Breakfast Room Decorating Ideas and The Perfect Dining Table
Inside this post: Our breakfast room was transformed with one simple purchase – the perfect dining table! It created a room that’s both modern and French inspired.⇒
Have you ever renovated one room that you’ve been hoping to do for a long time, and then no sooner is it done than you want to change the room that’s adjacent to it?
Yeah, well that’s my breakfast room and it’s been wanting a serious update ever since we finished the kitchen. (We won’t discuss how I want to paint the family room too!)
Here’s what it looked like when we first moved into our house.
The Breakfast Room
We had this dining table and chairs for maybe 20 years and we knew it was time to update.
For starters, it was too small for the new breakfast room. I also like to use this space for spill over seating when entertaining and I wanted a table that could accommodate more chairs.
And finally, design-wise, it was both not modern enough and not French enough for my current style.
The final clincher was our recent kitchen renovation. Once I transformed our dark bland kitchen into one that reflects my taste, I knew it was time for the adjoining breakfast room to be updated as well.
See our kitchen transformation HERE and round 2 of our kitchen update HERE.
A breakfast room is often a difficult space to add personality to, as there’s typically little more than a table and chairs to work with. If you’re lucky you may have room for a sideboard or baker’s rack, but barring that, you’re dependent on the dining furniture to define your look.
In our case, we have a light and airy space to work with, owing to a wall of windows, and a new floor that was put in when we renovated the adjoining kitchen. At that time, we painted the walls a light greige, so the backdrop of the room is updated and entirely neutral. With such an underpinning, I could’ve gone with any design style, hence the table and chairs needed to tell the whole story.
The one exception – I did start by adding a vintage French empire chandelier, which in conjunction with the table centerpiece would be the only decorative items in the room.
Farmhouse Trestle Table
Next, I began collecting chairs little by little. Initially these pieces were purchased for other locations in our home, which is why several were bought in a pair of two, and it wasn’t until I honed in on a table that the placement of chairs came into focus.
Which brings me to the search for the table. I definitely wanted a French vibe, but also wanted the look to be current and bright. As I’ve been refining my style to a more modern version of a French-inspired look, I spent a good bit of time on making the table selection.
The first thing I decided was that I wanted it to be white.
I did consider a Gustavian look in light wood, but ultimately went with this white-washed trestle table.
I love the look of the distressed paint and it stands out nicely against the greige floor. I just love to be welcomed in the morning at a table that feels light and happy to me.
It’s also a wonderful setting for my vintage accessories, which rotate on the regular as the table centerpiece.
French Dining Chairs
With the table in place, it was time to revisit the seating, and this is when I started to move in chairs from around our home. Initially, they were meant to be only placeholders, but I quickly decided I loved the look and feel of the mix of chairs.
The tufted white chairs sit at the ends, with wood toned legs that provide a little nice contrast. They have charming curves, both in the shape of the back and the cabriole legs, yet the white linen fabric gives them an updated sensibility.
I chose cane back chairs for the long sides of the table as they let the light peek through, yet I used two different styles. As I mentioned above, this was at first determined by the limited number of chairs I owned, but it very soon became a defining element of the space.
The mix of chairs is very much suited to my current style, although I miss having the white chairs in their old spot in the back entry foyer, so I haven’t decided yet if they’ll be staying here in the breakfast room.
French vs Modern
What I really thought long and hard about was whether I wanted such a modern table, but finally I realized this is exactly what my style calls for.
A mix of old and new is the direction I’m headed, with tons of French-inspired goodness and vintage bits that I love to collect.
But updating the whole look and keeping it from getting stale is the infusion of some modern touches which works perfectly with the style of our renovated kitchen.
The marriage of feminine French legs on the chairs with the chunkier base of the trestle table is just the newness I was looking for and a way to keep a French Country look updated.
This result is quite a departure from what we started with and was achieved primarily by adding a single piece of furniture.
Ok, I’ve been moving chairs around for months, but it wasn’t until we added the table, that the room was transformed. A light and airy breakfast room is something I’ve always wanted and our new look makes this my new happy place!
Tips for Decorating a Modern French Breakfast Room
- Whitewashed Woods: Choose a breakfast table and chairs in whitewashed wood to give a light, airy feel that’s quintessentially French farmhouse.
- Rustic Chandelier: Hang a rustic iron or distressed wood chandelier over your breakfast table to add a touch of elegance without sacrificing the farmhouse charm.
- Toile de Jouy: Introduce some classic French patterns like Toile de Jouy for your curtains or seat cushions, featuring pastoral scenes that are both charming and traditional.
- French Doors: If possible, incorporate French doors that open to the garden or patio, blending indoor and outdoor spaces seamlessly.
- Herb Pots: Place small pots of fresh herbs on the windowsill or table. They’re not only practical for cooking but also add a fresh scent and greenery.
- Vintage Finds: Decorate with vintage French items like old farm tools, ceramic jugs, or antique cookbooks displayed on the table or open shelving.
- Soft Color Palette: Stick to soft, muted colors like lavender, sage green, and buttery yellow to create a soothing atmosphere.
- Natural Materials: Use natural materials like linen for tablecloths and napkins, and rattan for baskets or decor accents.
- Beadboard Paneling: Incorporate beadboard paneling on walls to add texture and a traditional element that’s very much at home in a modern farmhouse setting.
- Elegant Mirrors: Choose an ornate gilded mirror to hang on the wall. It reflects light beautifully and adds a touch of French elegance.
Resource Guide
To get the look, click on the items below for direct links to the products. Where actual items were no longer available, I’ve provided similar options. If an item is out of stock but may be restocked, I left it on the list.
(This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.)
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More Dining Room Decor Ideas
Your new trestle table is stunning! I’m in love!
Thanks so much, Sandy!
I love your new space! Very cheery! The table is gorgeous and the tufted chairs are as elegant as well as sweet. Such pretty details in all the pieces. Congratulations.. Oh, I do like the tiles on the floor too!
Aw, thanks, Piper! Thanks so much for stopping by!!
love, love, love your style~! keep it coming.
Thanks, Ruby!
Love that new table! It’s perfect for that room. And though I also love the new chairs, I like the old chars too. I like the style and rush seats, and I might have chalk painted them white with a distressed finish. But again, it’s hard to beat those cane backs! Maybe you could use 2 of the rush seat chairs in your foyer now. Change is exciting. Can’t wait to see what you’re up to next!
Ginger
Thanks, Ginger! Haha… don’t worry, I haven’t gotten rid of them yet…. 😉
Table is PERFECT! Excellent choice!
Thank you, Linda!
The change is very refreshing fun. If you decide to move the white chairs back to the entry, I think a Settee would be fun either against the window or opposite. That way you could still have your eclectic look with a bit more cohesion and add a couple of pillows. The softness and/or color the pillows could add would be fun. You could change them out depending on the season or occasion. Just an idea. Joss and Main have quite a few settee’s from fully upholstered to a more french flair with wood trim and legs. Thanks for sharing with us, you motivate me to refresh my own spaces.
Thanks so much, Jayne! Yes, I love the idea of a settee and have one I used to use sometimes with my old table. You can see it in this post: http://designthusiasm.com/french-blue-and-white-holiday-table-setting/ The problem is with the larger size of this table and the bulky legs, I have to be careful to find one that will be able to be pushed near the table. Still worth hunting for though, as I agree it would look wonderful… 🙂
What a stunning table! I have an antique oak table that I’m considering painting and distressing. I would love to have the look of this table.
Thanks! And that sounds like a great idea. I’m hoping this is the year I get into the painting game too… 🙂 I have a few pieces that would really benefit from it.
Beautiful !! Love the table and the chairs but I think it is too crowded. I would move the white chairs back to your foyer and only bring them around the table when needed. Just a thought ..
Thanks for the input, but because of the trestle legs, you can’t fit just two chair under the table. It also looks too empty that way, even if they could fit.
The table looks perfect. I can just imagine how happy you must be every time you walk in there! Gorgeous!
Shelley
Thanks, Shelley! And, yeah, you already know me well… 🙂
When I looked from the before picture to the after, my thought was ” perfect choice to go with the new kitchen”. Beautiful, and I love the combo of light and dark together. I’m sitting by a cozy, warm fire enjoying looking out at our snow. Did you get any last night? The rolling hills looked so lovely with their dusting while I was out running errands today. We are so very fortunate to have many country back roads with very little traffic; I rarely have to take a highway to get to my shopping or other destinations. Hugs!
Thanks you and that sounds delightful! Yesterday was just a dusting, but we’re getting a few inches today. I’m not a huge snow fan but I’m inside and cozy, so all’s good… 🙂
Lory, I am a bit envious that you are getting the whole place so pulled together and cohesive. I know I am going to be working on my place for a long time. Your table and the chairs are just beautiful! You continue to complete your home with such style and elegance! It is always a pleasure to come and visit at designthusiasm!
Chloe, that’s so sweet of you to say! Thank you!! But I think your place looks great too… 🙂
love your new table! i guess this is the best way to catch up until we get together..lol..
Haha! I’ll do anything for readers… 😉 But thanks!! You’ll see it soon… 🙂
I love this table so much Lory! I don’t think I’ve ever told you, but this breakfast/dining room is absolutely my favorite room in your house! I love the mix of chairs, too, and the tufted ones at the end. I think you did such a gorgeous job!
Sheila
xo
Just noticed this comment. Thank you so much, Sheila! That means a lot to me since I respect your style and tase so highly!!
I love the look! How big is your breakfast room? I’m wondering if similar size table would work in my breakfast room. We never use our formal dining room and I want re-purpose it, but before doing so I want to make sure I can dress up our current breakfast room in the future. We almost always entertain in our breakfast room as is.
It’s 14’ long (which is actually the width of the kitchen which it’s part of). The width isn’t clear since it runs into the kitchen and some of it is walk space, but I’d say maybe about 10’ wide.
I am just reading this post and love the look of your dining room. Your table is out of stock on Amazon but I got to thinking (dangerous!) that since my dining table legs are very similar to yours and it might work to chalk paint it. I like the contrast of your tabletop and the legs so I am curious since it has been a couple of years since you posted this if you are still happy with the white-wash table? The mix of chairs and wood is so appealing to me; you have a lovely home and I enjoy your blog.
Yes, I do still love the table! Here’s an updated link where you can get it and it’s on sale right now… 🙂 https://rstyle.me/n/c9y45qb63g7
Lovely!
NNow not on your source list –
where can I find the tulip VASE and pedestal plate holder in the center of the table??????
Share, please
Ooooh, that’s a tough one. Usually when items are left off my resource list it’s because they are either one of a kind antiques, or no longer available. The tulip vase is a vintage silver piece found at an antique market. The gold pedestal bowl is from a few years ago so no longer available. I have seen similar ones though. You can try here for similar vintage silver fluted vases: https://rstyle.me/n/devwd2b63g7 The bowl is a gold painted clay pedestal bowl, made in Italy, so you might search for that periodically.
I love the detail on the table legs and the color is such a complement to the rest of your decor. Your smaller table, however, which you replaced looks like it might just be the right size for my porch, so I’m interested in where you got that. We are enclosed our screen porch which is a very narrow space, 6×36, and our current oval table really works for just my husband and myself. Can you tell me the measure of the smaller table?
Our tentative date is 1/11 for the work to begin so I’m hoping for a nice spring refresh in this space.
The table was from Pottery Barn. I believe it was 36″ x 60″, although I don’t have it anymore so cannot measure. There are also places on Etsy where you can have someone make you a table too your desired measurements with reclaimed wood. That could work for you… 🙂
Could you please share where you found the chandelier that’s over the table? Thank You!
Yes, I found it at a local antique center. I’ve included similar options in the resource list.
I had a trestle table for years, but I had to replace it as my family grew because the people who had the misfortune to sit at either end of the long side of the table just didn’t have enough legroom or room for their feet. When my son mentioned how uncomfortable he was whenever he sat at that table, I knew it had to go!
It definitely matters where the pedestal legs are placed. I did find it difficult to place the chairs at first which is why I have 8 instead of 6, since the outer ones have to straddle the foot supports of the table.
You may not have the same issue that we had, as we are all tall and our feet are not small. The issue should be considered before people act based on the look alone. I consider comfort to be the number one consideration for my family and guests.
Hi lori, thats what i want to learn how to tufted chair the reupholstering chairs I have down pat because I think that looks beautiful thank you
I want to thank you for your inspiration.
You are most welcome!
What is your wall paint color in this room? So pretty!
Thank you! It is Benjamin Moore Tapestry Beige.
What a wonderful way to begin your morning. It is so bright, cheery and welcoming. I especially love the pineapple detail on your trestle table. You always include all details. Oh, to have all of those windows to see the morning sunrise and view. What a wonderful place for a flower garden.
Thanks so much!! It’s always nice to hear what other people notice in our rooms, because it makes us appreciate them even more… 🙂