How I Transformed My Dining Room without Replacing the Furniture
In this post: Did you ever want to completely change a room without spending a lot of money? Here’s how I transformed my dining room without replacing the furniture.⇒
It’s not that I get bored easily. I actually don’t.
In fact, once I found my home style – a fusion of old world European elegance mixed with casual American lifestyle – I pretty much stuck to it. Still, since we moved into our new house a few years ago, I’ve found I’m ready to rework every room.
In reality, I’m just refining my style. When we first moved in, I simply duplicated most of my rooms from the way they were decorated in our old house. But now I find I’m going back to each space and fine tuning. In some cases, the results are transformative. And yet I’m not looking to spend a fortune on all new furniture.
Here is how I completely transformed our dining room without replacing the furniture.
Let’s start with a look back. The photo above shows how I decorated my dining room when we first moved in. It was an exact replica of the dining room in our old house and the furniture fit fine in this slightly larger room. But the room did not benefit from the brilliant light we got in our old dining room and the florals here began to feel too prominent. At the same time, my taste was becoming more focused and I wanted to honor my passion for antiques.
Below is the (almost) finished product and I assure you, I did not replace any of the furniture!
To underscore my assertion that my taste hasn’t changed, I’d like to point you to my post The 6 Defining Style Elements I Use In Every Room, in which I outlined exactly what defines my style. I’ve now finally realized that vision in this room, and you will notice almost everything I’ve changed coincides with what’s highlighted in that post.
So, if I haven’t replaced any furniture, what have I changed to accomplish such a marked difference?
While it was an ongoing process, I essentially approached this refresh in three separate phases. You can see the details of the first round in THIS POST or click the photo below, which shows that first stage.
The most significant change at that point was to buy new white slipcovers for my parsons chairs. This was a very inexpensive fix for something that made a huge impact. Of course, if you don’t have the same chairs, my slipcovers won’t help you, but the idea of replacing the pattern and color with white, will. If you have dark wood chairs you can paint them. If you have upholstered chairs, you can re-cover them or find slipcovers that fit. Or you can simply buy inexpensive new chairs, if that fits your budget. I’ve linked a similar chair in the resource section below.
I also started working on the accessories at this early stage. I removed the faux florals from the table and brought the antique dough bowl in. I started playing with candlesticks and added the white linen table runner to the table. It was a good start that revealed the first signs of the dining room that would come to be.
As the first batch of changes addressed quieting the decor a bit, the next few updates I did zeroed in on adding notes of character and elegance. Almost everything I changed had to do with accessorizing, with the sole exception of the gorgeous gilt arm chairs. If you’re looking to save money, you don’t need to replace all your chairs. Using end chairs as an accessory to punctuate the space is a great way to make a beautiful statement with quality antiques, without breaking the bank.
I also added the reproduction sconces and the antique crystal chandelier. I feel these beautiful French pieces can now take center stage when displayed in a room with a simple classic backdrop.
For the details on this second round of changes you can see THIS POST or click on the photo below. At this point the room was really starting to take shape, but it still needed some key elements to complete the transformation.
The room sat like this for a few months, while I prepared for the final details. For me to realize my vision, I knew the floral drapes had to go. I still love the pattern but it did not fit with the direction I was headed. Instead I went with washed linen panels in a bisque color and used lovely vintage brass tie backs. This made an enormous difference in the now neutral room, allowing for the possibility of bringing in various accent colors that could easily be changed.
The final unifying piece is the last one I added and serves as a lovely finishing touch. This stunning rug pulls together the entire room, subtly mixing neutral beige with a hint of greyed-over-blue. The sculpted pattern is reminiscent of heraldic medallions, but with a modern spin it embodies my updated style.
A quick glimpse of the other side of the room shows my creamy white china cabinet, which I re-styled to feature my neutral tableware, while I packed away the more colorful pieces behind the closed doors.
As I hinted above, this transformed dining room is *almost* finished. Which means it’s not quite finished.
Still to come: the pantry cabinet is way too dark for the space. I’ve wanted to try my hand at painting furniture for some time, and one day, you just may open a post and see I finally tackled my first painting project. This pantry cabinet is the perfect place to start!
I’d also like to paint the walls and finally give the blush pink a rest.
This entire project was inspired by one purchase, the crystal candelabra on the painted sideboard. That one little piece sums up my current style, and if I’m doing it right, by the time I’m done, it should be able to sit comfortably in any room in my home.
Interestingly, I did not buy it at the same time or from the same place as the crystal chandelier, but both speak to me in much the same way and comprise several of the style elements that define my look.
I feel like I’ve finally got a firm handle on my home style and I’m delighted with how this room transformed, particularly without spending on replacing the furniture. The table, chairs, china cabinet, sideboard, mirror and pantry cupboard are all exactly the same as before. This is precisely how I plan to approach the other rooms in my home, as I fine tune them to reflect my aesthetic, so stay tuned for more.
(Updated to add: to see the evolution that has followed this update visit The Evolution of Our Dining Room.)
Dining Room Resource List
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 will 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.)
IF YOU LIKED THIS POST, YOU MIGHT ALSO BE INTERESTED IN:
- From Old School to Modern: The Evolution of a French Country Dining Room
- Dining Room Accessories: 3 Updates That Make a Huge Difference
- Elegant Dining Rooms: Refining an Existing Space
- Dining Room Storage: The Ultimate Guide to Organizing Your Tableware
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Absolutely beautiful! What a huge transformation … everything looks so fresh! We have the same style and I like you knew that once I found the easy European style it was what made my heart happy. I encourage you to tackle painting your cabinet.. I’ve painted several pieces with chalk paint and it’s easy and makes a huge difference…
Love your blog!
Sharon
Thank you so much for the kind words, Sharon! I know I will get to the cabinet. I usually procrastinate for a while with things like this and then one day just get up and decide to take it on! 😉 Hopefully soon!!
I agree, chalk paint your large cabinet! Charcoal out various ideas, colors on Pinterest
I know – I must! 🙂
This is a great post. I love that you reused the furniture to get such a different feel. Furniture shouldn’t be disposable.
At the same time, it’s quite normal that tastes change over time–not just what’s trending but also based on our age. Changing slipcovers, drapes and paint is easy and reversible. Maybe some years down the road, the monochromatic look that is so zen and restful now (and believe me, my own house is all white slipcovers) will feel plain and blah and we’ll be integrating wild colors and designs. And that’s OK too, especially if we keep the same furniture!
I couldn’t agree more. Thanks so much for visiting!!
All flows together very well. I love it all. Where did you find the lovely crown?
~Larisa AKA The Elegant Home
Thank you! I believe that was an eBay find.
Oh my—-what a fabulous transformation!! Just stunning!
Thank you, Carol!!
Absolutely stunning! Love your mix of old world and french country. I too would love to see your dark cabinet chalk painted, maybe a linen color or pull that lovely color out of the panel at the top of your mirror? I always look forward to your posts, thank you so much for sharing your beautiful home with us.
Thank you, Nancy! Yes, I really need to get to that cabinet and I think your color suggestions are great. I need to start reading tutorials and then just dive in! 🙂
Lori I love the way the dining room is coming along. I too have been moving away from too much pattern and letting my eyes have a rest. Instead I am enjoying all of your accessories and beautiful pieces that can really shine now that the red is gone. Oh and that rug is fantastic!!
Thanks so much, Mary!!
I absolutely love the understated elegance you’ve achieved in your dining room transformation. I’m pinning this for when we move into the new home that we have in the planning stages. We’re just waiting for the right lot to come along to build on.
Thank you so much and good luck with your move!!
What a beautiful room. The changes you made are inspiring. I love the rug and the curtains, those two alone have made such a difference. Vry tasteful
It’s amazing how you are able to do this dining room transformation without getting new furniture! It’s such a pretty and stylish space. Stopping by from the #HomeMattersParty linky.
Thank you so much, Nicole!!
Your dining room is stunning. The subtle changes make such a difference. I love the neutral elegant look.
Thanks so much, Marty!!
I love the changes you have made. You have so many precious item in your dining room and now they can shine. Your chandelier with the black candle sticks is eye catching, as is the crown, angel statue, gorgeous mirror and chandelier turned table lamp. I love it all!
Thanks you so much, Joanna!!
I thought I saw the name for the antique chandelier sitting on your cabinet in the dining room but can’t seem to find it. I thought someone had turned a hanging chandelier into a table top lamp but obviously I was wrong. What is that beautiful light called?
It’s called a girandole… 🙂
Absolutely lovely!! You gave me some wonderful ideas, as I too have been working on my dining area.
So glad to hear that, Pamela! Thank you!!
Who would have thought taking the color out of a room would have transformed it so much! Don’t get me wrong I like color but the change is so much more elegant, sophisticated and that old world charm without being over the top! Beautifully done!
I am still working on our new home, but it’s been only a few months! I continue to learn so much from your posts, thank you!
Thank you, Vicki! I feel very much the same. I really love color, but lately I much prefer neutral rooms that I can then add color in with flowers and accents. It’s an easy way to decorate… 🙂
I absolutely love the rug you chose and have been looking for one for our dining room. When I clicked the link it took me to Overstocked.com and Ann 8×10. Is this the same rug and size as yours? I have dark wood furniture with creamy yellow walls with hints of blue throughout and think this would be perfect.
Thank you Lana! Yes, that is the correct rug and it is 8×10. So often these links change, but in this case, it is in fact the right link… 🙂
I think it takes a few years living in a house before the right design choices become apparent. It is hard when you come from a house that you finally had “just right” and add in that you’ve downsized to a home with a totally different vibe. I made the mistake of thinking that I had to abandon my more formal taste now that we are here at the lake. Instead I’m now incorporating my love of country French into my home. I imagine the huge stone fireplace as the front of a French country manor. I’ve stepped away from the more modern grays and reverted to my love of blue. I’ve stopped worrying about what anyone else will think about my decorating style and started to only care about whether or not my husband and I like it. I nearly threw out all my china. I would have been so sorry.
I am so thankful that I found these blogs last fall. I’ve been enjoying my home and decorating it ever since. My only different point of view is the “decorating over time” which is a very popular concept. For me at this age, it’s Decorate and Get What You Want Now before it’s too late. All that saving for retirement all those years. My husband wants to know what we are saving it for now? So, on to Paris this week and new boat being delivered the following week. Packing light to save room for bringing back all those bits of France!
Margo, I couldn’t agree more! I think it’s great that you are doing what you want because you’re the one who lives there. Also, so funny you mentioned not doing the ‘decorating over time’ thing because I was just thinking about that yesterday! I’ve been cleaning out photos from my parents’ home (more on that coming soon) and was thinking, I just want my house done and to start spending my time *living in it*. Yes, I will always update, but I don’t want any rooms that look like they’re waiting for something. Great comment!
Hi Lory,
Let me first compliment on your beautiful name! We named our daughter Lori.
Your dining room is absolutely gorgeous!
The washed curtains and the drug really made a difference in the room. I love your choice in colors.
I know you menlined painting the brown cabinet; however, I love the cabinet. The color is a nice pop in the room & it’s elegance stands out “look at me!”. I also love the antique looking crown on top of the cabinet & the candles on the floor. This is an amazing & elegant transformation.
Where did you buy your dining chairs slipcovers?
My side chairs are from Ballard, so that’s where I got the chair covers too. Not terribly expensive either… 🙂
As always BEAUTIFUL, where did you get the large crown?
Thank you Patsy! I had gotten it at Hayneedle, but it seems they don’t have it anymore: https://www.hayneedle.com/product/creativecoopcrownwallsculpture.cfm
I did find this one which is currently available: https://www.perigold.com/decor/pdp/bliss-studio-toledo-crown-sculpture-blis1663.html
Lovely transformation!!! I love how the rug “grounds” the space. I live in an apartment and am unable to put up a chandelier so I’m working around it and trying not to look up, haha. I just polished all my silver trophy cups, spoons, candlesticks, etc. The patina was taking over too much. I have so many treasures that my next step is to “edit” some of the items and rotate them seasonally. I love your post.
Thank you so much, Eileen! You can maybe try crystal floor lamps to bring that element of glam in without using a chandy. I, too, do polish my silver. I just try to leave some dark bits in the recesses when i do… 🙂
You have such a lovely style! I came across a sweet gold crown at a thrift shop and just wanted to squeal! It needs painting to make it look old so I will have fun with that project. Your dining room is so beautiful and a perfect place for your wonderful tablescapes! I am slowly getting my house to the French European country style and you have been such an inspiration. I appreciate all your posts. Stay safe!
It’s quite lovely, but I like the before better.
Love the mirror! Where did you find it?
Great post! I especially like the new drapes. The dated swags as well as the pattern of the old ones did not do the space justice. I’m glad you didn’t touch the Trumeau mirror. It’s so beautiful. I’m obsessed with them! What color are you thinking of painting the walls? I’m assuming it will be a white, but there are SO many of them. I’ve been in color-choosing hell in my office for way too long. I’ve bought so many sample pots and Samplize cards, it’s embarrassing.
The walls are now Tapestry Beige, a pale greige, although I’m still considering a white for the future. Maybe SW Alabaster?
That’s a good color. Try samples first, though. I have found that in my south-facing office, many of the popular whites look yellow-y.
This has been my most favorite of all your blogs, and you taught me so much by posting it! Your original room was lovely, no doubt about it. But the new, transformed room showed me how our styles can be “refined” as we ourselves change with time or with a new accessory that we love. This seems to be true with our homes or with our clothing. It keeps us from being boring. I will look forward to seeing other projects that you do. Thank you soooo much!
Robin, thank you so much for your sweet comment! I’m so glad you were inspired by the post… 🙂