katie.lacy@letsgetcoffee.co.uk, Author at Modish Living

6 Seater vs 8 Seater Industrial Dining Tables – What will you choose?

Friends standing around a dining table with food and drinks

If you’re hosting parties and dinners this Christmas, you’ll need the best of our 6 and 8 seater industrial dining tables. Celebrate Christmas in style and comfort with these handpicked tables from across our range – from the 150 cm table to the 2.4m table – there’s sure to be enough space for everyone.

Mitcham industrial oak spider leg dining table

Most 6 seater dining table options offer 150 cm of space and 8 seater dining table have a length of 2m. The Mitcham industrial dining table with its beautiful spider legs comes in two generous sizes – 2m and 2.4 metres – more than enough for hosting 6 people or more with comfort and style. If nothing else, this table is the perfect fusion of industrial and a hint of rustic.

Maddox reclaimed elm dining table

The interlocked grain of elm makes this hardwood less prone to splitting and so an elm dining table is a sure investment. Industrial meets glamour with the Maddox industrial dining table, another table with beautiful proportions. For your diner’s comfort, chairs with a seat width of between 47 and 57cm are recommended. But for optimal comfort at a six or eight-seater dining table, we suggest dining chairs with a width of 55cm.

Amalfi industrial H bar rustic oak dining table

As well as the beautiful contoured, textured edge of this table, the H bar legs make this a versatile dining table for your home. Easily accommodating eight people, the Amalfi industrial dining table has stylish aplomb all of its own and with no knees banging on the table legs, you know you have made the right choice. As well as dining chairs, you may want to consider a dining bench for this delightfully proportioned dining table with a clear nod to the industrial style.

Sussex oak parquet industrial oval dining table

We often associate a large dining table with a rectangle shape and no wonder. The two short sides are ideal for accommodating impromptu guests at a Christmas party (or any other time of the year). However, that doesn’t mean oval dining tables should be dismissed. The Sussex industrial oval dining table is one of the most elegant examples of a reclaimed wood dining table you will come across. The beautiful inlaid parquet table top will wow your guests almost as much as your menu. As well as leather dining chairs, consider how well velvet dining chairs would look at the beautiful curved edge of this table. There is a saying we feast with our eyes first and so a beautiful stylish table with equally delightful place settings completed by comfortable velvet upholstered dining chairs will certainly raise the bar of dinner parties.

Hoxton industrial cross leg oak dining table

Our Hoxton industrial dining table comes in four length options, making it the perfect choice for the busy family home. The smaller 6-seater dining table offers comfortable dining as there is a generous overhang at each short edge that could support an impromptu guest or two. The largest table measures a delightful 2.8 metres, meaning that it can easily accommodate up to 10 diners or more. If ever there was a table that was crying out for an upholstered dining bench along one long edge, it is this industrial style dining table.

Home Christmas gifts ideas under £100

Many small Christmas gifts with red ribbons underneath a decorated Christmas tree

Just how do you buy a gift for someone who asks for nothing and has everything? We all have someone like that in our lives. Something for the home is always an appreciated gift. Our Christmas gift ideas solve the problem and, what’s more, they are all for under £100 too!

Scented candles for the home

Scented candles make for a beautiful gift, but not all are created equally. You want quality large scented candles that has a perfume-like quality to it, which gives off a gentle aroma in a room. Rathborne is known for high-quality scented candles and with a wide range of scents to choose from, there is something in the collection for everyone. The beauty of large candles is that they can be used both in and outdoors. Or, you could look for pillar candle holders if they already have a collection of candles.

Beautiful table linen

Tablecloths and napkins last for a long, long time, more so when they are of a neutral colour and shade that transcend seasonal trends. Our Lovely Linen collection brings the best of everything to the table. From an elegant white tablecloth to matching napkins, the range is made from sustainable and responsibly sourced linen.

A decadent wall mirror

A mirror can be a piece of wall art, which is why it makes such a wonderful and personal gift for the hard-to-buy-for friend or relative.

In our special under £100 gift collection, you’ll find amazing ideas and gifts, among which you’ll come across beautiful mirrors. A gold round decorative mirror, for example, is surely a winner when it comes to the perfect Christmas gift? To get it right, all you need to do is match the decorative mirrors to their style. Whether that is industrial glamour or rustic, we have a mirror that will complement the interior design scheme of their home.

The hands of time

Another piece of decadent wall art is a wall clock, especially when its size and design makes it a standout piece. Again, there are many stylish options but a black, oversized wall clock would look fabulous in any room.

Pretty serving bowls

Serving bowls or a serving tray for the dinner table or the buffet table are items you tend not to buy for yourself, so make a welcome gift, especially for that someone who enjoys entertaining. Link bowls are perfect for using together as well as separately, and serving bowls with a difference also make for a beautifully stylish gift.

Candleholders

Being surrounded by stylish things that are pleasing to look at gives us a feeling of joy and that is why accessories in the home are so important. When those items are bought by people who mean something to us, they take on an extra special meaning. Candleholders that are both stylish and beautiful make a generous gift, more so when we receive them with love.

Be inspired

With so many presents to buy, originality with your purchases can fall by the wayside. For more gift buying ideas and inspiration, take a look at our gifts for under £100 collection. You’ll find something there for everybody, even gifts for people who are really hard to buy for and who seemingly have everything. And not a pair of socks in sight!

8 Bedroom Design Mistakes & How to Fix Them

A rustic wooden bed with matching bedside tables and white bedding

The bedroom should be a relaxing sanctuary but when styling mistakes are made, it can look cramped, cluttered and far from restful. Here’s how to set eight common bedroom mistakes straight from choosing a wooden double bed instead of a king size to adding bedside drawers…

1. Bed too big

A large king size bed can be the epitome of luxury, but when it swamps the floor space available, it sucks the life out of the room. Measure the room and measure the bed you are considering purchasing to make sure you have ample room to walk around it. It is possible to buy made-to-measure bespoke bed frames, such as our Beam bedroom collection, but remember mattress sizes are standard (unless you have a mattress made too).

2. Not enough storage

When you don’t have enough storage in a bedroom, you risk setting a scene of chaos and clutter. From clothes hanging off the footboard of the bed and the bedroom chair to boxes piled on top of wardrobes and things being lost, the need for storage is clear. Consider open shelving or bookcases for the bedroom for easy to access storage, but for when things need hiding away, you’ll need a chest of drawers or a dressing table with drawers. You may also want to consider hidden storage under the bed or even a wooden blanket box.

3. The radiator taking centre stage

You need it for warmth in the bedroom and so leaving it uncovered makes sense as the heat would be blocked otherwise. But that means the radiator can take centre stage which isn’t what you want. If this is the case, a radiator cover is an ideal solution.

4. The wrong level of lighting

From being too stark to being too dim, bedroom lighting is important to get just right. You need to layer light from the functional pendant light to the softer glow of a bedside table or floor lamp. Add a dash of something different by choosing materials such as stone, as in the rock pendant light, perfect for the industrial style bedroom.

5. Nowhere to sit

A lack of a small armchair will put you at a disadvantage. The truth is, there are plenty of low backed bedroom chairs that will become an instant hit in the bedroom. A yellow velvet armchair adds both colour and texture, whilst a specific style grey velvet armchair can add a statement to a bedroom.

6. Not cosy enough

Talking of textures, when a bedroom is devoid of different textures and shapes, it looks flat and almost clinical. Rectify this problem with cushions and blankets thrown across the bed or draped over the velvet bedroom chair. Add texture and warmth to the floor with rugs on either side of the bed (also great for adding a dash of colour!).

7. Cluttered bedside table

Not just a problem with the bedside table, we grant you, but when there isn’t adequate storage space, ‘things’ tend to gather on the bedside table. Opt for a bedside table with drawers and consider how other items of reclaimed wood furniture in the bedroom can be commandeered to offer the storage you need.

8. Electrical sockets deficit…

… and then they are never in the right place! Common in older properties, you need to think carefully about where you add more electrical points. Do this with a qualified electrician and not through messy and unsafe extensions and the like.

Wondrous Ways to Maximise your Bedroom Space

Reclaimed beam wood bed with matching sideboard and bedside table

If you haven’t got acres of space in the bedroom, you’ll need to think through carefully the items you include in the room, but also the layout, such as where to place items and so on. With these hints and tips, you’ll get the best layout for your rustic furniture that doesn’t cramp bedroom space or style.

Choosing the best size

The luxury of a king size bed is not to be underestimated (or super king bed!) but if this eats into the bedroom space too much, it can feel cramped. Of course, if you are willing to sacrifice floor space for a statement king size wooden bed frame, go for it!

But, bed size is important if you want to fit in other items of furniture in the bedroom and be able to use the space easily and comfortably, so you may wish to consider a twin bed or a double.

At the end of the bed, you need about half metre between it and the wall to be able to move past it with ease. At either side of the bed, you’ll need about 60cm. This allows free movement but also space for when you sit on the edge of the bed. It also means you can fit in a bedside table at either side of the bed, essential for storing items, as well as a lamp.

For two beds, a half-metre gap between the two is recommended, again for comfort and accessibility.

Styling tricks

Sometimes the things we add contribute to the bedroom feeling smaller than it actually is. Adding detail without clutter is key, which is why these stylish tips will help a bedroom feel bigger. Opt for reclaimed wood furniture such as an oak bed that has a low headboard. A large headboard ‘swallows’ wall space, something that will impact on how big or small the room feels.

Having said that, a tall chest of drawers could work in a space such as a small recess that would otherwise be unused, wasted space.

Measure and measure again – wardrobes

Choosing wooden wardrobes for smaller bedrooms can be problematic. On one hand, you need plenty of usable clothes storage but on the other, you don’t want a wardrobe that looms large in the room.

The minimum depth for a wooden wardrobe is 24 inches (2 feet) or around 60cms. This gives the clearance needed for clothes to hang without being cramped or damaged.

For smaller bedrooms, this can feel too big. If this is the case, consider fitted wardrobes. These can be designed around you and the space you have available. The solutions can be ingenious such as hanging clothes facing you rather than side on, as well as shelving space for bulkier items and so on.

Hideaway storage

The other issue is adding extra storage in a way that is unseen, but useful. When storage is at a premium, don’t be tempted to add too many boxes on top of wardrobes or on the floor as this simply closes the space down.

Consider adding drawers beneath the bed. For example, our Beam bedroom range comes with optional drawers. Under bed storage is perfect for bed linen and blankets. If you have room at the end of the bed, adding a blanket box that doubles as a seat makes sense too.

10 Simple Steps to Creating a Boutique Hotel Style Guest Room

A wooden tray with a croissant and flowers on top of a bed

Give your Christmas guests a stay they won’t forget by transforming your spare room into a boutique hotel bedroom with all the luxurious touches they could need. But be warned, they might not want to leave…

What your spare room needs to become a room with the hotel feel:

1. The bed

A good night’s sleep is never to be underestimated. As well as a sumptuous, comfy mattress and a stylish wooden double bed, bed linen is important too. From a super soft duvet to beautiful linen duvet covers and high-quality sheets and pillowcases, a warm bed to snuggle in after a long day is a must.

2. Bedside table

Second on the list is about adding style but also convenience for your guests. Bedside tables should have everything they need from a table lamp to an easily accessible plug to charge phones and tablets. They also add symmetry to a room, a detail that won’t go unnoticed.

3. Wardrobe or chest of drawers

You want your guests to feel at home so make sure they have all that they need including somewhere to store their clothes. Reclaimed wood furniture, especially wardrobes and a large chest of drawers, add all that a guest would need.

4. Dressing table

A dressing table with drawers is simply perfect. It gives your guests somewhere to sit to finish getting ready and, if necessary, can double as a work desk too.

5. Lighting options

Walk into any boutique hotel bedroom and you’ll notice the many lighting choices in the room. Easy and quick to add, as well as bedside lamps, consider a floor lamp too, perfect for casting light into a shadowy corner.

6. Mirror

There are two reasons to add a mirror (or two). One, they are an essential – who doesn’t need a mirror in the morning or as they dress? And secondly, as well as being decorative, they also reflect light in the room, something that every spare room should have plenty of.

7. Candles and diffusers

A room that appeals to all the senses is the one that guests will fall in love. Surround them with the opulence of oak bedroom furniture or rustic furniture, along with stylish attention to details, including the gentle scent from candles and diffusers. They will instantly relax and unwind, feeling better than they do at home.

8. Bedroom seating

Often forgotten or left out due to space constraints, a chair in the bedroom is perfect for draping clothes at the end of the day, for sitting on to pull on shoes or to relax and read…

9. Rugs

A rug is perfect for adding texture. You could opt for a large oversized rug under the bed or, for an extra hint of luxury, add two smaller rugs, one on either side of the bed to give feet an extra treat as they get up in the morning.

10. The small extras

And finally, the little extras are always welcomed by guests. Tissues, a water jug with glasses, a clock, towels… all these small things add the finishing touches that let your guests know you are looking forward to their stay.

Dining Rooms with Standout Style

Luxe dining room with light grey button back dining chairs

The dining room is a versatile, functional space and with these stylish ideas, will be the standout room in your home.

Make a statement with lighting

Layers of light add so much to a room, yet we so often ignore the various tiers of light we need, that the room can lack ambience. As well as functional lighting – that is, the light you need to see when cleaning and so on – you need warm, background lighting. This means opting for a statement pendant, which the eye is attracted to and is a detail that can be discovered as your eyes roam the room. As well as large lights, consider smaller, quirkier, stylish pendant lights for the dining room.

Knockout seating

Upholstered dining chairs add an instant hint of luxury to any dining room. Leather dining chairs have their place but if you really want knockout appeal, consider adding velvet, jewel-coloured velvet dining chairs. The use of texture adds luxury and elegance no matter what style of reclaimed wood dining table you have opted for.

Go large with the dining table

There is something about an expanse of tabletop that signifies the luxury of space and style in the room.

Creating a standout dining room probably means you enjoy entertaining, whether that’s informal nibbles at a drinks party or a sit-down dinner party. Space for people to sit and enjoy their meals and each other’s company is best done around a spacious dining table. A 6-seater dining table ticks many boxes but if you have the space – you need a clear metre between the back of the chair and the wall or furniture when someone is sitting at the dinner table – why not opt for an 8-seater dining table? If you struggle for space between dinner parties, consider an extendable dining table.

Shoutout sideboards

Every dining room needs storage, but there is no reason why wooden sideboards can’t be standout elegant pieces. A standout sideboard can be the combination of materials, such as the polished finish of the metal against rustic reclaimed wood as in the Luxe Kensington wood sideboard. Or, it can be a notable piece as a result of the exquisite detailing. The detailing of the Pimlico elm sideboard is not to be ignored, and neither is the quality of the build and craftsmanship from every grain and join.

Divide and conquer

Open plan living is popular. Perfect for seamless living and uninterrupted flow between zones and ‘rooms’, smaller ‘barriers’ between sections are not uncommon, however. Use furniture that doesn’t completely block the view from one area to another, and pieces that create a statement is also valuable too. For example, a large open display unit can add both a stylish confidence and help divide the room, as can a slim, tall bookcase to create a ‘doorway’ effect.

Wonder walls

And last, but by no means least are the walls. Creating a statement with large pieces of artwork is easy to do. As well as artwork, be as quirky as you like by considering adding mirrors, especially above the sideboard for an elegant detail that will never fail to attract attention. Clustering smaller frames of photos and artwork too, for extra detail that never fails to impress.

How To Decorate Your Table For Rustic Thanksgiving

Pumpkin pie and a loaf of bread on a rustic dining table with two people around the table

Thanksgiving is a national holiday in the States, a tradition that dates back centuries to when people celebrated the bringing in of the harvest. This year, it is celebrated on 28^th November and is a chance for family and friends to gather. You don’t have to be American to enjoy this festival, so if you are entertaining, here are our tips for creating a sumptuous and welcoming Thanksgiving meal table.

Step 1 – The right dining table

Thanksgiving is about being thankful for what we have, no matter how little that may be compared to others. And for many of us, that means spending time with family and friends.

If you are hosting a Thanksgiving dinner, making sure you have plenty of space around your dining table is a must. A reclaimed wood dining table is perfect – it brings warmth and character to a dining room – but an extendable table really ups the ante. It means you can expand your rustic dining table to accommodate your guests, with no awkward banging of elbows during the meal!

Step 2 – Seating to match

Mismatched chairs can look quirky but if you like a more uniformed style, as well as opting for upholstered dining chairs or leather dining chairs, you might also consider a dining bench.

If, however, you are thinking a bench is hard and uncomfortable, think again. There are some fantastic examples of upholstered, high backed dining benches that are elegant, stylish and very comfortable (as well as practical).

Step 3 – Linen tablecloth and napkins

Before you can start setting the table, you need to get the basics right. Linen tablecloths and napkins are the perfect place to begin and match the effortless style of a reclaimed wood dining table too.

With the tablecloth, fold it several times along the long edge so that you create a table runner for the centre of your table, perfect for when you want texture but not necessarily a cloth hiding the beautiful grain of the wood from view.

Step 4 – Accessories from nature

Thanksgiving is essentially about celebrating the abundance of food from the land so it’s not uncommon to find that many table decorations and centrepieces for this festival are taken from nature – and these match wonderfully with your rustic furniture.

Why not add green, white and orange squashes to the table (you could reuse the ones from Halloween), along with sprigs and berries as additional notes of interest on the table. Stay away from brash colours, keeping these for the Christmas table instead.

Scented candles and diffusers with a light but spicy fragrance are also ideal for dotting about the dining room. Along with soft lighting, you have created the warming ambience you want for your meal.

Step 5 – Upgrade your serving wear and dinner service

From plain white plates and serving dishes for neutral elegance to deep, earthy colours, it isn’t just what you serve but how you serve it that makes a difference. Choose a dinner service that will transcend different styles, including a rustic setting for Thanksgiving as well as a formal dinner party for family and friends.

With all this in place, you now just need to consider what to be thankful for…

Where Does Reclaimed Wood Come From & How To Care For It?

Man walking on wooden railway in the middle of a forest

Reclaimed wood furniture is a phrase you will often see and not just across our website but others too. When manufacturers, retailers and suppliers talk of ‘reclaimed wood’ what are they referring too? And, when you invest in a piece of stylish and beautiful reclaimed wood furniture, such as a reclaimed wood desk, how do you care for it so that it gives you many years of service and joy? These are questions we hear all the time and love answering!

Reclaimed wood is timber that has been given a new lease of life, serving another purpose to the one that it had done previously. Most reclaimed wood furniture is hardwood, a timber from slow-growing trees such as oak.

Hardwood is very dense and strong, which is why it was favoured for all kinds of different purposes from furniture to wooden beams that formed part of the structure of a property. But when these items and structures are no longer required, the wood was often either thrown on landfill, used as firewood, or even left to rot.

As you can imagine, a lot of these options are wasteful as hardwoods have a lot more to offer, despite their age. In fact, it’s the age that gives it a uniqueness that new wood simply can’t compete with. With assessment as to its inner strength and skilled crafting, what was once an English oak beam can become a stunning and reclaimed wood oak dining table, like our Hoxton Oak Farmhouse Dining Table , that will last a lifetime.

And it’s not just dining tables either. Reclaimed wood can be used for all kinds of pieces, from home office desks to display units, drinks and coffee table with storage, even beds like the Beam Henley Reclaimed Wood Bed.

Where is reclaimed wood found?

As we’ve already touched on, wood is found in many older structures. Today, in modern builds, the frame tends to be made of steel with concrete infills, a fast and efficient way of building. However, old industrial buildings will often have wooden beams, for example, and wood is often reclaimed as railway sleepers, in old barns and factories. Even old hardwood floorboards have a new role to play too!

Other reclaimed materials

Other materials can also be reclaimed and reused in furniture, including scaffolding boards. Used to provide a platform to safely climb up tall buildings in need of repair and similar projects, these heavyweight planks of wood have a working life of approximately 25 years. Although no longer used by scaffolders, it is possible to re-use these boards for tables, chairs and an office table, such as our Oldman industrial desk.

How to look after reclaimed wood furniture?

Tough and hardy it may be, but your reclaimed wood shelves, dining table, coffee table, office desk and so on will need a little care from time to time.

As do most special pieces of furniture, it appreciates being kept clean, but a simple wipe with a soft cloth is all that is needed. Some reclaimed wood items are coated with oil or varnish to nourish the wood, so heavy scrubbing would wear this away.

You can also use coasters for hot drinks and dishes on your reclaimed wood dining table to prevent ring marks in the varnish or stain, but because of the natural imperfections of the wood, further scuffs only add to its beauty.

It’s worth bearing in mind, that as a natural product, wood will ‘breathe’. Wood reacts to moisture in the air. For example, during warm months there tends to be higher humidity which can cause wood to expand, but in cold weather, wood can contract. And it will continue to do this even in the confines of your home.

Reclaimed wood furniture adds a unique character and warmth to a home. And with the hidden story behind it, it has a wonderful hint of romance that will be loved for years to come.

How To Style Your Rustic Wood Furniture With 2020 Colour Of The Year

Dining table dressed in white distressed linen with plants and candles on top and a sage green backdrop

Each year, Dulux brings us the colour of the year, a choice of colour and hue that will create a backdrop for our homes. This year’s choice is Tranquil Dawn, a beautifully soft, hazy shade of green that will be welcomed in homes across the country. When it comes to reclaimed wood furniture, the combination of this beautiful shade with the natural wood is perfection.

Why green?

Tranquil Dawn is a departure from last year’s Dulux Colour of the Year in that Living Coral was a bright, vibrant peachy shade. This year, there is a muted undertone to the choice, something that Dulux said was quite deliberate in their choice.

“Fuelled by a greater understanding of the impact social is making on the planet,” said Marianne Shillingford, Creative Director at Dulux, “the panel identified the universal theme for 2020 as a desire to create more opportunities to experience a ‘human touch’ in our lives and homes”.

The colour also marks the start of a new decade, with Tranquil Dawn bringing calmness and comfort at a time when we need it most.

A restful colour found in nature

A colour abundant in nature, it’s no surprise that green, especially the shade chosen as the colour of the year, is known to bring calmness, comfort and a sense of peace and restfulness to a space.

A new colour of the year, however, doesn’t mean you have to hot foot it down to the local DIY store to buy a tin! You can introduce the tranquillity of green into your home in other ways.

Having said that, this shade of green will look perfect in any room, whether that is as a backdrop to your reclaimed wood dining table or across all the walls in your living room.

Welcome green shades into your home

Reclaimed wood furniture brings the same warmth and comfort as this colour of the year from Dulux. Introducing pockets of green is the ideal way of introducing calmness and tranquillity across your home. Here’s how to do it…

In the dining room…

Green linen tablecloths and runners are perfect for any reclaimed wood dining table. As well as avocado green table linen, for a lighter more subtle shade, opt for ocean green.

In the living room…

A green rug works perfectly across the home but would be ideal for pulling together the strands in the living room. A recycled glass lamp with green shade on a nest of tables or display unit in the lounge would be the perfect partner to the rug.

Or, for more of a statement, opt for a green small armchair, ideal for a glamorous industrial style living room with natural undertones. On leather sofas or armchairs, why not add texture and colour with green cushions and throws?

In the bedroom…

Again, the large recycled glass table lamp with green shade would make a fantastic addition to the bedroom, perfect as a complement to rustic furniture in the bedroom, or any other style for that matter. A large green rug would also add the warmth underfoot that fits well with this style too.

Green is a beautiful colour to work with and no matter what shade you choose, it will look superb across your home.