Dining Room Accessories: 3 Updates That Make a Huge Difference
In this post: Dining room accessories can make all the difference in the world when updating your room. These 3 new items I’ve added make a huge impact.⇒
Sometimes I think I’ve been talking about my design projects for so long, that by the time I post them they’re already old news.
But maybe that’s just because I’ve been tripping over the items for some time, waiting for them to be installed or hung.
Or also because I do preview in-progress things on my Instagram stories. So if you follow me there, you may have seen a few of these updates, peeking out of boxes, stashed on a work table, or waiting for me to go out and buy bulbs.
But I’m getting ahead of myself…
A while ago, I posted the first update to my dining room decor. It was a pretty big departure from the previous style, even though I didn’t buy any new furniture. It was all done with dining room accessories and I began the switch from colorful florals to a bit more sophisticated and vintage inspired, with lots of patina and my favorite design elements.
At the time I mentioned that was only phase one and that pretty soon I’d have more to reveal. In this post, I have 3 new updates to the room to share with you, that bring me another step closer to the final room I envision.
Each of these additions enhances the character of the space in a unique way – one adds warmth, another brings a hint of opulence, and the last ties everything together with a soft, luminous glow.
(The room has since been updated further, but I continue to share this post so you can see the interim process. These 3 updates are still an important part of the current space.)
Wall Sconces
The first of the three updates is this stunning pair of sconces. These aren’t just any wall lights – they’re substantial, statement-making pieces that command attention the moment you step into the room. Crafted from distressed wood, they feature a beautifully aged, chippy painted patina in soft neutral tones, perfectly embodying that timeworn elegance I love. The design is adorned with graceful acanthus flourishes, giving them a distinctly French feel, like something salvaged from an old château.
Beyond their carved beauty, what truly elevates these sconces is the contrast of materials. Each one is fitted with three rusted iron arms that extend outward, cradling candle holders in a faded gilded finish. The mix of weathered wood, rustic metal, and muted gold brings a layered, collected-over-time look that makes them feel like an authentic antique find.
Yes, I know the candles are missing! I debated whether to add them at all, but in the end, I decided on slim tapers to maintain a refined, delicate balance. I don’t want bulky candles stealing focus from the intricate detailing, so I’m holding out for just the right ones. Once I find them, you can bet they’ll be added.
Accent Chairs
The second addition might not technically qualify as an accessory, but since I only bought two, I like to think of them that way. Of course, I’m talking about my gilded French armchairs—a longtime dream purchase that finally found its place in my dining room.
I’ve wanted chairs like this for as long as I can remember. There’s just something about their graceful silhouette and timeworn elegance that speaks to me. These vintage beauties feature an oval cane back, framed by delicately carved embellishments that add just the right amount of detail. The chipped gilt finish is absolute perfection – worn in all the best places, with just enough age to keep them from feeling overly polished. They bring that classic French charm while maintaining the soft, lived-in patina that I adore.
What I love most is the balance they strike. The golden finish adds warmth and richness to the space, but it’s beautifully understated – never veering into flashy or over-the-top. They have just the right amount of “golden goodness” to elevate the room without feeling fussy. I can already tell these will be one of my all-time favorite purchases.
Yep, I’m smitten!!
Chandelier
The third and final addition is something I’ve been dreaming about for ages – honestly, since the day we moved in! I’ve always known this dining room needed a crystal chandelier, and after a long search, I finally found the perfect one to bring my vision to life.
(Okay, truth be told, I want a crystal chandy in every room… ;-))
Like the other additions, this piece is vintage, full of history and charm. The delicate crystal drops catch the light in the most breathtaking way, casting soft reflections that dance across the walls. But finding it was only half the journey – it also needed some re-wiring to be fully functional. Luckily, the seller was able to take care of that before it came home with me. And when I say “came home,” I mean literally – because to ensure every shimmering crystal stayed intact, they personally drove it two hours to deliver it right to my door! Talk about dedication.
Now that it’s installed, it’s everything I imagined and more. It adds the perfect finishing touch, bringing a romantic glow that ties together all the elements in the room. I don’t think I’ll ever tire of looking up and seeing those gorgeous crystals sparkling above the table!
For an average weekday, when there’s no elaborate tablescape in place, I like to keep things simple but still beautiful. My antique dough bowl makes the perfect understated centerpiece, and I love filling it with just a hint of color to keep the room feeling fresh and inviting.
White tulips are always a charming solution – their crisp petals and elegant stems bring a quiet sophistication, effortlessly complementing the patina of the wood. To add a touch of romance, I mix in barely-there pink hyacinths, which not only lend a soft blush of color but also infuse the room with their delicate, intoxicating fragrance. It’s a simple arrangement, but one that makes the space feel alive and ever-changing with the seasons.
There will be a phase three coming, though I can’t say exactly when, as it includes three more significant updates to our dining room accessories and décor. If you’ve been following along, you can probably guess what at least one or two of them might be!
You can now see Phase 3 of our dining room update HERE.
In the meantime, I’m thoroughly enjoying the updates so far. When we installed the chandelier, we also took the opportunity to add dimmers throughout the house – a small but impactful change. As much as I love brilliant light, having the ability to soften the glow instantly transforms the space, making it feel warm and intimate for gatherings. It’s one of those little details that makes all the difference.
More Ways to Update a Dining Room with Accessories
- Statement Centerpiece – A vintage urn, oversized cloche, or weathered tray filled with seasonal accents.
- Layered Table Linens – Swap in a linen runner, ruffled placemats, or a softly draped tablecloth for added texture.
- Decorative Mirrors – A gilded or distressed mirror can reflect light and make the space feel more open.
- Artwork & Wall Décor – Lean framed antique prints against the wall or hang a curated gallery of collected pieces.
- Candlesticks & Hurricanes – A mix of brass, wood, or glass candleholders adds ambiance and elegance.
- Elegant Dinnerware on Display – Stack vintage plates on an open shelf or tuck a few into a hutch for a curated look.
- Drapery Updates – Swap out heavy curtains for airy linen panels or add simple tie-back detailing.
- Decorative Books – A stack of old French books or design coffee table books can add effortless charm.
- Seasonal Greenery – Fresh eucalyptus, olive branches, or even dried lavender in a rustic vase bring life to the space.
- Woven or Upholstered Chair Cushions – A quick way to soften seating and add an extra layer of charm.
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
Beautiful, as always. What a sweet way to decorate the bread bowl.
BTW: are the flowers real or faux?
Thanks, deb! The flowers are real. The base is dried eucalyptus and lavender, so I just placed fresh tulips and hyacinth on top.
The chairs are stunning Lory and all that you added are the perfect touches for your style!
Thanks, Janet!
So beautiful – I love your dough bowl and the flowers
Have a wonderful day
Much love,
Rose
Thanks so much, Rose! It’s fun filling it with flowers… 🙂
Love your chandelier and the sconces! The black accents on your chandelier are wonderful! Coincidentally, I just installed a crystal chandelier in our dining room after decades of a brass Williamsburg-style piece and I love it! It magnifies the light day or night and it’s the perfect counterpoint to my pine farm table. I’m now on a mission to add linen slips to the chairs. Thanks as always for your inspiration.
My pleasure, Janet!! Yeah, I’m a big crystal fan, especially vintage… 🙂 Eventually I hope to have some in every room!!
Oh wow, Lory! Those chairs!!!!!!!! Now I need a moment of quiet contemplation, and get my breath back!
Ginger
Haha, Ginger! That’s funny, although that’s how I reacted when I first saw them, too… 😉
Love all the new elements in your room, especially the chairs! I love gilded furniture!
Thanks, Angelina! Yes, I’m really into gilding too. I’d love to learn how to do it myself some day… 🙂
Love this- it is beautiful. the brown cabinet will be nice painted and I am starting to see why you want to do simple drapes as those (pretty ones) are starting to be out of balance.
Thanks, Jillian, and exactly! Even though I still love them, they don’t fit in. I definitely won’t get rid of them, though, because they will be perfect for something else some day.. 😉
Lory-Love, Love, Love the gilded chairs ! They add the crowning touch to the Dining Room table. The sconces are beautiful aslo with your mirror and look wonderful with the crystal candelabra on the server-just right, not too busy.
Ok, I am waiting now for the Tapestry Beige walls, linen panels and did I miss the blog about the China Cabinet ?! 🙁 It is beautiful and I can’t wait to have mine finished. I ordered my gold mirror and it arrived today I can’t wait to hang it, but may wait until the room is finished !!
Those chairs are so beautiful-great find and the chandelier is GORGEOUS ! I get so excited watching your changes 🙂
Thanks so much, Kathy! And you are totally spot on about what’s next. One other thing you didn’t mention and I’ll leave that as a surprise (especially since it’s not going to be right away), but already selected the panels, thinking about the paint for pretty much every room, and the cabinet will be my first painting project once I get up the nerve. Maybe over the summer… 🙂 Would love to see you room when it’s done, too!
The chandelier reminds me of one my parents had without the black. I love this one. The black adds so much.
Thanks, Elizabeth! I’m so glad everyone likes the black because I did hesitate because of that. Not that I didn’t like it, but was afraid it was too similar to the candelabra on the sideboard. Didn’t want it to look too match-matchy.
Love the chandelier!!!! I would love to know where the black “candles” with the gold drips can be found, if you know.
Thank you and they came with the chandelier.
OMG I love the cane back chairs. You didn’t give a source for them. And the chandelier is beyond fabulous. I’ve never seen the black faux candles before and love them. Please tell me where the chairs came from.
Thanks, Ann! The chairs are vintage, so I found them on ebay. I can link to similar ones, but these were one offs because they’re not new.
I’m actually thinking about starting a new series where I link to antique finds that I like. The problem is, once someone buys them they’re gone. But my readers seem to like antiques and might like seeing them curated here on the blog. Be on the lookout for that… 🙂
A beautiful room…I especially love the builder chairs!
Thanks, Dianne!
Lory, it is always so thrilling to see your transitions. I love it all, and can’t wait to see how it looks with the new draperies! Would you mind disclosing from which company you purchased your gorgeous chandelier? I’m looking for one similar for my dil and son. I just purchase two French birdcage vintage chandys for our home. The company owners are a sheer delight to work with. Their company is called Unique Light Concept, and can be found on e-Bay, incase anyone is looking for a premier lighting company. Unfortunately, they don’t have a chandy like yours at the moment, so any help would really be appreciated. Hugs!
Thanks so much, Bobbi! The chandy is antique, so I just found it on ebay. I am thinking of starting a series where I post links to some favorite antiques available online, but won’t be starting that for a few weeks. If people are interested, I’ll continue it… 🙂
I’m loving the new additions looking forward to the third.
Thank you! I got a bit sidetracked with other projects, but the third update will still be coming shortly… 🙂
Wow!!! Wow!!!! I love your decor and thank you for sharing
Lory! I just purchased some similar candle sconces for my formal living room- I love them. I am planning a few big changes in there after the holidays and those were the first things I purchased.
Really love what you did with the space! I am so saving this for future reference and when I redesign my own home.
Thank you!!
I love your floral drapes. Are those new? Also the lighting makes your walls look they are tinted pink. It’s lovely. What is the actual paint color in there?
Hey Lory ~ This post is just what I needed to give me the confidence to have a few dark wood pieces in my dinning room painted. Can you please share the brand of paint and colors you used on your taupe cabinet and creamy white storage cabinets? I LOVE them! And of course the chairs too!!!
Yes, of course! Here’s the link to the paint: rbeemster.postaffiliatepro.com/scripts/uuol1c?a_aid=45
But also you can read these two posts about those 2 pieces I painted:
https://designthusiasm.com/white-chalk-paint-vintage-sideboard/
https://designthusiasm.com/diy-chalk-painted-china-cabinet/
Hope that helps!!
The dinning room is beautiful……love the chandy!