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How to make the most of a small dining space

It’s a known fact that Britain is currently the land of the ever-shrinking home. It’s a reality many of us face every day and one which is particularly frustrating when it comes to redecorating. But fear not! Retailers are now fully aware that people are looking are looking for nifty, space saving options when it comes to reclaimed wood furniture so there are plenty of ways you can make the most of a small dining space. Here are a few of our favourite ways to do it!

First things first – the dining table. The absolute best thing you can do for a small dining space is to invest your pennies in an extendable dining table and chairs. The Standford Industrial Reclaimed Wood Extending Dining Table is a truly superb 4 seat extending dining table. The great thing about this table is the mechanism to extend the table sits neatly inside the table, so cannot be seen unless in use. The chunky metal base and the gorgeous tones of the wooden top look great in any space, and the rustic table would look wonderful in the centre of a small dining space, or pushed against the wall.

But, if you really can’t find what you are looking for, a bespoke dining table might also be a great option for you!

Your dining chairs are also something you might want to think about. Look for a slim frame in a lighter colour to keep your space feeling brighter and more spacious. Alternatively, you could opt for a rustic dining bench. These are a fantastic, flexible seating option for modern homes, not least because they tuck right underneath the table, making the most of the space surrounding your dining table when not in use.

Finding a way to define your dining space is really important when it comes to open plan living. Whether you have a kitchen/diner or a living room/dining room, defining the two areas tends to make us rethink how we use our rooms, and consequently, how we could better use the space!

Another bonus to defining your space is it gives you a great way to add a fun splash of colour. A statement wall was a trend that dominated home decor for several years, and it is still a great way to add interest to a space which won’t take up any space at all. Ensure you don’t opt for a colour which is too dark which will close up your space and make it feel smaller, and you’ll be onto a real winner.

A large rug to mark the area is also a great option. Our Louis de Poortere rugs come in various sizes so you’ll be able to find one which works for your space and the clean, contemporary styles in the mad men rugs really suit spaces which are in need of decor to create the illusion of more space.

There are plenty of other options too – hanging a pendant light directly above the your dining table will create a sense of drama and also add some much-needed light or opting for a dining bench with a high back will create a real presence and a slight divide without taking up too much space.

Have you got any tips on how to maximise a small dining space?

Make the most of Halloween with these amazing decor & food party ideas

Hallowe’en is a fantastic time of year, a chance to indulge in mystery and ghoulish goings on! Both adults and children can enjoy this time of year and we have some great ideas for your Halloween party, along with decorating your extendable dining table and wooden chairs and menu ideas too.

Set the scene

Pumpkins are, of course, mandatory for any Halloween party and with most squashes and pumpkins starting at 50p for small ones to a couple of pounds for very big ones, you can spend a very enjoyable afternoon pumpkin carving ready for your party.

As well as clustering pumpkins about the place, re-use jam jars as tea light holders for the table. Wrap tissue paper around the outside of the jar, complete with black paper shape cut outs. Scatter them across your large sideboard with spider webs for maximum effect (the bought stuff, not the real webs of spiders!)

You can find templates for Halloween cutouts online!

Quick decoration idea

Use any white cloth or gauze and give it eyes and a mouth and hang the mini-ghosts from tree and shrub branches in your front garden as well as around the door to give your guests a flavour of what is to come. Hang them from the centre of the square for the typical ghost ‘triangle’.

Party food

Invest in plenty of black and orange food colouring or prepared icing products because you are going to need it.

From the bubbling depths of butternut squash and red pepper soup to piping hot jacket potatoes, there are plenty of delicious party food ideas.

Create a fantastic spread of food across your reclaimed wood dining table and what their faces light up with delight as they enjoy the Halloween shapes biscuits, huddled on the dining bench.

Use a basic biscuit dough to make these biscuits, using Hallowe’en cutters to get the shapes. Roll out royal icing, coloured with a few drops of orange food colouring or buy ready mixed black icing and use the cutters to cut out corresponding shapes. Using small dabs of runny icing as a glue, stick the icing shapes on top.

You can use the Hallowe’en biscuit cutters to cut out shaped sandwiches too. And don’t forget to place large plastic frogs in the jelly…

Everyone has a superpower

Parties are about having fun and there is nothing better than a theme to get the fun started. Halloween is a theme which has so many opportunities to dress up that it’s a shame to let it past.

As well as your typical guests of witches and ghosts, why not give a modern ring to your Halloween party. Witches were feared because of their supposed superpowers so why not ask everyone to come bearing a superpower? Even your pet pooch could get involved.

You could also make the pumpkin carving part of the Hallowe’en party. Pumpkin scoops are like mini shovels, perfect for little hands to handles.

Simply place the pumpkin fresh into your compost or if it isn’t too stringy – like in the smaller pumpkins – with plenty of seasoning, it makes a great pie or soup.

What do you think makes the best Hallowe’en party? We’d love to see your photos.

Renovation – Good to know tips for the dining room

Rocco Industrial Rustic Oak Spider Leg Dining Table

Renovating your home is a great way of placing your own stamp on things. In this post, we cover making a perfect dining room for you and your family. But what do you need to consider?

The Budget

We can’t start anywhere else other than with budget because this is the factor that dictates what you can achieve at this point. On one hand, your budget may stretch to a perfectly acceptable renovation of the décor including dining room furniture or it may extend to knowing down walls, new windows and the like.

The knack is not to overstretch your budget, achieving changes that work for you but doing it a way that spells a quality finish.

Plan it

There will be hiccups when you renovate the dining room or kitchen/diner so it’s important that you plan the project and have a method or schedule which you follow.

A bit like project managing, you need to have an overview of everything from a tight hold of the budget to making sure you have the right tradespeople on site, at the time you need them. There are materials to order as well as dining room furniture including the must-have reclaimed wood dining table with upholstered dining chairs!

Get the space right

Before you start buying rugs and other essential pieces, you need to get the dining room space right. This means making the best use of the space available from adding an L-shaped kitchen diner to a larger open plan kitchen. Or you may be renovating a formal dining room.

Don’t forget large spaces need zoning so don’t assume that just because you have an open plan kitchen with dining room that a table alone will denote the change in use of the space.

A great ‘divider’ is a rug. Perfect for zoning the eating area, a large rug under the extendable dining table with chairs and a dining bench works wonders for creating order in an open space.

Other pieces of furniture that help to zone a space are shelving unit – try open, industrial shelving units as room ‘markers’, for example – and a rustic sideboard. A reclaimed wood sideboard is perfect for hiding away dining paraphernalia as well.

Add as much light as possible

This is a two-fold exercise;

Firstly, maximise natural light – if your budget stretches to it, consider making windows larger, such as patio doors out onto the garden if that is possible.
Secondly, pay close attention to ambient light – from floor lamps to table lamps, to hanging pendant and statement features, ambient light creates the backdrop you need for both function and cosiness to a room.

The flooring options

Before you start selecting wall colour, you need to make sure you have the major components in place in the dining room.

With light maximised, functional and responsive, you need to make sure the flooring in the dining room is perfect for what you need too because this is something not easily changed (but dining room rugs are!).

And then, wall colour…

With everything in place, you can add the wall colour and start to put your new dining room sets in place too!

Making a statement with a grand dining room

A large room is a gift when it comes to décor and style, as well as choice of furniture. Without space constraints, you can really add the touches that you want.

But just as it is a great space to dress, it can be difficult to get right. And so, if you are entertaining with dinner parties and want to make a statement with your large dining room, we have some amazing ideas.

THE dining table

If there is one thing we love about a large space it is the statement you can make with furniture, and when it is the dining room, the grander the dining table, the better.

As you know, we have many options but make a statement with not just size but style too with the Hoxton farmhouse dining table. Pair with velvet or leather dining chairs – both comfortable and beautiful – and you’ll have a tempting table to invite your guests to.

Generous with both its dimensions and style, this is a beautiful piece as is the Kensington dining table. For an idea of how it can looking a large, bright and airy kitchen diner, take a look at how a customer, Sarah Jane of Just a Little Build, has styled her Luxe Kensington dining table.

If you do entertain often, you’ll want plenty of versatility when it comes to space. Many of our already-large tables are extending dining tables, perfect for when you need a 12 seat dining table occasionally…. An extending dining table to seat 12 doesn’t have to mean your dining room is taken up by table when you’re not actually seating the full 12.

Go bespoke

When it comes to the dining table, we find that for the larger space, a bespoke dining table and bench or upholstered dining chairs are great investment pieces.

You make a double statement with both the bespoke dimensions of the table and dining bench but also by maintaining the style you love.

The dining room rug

If you have opted for hard flooring, you will find that a flat weave rug will add a different texture that helps to lift and frame the room, something that is important in a larger room.

Err on the side of a larger rug, and again, be bold with colour and pattern. We find that starting with the rug before wall colour is much easier when it comes to symmetry and cohesion.

Colour & pattern

In essence, you have no worries about the large dining room being too dark or closed in by pattern. In fact, you have the opposite concern – not enough pattern and it feels bland, and too light a colour and it can feel cold.

Choose a luxurious wallpaper for a feature wall, creating complementing wall colour on the remaining walls. Or why not be very daring and create a statement with the wallpaper or vibrant colour throughout?

If you prefer neutral walls, make a bold statement with wall art, something that can be changed as the seasons roll on by…

… Work with the seasons too

From the bright natural light and warmth of summer to the golden hues of autumn and the twinkling lights of the festive season, add seasonal ‘adjustments’ to your dining room to give it a little extra zing. A bowl of autumn fruits on the sideboard cabinet can work wonders to create an atmosphere.

The statement dining room ceiling light

Whether you opt for a traditional droplet chandelier or an uber-modern, industrial-styled hanging pendant, you can afford to make a huge statement with the main light in the larger dining room.

Position your beautiful bespoke dining table beneath and watch your dining table sparkle the next time you host a dinner party.

What do you think- Have we lost dinner table etiquette?

All about extendable dining tables and why we love them

Every home should have an extendable dining table in our opinion, folding up from a 6 seater dining table to more, or from a 4 seater to a 6. Offering more space in the blink of an eye, they are a functional addition that many people can’t imagine living without. From accommodating a gaggle of unexpected guests at dinner to other practical uses, the extendable dining table is a worthy investment.

But how do they work? Are they safe? Is one extending mechanism better than another?

The Standford extendable table – the butterfly extension

The butterfly is a beautiful insect, and the way in which it unfolds and stores away its wings is the inspiration behind the Standford extending dining table. This piece of reclaimed wood furniture is sought after, and it’s not hard to see why.

With a simple mechanism, the rustic dining table top pulls apart and the middle layer forms the extendable option, effectively increasing the overhang at each end of the reclaimed wood dining table.

The extending ‘flap’ is then clicked into place so there is no danger of it collapsing back in when someone leans on it.

The Farringdon extending dining table – a farmhouse style table

The Standford is a beautiful example of the industrial dining table whilst the Farringdon extending dining table is a beautiful example of the farmhouse dining table.

Essentially, in the farmhouse kitchen/diner, it is the table that is its beating heart. It is a place around which everyone gathers for everything from meal times to family time, playing board games or simply sitting, talking, listening and laughing together.

It too has a simple and easy to use extending flap so when you need extra tabletop space, you have it.

The Beam extending table – the slide and lock option

The idea behind an extending table is to make it bigger, for example from a four to a six-seater dining table (actually, you can squeeze more around it – we’ve tried!).

The versatility of such a table knows no bounds but with the Beam rustic dining table, there are more options – either one extending flap or two.

With this design, the extending section is at either end of the short edge of the table – if you opt for two – and a simple ‘slide and lock’ mechanism.

So if there is a homework project carrying on for a few nights, there is no need to keep it all – just slide out the extending flap when serving dinner.

The Lansdowne trestle extending table – simple, easy to use extensions

The extendable table is not just for the farmhouse – it can be for the modern, industrial home too and the trestle table we know, epitomises the industrial, utilitarian look.

Similar to the Beam table, the extending parts of the Lansdowne trestle table are flaps at either end of the table or you can opt for the one extending leaf.

As well as the versatility of the extensions, why not opt for the matching dining bench? There are times when the best dinner parties are the unplanned, informal, let-us-all-squash-around-the-table ones.

The type of extension that suits you

The middle extension tables work great for families who need it occasionally but when they do, they want it a fixed option.

For those of us who require extra space on a regular and frequent basis, the extending flaps can be the ideal solution because as fast as they are to pull out, they are just as simple and easy to push back in.

Have you considered an extending table for your home?

Dining with a bench – the latest trend

Beam Reclaimed Wood Dining Table and Bench

We have noticed a shift in attitude to the extending dining table that so much, we can now triumphantly declare the extending reclaimed wood dining table is king of the dining room.

It makes perfect sense – simply add more dining space when you have guests, decreasing its size for when you don’t – as far as reclaimed wood furniture goes, it’s the perfect choice- especially when you’re catering for the man, or for the few..

But an extending dining table is only one part of the equation. The other is seating. No one wants to dine balancing on a stool that means their chin rests on the table or too tall a stool to find their knees rubbing painfully on the underside of your rustic dining table.

The answer is simple – a dining bench (or two).

The solution to all your dining needs

With the end of summer yet to enjoy and the golden colours of autumn to come, encouraging people to think of Christmas seems premature.

But it is the time that most of us are likely to welcome guests into our home for both formal dining events, as well as the traditional festive buffet. The truth is ordering now guarantees your dining table with bench in time for Christmas – by late November you may be very disappointed.

The dining table with bench options…

*The best sellers

It’s no wonder that these are our two most popular kitchen table sets. The industrial charm with more than a hint of rustic makes the Standford Wooden Large Extending Dining Table a popular choice.

Its best selling counterpart, the Newton Dining Table also have the pleasant solidity about it that many customers in love with the industrial dining table style enjoy.

*Scandinavian appeal

If it is refinement you are after with a subtle elegance and style then look no further than the Scandinavian inspired Chelwood Reclaimed Wood Dining Table.

As kitchen tables sets go, this surely is the triumph that we have been seeking. A great size, it will sit in any kitchen/diner, performing time and again. And yet, with a few elegant twists and additions, it will become the sophisticated dining table you need for your next Christmas dinner party.

*Beautifully rustic

There is a romantic ideal of imagining and seeing all your friends and family gathered around a large farmhouse-style table, tucking into delicious food. A gabble of noise as they all talk over each other, the occasional bouts of laughter and endless chatter gives any host a warm feeling.

If you hanker after the farmhouse dining table, we have two amazing options;

*The white painted legwork of this extendable trestle dining table makes it perfect for those who seek the farmhouse style to their dining room. Add elegance with upholstered dining chairs alongside the functional dining bench.

*The Elton Farmhouse Dining Table is very similar, offering fantastic dining space and great for the kitchen/diner too. The ding bench stores neatly away under the table and so if you don’t need the full extent of the table, you can push it against the wall.

The dining bench is multi-functional. Drape with throws and cushions to soften the seat, squeeze guests along its length to enjoy an impromptu get together and you’ll find your family will love it too.

Bedroom storage – the value of getting the right chest of drawers

Standford Reclaimed Wood Chest of Drawers

It is one of the most valuable pieces of bedroom storage and yet we assume that it is simply a case of choosing a small or tall chest of drawers that goes with our reclaimed wood furniture and is within budget. As you will see, it can be more than this, so what should you consider?

1 Size

A chest of drawers is ideal for any bedroom, including shared rooms where there needs to be a range of accessible storage solutions. But like most pieces of furniture, if it’s too big or too small, there is little or no value in adding the piece to the bedroom.

When you considering size you need to consider;

i.The dimensions of the room– a large solid wood chest of drawers may be the ideal solution but if a large chest of drawers doesn’t fit in the room or swamps it, it can make your bedroom look small and overcrowded.

ii.The storage you need– some people may only need a few drawers whereas other people like a lot of drawer space. Cater to your own preferences and if space is limited, consider investing in a small chest of drawers and more of them so you can place them in different areas of the bedroom.

2 Drawer depth

The depth of the drawers that work for you depends on what you plan on storing in them. We need drawers to store everything from chunky knit sweaters to small items of jewellery.

Opt for the best of both worlds with shallower drawers and a small cupboard, an ideal and versatile solution for the bedroom.

Or choose a mix of longer, deeper drawers, matched with shorter, smaller drawers such as in this stunning piece from the Dorset range.

3 Tall and narrow can work

If you have a narrow and wasted space in the bedroom, a tall narrow chest of drawers would work well. Giving you extra storage space for a myriad of smaller items, the taller item of furniture won’t overcrowd the space either.

Maximise floor space with a tall chest of drawers lifted from the floor, such as this stunning simple yet stylish tall chest of drawers from the Standford Collection.

4 Style it out

Functional and practical they may be, but that doesn’t mean the chest of drawers has to be bland and dull.

In fact, most chests of drawers are the mainstay of any bedroom furniture collection and are usually the item that people examine in most detail.

Style it out with the refined rustic look of the Dorset collection or opt for sleek Scandinavian chic such as this pretty 4 drawer chest from the Hudson Living Collection.

5 Quality every step of the way

We’ve all had the rickety chest of drawers that wobbled and threatened to topple when we used it or worse still, the sticking drawers that were nigh-on impossible to open and close smoothly.

Solid wood chest of drawers will last a lifetime (and longer!) and so with one eye on the budget, invest in the best set of drawers for your bedroom that you possibly can.

The appeal and steadfast nature of solid wood will make a unique style statement, something you won’t find in a flat-pack.

Just take a look at this stylish, solid wood chest of drawers from the Beam Collection, for example. This will be a piece that lasts for years and years, sitting well with any style or bedroom décor changes you make.

And so you see, a chest of drawers may be simple but get it right and you’ll never hanker after another set again!

How to successfully renovate your bedroom into a beautiful space

Savannah Reclaimed Wood Bed and Blanket Box in Bedroom

Who doesn’t want their bedroom to be a stylish haven? The problem is when it comes to revamping and renovating this important room in your home, you can be stuck not just for bedroom decorating ideas but where or how to start.

1 Be methodical in your approach

Renovating, styling your home, decorating – whatever you choose to call it – is an emotional process. It is, after all, your home and you take pride in it. Add to that your personal connection to your bedroom and you can see how the methodical approach would soon be cast aside.

And so, before you take to admiring reclaimed wood furniture or modern bedrooms sets for or deciding on your final style approach, think through what it is you want to achieve.

2 Spot the problems, solve the problems

Renovating the bedroom is much more than just choosing rustic furniture or a bed frame– it is about looking at the room, deciding what must be changed and coming up with the solutions.

Not all problems can be solved within your budget or the structure of your home – solve what you can and adapt to those that can’t be altered.

3 Work within the confines of both size and budget!

If you create a wish list without borders, the budget will be blown on item number one but most of us, it’s fair to say, have a budget within which we must operate.

And there are also size constraints too and so this is where you need to be methodical and objective in making a list of items you must have in the bedroom, and the items you would like to have – if space and budget allow!

For example, a bed frame is essential as too is a chest of drawers but would a small chest of drawers be just as versatile, flexible, functional and stylish?

4 Make the most of natural light

When renovating any room, but especially the bedroom, natural light pouring in is what makes the room feel light, airy, fresh and welcoming.

And yet so many of us insist on heavy drapes and blinds, more so in our attempt to guarantee a good night’s sleep. As well as neutral tones on the walls, considering opting for lighter coloured bedroom furniture alongside neutral floor tones and plenty of mirrors about the space.

5 Every piece of bedroom furniture needs to have a function and a purpose

We can blindly follow what we have ‘always done’ because we have ‘always done it’. But if you don’t need a full-length wardrobe, why are you still buying one? If you need more drawer space, why don’t you create a bank of drawers along a wall?

Storage is key in the bedroom but it needs to fit your needs and not the other way round. For example, consider a wooden blanket chest for storing bulkier items like the summer duvet or chunky jumpers. Opt for one that acts as a seat too and you have two functions for the price of one.

Light, space, budget, problem-solving and bedroom furniture that is multipurpose are the solutions to a successfully renovated bedroom space.