vintage finds for a modern world: dining room finds.
so, now that i’ve gone and swapped all the rooms around, i find myself staring into an abyss of this giant blank wall in my dining room. it’s a large room, so i’ve gotten the notion that a little sitting area in the dining room might be nice. you know, when everyone’s too full to move, but doesn’t want to leave the party? they can collapse on a little settee and still join in the conversation. they may have to fight over it, because this one’s not large, but hey, we’re all friends, just squish!
i wanted something that wasn’t too big, and not too much like my other sofa, so i opted for this charcoal gray daydreamer settee from urban outfitters. i think because it’s almost more decorative, and not used everyday, it will work just fine, and was within my budget. plus, i’m gonna jazz it up with a few of these ideas.
i like the idea of hanging my chalkboard above it, to add some vintage, not-too-fancy contrast, and it’s a great spot to post my dinner party menus; i’ve also loved the idea of a plate collection, like this one i saw in lonny. the bar cart is quite a nice idea, too! and, that all still works within the context of a dining room. i really like this zigzag area rug from urban outfitters, too, but its discontinued, so i’m hoping it makes a comeback, or i find it elsewhere. any ideas? oh! nevermind – lookie here, jordan found one!
these are a few great plates to begin collecting for my wall display — clockwise from left to right: Antique Dunn Bennett & Co Beehive from bloomdar; Guinness Bicentenary 1759-1959 commemorative bowl from moderately modern; vintage pink & gray plate from daisy farm antiques; pink porcelain plate from forest daydream; yellow & white plaid Vintage Edwin Knowles Platter from blurred visionary; Vintage West German Bavarian Souvenir Plate from spanish moss; of course, a souvenir san francisco tray from planet trout; and center, a Midwinter Stylecraft Harmony Plate from wave song.
i quite like the idea of this vintage industrial clip lamp, attached to the chalkboard as a kind of spotlight. hmmm…and, naturally, i’m also going to need some end tables, especially with an armless settee, and i like this matching black & gold pair from tini vintage.
wow, love your ideas!! i am envious that your rooms are big enough to swap around! my house is so little that the furniture basically has ONE place it can go. someday we’ll be able to upgrade – can’t wait!! also, can’t wait to see your final dining room!
So many great finds! I especially love your plate collection, the colors and images on it are so fun, can’t wait to see them up on your walls!
love the chevron rug! if you’re looking for a fun DIY project you can make your own…i bought a white bath rug from ikea (2$) and using painters tape marked off the zigzags. i finished the project by painting the rug – i went for teal: http://www.flickr.com/photos/brittanypiehl/5973187178/
(it was meant for the bathroom, but it’s currently found a new home in front of my fireplace)
thanks guys! it was fun to put a plate collection together!
brittany – cute! thanks for sharing. and kudos – mine would be all wonky! ;)
Ooh yeah, a bit opposite in the furniture, dark. I like it and a classy bar cart would be a must. The bigger room would have space to lounge with a cocktail.
The settee is adorable and I LOVE your idea of putting it in the dining room. I have a big family, and when we all get together we end up hanging out in the dining room for hours after meals! WOuld love to see pictures when you’re all finished!
Oh, delicious! I love that settee. I feel so fancy even typing it. Settee.
That vintage clip lamp is so good!
I love vintage plates. I have quite a few state plates. I also love those side tables!!!! They are so elegant, yet not stuffy!
Kacie
http://acollectionofpassions.blogspot.com/
Oh yeah! Love the black settee & I can see it perfectly with your chalkboard…what lucky dinner guests you will have! xo Laura
Love that sofa – what a lovely idea! I wish we could get it their furniture over in England – I’m very cross at urban outfitters for that!! x
Love your pretend plate collection! All of them are lovely and have me diving into my cupboard imagining where I might arrange something similar.
west elm also has the zig zag rug :)
http://www.westelm.com/products/zigzag-rug-r656/?pkey=cpattern-rugs-flooring
Great chalkboard and chevron rug.
♥ sécia
http://www.petiteinsanities.blogspot.com
I’ve got a bit of a plate collection going on, but managed to break my favourite one while trying to dust. Lesson learned. I will not dust ever again. ;)
The rug from Urban Outfitters is fantastic. The U.O. here, doesn’t carry home stuff unfortunately. Grrr.
I love this post. I actually have a picture in my mind of how it’s going to look. It’s going to be gorgeous. Can you use a couple of little vintage orange plates with cherry blossoms on them? I’m moving and getting rid of stuff. I’ll send you a picture.
will, i know. i think i NEED it. :)
thanks for all the rug suggestions, guys! this is very helpful.
peggy – sure! send me a photo and if i can use them, i’ll buy them from you! thanks.
Loving the plate collection… can’t wait to see the outcome!! xo
Wow that settee from Urban Outfitters is impressive! Brita Swenden makes a great plastic zig zag rug.
I love the plates idea! My hubby & I are redesigning our house and I have no idea what to do for our kitchen/dining area combo. Just found some inspiration. :)
I love the sticks in the vase and the rustic end tables!
xoxo
http://www.thewrittenrunway.com
Oh swoon, I LOVE, love, looove that settee!
i love the bar cart..now to find that lamp for my bedroom!
FYI. Nate Berkus @ HSN also has that almost identical couch for sale. Think it’s called studio sofa.
I’ve been on the hunt for blk and white items. Love the blk clamp light and zigzag rug!
Love the look. I really love the settee- I was wondering how it held up? Are the cushions comfy? Do they fall off without the arms? I want to get it but I feel like it might be a perplexing piece of furniture to own?!
it’s actually really comfy! most people that sit on it say so. it’s really more of decorative sofa, not for reclining or reading, but great for dinner parties etc.