How did all those dining room sketches turn out? Thank you for all the great reader feedback from those who were inspired to work on their own dining rooms.
There is nothing more decadent than an exquisite dining room, as it’s often one of the most formal rooms in the house. The table is usually the main focus of the room, but people tend to overlook another piece which can make just as dramatic a statement – the buffet!
via Pinterest
Antique buffets are on my short-list of top favorite antique pieces! Often what we do involves creating new purposes for antique pieces, but I love how this particular antique is true to the same purpose as it was in the 18th century. Buffets add that special design touch to your dining room. I love the amazing variety, and how each and every buffet is different, and all the spectacular carvings and finishes – oh I could go on and on about this yummy category of antiques!
This is one of those pieces I love using to add personality into a clients’ interior space. Buffets can add a whole other dimension to the décor of your dining room. Take a look at this gorgeous 18th century piece above, this piece would just make a statement in any room!
What’s the Right Size?
Choosing the right buffet to complement the room is very important. Once you’ve sorted out your dimensions based on our discussion from last time, you should know the approximate size you can work with. (If you missed that article, click here).
If you need something that’s not too wide, you might look for a classic two door buffet such as one of these:
Buffets don’t always have to be long either. Shorter lengths go great with smaller round tables, and a short buffet can be useful as an additional serving surface in a dining room.
If you have a longer wall, like my dining room has, you might lean towards a longer piece such as one of these:
One thing that’s especially important to look at when selecting a buffet is how much storage it will provide. In all of the above pictures, you’ll see plenty of drawer space and storage below where you can keep platters, large plates and serving dishes. If your house is lacking in storage like mine, you will know how precious all of this extra storage space is!
I love how this buffet has a beautiful plate rack for both display & storage!
What color?
One of our favorite design tips is NOT to match the buffet to your dining room table. Contrast is far more exciting! A painted buffet with a stained wood dining table works beautifully, or even vice versa. I love how the buffet in the picture below stands apart from the table, an equally beautiful piece to appreciate in its own right.
via Pinterest
To Finish
Don’t forget the accessories! Mix tall and short pieces to add variety and height to your buffet. When not in use, this could be the perfect space to display gorgeous candlesticks, platters or silver, or perhaps even a collection of Staffordshire dogs? Be creative and combine a few different items to add visual interest. Over the center of your buffet is one of my favorite spots to add a special piece of art. Another design suggestion: be bold and juxtapose a modern piece of art over your antique buffet. Or you could go classic and clean with a gorgeous Louis Philippe mirror atop your buffet.
Here are a few items that we love to use on buffets:
We love hearing your feedback! Share your dining room projects with us!