industrial Archives - Page 7 of 26

What Dining Room Table Shape Should You Choose?

Rustic dining table and chairs with white soup bowl

The dining table is a piece of furniture that will be in your home for years. It will be the place where homework is completed, where meals are shared and where family meetings take place. Getting the right one is, therefore, of paramount importance. As well as style and size, you also need to consider shape. So which shape of dining room table is right for you?

The shapes of dining tables

There are four shapes from which you can choose – oval or round, square or rectangular, with all offering something different.

The round dining table

If it is inclusiveness you want, then the round kitchen table could be the perfect option. No matter how big or small the round dining table, you can see everyone sat around it.

There is also no ‘head of the table’, something that you may decide is important. In fact, in boardrooms, negotiations often flow better around a round table which is why many people opt for the circular shape.

There is also one other benefit to opting for a round dining table and that is space. It affords plenty of dining space but doesn’t swamp the room.

The oval dining table

Another great and sociable shape is the oval dining table. Effectively, a circle has been stretched between two points to create a shape that is wide at its middle, but less so at either end.

Like its cousin the round table, this shape is perfect if you prefer a friendly and all-inclusive dining space.

There is also an elegance to this shape that marks it out as something different. In a formal dining room setting, it has a splendour all of its own. It can also work in the kitchen diner, especially as its shape makes the best use of space too.

Having said that, many oval dining tables tend to have generous proportions, so take care not to swamp a small space or room. If you want a statement dining table, the oval shape ticks both of this box.

The square dining table

Simple, elegant, functional – there are so many ways that the square dining table could be described. Its sharp corners and pleasing angular shape makes it perfect for ‘fitting’ into a space.

For example, if you want the table to sit against a wall, the square shape is the better option. Its symmetrical qualities are not its only selling point, either. Available in a range of sizes, you can have a small square dining table in the kitchen/diner that still offers plenty of dining space.

Again, they are available in a range of styles and sizes. Pair with detailed and sumptuous dining chairs and you have a dining table that offers everything that you need.

The rectangular dining table

The stretched version of the square table, the rectangular dining table is a popular choice. You could choose a modern dining table in the kitchen or industrial dining table in the formal dining room. Whatever your choice of style, it delivers.

The beauty of this shape is that as well as opting for dining chairs, you can also opt for a dining bench along the longer sides, great for squeezing in guests at an impromptu gathering.

With a range of leg options, you can emphasise the space you have available too. There are smaller versions as well as extendable dining tables that afford more flexibility.

Have you made your choice? Which reclaimed wood dining table from our range would fit best in your dining room?

Come out of the dark – how to incorporate dark wood

Are you afraid of the dark? Dark wood furniture, that is? For too long, we have seen it as imposing and difficult to handle but there is a growing resurgence in love for dark wood furniture. It is possible, however, to welcome darker tones of furniture into your home without it being too imposing. Here’s how…

1 Bright lights and dark wood

The monochrome design – contrasting a very dark shade such as navy or black with white – is a design option that has always been, and always will be, popular. You can emulate this with dark reclaimed wood furniture nestled against a crisp, white backdrop. You can’t argue that the enhanced proportions of a dark reclaimed wood dining table would look out of place in a bright and airy dining room.

2 You can add colour too

Of course, for many, bright white walls simply do not fit well with their home or their style and so you may think that using colour with dark wood furniture is something that should be done with caution. However, adding flecks of colour is possible and welcomed too by furniture with a darker timber.

Dark furniture can be dramatic both in colour and texture, similar to this beautiful but practical reclaimed wood TV unit from the Luxe Kensington Collection. Add the colour of your choice to bring out the depth of its beautiful patina and texture.

3 Dark + dark = perfection

The one thing about a piece of dark furniture that many people are uncertain of is the fact that it will stand out. Enter a room and a dark piece of furniture, no matter how small, will hit you between the eyes. If you want dark furniture but don’t want ‘the-only-thing-that-stand-out-in-a-room’ effect, this is what you need to do: match like with like.

And that means standing a piece of dark furniture against a dark coloured wall. A dark reclaimed wood desk, for example, sat against a dark forest green wall would bring a welcome Victorian style to a space, showcasing its elegance without it being uncomfortably stark or stand-offish.

4 Choose more than one piece of dark wood

We know the rule – dark colours close down a space – but sometimes, we just need to embrace the obvious and dress it so that it becomes an elegant, stylish and comfortable space.

Choosing more than one dark piece of furniture brings cohesion and symmetry to a space and when you opt for pieces from the same collection, you also promote a balanced feel to a room. Take a look at the Luxe Kensington Collection, for example. With its darker shade matched with the reflective chrome legs and frames, it brings a heightened drama to a room.

5 If you have a large room, go for it!

If you are blessed with a larger space, there is no denying that dark wood furniture is simply perfection. You could deck out the whole room in dark furniture from the same collection that brings instant symmetry and drama to a space.

If there is one thing to learn it is this: there is nothing to fear from dark wood furniture.

Want to work from home? Let’s get your home office ready!

You’ve delivered on your New Year resolution to work from home and even if this is only for some of the time, you need to create a functional, versatile and stylish WFH space. Here’s how.

The number of people working from home has doubled since 2009, according to BBC figures, with 1.54 million people working their main job from the cosy confines of their home or apartment. And the trend looks set to continue.

But, it’s important to find the right space in your home and when you do, that you create a home office that is perfect for you.

Unused nooks and corners

In older houses especially, there tends to be space that we don’t use simply because it’s in an awkward place. Don’t waste the space any longer – utilise it as your office.

As well as adding a perfectly proportioned home office desk, invest wisely in the best office chair you can afford so that you are not only supported as you sit and work, but it looks stylish in your home. Leather office chairs look and act the part and are also perfect if you have clients or work colleagues over for meetings.

Focus on light

Whether you are sat at your PC for most of the day or use other equipment, lighting is important. Avoid shade where you can, making the most of natural light (but not harsh sunlight) in the space.

You’ll need to consider layers of light in your WFH space too. As well as a pendant light, opt for a table lamp on your reclaimed wood desk and floor lamps to illuminate darker areas.

Choose your style

We spend many hours ‘at’ work and it’ll be no different when you work from home. There may be times when you spend more time at your desk to deliver a project than you normally would and so getting the right style that sparks and nurtures your creativity or focuses the mind is essential.

As well as the warm but minimal Scandinavian style, the industrial style is popular. Clean lines with a fresh, appealing look, an industrial desk is the perfect place for clever thinking.

Don’t forget accessories and office storage

Forgetting storage means that within a few days, your home office will begin to look cluttered. If there is one thing that stifles creativity and production, it is mess and clutter.

As well as choosing a home office desk that suits you and your work, you need to consider storage. A small sideboard, for example, could offer the storage solutions you need, as too could a shelving display unit and drawer and cupboard space in the desk. There are many options but which one would suit you?

Try something different

Working from home and choosing your own office furniture is a welcome change from the corporate style we are accustomed too. That means you shouldn’t be afraid to experiment. As well as reclaimed wood furniture for the office, why not consider something completely different like a leather writing desk?

Mean business – embrace the outdoors!

If you are blessed with garden space, why not consider a garden office? A fantastic addition to your garden, it may an ideal place to work. With plenty of light, you’ll have all of nature around you to inspire your creativity too. Add insulation and heat, and you have an office space ideal for all year round.

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.

Give your home a cruelty-free makeover

The message that the environment and our planet can no longer sustain our current choices is being heard by a growing number of people. There are many drivers, one of which is opting for a vegan lifestyle. Choosing products and items for your home that are cruelty-free and made from sustainable, environmentally-friendly sources is key. But how do you know you are making cruelty-free choices for your home? Just what do you look for?

1 Opt for ‘faux’ materials rather than animal skins

Leather is a superior material, hardwearing and robust but when the source of the leather cannot be verified – and that’s quite often the case – choosing faux leather is a better option. Just as hard-wearing and robust, it is hard to tell the difference between one and the other and so faux leather dining chairs will offer the same style and finish for your dining room with no harm to animals.

2 Choose reclaimed wood furniture for your home

Choosing furniture from sustainable sources makes sense at a time when the world’s natural resources are under pressure. Reclaimed wood furniture is made from hardwoods that have served a different purpose. Using skilled craftspeople, what looks like large chunks of wood and beams can be made into beautiful, stylish pieces from bedframes to reclaimed wood dining tables.

3 Use eco-friendly paint

The technology behind paint and the dying of paint is one that has developed enormously in recent years. Traditional paints, both gloss and emulsion, however, have tended to not only swallow a lot of natural resources but also a lot of energy too. Removing chemicals from paints has, in the past, meant the quality was not what we expected – until now, that is. Eco-friendly paints are low fumes but of the high quality that we expect, the perfect partner for reclaimed wood furniture.

4 Use natural materials from sustainable sources

We mentioned cruelty-free materials, but natural materials are also an ideal option. You need to be confident that they are from sustainable sources, however, and the people who grow, farm and process them are paid a fair wage. Rattan and bamboo are two materials that tick all the boxes. Fast growing, they can be harvested quickly and once dried in the sun, become incredibly strong. Their strength is magnified when woven together. With different colour options too and plenty of choices including rattan dining chairs and bamboo pendant lights. And don’t forget to dress the table with natural fabrics too, such as beautiful linen napkins and tablecloths.

5 Choose recycled glass items

Glass is a material that can be easily recycled and so opting for recycled glass wear in your home is also a great move towards sustainability. Who knows what life this recycled glass table lamp had previously, but isn’t it wonderful to think about?

Using cruelty-free and reclaimed materials in your home doesn’t limit your choice but enhances it. How will you make a start?

Go vegan with fabulous faux leather dining chairs

Dark brown faux leather chairs around a reclaimed wooden dining table with decor

November is World Vegan Month, a chance to raise awareness about not just eating vegan but opting for a vegan lifestyle. Some people still think of veganism as being extreme but it could hold the answer to the growing environmental crisis we are all facing. Incorporating vegan or cruelty-free aspects into interior design and décor is growing at a fast pace but what does this actually mean?

Sustainable, cruelty-free furniture and products in the modern dining room (and across the home)

The dining room is a wonderful space for family and friends to gather which is why you want it to be stylish. Reclaimed wood furniture, as well as other sustainable, natural materials, are ideal for the modern dining room. And with cruelty-free also on your mind, you’ll be pleased to know that no animal (or the environment) were harmed in the styling of your dining room.

Reclaimed wood dining table

With your dining room walls daubed with your favourite shade of eco-friendly paint, you can start to dress the room with the must-have furniture and items. Start with a reclaimed wood dining table.

Made using reclaimed hardwood such as English oak beams, reclaimed wood tables come in a range of finishes and styles so no matter what final look you are opting for, there is a table that will fit with your rustic style, the industrial look as well as a contemporary finish or Scandinavian appeal.

Pair with faux leather dining chairs

Leather is a soft, supple material that is the by-product of the beef industry. Whether you are a meat-eater or not, we are all becoming more aware of how animals are treated. Unless leather is certified as cruelty-free, you are unlikely to ever really know where the leather came from.

Faux leather is the synthetic equivalent and boasts all the same properties as its natural counterpart. Faux leather dining chairs are the perfect accompaniment to a reclaimed wood dining table. With so many choices of faux leather dining chair, just how will you decide?

Fabric dining chairs can be cruelty-free too

When opting for natural materials, choose ones that are grown and farmed organically, and from a source that is both fair to workers and sustainable. Cotton can be organic and sustainable, as too can other materials, used in upholstered dining chairs. Cotton or linen fabric dining chairs are a great choice, with many being at the cutting edge of stylish, modern dining chairs.

Choose a style that embraces the sustainable, cruelty-free choices

Of course, opting for an interior design style that embraces and welcomes sustainable, cruelty-free materials and products will help in your final choices. The rustic style has long been embedded in using reclaimed and repurposed materials, as has the farmhouse style. The industrial edgy look was born from living in partly-converted buildings that embraced their industrial past. And the Scandinavian style is one passionate about the use of natural materials that bring the spirit of the natural world inside.

5 steps to hygge happiness with living room storage

Industrial style dining room with reclaimed wood coffee table and TV unit with a zig zag rug and plants

The nights are drawing in and whilst we’ll miss the glorious sunshine and warmth, there is something enticing about returning home on a winter’s evening to a snug and cosy living room. Make your living room extra cosy and appealing with these tips.

1 Keep blankets close to hand

Blankets and throws are perfect for the cosy living room for many reasons. They can add a dash of colour and texture with pattern but they are also a practical addition. Drape it over you as you snuggle down for the evening’s film or soap opera marathon to keep the chill at bay.

But there is the question of how to store them. Draped artfully over the sofa or armchairs is one option but can look messy. A reclaimed wooden blanket box is ideal. Keep your blankets in it until you need them but have a handy coffee table top for drinks and the like.

2 Add candles to your bookshelves

There is no better time to enjoy the gentle flickering candle flame than in the evening. Adding a gentle glow to the living room, candles on bookshelves add instant cosy appeal. Better still, opt for scented candles that allow a delicate fragrance to hand in the air.

3 Add diffusers for all day (and night) scent

Candles should never be left unaccompanied when lit but you’ll want a gentle fragrance to fill the room during the day. Diffusers are an ideal solution. Place these on your rustic coffee table or again, use the diffuser to adorn open shelving in the living room or on your sideboard. As you move about the room, its fragrance will be gently fanned around the space.

4 Opt for a coffee table with storage to hide the clutter

Whether it’s kids’ toys or a steadily growing pile of magazines and newspapers (or matches and other candle and fire lighting paraphernalia), hiding them from view is also a great way of creating a cosy living room landscape.

By hiding things away in a coffee table with storage, you allow your senses to alight on the important things in the room such as the feeling of warmth from the fire, the appealing gentle fragrance of scented candles and the welcoming warmth of cushions and blankets.

There are other options for hidden storage too such as footstools with storage. A leather footstool adds texture and a hint of luxury to the living room and its perfect for resting your weary feet at the end of the day. Equally as appealing and practical is a rattan footstool and can be used as a low-level side table too.

5 Keep lighting low

Layers of light work best in any room but in the living room, soft lighting adds the glow of cosiness you want and need. Switch off the main pendant light and enjoy the soft glow (choose warm white bulbs) in lamps on the rustic coffee table and side tables.

Make sure you don’t have dark corners or shady spots in the living room, however as this will detract from just how cosy the space is.

Tidy office, tidy mind – Smart ways to de-clutter your office

Laptop on top of a dark wood office desk

Some of us appear to thrive with a less-than-tidy desk. Or do we? With strong scientific evidence that a cluttered work environment stifles our focus and creativity, the time has come to try it. But that means upping your office storage solutions and making changes to your home office.

Boxes and trunks are great for quick, easy wipe-it-away decluttering

Decluttering in the home office tends to take a back seat when work is so busy and relentless all of the time. The secret to a tidy desk is to have storage solutions that are quick, easy and simple to use.

A box with a lid is perfect. But what you don’t want is a teetering column of boxes in the corner so opt for one box, two at the most and make it a monthly activity that you empty the boxes contents and recycle, shred and get rid of the contents.

Avoid the clutter of boxes in the office with hideaway storage such as a sideboard, ideal as office storage and for complementing the reclaimed wood furniture you’ve chosen for your working space.

Tidy doesn’t mean featureless

Clutter is the stuff that doesn’t need to be there or directly correlate to what you do in your home office but getting rid of everything under this definition means you’ll create a featureless, boring landscape.

This is not what a tidy desk is all about. Being surrounded by pretty things and items you like can be just as good for creativity and focus as a tidy desk.

Open shelving is perfect as office storage BUT you need to be confident that those open shelves won’t become a dumping ground for ‘stuff’.

Industrial shelving is the ideal solution. Space for important books and files but also space for accessories that give your home office character and appeal. Of course, there is nothing stopping you from choosing office storage that is pleasant to look at. For example, the industrial metal storage cabinet from the Aviator collection is surely welcome in every home office?

Create order

A tidy industrial desk is one that allows you to get on with work but for you to be able to ‘see’ clearly. So the printed document you need to consult or the tools you need to reach for all need to be within easy distance of you as you sit or stand at your desk.

Therefore, for a tidy desk, you need one that suits what you do and offers the simple office storage solutions you need.

A larger reclaimed wood desk with ample storage is fantastic, especially if you want integrated storage at your fingertips. Opt for a desk that offers you plenty of drawer and cupboard space.

Sparkling Bonfire Night storage ideas

Full of colour and excitement, bonfire night is a favourite time of year for many people. But, no matter how much you love it, hosting a party in which guests trample mud into your home from the garden or coats, scarves and hats get piled in a room is most definitely not welcome. How can you make sure your hallway is welcoming but also practical?

Bench seats

A hallway storage bench is an ideal option and not just for bonfire night but every day of the year. With clever storage solutions – simply pop shoes and boots on one shelf or box and hat, gloves and scarves in the other – this is a multifunctional piece of furniture. Acting as a stool, you have a comfy seat to sit whilst shoes and boots are pulled off.

There are different sizes of wood storage bench too. Opt for a small bench, perfect for a corner in the hallway or, if you have a longer expanse of wall opt for a longer bench that has three or four baskets for storage of winter clothing and boots.

Open storage

Some hallway benches have storage in the shape of wicker or rattan baskets. These are a great solution as they are easy to keep clean. Simply vacuum them every now and then. If they do get muddy or dirty, wipe them over with warm water and a mild detergent and leave them to air dry thoroughly.

Another solution is to opt for a storage bench seat in the hallway that has separate compartments so that every member of the family has their own ‘pigeonhole’ for storing shoes and boots. Easy to keep clean – sweep out dried mud – they are perfect at both the front and back door entrances to your home.

If you want somewhere to store wellingtons or other boots, opt for a storage bench seat that has a wider and taller slot.

Storage bench with lift up lid

Another solution for welcoming guests in the hallway but also as a piece of reclaimed wood furniture with storage is to opt for a flat-top blanket chest or trunk in the hallway.

This versatile piece of furniture can act as a blanket or linen store in the bedroom but if you feel storage is lacking in the hallway, it also makes a great seat-with-storage solution too.

It is also a great ad hoc solution for bonfire night when you know you’ll have guests and need a quick and easy solution to store hats, gloves and scarves!

Opting for a flat top hallway trunk means people can sit on it but simply lift the lid to toss their hat or gloves inside.

A simple hallway bench

As we’ve seen, sometimes the best solutions are the simplest. When it comes to creating a welcoming hallway, is there anything better than a simple hallway bench?

Whether you enjoy the contemporary style in your home, or the industrial or rustic, a simple hallway bench will slot right in. Add a cushion or two for comfort, colour and texture along with open baskets or wine boxes underneath to keep shoes, scarves, gloves and hats neat, tidy and out of the way.