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

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

small dining space in a white kitchen with wooden dining table

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.

reclaimed wood dining table with glass top

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.

industrial round dining table with brown leather dining chairs

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 oak sideboard with square panelling

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.

industrial dining table with brown faux leather dining chairs and black rattan hanging pendant light

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

The best shape dining table for small spaces

wooden dining table with brown leather dining chairs

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.

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

round reclaimed wood dining table with grey faux leather dining chairs

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.

Rectangular tables

reclaimed wood dining table with brown faux leather dining chairs

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.

ironbridge industrial extendable reclaimed wood dining table

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!

How to create a stunning bedroom with a reclaimed wood bed

Reclaimed solid wood bed with pink and green covers

solid wood bed in reclaimed wood with yellow and orange covers

A reclaimed solid wood bed frame truly is a thing of pure beauty, so why would you not want one in your bedroom? Not only does one look beautiful but it’s an eco-friendly choice and goes with all type of interior schemes. You don’t have to limit your look to just rustic. With the right styling, reclaimed wood furniture can blend with modern, traditional or classic interiors, whether that’s in the living room, dining room or bedroom, which is what we’re going to focus on here.

A statement bed

The Onslow bedroom furniture collection comes in many different styles, finishes and sizes. Each and every solid wooden bed, wooden chest of drawers and nightstand is handmade to order, right here in the UK, so of course, a bed crafted will so much skill and care should and will be a focal point in your bedroom. With a statement bed, we think you should decorate around it to ensure your reclaimed wood furniture really is the star of the room.

But, just because your bed has been crafted using old salvaged wood it doesn’t mean you can’t go modern and create a light and airy bedroom – a simple, relaxing sleep sanctuary that lulls you into a peaceful slumber each night. Keep the walls a crisp white and stick with white for window dressings – sheer nets that flutter in a gentle breeze on warm summer evenings and natural white curtains.

Best colours with a reclaimed wood bed

Now you can personalise your blank canvas! As we are working with natural wood you can bring in greens and shades of brown in the form of bedding, houseplants, wall art, mats and rugs. These will all give your bedroom an earthy, chic Boho vibe. However, brighter and fresher hues also pair beautifully with a rustic bed – pinks, purples, Pantone’s new Very Peri also bring out the beauty in the aged wood. If you really wanted to go all-out white, choose a white wooden bed and painted furniture to create an ethereal mood.

reclaimed solid wood bed frame with pink covers

Opt for a dark and cosy room if you like to feel cocooned in your bedroom. Again the bed is the star of your bedroom. You can still keep your walls a clean white but if you have a dark wood floor opt for a darker wood bed and choose darker bedding, curtains and rugs. The gorgeous solid wooden headboard of the Onslow Reclaimed Wood Bed is guaranteed to catch the eye every time someone walks into the room. Layer the bedding on a wooden king size bed and include throws and cushions that contrast the main bed set to give the room a designer look.

An industrial style bed

solid wooden bed with dark blue painted wood panelling

Some of us prefer the cool and functional industrial look and with good reason, it’s a perennial trend that never loses its cool. You can bring in a few industrial elements or go all out and embrace loft-style sleeping. This look again requires lots of natural materials like bare brick, wood and metal. The industrial look is a strong look so it can be softened by using bedding – this is a great way to mix rustic industrial with luxurious elements and embrace contrasts in your bedroom. Velvet is another fabric you can use to blend with an industrial theme to give your room sumptuous warmth – whether that be curtains, scatter cushions or a small armchair for reading.

Share your ideas

Do you have a reclaimed wood bed in your bedroom? Tell us your styling tips in the comment box below or share photos of your sleep sanctuary @modishliving.

6 tips to help you create a more eco-friendly bedroom

6 tips to help you create a more eco friendly bedroom

white bed with hanging green plants

We all want to try and make eco-friendly choices in our day-to-day living, from the household goods we buy, what car we drive and where our groceries come from, but with climate change a real problem, we want to take this further and instill more eco-friendly elements into every aspect of our lives, including the home we live in. With this in mind, looking long-term, we really should be moving away from our easy come easy go, throw-away society. Purchasing new rustic furniture for your home should be a long-term investment rather than a quick swap and quality furniture with heaps of character that will stand the test of time is a great environmentally-friendly choice.

In this blog, we look at how you can create an eco-friendly bedroom – so you can rest and relax with a completely clear conscience.

1. Choose reclaimed wood furniture

We know we would say that, but it’s true! Sustainable furniture is a great way to get the eco-ball rolling. There are so many options now, from a reclaimed solid wood bed frame to mango wood furniture. One of our top bedroom furniture picks is the British made Beam collection, handcrafted from reclaimed wood right here in the UK – it’s hugely popular with our eco-conscious customers. 

dark bedroom with mango wood chest of drawers

2. Embrace eco paints

Opting for eco-friendly paints in the bedroom is also a great swap you can make. Many paints contain toxins that you really don’t want in your bedroom anyway, so choose low, or no, VOC paints. These are very readily available now from companies like Earthborn, Little Greene Paint Company and Cornish Milk Mineral Paint Co to name just a few. Another bonus is that using these paints is good for the planet as they are also produced with as little impact on the environment as possible.

small paint pots with blue paint and brush

3. Toxin-Free bedding and mattress

Did you know fabrics and mattresses can contain all sorts of toxins? To avoid falling into the toxin-trap, look for organic and fairtrade cotton bed linen which is sustainable and ethically made. There is also a vast choice of eco-friendly options when it comes to which mattress you choose, from a hemp, bamboo or cotton mattress to curl up on. We spend around 33 years of our lives sleeping so it’s important to make the right choice, right?

4. Electrics

For a better night’s sleep, many of us are aware of the benefits of keeping electrics in the bedroom to a minimum, especially phones and TVs. But if you prefer to keep them nearby, we can at least think sensibly and reduce the environmental impact they have by not leaving the TV on standby and unplugging any phone chargers when not in use. It’s also a good idea to switch to energy-saving bulbs as well, not only for the environment but you’ll be doing your pockets a big favour too.

5. Eco-friendly window dressings

Look online for companies that offer eco-friendly window blinds like Greenscreen Sea Tex who actually collect rubbish that washes up on the shoreline and turn it into stylish blinds. As with bedding textiles, look for organic curtains made from cotton, linen and hemp.

sheer curtain with shadow of plant for 6 tips to help you create an eco friendly bedroom

6. Bring in plants

We are great believers in having houseplants in every room!! So you should definitely have some in the bedroom – not only are they good for the air but they will lift your spirits too. Studies have shown that house plants can reduce depression, improve your mood and reduce stress levels. Place one on your nightstand so it’s one of the first things you see in the morning….much better for you than a mobile phone!

Share your ideas

Will you be using any of these eco tips in your bedroom? Share your ideas in the comment box below or join the conversation @modishliving.

Meet Loma-Ann Marks, Editor-in-Chief of Reclaim

Loma-Ann Marks

Loma-Ann Marks, editor of Reclaim magazine

One of our favourite times of the month here at Modish Living is when our Reclaim magazine arrives. This treasure trove of all things reclaimed, upcycled and vintage shows just how wonderful reclaimed wood furniture can look in our homes with inspiration and advice from interior designers and master craftspeople. We had the honour of speaking with Managing Editor, Loma-Ann Marks, to find out more about what goes on behind the scenes at our much-loved magazine.

Hi, Loma-Ann. Let’s start at the beginning. Tell us a bit about you? Have you always wanted to work in magazines?

I have always loved magazines, and actually did four weeks of work experience at Smash Hits* when I was 15 [for any readers under the age of 30, Smash Hits was an iconic British pop music magazine for teens]. But I came back to them in a roundabout way, via writing theatre and dance reviews, then working on national newspapers, freelancing for brands, starting my own arts and culture website and now Reclaim.

What’s does a typical day as the Editor of Reclaim look like?

Well, I’m also managing editor, plus I oversee our socials and advertising so no two days are the same. My priority though is the print version of the magazine and I spend a lot of time commissioning features and liaising with writers and photographers, forward planning the issues, setting up partnerships and checking copy and images when they come in. We’re a small team and I work closely with our designer, sub and contributing editor.

We’re big fans of the magazine and particularly loved the January 2022 issue featuring @sophie-mumford-interiors home and your decorating trends. Do you have a favourite issue?

I have two. We did a complete re-design at the end of 2018, and for the launch of the new look I put together a cover shoot, featuring Jay Blades, Sonali Shah, Jo Wood, James Gooch and Sara Morel. I approached them specifically as each represents one of Reclaim’s five pillars: upcycling, salvage, vintage, antiques and eco. Plus they look beautiful together; always good for a cover!

front covers of Reclaim magazine

My other favourite was the May 2020 issue, created during lockdown. Everything was so worrying, but the positive I felt at the time, and wanted Reclaim to reflect, was that people were pulling together and helping each other. I added ‘Soft Power’ as the main coverline as it not only suited the gorgeous feminine home we featured on the cover, but is what we were all showing. Lots of the content already planned had to pivot to everyone’s new circumstances, and we covered everything from virtual stores to updating your home office and I’m proud of what we achieved.

What is it about reclaimed, sustainable and upcycled furniture that makes it so popular?

Because everyone is much more aware of how important it is to live sustainably. Reclaim has always reflected eco, reclaimed and upcycled furniture – now the mainstream has cottoned on. Also, upcycling is very creative, it’s cost-effective and the finished piece is unique.

With this desire to live more sustainably, how do you think reclaimed wood furniture and eco-interiors will evolve?

It will become even more mainstream, and larger brands will have to catch up and be clear about the provenance and supply chains of their pieces. Also, indie brands will become ever more popular as people buy into one-off, carefully made and curated ranges with a personal service.

reclaimed wood sideboard with barn style doors

What should people look for when buying reclaimed, vintage or rustic furniture?

Quality – most older pieces are very well made, as are new pieces using reclaimed materials, but it’s important to check that vintage furniture isn’t riddled with woodworm or immovable stains; or that reclaimed wood furniture has been properly treated, sanded and hasn’t got any splinters.

Is your home full of beautiful reclaimed and vintage pieces?

It’s a mixture of old and new, but the new tends to come from independent makers or brands. I’ve always loved vintage homewares, clothes and finding one-off, unusual pieces – my mum always said if something stands still for too long I’d put an old lace doily on it.

Do you have a favourite room in your home?

Currently my bedroom, which I completely redecorated during lockdown.

We love a bedroom makeover. Tell us more…

It’s very calm, pink and green, with two oversized prints by Swedish photographer, Dan Isaac Wallin, whose work is very dreamy and feels quite spiritual. The space also has a gallery of mirrors, fairy lights and a dresser that I gold-leafed – it catches the afternoon light and early evening light, which makes it very pretty.

artwork by Dan IsaacPhoto by: Dan Isaac Wallin / danisaacwallin.com / @danisaacwallin

What would be your dream property?

A Georgian mansion with wisteria in the garden.

white house with purple wisteria

Aside from your family, what three things would you save if our home was on fire?

A box of letters from my mum, my favourite ceramic swan from my dad and as many of my books as I could carry.

We think we already know the answer to this, but would you rather have a large master bedroom suite or a large home office?

Master suite, 100%. Relaxing is more important than work!!

Subscribe to our newsletter in the footer below and follow us on Instagram and Facebook to see more interviews and home inspiration in the Our Friends blog series.

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.

rustic dining table with white bowl and mother's day card

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.

dried flowers display in stone vases

large display of flowers in vases on rustic dining table

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.

spring flowers in jars on large dining table

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.

large dining table with layers of linen tablecloths and hanging green ivy decor

flowers set on a large dining table

Check out more dining table decor inspiration…..

What should I put on my dining table?

See how our lovely customers styled our dining tables

How to style a rustic dining table with leather seating

Our top 5 reclaimed wood furniture picks

close up of reclaimed wood dining table

With tonnes of character, warmth and not forgetting the eco-friendly benefits, reclaimed wood furniture is the gift that keeps on giving. It’s not just used to make the classic farmhouse dining table anymore. FSC certified salvaged wood is used to make the most gorgeous and striking pieces of furniture that will blend into any style of home be it modern, minimalist or retro. Being solid wood and hand-finished these are investment pieces that you will want to keep in your home for many years to come.

Most of our best-selling pieces are those crafted from reclaimed and repurposed wood. Here, we’ve pulled together our top 5 favourite collections to tempt you….

1. The Standford Collection

industrial dining table with matching wooden dining bench

This top pick of our customers combines reclaimed wood with industrial style for a timeless collection of classic industrial furniture. You can transform any room in a home and give it a modern industrial or rustic look with this best-selling range. Whether you’re looking to introduce a few industrial elements or to turn and entire room over to this loft-living style, the Stanford collection has something for the bedroom, living room, dining room and hallway.

What we love most: the nail holes and marks of its previous use clearly visible in the wood, along with the distressed finish to the black steel legs.

2. The Farringdon Collection

reclaimed wood dining table with matching wooden dining bench

Forever popular, this really is one for the modern country home. The Farringdon collection has everything a space desires, from a sturdy extendable table to a rustic TV stand. Crafted from wood salvaged from old factories which is then crafted into glorious everyday pieces of furniture, the variations in wood colour, the natural undulations give a glimpse into the history of the wood, ensuring each and every item is genuinely unique and one-of-a-kind.

What we love most: the light lacquer finish that adds a contemporary grey hue to the wood.

3. The Dorset Collection

white reclaimed wood dining table with wooden sideboard

Reclaimed wood furniture doesn’t have to be all about dark wood as the Dorset shows us. Still crafted out of 100% solid reclaimed wood, this collection is part finished in distressed white paint to bring a light and airy feel to each piece. For the dining space there is a range of dining tables, including the popular trestle style table, solid wood sideboards as well as a complete range of living room furniture, helping you to bring in reclaimed furniture without it dominating the whole room.

What we love most: the distressed white finish and natural imperfections ensure the wood gets better with age.

4. The Luxe Kensington collection

reclaimed wood dining table with grey velvet dining chairs

This exquisite furniture collection combines rustic reclaimed wood with industrial, but this time the industrial features are in polished stainless steel that elevates the collection to something far more glamorous. The Kensington sideboard, for example, would catch the eye of anyone who walks into your dining room or living room, whilst the best-selling reclaimed wood dining table with protective glass top makes this diva of a dining table suitable in a family home as well as a minimalist contemporary space.

What we love the most: the rustic finish of the wood is achieved by first sandblasting then cleaning old reclaimed railway sleepers – how cool is that?

5. The Beam collection

solid wood bed with reclaimed wood bedside table

When it comes to beautiful bedroom furniture then the Beam collection definitely deserves a mention. A solid wood bed is a firm favourite in the bedroom, and if you’re choosing a forever bed, the Beam collection is handcrafted to last for years and years. Expertly made from solid reclaimed beams, Beam is made to order guaranteeing you are buying an authentically unique piece of furniture and not an off-the-peg item. With bedside tables and a wooden chest of drawers you can furnish your bedroom using sustainable furniture and in the knowledge that it will last a lifetime. The collection also includes a range of industrial dining tables and wooden benches, along with a collection of solid wood living furniture, such as wooden sideboard and rustic TV stand.

What we love the most: it’s made right here in the UK and is made to order.

Find out more about reclaimed wood and why it’s the eco-friendly, not to mention stylish, choice or visit Modish Living to shop our favourites.

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How to style chairs with your industrial dining table

Industrial dining table with faux leather dining bench

Photo: Rocco Spider Leg Dining Table with Lansford Dining Chairs

The dining table in your dining space really has to be the star and an industrial style dining table with its mix of reclaimed wood and cool steel or dark metal is a timeless and stand-out choice that fits in all styles of homes. But it’s all well and good having a striking industrial dining table, but what seating should you choose to put around it?

First and foremost you have to look at the space available in your dining room – if the space is small, imposing dining chairs will make it look cluttered. Ideally, you need a minimum of one metre around your table to place chairs and allow people to move freely. It’s also worth considering if the dining chairs can fully tuck under the table when not in use to maximise the space, as well as allowing space for a wooden sideboard and other dining space storage.

Industrial is an unpretentious and laid-back style that places function ahead of aesthetics and there are lots of different styles of dining chairs to pick from. Let’s look at what type fits this timeless table best…

Keep it industrial with faux leather dining chairs with metal legs

Grey faux leather dining chairs with industrial table

Photo: Cleo Faux Leather Dining Chairs with Rocco Industrial Rustic Oak Dining Table

This option keeps the industrial theme going, but you can choose from a whole range of seat styles depending on your own personal preference and the size of the room. From an elegant thin metal leg to a more chunky industrial dining chair, with or without armrests. A bonus is that faux leather is vegan-friendly and the quality is so good today it is hard to distinguish them from a real leather dining chair…..apart from the cost, of course! Another huge plus with faux leather chairs is that they are wipe clean – perfect for wiping off any spillages or of course, little sticky fingerprints.

Room for everyone with dining benches

industrial dining table with faux leather industrial bench

Photo: Cleo Grey Faux Leather Corner Dining Bench and Low Dining Bench with Standford Industrial Dining Table.

Dining benches have come a long way since the medieval days! They are as popular in traditional farmhouse style kitchens as they are in elegant and sleek dining rooms. A reclaimed wood dining bench with industrial legs will always be a perfect match for an industrial dining table, add a cushion or two and a small throw and it will look like something straight out of a designer magazine. If you choose a dining bench with no back it will also make your dining area appear bigger as there is no back of the chairs breaking the space up. As mentioned above they are also a great way to squeeze a few extra guests around the table.

A faux leather dining bench is also a good option, especially if you need people to squeeze up a bit from time to time, to make an extra bit of room around the table.

Add some soft velvet contrast to the industrial look

industrial dining table with blue velvet dining chairs

Photo: Knightsbridge Velvet Dining Chairs with Knightbridge Industrial Dining Table

Industrial style does not have to be solely about thick black chunky legs, it can also be an elegant take on this loft-living interior style. Pair sumptuously upholstered dining chairs with a polished metal or slim coated steel to your industrial or reclaimed wood dining table to glam up your dining space and add a softening contrast. A velvet dining chair in a rich colour will brighten the space, such as blue, green or even yellow. If you prefer something more classic stick to neutrals hues, such as cream, taupe or a soft grey. And of course, always think about who will be sitting on the chairs before making a purchase. Fabric chairs may not be the best choice if you have young children with permanently sticky fingers, but if you enjoy hosting dinner parties with friends and like to linger around the table into the early hours, an upholstered chair would be a very comfortable choice. If you’re worried about how to look after your upholstered dining chairs think about the colour and texture and what works best in your home.

If you enjoyed reading this, check out more of our Ideas & Inspirations or come and be social with us @modishliving.

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Just landed: New reclaimed industrial furniture for loft style living

Ironbridge Industrial Reclaimed Wood Extending Dining Table

Loft style living is a perennial trend that just gets cooler with age and our latest collection of industrial furniture, Ironbridge, is a classic take on this ever popular interior scheme. With a mix of cool industrial steel and 100% FSC certified reclaimed wood you can guarantee each piece has individual character, history and natural beauty. Discover more from the new Ironbridge Industrial Reclaimed Wood Furniture collection and let yourself fall in love with industrial living…

industrial style dining tables

Industrial style dining table

An industrial dining table is always a crowd pleaser and here we have two different styles of industrial dining room tables to tempt you with. First off, there is the Ironbridge Industrial Extending Reclaimed Wood Dining Table that as the name suggests, has the added benefit of being extendable – did someone say dinner party? The wooden extendable dining table is crafted from solid reclaimed wood full of unique knots, grains, splits and proof of its previous use, whilst the sturdy black metal X shaped legs at either end of the table, along with exposed metal bolts, elevate the industrial mood in an instance. We love the smooth butterfly mechanism of this extendable table stored within the table itself, making quick and light work when you want to extend.

Next we have the Ironbridge Industrial Reclaimed Wood Dining Table with an eye-catching central solid star-shaped black steel leg. This design detail marries perfectly with the rustic top of the reclaimed dining table bringing together the two key elements that typically make up the industrial style – wood and metal. It’s also great if you love to entertain by removing troublesome table legs and allowing more seats to fit around the table.

reclaimed wood dining table with black steel cross-shaped legs

To finish the industrial look check-out the Ironbridge Industrial Reclaimed wooden dining bench. With the same style legs as the fixed top dining table, it looks equally as smart with the wooden extendable dining table. Or why not mix and match your seating with the Ironbridge dining tables and combine industrial style faux leather dining chairs with the dining bench? If you’re not sure what will work best, take a peek of our blog on what chairs go best with an industrial dining table for some expert advice.

Style tip: Industrial style is all about functionality so you can soften the look in the accessories and decorative pieces you choose for your room.

Lofty industrial storage

As you would expect from reclaimed furniture the wood bears beautiful markings and nail holes to give a hint about its previous life and with exposed nuts and joints the industrial look is embraced yet further. Any of the tables from this collection will make a style statement in your dining space.

industrial sideboard with three cupboards and black metal handles

The Ironbridge industrial furniture collection makes storage sexy…… honestly! Available in the collection are two storage essentials for the dining and living rooms – an industrial sideboard and an industrial tv unit. What we love about both pieces is the genuine rustic vibe they ooze. The Ironbridge Industrial Reclaimed wood sideboard features plenty of storage in three tall and deep cupboards, but it’s the facade of the doors that will catch your interest. The beautiful reclaimed wood has been set in an attractive X pattern that is part industrial, part farmhouse, creating an interesting mix of styles.

industrial tv unit with two drawers and table lamp on top

For the living space or an open plan family room, the Ironbridge industrial TV stand will fit right in. It has everything you would expect from a stylish yet practical piece of reclaimed wood furniture. Two long open shelves and two drawers for hidden storage – the drawer handles and unit legs are black steel to continue the industrial feel, whilst the classic modern design make it a timeless addition.

Discover the full Ironbridge Industrial collection here or for some more interior ideas and inspiration, see all our blogs.

We’d love to know what you think about our new Ironbridge Industrial collection. Share your thoughts and ideas of how to style it on Instagram!