Decorating & Design
July 31, 2015
Vintage Dining Furniture: Mastering the Mix
Whether you’re hosting a formal dinner party or a cozy family meal, the perfect dining room setup is essential to creating the right ambience. Adding vintage pieces into the mix is a great way to get an eclectic look in a dining area, but mixing old and new requires a thoughtful approach. Matching your dining table with the chairs and sideboard is a no-no, but figuring out what materials and colors do go together is no small task. Especially if you’ve inherited a family heirloom or hunted down a vintage treasure and really want to make it work. Here are design editor Jennifer Koper’s easy ways to transform a dining room into a unique and stylish space.
Mixing modern and vintage chairs can really make a statement. These white wood end chairs take the look to new heights with their pop of colour and standout style. A spare chandelier and graphic artwork add to the dynamic mix of styles.
Mix bolder elements — like this modern light fixture — with simpler pieces like this farmhouse table will enhance the curated feel of your dining space. The wingback chairs allow for comfort without sacrificing style.
Inherited a dining set from your family? Keep some of the chairs, mix in others with more modern silhouettes and colors, then replace the table with a contemporary piece in a darker or lighter wood finish. Unify the look with a linear light fixture.
In a cottage or summer house, create a simply chic space with slipcovered chairs and bench seating. The white of the fabric, table runner and candlesticks unifies the room and blends functionality with style.
Give an old-fashioned table a much-needed facelift with a splash of paint, but consider keeping the natural finish on your chairs — it will brighten and revitalize your space. Add a piece of contemporary artwork and a statement light fixture to bring it all together.
In a smaller space, think about painting the entire dining set white. It instantly makes heavy wooden pieces look lighter and accentuates the curvy legs of these chairs and table.
Reupholster old chairs with a modern fabric and place a settee or tufted bench on one side of your dining table. It breaks up the matchy look of all chairs, and gives you extra seating around the table. Finish off the look with a cool modern chandelier.
Fabric and accessories can freshen up the look of an older dining set. A patterned rug, pillow, napkins and blooms with tons of colour make this room feel bright and summery.
Reupholstering antique chairs with fun, modern fabrics and pairing them with a chic, white table is the perfect mix of fashion and elegance.