Whether you’re hosting a formal dinner party or a cozy family meal, the perfect dining room setup is vital to creating the right ambience. adding vintage pieces into the mix is a terrific 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.
Photographer: Alex Lukey
Source: house & home April 2015
Designer: Virginia Johnson
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.
Photographer: Eric Striffler
Source: house & home July 2013
Designer: Colleen DeCourcy
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.
Photographer: Donna Griffith
Source: house & home December 2014
Designer: Miranda Ogilvie; Gwen Krieger and Mary Jane Ridley, Blue Hat Studio
In a cottage or summer house, create a simply elegant space with slipcovered chairs and bench seating. The white of the fabric, table runner and candlesticks unifies the room and blends functionality with style.
Photographer: Michael Graydon
Source: house & home July 2013
Designer: Cory DeFrancisco
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.
Photographer: Virginia MacDonald
Source: house & home August 2014
Designer: Robyn Young
In a smaller space, think about painting the entire dining set white. It quickly makes heavy wooden pieces look lighter and accentuates the curvy legs of these chairs and table.
Photographer: Angus McRitchie
Source: Maison & Demeure Juin 2013
Designer: Lisa Arnsby and Bernard Couture
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 amazing modern chandelier.
Photographer: Michael Graydon
Source: house & home November 2013
Designer: Sarah Hartill and Stacey Smithers
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.
Photographer: Donna Griffith
Source: house & home July 2013
Designer: Joel Bray
Reupholstering antique chairs with fun, modern fabrics and pairing them with a chic, white table is the perfect mix of fashion and elegance.
Photographer: Angus Fergusson
Source: house & home January 2013
Designer: Colomba and Tristan Fuller