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How to care for your reclaimed wood dining furniture

Reclaimed wood furniture has been growing in popularity for some years now, not only because it boasts authentic character, but because it is an easy, and stylish, eco choice. Reclaimed furniture is wood that is reused – generally from old beams found in buildings and barns that are being demolished, old railway sleepers, floorboards, scaffold boards, and even old boat timbers. It is an planet-friendly way to give old timbers a new lease of life and stories to tell, rather than the alternative, which is either burning or rendering it to landfill.

The rustic furniture pieces created from reclaimed wood are not designed to look new – rather they should proudly show tone variations, knots and holes from where the nails have been hand removed, all of which give the furniture tonnes of genuinely unique character and history that you can only achieve with new timber. It is homely, warm and comforting, yet stylish and current at the same time. With the right care a reclaimed dining table, sideboard or chest of drawers will be a part of your home for many years to come.

How do you care for reclaimed wood?

Reclaimed wood is a natural product that will react to its environment, therefore, when you first welcome a piece into your home it will take some time to “settle in”. During this time it is a good idea to wax it regularly using a lint-free cloth – say once a month for the first three months – especially on surfaces that will be frequently used. After this time, you can give it just a thin layer of wax around four times a year to keep it looking its absolute best.

A reclaimed wood dining table is very forgiving, making it the ideal choice for a busy family home, especially if you have young children. Small scratches and dents can be easily blended by simply using clear wax and because a rustic table already has natural splits and nail holes, any small new scratches will be indecipherable. There are many waxes on the market and some rustic wood dining tables will have a slight tint to the wax. If this is the case, take a quick photo on your phone and ask your local hardware store for advice on colour and the best type of products to use.

Some tables are finished with oil, again this is something you can easily find in hardware stores and apply as necessary to protect your wood dining table and keep it looking as good as new.

Daily care and maintenance

As you would with any type of wood furniture, we recommend using placemats and coasters to avoid heat and water ring marks. You should also pop something underneath a piece of paper if you are writing to avoid marking the table through the paper – if you have chosen an especially rustic finish, this will be essential to provide a smoother writing surface. When it comes to spillages, don’t panic! Excess water should be wiped up as soon as possible, but as long as you don’t leave puddles of water, your stylish dining table will be just fine. We do not recommend using wood polishes as they contain silicone that build-up over time – a dry lint-free cloth is fine or a damp cloth with a little mild detergent on a regularly waxed table is all you need to do!

Reclaimed wood tables, such as the stunning Luxe Kensington Reclaimed Wood Dining Table above, can be incredibly heavy so when you move your furniture please don’t drag it, as this will weaken the joints. It is always best for a couple of you, or more if your table is particularly solid and heavy, to lift the table and gently set it down in its new position. In addition, if possible, avoid putting your dining furniture in direct sunlight or near a heat source.

Bring in the professionals

If your treasured piece of reclaimed wood furniture gets particularly damaged and you don’t feel confident to mend it yourself then this is when you should get the professionals in. There are plenty of companies that can send a fully qualified furniture technician to your home to carry out a repair quickly and easily. And because reclaimed wood is so forgiving, these experts can do amazing things and treat a whole range of issues. Phew!

Peace of mind

No matter how careful and cautious you are with your reclaimed dining table, life’s little accidents are unavoidable. We understand this, so when you buy any of our luxury furniture from us you can also purchase a 5-year protection policy with a convenient one-off payment. This will cover your furniture for accidental stain damage, including food, drinks, ink, make-up and candle wax, as well as accidental scratches, chips and more. It’s better to be safe than sorry, right?

No matter what type of interior scheme you’re coveting, whether that’s a classic farmhouse table or an uber-cool industrial dining table, reclaimed wood is the magic ingredient that will pull your look together. Not only is it the eco-friendly choice, but the timbers are strong, durable and overflowing with character, bringing bundles of style to your dining space.

Do you have a reclaimed wood dining table in your home? Did you choose a wooden dining bench or some faux leather dining chairs to go with it? We’re a nosy bunch and would love to see how you style it. Follow us @modishliving to see how our customers style our furniture and get ideas and inspirations for your own home.

5 of our best industrial dining tables and chairs

Industrial interior design, and more specifically industrial furniture, is a trend that has been growing over the years and shows no sign of slowing down anytime soon. While it is a very popular choice for many rooms in the home, it is the dining space where the industrial interior scheme can really come through in so many ways.

What is industrial design?

Industrial style furniture is a concept that is inspired by the robust nature of the materials and machinery that are normally associated with a warehouse or factory. The look is all about the raw materials that are used, with metals and rustic wood featuring heavily alongside neutral colours and robust features.

1. Standford Industrial Reclaimed Wood Dining Table

Whether you are looking for a fixed top or extendable dining table, the Standford Industrial Reclaimed Wood Dining Table is a fantastic choice that is full of character and our bestselling industrial dining table. The distressed black steel legs make this table the perfect complement to any modern interior. This table is stunning when paired with wooden dining chairs and matching industrial dining benches.

2. Farnham Sustainable Mango Wood Dining Table

This industrial dining table is the perfect combination of richly coloured sustainable Mango wood and stunning three-point slim brass strip legs. The Farnham Sustainable Mango Wood Dining Table is an incredibly stylish table that pairs really well with fabric dining chairs like the beautiful Gillian Teal Velvet Dining Chairs.

3. Ironbridge Industrial Reclaimed Wood Dining table

It isn’t difficult to see why the Ironbridge Industrial Reclaimed Wood Dining Table is a popular choice of industrial style dining table. This robust reclaimed wood dining table is not only sturdy, but features all of those characteristics of reclaimed wood that make it unique. The black steel spider legs are a clever design feature that makes this table ideal for seating larger numbers. This table pairs really well with the Cleo faux leather dining chairs, which come in both grey and tan.

4. Mitcham Industrial Oak Spider Leg Dining Table

The central black spider leg of the Mitcham Industrial Oak Spider Leg Dining Table is a really eye-catching feature that makes this table stand out. It is a great choice for those who love to entertain, allowing easy sitting with no awkward table legs to get in the way. The Standford brown leather dining chairs are modern dining chairs that pair really nicely with this contemporary industrial table.

5. Picasso Industrial Oak Dining Table

If a rustic dining table is what you are looking for then the Picasso Industrial Oak Dining Table is a perfect choice. The angled black steel legs give this table a contemporary industrial twist. Faux leather dining chairs like the Martin Faux Leather Dining Chairs which come in grey or brown make a great match.

Remember when you purchase a dining table from Modish Living, we also offer a 10% discount on dining chairs that are purchased at the same time. This is the best way to purchase a dining table and helps to ensure that the chairs you choose will be the perfect partnership.

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What are the differences between rustic and farmhouse?

Farringdon Reclaimed wood extendable trestle table

Are you confused at the difference between rustic and farmhouse interior styles? Rustic furniture and farmhouse furniture are the same, right? Well, not entirely. There are similarities between the two styles, both have a warm and welcoming feel to them, but there are distinct differences as well. We take a closer look to help you decide whether you’re wanting to create a farmhouse look or rustic style in your home.

The Rustic Style

Both the rustic and farmhouse styles were borne out of rural life, so it makes sense that both have strong natural influences. Wood was the material of choice many years ago and in plentiful supply, so it features heavily in both styles. However, if you want to achieve the rustic look, these are the key elements you need to incorporate into your design to differentiate it from farmhouse:

Rustic furniture tends to be ‘rougher’, retaining a more natural finish and letting the raw beauty of the wood shine through.
Both styles honour the grain of the wood, its pitting, splits and marks, but the rustic style makes a feature of these qualities and accentuates them further in its finish and design.

Key pieces of furniture such as a rustic dining table or rustic styled solid wood bed should be crafted from ‘knotty’ woods with curves, bends and irregularities that give it natural character.
Wood in a rustic style room or home is left very much in its original state, but can also be distressed further, ensuring that as a piece it continues to tell its story. As a result, you can expect to see a solid wood bed frame or a rustic sideboard made from reclaimed wood such as a reclaimed wood rustic dining table.

This brings us nicely onto reclaimed wood, which is a common feature in both styles, but especially rustic. The history, character and abundance of features visible in reclaimed wood furniture sits with the rustic style seamlessly.
Overall the wood used is thicker and chunkier, with solid wide cuts used to create bespoke rustic style furniture.
Finally, the joints in rustic styled pieces tend to be chunkier as well or made using natural materials, but always still finished to a high standard.

Colours for the rustic style

The colour within a rustic interior scheme tends to be a mixture of a neutral palette to allow the rustic furniture to stand out or strong and natural earthy tones – soft browns and rusty orange for example – that are grounding, organic and inherently warm.

Accessories reflect the simple yet elegant, natural yet comfortable rustic style too. Choose pieces created by local artisan crafters, with pottery and naturally woven textiles perfect for finishing the scheme.

The Farmhouse Style

The farmhouse look is equally as appealing and has a comforting and unpretentious feel to it, but if there is one obvious difference, it is the subtle rounding and polishing of the finish that features in the farmhouse style and farmhouse furniture.

Farmhouse decor relies on natural materials and more specifically, wood, but rather than leaving the wood in its natural state, it takes a different approach by adding a more refined finish.
The cut of the wood is often machine cut and not rough-swan for a smoother finish.
The finish in farmhouse furniture, such as a farmhouse dining table, is often polished, stained or in many cases, painted. The natural grain of the wood is still visible, but it has been given a more elegant aesthetic.

There is a traditional appeal to the farmhouse look, with many homes featuring painted furniture in a whitewashed or cream finish. No farmhouse kitchen is complete without a farmhouse kitchen table or small round dining table with a white painted leg, and to create a farmhouse style living room, a large white painted sideboard oozes instant farmhouse charm.

Finally, the farmhouse style has a more rounded shape to its furniture, together with a great emphasis on the detailing. For example, a typical farmhouse table may feature trestle style legs or a thick-set monastery leg for a more imposing statement. A round kitchen table in a farmhouse style home would almost definitely feature a curved pedestal leg, perfect for family suppers.

Colours for the farmhouse style

For colours, choose light, pretty tones such as light blue. sage green and neutral beige, or opt for more flower-inspired shades reflective of a cottage garden – cherry reds or sunshine yellow will brighten-up a room beautifully.

Accessories are stylish and functional, taking the best of not only local artisans, but national crafts too. Adding a hint of French style and interior design works well with the farmhouse style and appeal; the details found in French furniture work well in any room in the home, but especially in a farmhouse styled dining room.

This is our take on the differences between Rustic and Farmhouse styles, we hope it’s helped you decide what style is best for you. What style would you choose? We would love to hear from you!

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Stylish design tips to make the most of a small dining area

Some of our happiest moments are spent at the dining table; birthday lunches, family dinners, romantic date nights or gossiping with friends over a cuppa. If you’re stuck for space, however, styling your dining room becomes less exciting and a little challenging. Smaller rooms can often feel busy and overcrowded and you might feel restricted on your interior options, as well as the size of your guest list! Whether you’re wanting to maximise your space or embrace the cosiness of a more compact room without feeling closed-in, these small dining room design tips and ideas will help you create your dream dining area for every occasion.

Colour scheme and finishes

To create the illusion of a bigger space, a large airy window will instantly reduce shadows and maximise space, but if you don’t have one, white walls are the next best thing. If you’re limited on natural light, bright artificial lighting is also a quick and easy alternative to achieve the same effect. To enhance the perception of a larger space even further, reflective materials such as mirrors, glass or on-trend metal accents within your decor will help bounce the light around the room. Our Kensington reclaimed wood dining table features a stunning glass top that is a clever addition if you have a large household to seat but don’t want the space to be too busy and cramped. Light and fresh furniture such as our Hoxton Oak White Farmhouse Dining Table is also great for visually creating the illusion of space, the whitewash design of the legs will seamlessly blend into your clean and crisp interior.

If you prefer a cosy dark interior, you can create a homely and intimate setting with bottle green or burgundy colours married with warm lighting. Adding a vintage style pendant light or a charming candle in the centre of your dining table will add a touch of art-deco elegance and help avoid a ‘dingy’ feel. Fresh blooms are also a great addition, floral shades create a great contrast and help brighten the space whilst making the room feel soft and homely. When it comes to your dining table, opting for a bar table and chairs or a wooden extendable dining table is a tactical way to save space when your table is not in full use. Our Industrial Lansdowne rustic wood bar table or our best-selling Standford reclaimed wood extending industrial dining table boasts a natural rustic surface which sits upon a black steel frame to maintain your comforting but cool look and are ideal for small spaces.

Curved interiors

A curved interior is the cleverest trick in the book for space-saving. The curved design of a small round dining table allows you to squeeze more guests around the table, whilst also being able to fit into tighter and more awkward spaces. As well as the table, it’s worth knowing that rounded seating will also help create the perception of a larger space. Seating with straight-edged corners can be at risk of cutting the aesthetic of the room, which can make it appear cluttered, whereas the softer design of a fabric dining chair will follow the lines of the interior and flow more smoothly.

Clever storage

Storage can be a design conundrum. It takes up space, which for the compact room can be problematic, but is essential to the space. Having storage on the wall helps maximise floor space whilst also adding a visually interesting element to your room. Reclaimed wood shelving is a brilliant option for storing kitchen condiments and cookbooks, but for those in need of larger storage options, you might consider some rustic or industrial furniture. A rustic sideboard won’t compromise style for space – our Mitcham squared industrial sideboard boasts a stylish vibe which looks great in mid-century styled homes or traditional schemes and offers more than enough space to hide away all your dining accessories.

Rustic dining room storage solutions for entertaining

Drawing the eye up

One of our last tips for styling a smaller dining room is to draw the eye up. Focusing on making a room appear taller helps divert the eye away from other proportions and therefore helps the room feel more spacious. Hanging lights such as an ornate chandelier above your reclaimed wood dining table are perfect for attracting attention upwards whilst adding sophistication and opulence to your room or a set of industrial hanging pendant lights bring in a rustic lofty vibe. Hanging artwork slightly higher can also add to this perception, especially one that contains vertical lines to complete the illusion.

Share your ideas

Do you have any design tricks you’ve used to make the most of a space? If you’re looking for more tips, see our Ideas and Inspirations and create a fabulous entertaining space. Plus, we’d love to see what you create, so share your styling tips in the comment box below and your images @modishliving.

The best shape dining table for small spaces

When space is at a premium, the decisions that you make when it comes to selecting the right rustic furniture can be even more important than those you make for larger rooms.

Whether you have a kitchen-diner, a stand-alone dining room or your living space is open plan, if you only have a small space to work with choosing the best shape of dining table is essential. With so many options to choose from when it comes to reclaimed wood furniture, making the decision between a white round dining table, a reclaimed wood round kitchen table or a wooden extendable dining table in a rectangular shape can be tough. If you want to create the perfect dining space that you have been dreaming of, however, there are some things that you will need to consider.

Top tips: how to give your dining room a designer look

How much space do you have?

Be honest with yourself. When looking at how much space you actually have for your rustic dining table it’s essential not to think you have to fill the whole area. There should be enough room around your table so that when people are seated, you can still get from one end of the room to another. There are two shapes of dining table you will want to consider in your quest to find the best option so let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each.

Round tables

If you are looking for something that on the whole takes up less space, then a round table is ideal. The aesthetic of a round dining room table not only gives the illusion of more space, but the softer, less angular lines give a more flowing, fluid look. Many round tables benefit from a central leg which offers more leg room too, so at a pinch, you can easily squeeze in another guest when necessary. If you need to sit additional guests on a regular basis, then you may want to consider a small extendable dining table.

A round table is also a very sociable addition to a room, making conversation between all of your guests much easier.

The only thing to consider with a round table is when its positioning within a room. While it can be pushed against a wall to make more space when not fully in use, it can look a little out of place when you do this.

The pros and cons of a round dining table

Rectangular tables

A huge advantage you will find with any rectangular table is its versatility when it comes to positioning. A rectangular table offers a real air of authority to a room when placed in the centre, but if you are really short of space it can be positioned against a wall and still look great. A rectangular table, even when not extended, will offer you a greater seating capacity. However, depending on the placement of the legs on your table, this may not be as comfortable for all of your guests. You may also want to factor into your decision that rectangular tables can make conversation between some people awkward. The “Bad Seat” problem can also make reaching food and drinks a little tricky.

Extendable tables are a great compromise if you want the versatility of a smaller table for everyday use with the ability to seat more guests for special occasions.

For many people, the shape of table they eventually opt for is really down to personal preference. Some of us simply prefer the look of a round table whilst for others a rectangular one is the perfect choice. As long as you consider the factors above, you’re sure to be able to get the right shape for your space.

Have you got a small dining space? What type of dining table did you choose? We’d love to see pictures of your room. Follow us @modishliving and let’s get chatting!

6 super stylish ways to decorate a bay window

The bay window is a classic piece of British house design. Dating back to the English Renaissance period, the word ‘bay’ comes from the French word ‘baee’, meaning open. Typically found in grand houses and mansion full of decadent furniture, the bay window is now a wonderful feature found in many homes, both period and modern. If you’re lucky enough to have a bay window, you’ll want to make the most of it. And, although a bay window comes with a host of benefits – more natural daylight, a greater outside view and more space, to name just a few – they can be a tricky area to work with.

Here we look at 6 stylish ways to style a bay window, whether that’s in the living room, dining room or bedroom.

1. Build a window seat

A bay window is an excellent spot to create a window seat. This will naturally be a lovely bright area with daylight streaming in from all angles. Perfect to sit and bask in the sun, watch rain or snow falling, catch-up with friends or just relax, a built-in boxed seating area is a classic way to make the most of the space. Add a seat cushion and pile up some scatter cushions for comfort and colour.

Tip: make the most of the space under the seat by adding some hidden storage.

credit: @aconstantdreamer

2. Create a social seating area

If you want your bay to have flexibility, you can create a seating area using a couple of charming small armchairs in an accent colour or even a small 2 seater sofa. This way you can move the chairs and rearrange the space quickly and easily. You can create this no matter what size your bay is or whether it’s in the living room, dining room or even the bedroom. Simply add a small side table and other accessories, such as a plant or table lamp to help pull the look together.

Credit: @maxinebradystyling

3. Make a dining nook

In a kitchen, a bay window gives you the perfect opportunity to create a dining area. To make the most of the space, let the size and shape of the bay dictate what table is best – a small rectangle table or a small round dining table should fit. Add four upholstered dining chairs or a small wooden dining bench and you can make good use of the area as a cosy dining space.

4. A space for eye-catching window dressings

You can really go to town to dress the windows especially if you want to create a beautiful frame for a gorgeous view through your bay window. You can use a mix of blinds and curtains – keep with the colour scheme the same as in your room or use the opportunity to introduce an accent colour. Alternatively, white shutters are a classic way to frame a bay window and a look that will never go out of style.

Credit: @bellwayhometorhead

5. Add a reading nook

Whether your bay window is in the bedroom or living room, it makes an absolute perfect spot in which to create a reading nook. You can either arrange an armchair and a small wooden side table for a reading lamp or make a window seat with shelving for books below to make good use of the space.

6. Put nothing in it!

You can just leave it empty – this will give the impression that your room is bigger than it actually is – keep the curtain and blind colours neutral to make the space feel as bright and airy as possible. If you feel it would look better with just a little something there then add a houseplant at the edge- this will help to tie in any greenery outside.

Check out more of our home styling tips and inspiration such as…

How to mix metals in the home

mango wood sideboard

Gold, brass, silver of black steel, we show you how to get heavy on the metal in your home.

Read here

How to style chairs with your industrial dining table

Do you stick with an industrial theme and go reclaimed wood or soften with velvet dining chairs?

Discover more

Broken-plan v Open-plan: What’s the difference?

Four wooden bar stools in front of a kitchen island in an open plan home

We’ve all heard of open-plan living. It became the architectural style of choice in the 1970s when the trend for building homes with fewer interior walls became a thing. It resulted in a surge of knocking down walls and joining rooms in period homes to create a better space for the way we live today and is still one of the most popular designs to dominate interiors. For some, it is the epitome of style and luxury, but the latest buzzword in interiors is broken-plan. Have you heard of this? Is this a style that could suit you?

We absolutely love open-plan living as a nation, but it is not always the most practical option bearing in mind the various activities that have to take place in this space. So, in came another option which is the “broken-plan” space.

What is broken-plan living?

A buzz-word that has been around for a while, broken-plan is the clever use of space in which the open floor is zoned into areas by the use of various floor finishes, split levels and semi-permanent partitions such as a display unit or bookcase.

These subtle divides give a sense of division to a room without closing down the open space. It gives a semi-private feel to some of the zones, something that can be important for families today.

Why did people fall in love with open-plan living?

Modern lives are busy and multitasking is an everyday necessity. Light and spacious, open-plan living promotes flow and fluidity in a home, but also allows us to perform different tasks at the same time. Preparing supper while supervising the kid’s homework or being part of the conversation when friends are over and sat around the dining table, rather than stuck in the kitchen alone.

But, some people find open-plan living too ‘open’ with a lack of privacy. It also tends to be noisier. Contrary to what you may think, dressing and styling an open space can be hard too; even gargantuan sofas can look timid and lost in such a cavernous space. A completely open-plan room can look devoid of character and be hard to make cosy and inviting. Most people want their living space to be relaxing and cosy. This is were broken-plan living has emerge as a compromise.

How broken-plan living differs

Broken-plan attempts to retain all the good things about open-plan – fluidity, light and space – while bringing in elements based on a room-by-room basis. For example, you can retain a large open-plan seating area, but use various pieces of reclaimed wood furniture, ceiling pendant lights and an accent armchair to create a small nook for reading or listening to music.

No doors or walls

Just like with open-plan living, there are few doors and permanent walls in a broken-plan living scheme because it relies on semi-permanent structures instead. In other words, when the need for change arises, you can move the items of rustic furniture to create new spaces and zones.

What can you do to achieve this?

Different floor levels – this is a great way to instantly define different zones of a room. Create a step up from a seating area into the dining space to it a more intimate feel or add a floating floor to denote a different space. you don’t have to use a rustic bookcase or display unit as a partition on their own. You could use them in tandem with a change in floor level. A floating floor is simply a step up but instantly denotes a different space.
Half walls – partitions don’t have to be full height. If you find open-plan living too noisy or soulless, a wooden sideboard makes the perfect alternative. Place a rustic sideboard at the back of your sofa with some tall plants or dried grasses to create a natural division as well as extra storage and privacy.

Is there a future for open-plan living?

There will always be a place for the open-plan style, just as there will be fans of the new way of doing things, broken-plan living. We’re in favour of both. What do you prefer? Leave a comment below or start a conversation @modishliving.

How to style a chic Easter dining table

Are you hosting a casual spring lunch or a formal Sunday dinner this Easter? Styling your rustic dining table can sometimes leave you short of ideas when there are so many seasonal decor trends about. Whether you prefer a minimalist spread with subtle Easter accents or a solid wood dining table that’s full of character and colour, these styling tips will help you find your theme and impress your loved ones this bank holiday.

5 Chic ways to style your dining table this Easter

1. Pretty Pastels

To achieve a fresh and joyful spread, pastels are your go-to this Easter. Think soft-hued pinks, purples, greens and yellows when styling your reclaimed wood dining table. To create the foundation, consider a light grey fabric cloth to draw attention to the pretty pastels and add a contemporary edge to the spread. Alternatively, if you have whitewash rustic furniture, white will also effortlessly complement the decor. For your centrepiece, choose dainty spring flowers such as pink and white tulip arrangements to make beautiful focal points of your spread whilst harmonising with the rest of the table. If you want to keep it minimalist, you can create a monochromatic style table using one or two pastels and by layering your plates to mix and match the different hues. For an ‘egg-citing’ touch, finish your table using pastel egg cups as candle holders or trail a pastel egg garland winding through the centre of your tabletop.

2. Look to Nature

Not all Easter spreads have to be sweet and conventional, you can adopt a neutral colour palette and incorporate elements of the outdoors. For a subtle take on the trend, drape faux or authentic green vines along a white table cloth runner and arrange your favourite seasonal blooms within a clear vase as the centrepiece. The detailing in the vines and exposed stems will pair perfectly with the unique markings and character of a solid oak dining table. Mount your plates upon rattan placemats and your cutlery on rumpled linen napkins to maintain this natural and raw theme. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not create your own Kokedama with an Easter twist. To make this Japanese garden art, create your own moss covered decorations using small seasonal flowers and intertwine within the vines for an earthy and untamed look. Finish with some woodland decoration including birds nests and speckled eggs to give a rugged edge.

3. Sunshine Yellow

Sunny yellow oozes Spring, so why not celebrate this cheerful Easter hue when styling your Easter spread this year? For a cooler feel, consider mixing yellow with aqua blue tumblers for a coastal-style look to your table or duck egg blue embroidered napkins for more of a farmhouse feel. Fresh daffodils in blue mason jars or rustic blue watering jugs make the most beautiful centrepieces to tie this all together. You can also mix yellow with rusty or bright and bold oranges to achieve a warmer feel. Zesty Easter cakes make mouthwatering features, place on orange tiered cake stands for a centrepiece which looks as good as it tastes. To go all-out yellow this spring, our Clara dining chairs in sunset yellow with warm orange piping make the perfect fabric dining chair to elevate your table with festivity to the fullest.

4. Vintage Charm

Vintage touches can give a magical and whimsical feel to your rustic furniture. Hand-me-down china tea sets are kitch and timeless, pair with matching or mix-and-match cutlery to create a magical and enchanting look. Alternatively, a vintage drinks cooler to chill the beverage of your choice is also a charming option. When choosing your centrepiece, think outside the box. Vintage bird cages, or old-fashioned scales topped with floral painted eggs will create a captivating Alice in Wonderland feel to your reclaimed wood dining table which is bound to spark a conversation. For the maximalists amongst you, finish the scheme with antique trinkets such as pre-loved salt and pepper shakers or grandmas condiment jars.

5. Glorious Gold

If you prefer to steer away from bold and bright colours of spring, but want something sparkling, gold will add a layer of luxury to your table whilst maintaining a celebratory feel. Bring in subtle gold accents, such as details on neutral plates, napkins and placemats to evoke glamour and opulence without appearing gaudy. Glorious gold accents can also elevate your seating with goldembellished cushions or throws adding a sophisticated touch together with an element of comfort to a wooden dining bench. For your table centrepiece, opt for something a little unconventional and chic, such as multi tea light holders or for a more traditional touch, opt for serene white lilies styled in a slim and elegant gold vase.

Get more Easter inspiration for your home…

3 Mother’s Day dining table deco inspiration

rustic dining table with layers of linen table cloths and hanging plants

With Mother’s day on Sunday, you may be wondering what to do to make it a extra special. After two years of not being able to celebrate with the most important lady in your life, this year you can truly spoil and pamper your mum and show her exactly how much you care. Instead of taking her out to eat, plan a special meal for her at home where you can gather around your reclaimed wood dining table and create the perfect setting that you know she will love. And why stop at lunch? From a casual Mother’s Day brunch to start the day off right to an exquisite afternoon tea with all the trimmings, not to mention a sumptuous evening meal, take a look at our gorgeous ideas of how to dress your rustic dining table and throw your mum a Mother’s Day to remember.

How to style your dining table for Mother’s Day

1. A special Mother’s day brunch

Not everyone wants all the fuss of a big lunch and a casual family brunch is the perfect gathering on any Sunday, especially Mothering Sunday. Styling should be laid-back but still set for a special occasion. If you have a rustic wood dining table then opt for on-trend wicker place mats rather than a table cloth, and pick homely earthenware crockery to help create a natural rustic look. To bring a wow-factor into the scheme, why not create a wonderful display of dried flowers and grasses in the centre of the table. Top food suggestions for brunch are pancakes, salmon and avocado, brunch burritos or poached eggs and bacon on crumpets.

2. A popular afternoon tea

There is something quite decadent about afternoon tea. It’s a very proper ritual and one that deserves a stylish and elegant setting. The serving dishes, teapot and cake stand are the important elements that should feature on your table and this is the time to get your fine china out! A crisp plain white table cloth (make sure you iron it!) on your dining table, whether that’s a small reclaimed wood dining table or round kitchen table, will give your afternoon tea a wonderful hotel feel! Dainty flowers are what is required to style a Mother’s Day afternoon tea. Think pretty spring blooms dotted around the table in glass jars of varying sizes. You can even decorate your cake (home baked or not) with pretty edible flowers and a dusting of icing powder.

3. A decadent Mother’s Day dinner

This is where you can go more formal and all-out. For an extra special Mother’s day meal channel your inner creativity and create a spectacular table display. If you have a beautiful solid wood dining table you may want to keep some of the beauty of the tabletop on show, so rather than a tablecloth, add a runner to help create contrast and colour and make more of an occasion of the table. Layer a couple of runners on top of each other along the length of the table or have two symmetrical pieces hanging across the width of the table. For the centrepiece, go big – your mum can always take the display home with her after! Add a large display of her favourite flowers, along with plenty of greenery to bolster it up. Or create a hanging display similar to ones that were popular at Christmas and weave in a wonderful display of botanical beauty. Position an array of different sized candles and you have a dinner table setting that not just your mum will be proud of.