How can I make my bedroom look rustic?

How can I make my bedroom look rustic blog

rustic bedroom with solid wood bed frame

When done well, there can be something very calming and restful about a rustic bedroom. Whether you live in a modern loft conversion apartment or a period property, the rustic look is easier to achieve than you might think. If you’re unsure as to how to create a room that emulates the rustic style, here are some pointers to get you started on your bedroom makeover.

Add some vintage and reclaimed pieces

When it comes to the rustic look, modern furniture just isn’t going to cut it. Shop around for some vintage pieces and consider adding reclaimed wood furniture. This type of furniture has authentic character and will add immediate charm to your bedroom. Consider the key pieces of bedroom furniture you need, a rustic bed, wooden chest of drawers and maybe even a wooden blanket box. Vintage accessories will also help to tie the rustic look together.

reclaimed solid wood bed frame

Consider your colour palette

Whilst dark and bold colours can work really well for the rustic look, these shades are usually more suited to the other rooms in your home such as the living room or dining room. When it comes to the bedroom, opt for a softer look by using neutral shades, or if you want to bring-in a colour, gentle pastels are a great addition. These shades work really well with the unique character of rustic bedroom furniture. Don’t just limit yourself to your walls with your colour scheme, though. Remember to think about the floor, coving and ceiling as well, for a completely cohesive look.

solid wood bed with pastel pink colours

Layer textures

Never underestimate the importance of textures when completing the look of your room. When they are layered, different textures can help to not only add an element of visual interest to your room but can also provide a cosier feel. Sometimes, opting for lighter colours in a room can make it seem a little cold and flat, but textures are the finishing touch that will bring the rustic look of your bedroom together. Think about using throws, cushions and even rugs to help add this texture, and remember, you don’t need to stick to just one texture. When it comes to layering consider a range of textures – natural fabrics, tactile textures, linen for the sheets rather than cotton – these small touches will make a big difference to the look of your room.

Think panelling

reclaimed wood bedroom furniture collection with dark painted panelled wall

Panelling, whether for a half wall or feature wall, is a great rustic feature that you can be easily added to your bedroom. The key, as with everything here, is not to overdo it. Just one wall of panelling can really alter the look of the room – fix a row of wooden pegs to the panelling and add another dimension to your décor.

Light and bright

One final thing to consider when creating your rustic bedroom look is to keep your room light and bright. A bedroom should be a calm and tranquil space, so don’t clutter it with lots of furniture. A small rustic bedside table, for example, will often work much better than something larger. Lightweight curtains are a great way of giving the room a brighter feel – and offer another texture. Lighting should be gentle rather than harsh, and bedside lamps are a much better way of achieving this than a single bright overhead light.

rustic wooden bed frame with modern hanging pendant lights

Hopefully, the tips above will help you create the rustic bedroom you’re dreaming of. Why not let us know how you’ve transformed your bedroom by bringing in a little rustic charm in the comment box below?

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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!

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…..

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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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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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Create a cosy reading nook for World Book Day

cup of tea

For many of us, there is nothing more relaxing than getting cosy and stuck into a good book. If that’s your thing then creating a space using your favourite rustic furniture where you can sit back, relax and enjoy your favourite read should be high on your home wish-list. This month we celebrate 25 years of World Book Day and so what better time to create an area that is as personal as your beloved book collection?

cat sat on a window seat for how to create a cosy reading nook for World Book Day blog

Ideas to create a cosy reading nook for World Book Day and beyond

The great thing about a reading nook is that it doesn’t have to be a big space – just somewhere that’s in a quiet part of the house with some good lighting. If you have a window with the sun streaming in then that may perfect for some, but not everyone likes to sit in a bright sunny spot so an alternative darker space will be better suited. If you are short on space you can make a window seat your reading spot, the landing might have a spare corner to make use of or put a comfy armchair in the corner of your guest bedroom or home office and combine the two – this would be perfect if you read a lot as part of your work.

Sitting comfortably

Comfortable seating is important for your new reading nook, however, you may be restricted by what space you have available. Decide what type of seating suits you best – if you like to sit and read with the kids then we love the idea of bean bags and cushions on the floor – wonderfully cosy to stretch out and lie down on. Or if reading is a moment of ‘me-time’, choose a seat that is comfy for you – maybe you want a Oswald Armchair and leather footstool combo to put your feet up on, a chaise long or a small armchair and a blanket to curl up.

close up of industrial bookcase

Add a bookcase

Book storage is also important for us bookworms! If you like your books on show then consider an open rustic bookcase. As well as being the perfect display place for your favourite tomes, a wooden bookcase is also a great room divider, helping your zone an open-plan space and create the ideal reading nook.

If you prefer for your books to be safely stored away and not on show then a wooden sideboard with doors is worth considering. You can use this reclaimed wood furniture to make your reading space personal by adding some wall prints, a house plant and some of your favourite photos of family and friends on the surface.

Keep a side table at your side

velvet sofa with reclaimed wood side table

Aside from having somewhere to sit, the next most important consideration for a reading nook is a spot to place a lamp and cup of tea or coffee (or wine!) whilst you escape into your story. An industrial side table like the Mitcham Industrial Oak Side Table is a great choice – it doesn’t take up much space and can be easily moved around to your desired reading area and tucked away when not in use.

Where do you like to sit when you read? We’d love to hear how you make your reading nook special. Leave a comment in the box below or join the conversation @modishliving.

 

Modern rustic: discover our NEW rustic furniture collection

new oak rustic furniture collection

Looking for some smart sustainable rustic furniture for your home? Check out our new Eastwood rustic collection full of stylish pieces expertly crafted from sustainably sourced oak.

rustic dining table part of new rustic furniture collection

Explore our new oak furniture collection

Every piece in this stand-out collection is crafted from sustainably sourced solid oak and has been given in a wonderful mid-tone finish that will fit into any colour and interior scheme. All of the tables, from the rustic coffee table to the wooden dining table, feature a striking star-shaped and angular legs, whilst the units enjoy sleek metal legs and contemporary slim door handles. Of course, the rich mid-tone wood is the champion of these pieces especially when it comes to the oak veneer parquet effect on the cabinet doors, which further highlights the variances in the wood colour.

The Eastwood Rustic Oak collection really is a modern rustic furniture collection that will suit many different interior themes and can be styled with many different types, styles and colours of furniture. Let’s explore more…..

rustic oak highboard with metal handles

For the dining room

The Eastwood solid oak table is available in two sizes – a 2m length and also in 2.4m. Both are perfect for entertaining due to the eye-catching central star-shape leg, ideal for squeezing more around the dining table, and with the larger of the two tables comfortably seating eight people, it’s also a great choice as a dining room centrepiece. For dining room storage there is the option of three different types of sideboard – a large wooden sideboard with four spacious cupboards, a medium sized rustic sideboard with three deep cupboards and also a stylish highboard, which is perfect if you want more storage without taking up too much floor space. An oak console table is also available if you want a surface in your dining room to add a lamp and other decorative accessories to make it your own.

For the living room

rustic tv unit with two cupboards and middle shelf

The Eastwood has plenty of options for the living room also. The rustic TV stand is a real eye-catcher with two feature parquet design doors for hidden storage and two open shelves for games consoles and TV boxes – at 125cm long it is perfect for a large TV in the living room. The coffee table is another piece that will add instant style, combine it with the matching oak side table and you will have stunning coordinated look for living room.

rustic coffee table and side table with star-shaped legs

See the full Eastwood Rustic Oak collection.

If want some more rustic inspiration, check out some of our blogs for great tips and ideas….

Make your home beautiful with flowers

Woman arranging flowers for make your home beautiful with flowers

lady arranging flowers on a rustic dining table

If you love rustic furniture and cottagecore interiors you may already be familiar with the gorgeous Instagram account @grove_cottage_. With a passion for flowers, Naomi has transformed the 200-year-old cottage set in a conservation area in a Buckinghamshire village into a wonderful English country rustic haven bursting with beautiful blooms and plants both inside and out. We caught up with Naomi to talk about her love of flowers and how to use them to create a stunning and welcoming home.

How to decorate your home with flowers by Naomi @grove_cottage_

I love the way fresh flowers and plants in my home make me feel, especially in the winter when the garden is dormant. They have a positive psychological effect on my mood and mental wellbeing which can immediately be felt once they are placed around the house. We know how good it makes us feel when we are walking in the countryside or enjoying green spaces in the city, and the same such emotions can be achieved from having real plants and flowers in your home.

springer spaniel dog next to large displays of flowers for make your home beautiful with flowers blog

Creating a beautiful display

I am no floral expect but my passion and inspiration come from nature, and how plants and flowers naturally grow in the wild. Relaxed, informal displays that reflect the countryside around us, perfect if you want to create a cosy cottagecore aesthetic. Keep it simple by using three core elements: balance, proportion and scale, with long stems in the centre, greenery around the edges to soften the look and shorter blooms to fill the gaps. It is always advisable to regularly step back from your display to visually review from a distance, the same way you would a painting.

“Keep it simple by using three core elements: balance, proportion and scale”

Keep it seasonal

I always have real plants in the house, but fresh floral arrangements are dependent on the seasons. In the summer, I will regularly pick flowers from my cottage garden to create simple, laid-back displays. Whilst in the winter, I will forage in the hedgerows and fields for dried, wildflowers and mix them with bought blooms from local farm shops or market florists.

dog and solid wood dining table with stone vase and flowers

Whatever the season, it is all about bringing the outside in. During the summer months, it is so rewarding to create natural floral displays from flowers and plants I have grown in the garden. In the colder months, there is nothing better than going for a long walk in the countryside to forage for dried plants. Mixing these with seasonal flowers bought from a farm shop or market florist helps to support the local community.

Best rooms to display flowers

rustic dining table with wooden dining chairs and large vases of flowers

You can create displays in any room, corner, nook or cranny. Large plants always sit proudly in both the dining room and my living room, enjoying the corners of these two rooms, whilst fresh flowers thrive well in our kitchen on our rustic dining table where natural light streams in through the vaulted glass ceiling. The kitchen windowsill is home to potted plants and herbs and my senses are awakened in the morning by fresh flowers on my chest of drawers in the bedroom. I also make use of the tops of our rustic sideboard with a large display or a collection of smaller vases on a wooden tray.

wooden chest of drawers with dog and jug of flowers

Favourite flower combinations

In the summer, it is all about seasonal flowers picked from the garden mixed with fresh foliage. A combination of climbing and wild roses of soft pink and cream hues creates the perfect natural display for any spot in the house. I might go as far as saying I am slightly obsessed with roses, as my cottage garden in the summer is abundant with their prettiness.

rustic cottage front door with pink climbing roses for make your home beautiful with flowers blog

Autumn and winter are all about foraging for wild plants during the changing colours of nature. Hawthorn, rose hips and grasses add beautiful textures, whilst hydrangeas picked from the garden and dried provide a pleasing array of beautiful blooms. Around the festive period ivy and holly with berries, mixed with dried thistles and eucalyptus, again adds texture and depth to floral displays.

Size matters: the perfect vase

vases on flowers on solid wood tables

The most important thing to remember when choosing the perfect vase is size does matter! The general rule of thumb is stems should be no more than one and a half to two times the height of the vase. The beauty of long-stemmed flowers complements a tall, slender vase to give the display height, whilst curvaceous vases, with a wider bottom and narrower neck, suit shorter plants with rounder and bigger heads. Bud vases or jam jars are the perfect choice for displaying a single stem or smaller blooms.

To discover Naomi’s gorgeous style and home follow her @grove_cottage_. All images courtesy of @grove_cottage_.

Check out more from the Our Friends blog series for rustic inspiration and home interior ideas….

Quick and easy ways to refresh your rustic dining table

wooden dining table and wooden dining bench

The beauty of a rustic and reclaimed wood dining table is that it is a timeless piece that never dates, and will last a lifetime! We look at how you can refresh your space and move with the times, whilst keeping the same favourite rustic dining table.

modern dining table with matching wooden bench and faux leather dining chairs

Easy ways to update your dining table

Upgrade the seating

If you already have a gorgeous reclaimed wood dining table then you won’t need or want to, change this, Crafted from solid wood with history and character of its own, a reclaimed dining table will stand the test of time. However, dining chairs can date and those that have been well sat on and banged into over the years can look especially tired, so for a quick refresh, updating your dining chairs is an easy fix.

  • What chairs to choose for a rustic dining table

Bold colours are a big trend in the dining room so consider adding striking rich blue velvet dining chairs or sleek modern faux leather dining chairs as a contrast to the rough texture of a rustic dining table. Or try mixing it up with chairs and a wooden dining bench combination. You can accessorise with cushions or a faux fur throw that can be easily updated when you fancy another quick refresh.

reclaimed wood dining table with blue velvet dining chairs

Bring in a new accent colour

This is a great way to make your gorgeous reclaimed wood furniture really pop! Paint one of the walls in your dining room a different colour – you may want to change the colour scheme in your room completely or bring in a completely new single accent colour. To reinforce this get a new dining table centrepiece ornament that will match your new colour scheme. Use a tray if you want to arrange smaller items on your table it will make your display more complete – also, use interior designers’ top tip of displaying your ornaments in sets of threes.

mango wood dining table with velvet dining chairs

Waxing or oiling

This is the perfect way to bring back the lustre on your dining table, plus to smooth out any knocks or chips acquired along the way. Actually, we recommend you give your reclaimed wood dining table a quick wax or oil (depending on the original finish) every month or so. This serves to nourish the wood and will give your dining table a new lease of life. Ensure you use a good quality wax, clear is fine, and rub it on along the grain of the wood. Simply leave it for 30 minutes then gently rub it off with a clean rag and hey presto, your table will look as good as new.

Update the lighting

Pendant lights are perfect for a dining space, highlighting the main piece of furniture in your dining room – your dining table. Again, here you can choose a light fitting that matches your decor or you can bring in a contrasting colour. A table lamp on a wooden sideboard, rustic console table or even a floor standing one can be positioned to create layers of lighting depending on the mood you want to set.

industrial dining table with black rattan pendant light

Bring in storage furniture

You don’t need lots of storage in your actual dining space, but it is good to have somewhere to keep essentials close to hand. A wooden sideboard or console table can make a huge difference to the storage you have available, as well as making serving big dinner parties easier – leaving your table free for a stunning centrepiece, plates and glasses. It also offers an additional surface to display favourite decorative items that can be regularly updated and refreshed depending on new trends, keeping your dining space scheme current.

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