Bringing antiques into a dining room is a great way to add character and sophistication to the space. Carefully selected antique pieces can help transform a basic dining area into a room full of depth, history, and charm. Incorporating antiques is an excellent option for homeowners looking to give their dining room a more refined and mature aesthetic.
Why Choose Antiques for a Dining Room?
There are several key reasons why antiques are a perfect fit for dining rooms:
- They add visual interest – Antique furnishings like hutches, cabinets, and tables have unique shapes, carvings, finishings, and hardware that you simply won’t find with mass-produced modern dining sets. This creates captivating focal points and gives the room dimension.
- They provide a sense of permanence – Quality antique pieces give off an heirloom vibe and imply stability. This works well for formal dining rooms which are often used for holiday gatherings and bringing family together.
- They have rustic appeal – The natural patina and signs of wear on antique wood pieces adds warmth and coziness to a dining space. Their imperfections make them charming.
- They encourage conversation – Antiques inevitably have history behind them, which sparks curiosity and storytelling. They serve as great ice breakers for dinner guests.
- They align with design trends – After dominating home design in the 90s and 2000s, minimalism is fading. The current trend is towards ornate, collected looks which antiques epitomize.
Tips for Incorporating Antiques in a Dining Room
When furnishing a dining room with antiques, there are some tips to keep in mind:
- Choose multifunctional antiques – Opt for pieces like cabinets and hutches that provide storage solutions. Sideboards and buffets work for extra serving space.
- Mix different design eras – Including antiques from varying periods creates an eclectic, collected look. Just be sure the pieces work cohesively together.
- Build around one statement antique – Make one stellar antique piece like a dining table or china cabinet the focal point, and decorate around it accordingly.
- Add vintage touches throughout – Incorporate antique wall art, lighting, rugs, and smaller décor items for a consistent antique style.
- Choose maintenance-friendly materials – Natural wood finishes are great, but antique upholstered chairs or fragile china may be impractical if the room gets daily use.
- Adapt antiques as needed – Don’t be afraid to reupholster antique chairs in modern fabrics or update outdated hardware if needed to work with your overall vision.
Antique Furnishings that Elevate Dining Rooms
Certain types of antique furnishings are particularly well-suited for dining spaces. Here are some top options:
Hutches & Cabinets
An antique hutch or china cabinet instantly gives a dining area sophisticated flair. The display space is perfect for showing off fine china collections. Leaded glass doors and intricate carvings up the visual allure. Hutches also provide abundant storage for linens, silverware and serving ware.
Dining Tables
Heavy, wooden antique dining tables have an imposing yet inviting presence. Distressed finishes and carvings on pedestal or trestle style tables add ornamental appeal. Extendable antique tables offer flexibility.
Sideboards & Buffets
Sideboards and buffets are ideal for storing and displaying tableware while also acting as elegant servers. Their long horizontal shapes define spaces. Sophisticated details like columns, brass hardware and marble tops increase their elegance.
Dining Chairs
Clusters of antique dining chairs create cohesive dining room seating. Carved backs and upholstered seats add comfort and aesthetic charm. Mixing chairs with different finishes and upholsteries provides visual variety.
Antique Styles that Suit Dining Rooms
There are many historical antique styles that can help a dining space achieve a mature, polished aesthetic:
Farmhouse
Rustic farmhouse antiques like painted hutches and reclaimed wood tables bring hearty, homey appeal to casual dining rooms. Distressed wood finishes add character without pretentiousness.
Traditional
Formal, finely crafted traditional antiques like mahogany cabinets and tufted dining chairs bring historical refinement. Deep wood tones and brass hardware feel upscale.
Victorian
Ornately carved Victorian antiques lend an aura of grandeur. The bold, over-the-top style sets an elegant mood for special occasion dining.
Industrial
Factory carts, stools and piping repurposed as dining decor provide vintage industrial edge. The look balances ruggedness with sophisticated historical charm.
Midcentury Modern
Clean-lined 1950s antiques offer both vintage appeal and modern functionality for contemporary dining rooms. Their minimalist forms feel current yet retro.
Antique Pieces That Help a Dining Room Grow Up
Certain specific types of antiques can instantly make a dining space feel curated, grown-up, and elegant. Here are some top options:
Dining Hutch
The towering silhouette of a wooden antique dining hutch gives great presence. Built-in display space and storage make it fully functional. Palladian style hutches with arched glass fronts offer lightness.
China Cabinet
Housing precious dishware in a stately antique china cabinet broadcasts refinement. Ornately carved detailing dresses it up. A touch of color like a painted robin’s egg blue finish adds a cheerful twist.
Silver Chest or Bowl
Storing tableware like cutlery or napkins in a handsome antique silver bowl or chest brings protocol to table setting. Placing it on a sideboard for formal dinners upgrades ambiance.
Globe Bar Cart
A vintage bar cart sporting a globe instantly functions as traveling décor. Stocked with cocktail fixings, it brings old-world gentleman’s-club panache to dining.
Tufted Leather Dining Chairs
Upholstering seat backs in rich tufted leather transforms regular chairs into luxe dining thrones. It carries an esteemed air for elevated dining experiences.
Extendable Dining Table
An antique wooden expandable dining table allows seating flexibility for both small family meals and lavish dinner parties. Its presence conveys prestige.
Best Places to Buy Antiques for Dining Rooms
Finding prime antique pieces to antique-ify your dining space takes a bit of digging. Here are some top sources to shop:
- Antique stores – Longstanding antique shops specializing in furniture are best. They have the most volume and variety. Dealers have expertise too.
- Antique malls – These larger marketplaces house collections from many dealers under one roof. You can spend hours browsing and comparing.
- Auctions – Local estate auctions often have antique finds at reasonable prices. Previewing is a must so you know what you’re bidding on.
- Online antique sites – Massive sites like 1stDibs offer antiques of all kinds, searchable by category, style and budget. Shipping is an extra cost.
- Estate sales – You can uncover hidden antique gems at estate sales, but you have to act fast before other buyers scoop them up. Ask about included furnishings.
- eBay – Search eBay for specific antique terms like “vintage industrial sideboard” or “art deco dining chair” to find deals. Sort by distance and pick up locally.
- Etsy – Many Etsy sellers offer antiques alongside crafts. Focus on those with antique expertise and high reviews when making big purchases.
Styling an All-Antique Dining Room
Want to go all-in on antiquing your dining room decor? Here are some key steps for creating a fully antique dining room:
Pick an antique dining table as your centerpiece. A sizeable farmhouse plank table or ornately carved Victorian expandable table makes a statement. Add interest with an antique tablecloth or runner.
Choose complementary antique dining chairs. Upholstered seats and carved wood frames are classic. Mix in a few wood or velvet bench seats too.
Incorporate antique storage furnishings. An oversized hutch, china cabinet, and sideboard offer ample display space and storage. Pick pieces with brass hardware for sophisticated uniformity.
Use antique décor throughout. Hang antique landscape paintings in gilded frames or vintage botanical prints on the walls. Display antique china on the hutch shelves. Scatter antique silver serving pieces and candlesticks on the table.
Select antique lighting fixtures. A beaded chandelier instantly achieves a formal vibe. Sconces, pendants and table lamps in antique styles like gaslight or Tiffany designs also work.
Choose an antique area rug. Vintage Persian rugs carry an old-world pedigree. Distressed wool rugs complement farmhouse styles. Floral Axminster rugs boost femininity.
Add antique textiles. Use lace, damask or tapestry curtains and antique quilt bedspreads as tablecloths for eclectic polish. Fold vintage napkins at place settings.
Incorporate personal collections. Showcase your antique teacup collection in a glass front cabinet or your antique silverware in a tabletop bowl for meaningful displays.
With strategic mixing of multipurpose antique furnishings and décor, you can curate a dining space full of timeworn character and visual richness. The overall effect will feel welcoming yet dignified – an ideal setting for momentous meals.
Common Concerns About Using Antiques in Dining Rooms
Despite their sophistication, there are some common worries homeowners have about furnishing dining rooms with antiques. Here are some top concerns addressed:
Antiques are too fragile for daily dining use. Many salvageable antiques are actually quite sturdy and built to last thanks to quality woodworking and craftsmanship. Avoid delicate bone china if you need durability.
Antiques stain and scratch easily. Look for solid wood antiques with hardy shellac or varnish finishes and avoid softer woods like pine that dent. Use table pads, linen cloths or placemats to protect surfaces.
Mixing antique styles looks messy, not cohesive. It’s all about balance. Use one signature antique as a focal point, and decorate around it accordingly with complementary era pieces.
Antiques give off aserious, “grandma” vibe. Make them casual and approachable by mixing in some painted pieces, indoor-outdoor textiles, and modern metallic accents or light fixtures.
Antique finishes won’t work with my color scheme. You can refinish and reupholster antiques to work with your palette. Or choose unembellished wood pieces and warm metals with patina that coordinate well.
Antiques are expensive. With some persistence, you can find antique steals at flea markets, resale shops, auctions and estate sales. Building your collection over time is an option too.
Antique Accents to Elevate a Modern Dining Area
For a clean, contemporary dining space, embracing a full-on antique dining set may feel like overkill. But sprinkling key antique touches throughout a mostly modern room adds just the right amount of maturity. Here are some accent ideas:
- Hang an antique oil painting or vintage map in a modern floating frame above the table.
- Display a collection of antique silver serving spoons or floral china tea cups in a sleek glass cabinet.
- Place antique candlesticks, vases or decorative boxes on wall ledges for eclectic interest.
- Top a simple wood Parsons table with an elaborate antique table runner.
- Pair streamlined modern dining chairs with an antique leather bench or rug underneath.
- Use an oversized antique trunk as an unconventional side table or buffet.
- Contrast an industrial metal light fixture with antique café curtains.
- Mount sconces with antique lampshades on either side of a minimalist credenza.
- Let ornate antique silverware add embellished appeal to a table setting of contemporary dinnerware.
These types of accent integrations enrich a pared-back modern space with welcome vintage flair. The juxtaposition feels fresh, yet grounded in heritage.
FAQs About Incorporating Antiques in Dining Rooms
What are the best styles of antique furniture for dining rooms?
Traditional and formal styles like Chippendale, Queen Anne and Georgian suit dining rooms well. Country French, industrial, and Gothic styles can also work nicely. Avoid dainty antique styles like Louis XVI.
How do you mix modern dining furniture with antiques?
Use clean-lined modern pieces as anchors, and layer in ornate antiques like a hutch or table for contrast. The mix of sleek and ornamental creates great visual interest.
Should all dining chairs match if using antiques?
Variety is great for antique chairs, but use a cohesive color palette like all woods, all black or complementary hues. Tie them together with a patterned rug and consistent tableware.
What are good alternative uses for antique dining furniture?
Antique dining hutches work well as living room bookcases or TV stands. Harvest tables can desk or work tables. Dining benches and chairs adapt as bedroom seating.
How do you make vintage dining rooms feel fresh and youthful?
Paint antique wood pieces light, modern hues like pale blues. Use acrylic chairs instead of upholstered ones. Choose graphic antique art prints. Add succulents and greenery. Use a glass pendant light.
Decorating a Dining Room with Farmhouse Antiques
The farmhouse trend is still going strong for interiors. Embracing the comforting, timeworn appeal farmhouse style is all about perfectly suits relaxed dining spaces. Here are some tips for designing a dining room with farmhouse antiques:
Base it around a substantial reclaimed wood dining table. An oval weathered plank table adds organic texture.
Surround it with vintage painted dining chairs. White chairs pop against wood floors for a crisp, airy look.
Hang an antique tin pendant light or chandelier. Vintage lighting casts a warm, cozy glow over meals.
Display white ironstone china in an antique hutch. The contrast of wood and white china is classic.
Scatter vintage woven baskets and pitchers. They lend rustic country charm for holding napkins, silverware, or wildflowers.
Use an antique Persian rug. Muted vintage rug patterns align well with the worn farmhouse aesthetic.
Add a large antique clock or blackboard. Marking mealtimes in vintage style furthers the old-fashioned vibe.
Include wall art like antique mirrors or paintings. Simple antique frames like solar halos suit the pared-back look.
Use repurposed antique crates or ladders. Setting candles or draping linens over them creates charming vignettes.
Add touches of white lace, burlap, or galvanized metal. These farmhouse staples blend seamlessly with antiques.
The resulting look will be inviting yet unfussy – perfect for laidback family gatherings and dinners with friends.
Incorporating Antique Accents in a French Country Dining Space
French country decor is all about blending antique finds with vintage reproduction pieces to cultivate farmhouse allure with a touch of Old World refinement. Some ways to stylishly antique a French country dining space:
- Center it around a substantial antique French dining table. Distressed wood finishes have timeworn appeal.
- Use antique ladderback dining chairs with rush or raffia woven seats.
- Light an antique French chandelier like a tiered brass version for European flair.
- Select an antique French buffet and hutch combo to anchor one wall. Display blue and white transferware.
- Hang ornately framed antique prints of French vineyard scenes or landscapes on walls.
- Roll out an antique Aubusson area rug in faded jewel tones to enrich the floor.
- Arrange freshly cut wildflowers in vintage porcelain pitchers for an authentically rustic French look.
- Include antique French accents like demijohns, bread boards and coffeewear for European authenticity.
A touch of shabby chic distressing on select antiques will further the relaxed allure for leisurely dining with French farmhouse charm.
Infusing a Vintage Boho Vibe Into a Dining Space
The eclectic boho look thrives on infusing spaces with diverse vintage finds and antique pieces carrying storied histories. To craft a bohemian style dining area, browse antique and thrift shops for fun discoveries like:
- An intricately carved antique pedestal dining table with an octagonal top
- Ornately detailed antique dining chairs with carved wooden frames
- Vintage Turkish Oushak rugs in faded jewel tones underneath
- Antique stained glass light fixtures or crystal chandeliers
- Macramé wall hangings in earthy 1970’s palettes
- Speckled antique china arranged in a vintage china cabinet
- A retro bar cart for displaying decanters and glassware
- Mismatched embroidered and fringed table linens for exotic flair
Pulling together a curated mix of unusual antiques and vintage pieces creates a rich, worldly dining space with artistic boho personality. The overall effect feels well-traveled and full of stories waiting to be told.
Infusing Industrial Edge into a Dining Space with Antiques
The industrial design style highlights raw, utilitarian antique and vintage finds from factories. Blending these salvaged pieces in dining rooms adds bold edge. Ideas include:
- A long farmhouse table made from an antique factory work table
- Metal stools from vintage workshop carts used as seating
- Exposed brick walls or distressed wood plank paneling
- Vintage pendants repurposed from workshop lamps
- Antique black and white photographs of factories in simple frames
- Open shelving from antique shop cabinets for dishware
- Glassware displayed on antique sliding library ladders
- Galvanized buckets and industrial wire baskets for tableside storage
- Rustic wood crates as rustic bench seating
The workspace practicality of these ant
