The dining room has been a slow work in progress, but we’ve made a couple of additions recently so I thought I’d share them with you as I think they’ve transformed the room.
I last shared the room just before Christmas, we’d finally sorted the fireplace out – take a look here.
We’ve added a rug and switched out the dining table for a slightly smaller one.
Our previous dining table was a huge Ikea extendable piece, which we really liked, but it was just too big for the space. Even when it wasn’t extended it felt like it took over the room.
So the new table is actually an eBay find. It is a white farmhouse style, rather rustic and with a few bashes here and there, adding to the character.
I really wanted to lighten this room up as its North facing and doesn’t see a lot of sunshine. The off white table really helps open up the space and the slight sheen of the paintwork bounces light around the room. I wasn’t sure it would work with our antique dark chairs, but after a bit of Pinterest research I decided they totally would. Check this example- white table, dark chair combo – totally nailing it!
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In fact it was this image that focused my mind about the rug situation. We wanted a rug for this space but there are so many gorgeous rugs around at the moment I was having a nightmare deciding what to go for.
Wayfair got in touch around the time of my light-bulb moment and lo and behold this collaboration was born. The zebra rug is by Safavieh and is actually a creamy white and black coffee brown, rather than being straight up black and white. I think this is a softer version of the monochrome look and works well in this space- I think B&W would have been a bit too striking and unbalanced the room.
I love the way the colours go with the fireplace tiles and the pattern clashing adds a sense of bohemian layering. We are just so pleased with it. The creamy white works with the dining room table, the bookcases and the whole room is starting to feel (dare I say it?) finished. Find the rug here.
Its amazing how just adding a rug can finish off a space and switching one piece of furniture can add so much light.
susan earlam ~ horror author 
I would love your input