On to the next installment in the dining series. Previous posts looked at
dining tables and
dining chairs. Now we're going to look at storage options and lighting.
Buffets & Sideboards
Buffets and sideboards not only provide storage for items like table linens and flatware, but they also provide an extra surface for serving. If you're looking for a DIY project, old dressers make great buffets. They provide plenty of storage, can be very budget-friendly, and allow you to choose the exact color, size, and style you like. Blues, greens, grays, and whites are great color choices in a coastal room.
As an alternative to painted finishes, consider the mid-century style Emmerson Buffet from West Elm. I love the Emmerson line. Made from reclaimed shipping pallets, these pieces are reminiscent of drift wood and have a slightly edgy vibe that can prevent coastal decor from reading too "sweet".
Cupboards
Cupboards may lack the serving surface of buffets, but they have two advantages. First, cupboards have a ton of storage. And second, they can provide an attractive display space for collectibles. The cupboard below is primarily for display. The white painted finish makes a great backdrop for blue and green glassware.
Here's another piece from West Elm's Emmerson collection--the Emmerson Display Cabinet. This would look incredible filled with a collection of white ironstone.
Nicole from Doodles & Stitches made over a pie safe that had been in her family for years. I love the duck egg exterior with the white interior. A style like this, with closed storage on the bottom and open shelves on the top, is the perfect mix of practical storage and display space to show off collectibles.
The lovely cupboard has a light gray exterior and a natural wood interior. It would be great for displaying a collection of yellow ware or shells and starfish, as shown here.
Lighting
Lighting is the last major element needed for a dining space. In choosing lighting, consider the size and shape of your table. A fixture that's too large or too small will throw off the balance of the room. In terms of style, there are a number of different directions to go in.
A simple drum-shaded pendant light always looks clean and unfussy. This one, from Ballard Designs, comes in burlap and jute colors. Either one would be perfect in a coastal setting.
Another classic look is the barn light. This one, from CB2 is quite large (24" in diameter) and would look great over a larger round table. The gunmetal gray color would blend well with blue and green tones.
The Hoyne Pendant Lamp from Crate & Barrel has a modern shape while the material gives it an industrial vibe. The airiness of the design would make it blend well with coastal decor. An unexpected, but effective choice.
I'm crazy about this Clift Oversized Glass Pendant from Pottery Barn. It's a substantial 18" in diameter and 26" high. Made of handblown glass, it has a slight greenish tint and bronze cap and chain.
Moving in a more traditional direction, the Camilla chandelier, also from Pottery Barn, reminds me of twisted vines and branches. It has a lovely organic quality. I think it would look fabulous over a rustic wood farmhouse table.
If you have really high ceilings and a large room, you might want to consider a two-tier fixture like this Parisian Wood & Zinc chandelier from Restoration Hardware. I love the combination of the whitewash finished wood and aged metal.
© Salt Marsh
Cottage 2013
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