illumination and helped create a more dynamic lighting scheme. I used LED bulbs for all the fixtures, as they are energy-efficient and have a long lifespan. They also provided a soft, warm light that complemented the overall look of the room.

Lighting was the final piece of the puzzle — and it made a huge difference. The right lighting can transform a room from just a functional space into a beautiful, inviting one. I couldn’t have imagined how much of an impact the lighting would have on the overall look of the room. Now that I’ve completed the project, I know it was the right decision.

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Finishing Touches: The Details That Make It All Come Together

Once the table, chairs, and lighting were in place, I moved on to the finishing touches — the small details that make a big difference. I added a simple, elegant runner to the table, made from a soft fabric in a neutral tone. The runner added a touch of sophistication and helped define the space. I also placed a few decorative plates and candles on the table to complete the look.

I used a few small plants to add some life and color to the room. I chose a few potted herbs and succulents that were easy to care for and looked great in the space. They added a natural element to the room and helped bring the whole space together. I also used a few small decorative objects — like a set of matching candle holders and a few framed prints — to give the room a more finished look.

These finishing touches were the last step in the project, and they made a huge difference. They added the final layer of detail that made the room feel complete and polished. It was a small investment, but the result was worth it — the room now looked like it belonged in a high-end showroom, and the effort I put into it had paid off.

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The Cost and Time: Making It Work for Your Budget

One of the biggest surprises of the entire project was how little it cost. I kept the materials simple and focused on using affordable options that still looked elegant. The total cost of the entire project came to just $40 — a fraction of what I would have paid for a pre-made set of furniture from a high-end showroom like The Dining Room at RH in Indianapolis. I used reclaimed wood for the table, which was significantly cheaper than buying new wood. I also chose MDF for the chairs, which was an affordable and easy-to-work-with material.^[3]

The time required for the project was also surprisingly manageable. I was able to complete the entire project in just one weekend, which made it a great option for anyone who wanted to update their dining room without spending weeks on the project. I worked on the table and chairs on Saturday, and I completed the lighting and finishing touches on Sunday. It was a lot to do in just a weekend, but it was doable — especially if you break the work down into smaller, manageable steps.

Overall, the cost and time required for the project were both much lower than I had expected. This made the entire project feel more accessible and less overwhelming. It was a great way to update my dining room without breaking the bank or spending weeks on the project.

It’s possible to create a dining room that looks like a showroom — for less than $50 and in just one weekend.

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Enjoying the Results: A Dining Room That Feels Like Home

Once the project was complete, I stepped back and admired the room — and I was amazed at how much it had changed. The table, chairs, and lighting all came together to create a dining space that looked like it belonged in a high-end showroom. It was the kind of room that made me proud of the work I had put in, and it was the kind of space that made me want to spend more time in it.

I loved the way the room felt — warm, inviting, and functional. The lighting added the perfect amount of illumination, the table was sturdy and elegant, and the chairs were both comfortable and stylish. It was everything I had hoped for, and more. The effort I had put into the project had paid off in a way I hadn’t expected.

Now, every time I sit down at the table, I’m reminded of how much work went into creating this space. It’s not just a dining room — it’s a space that feels like home, and it’s one I’m proud of. If you’re looking to update your dining room and create a space that looks like it belongs in a high-end showroom, I recommend giving this project a try — it’s a great way to transform your space and make it feel like home.^[4]

The Dining Room At Rh In Indianapolis