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Interior designers and colour experts reveal how to give your period dining room a contemporary update whilst staying true to its original features.
No matter their size, period homes have plenty to offer in terms of character and style. This is especially true in period dining rooms, which were often designed with entertaining in mind. So, how do you give your space a contemporary update whilst also staying true to its original features?
'Respecting the period and architecture of your home is pivotal to a successful interior scheme. Avoid clashing styles and materials and think about how to draw elements from your home into your designs,' advises London interior designer Naomi Astley Clarke.
'Getting the basics such as the appropriate cornice and joinery profiles is a subtle but effective way to ensure that you stay true to your home. I often choose finishes that are as timeless as possible; ones that always suit the architecture of the actual building. That way they will always complement the home they belong in even as fashions come and go. From there you can layer on your own tastes and possessions knowing you've got solid foundations.'
Keep reading to discover 11 inspiring period dining room ideas, plus how to get the look...
Play up the history of your home by leaning into the more gothic aspects of the space, such as large, imposing fireplaces. Try out distressed decor in dark colours to add depth and drama.
Image: Milano Pendant Light, Atkin And Thyme
Four people can fit comfortably around this compact dining table, which is perfect for smaller spaces. We loved the textured base and how it's been combined with a smooth and simple tabletop.
'Thanks to spurts in scientific research, pigment development took off in the 18th century and again in the early 20th century,' says Annie Sloan. 'Until the Edwardian era, many bright yellows, blues, and reds were quite rare, so it’s worth bearing in mind that these colours might not work in historic interiors. I feel rather sad when I see the walls of old cottages painted brightest white – a shade that was only available from the 1930s onwards. Softer whites work much better in heritage buildings.'
For a playful take on grand architectural details, Annie says 'painted pediments are particularly effective in properties which have had their period features stripped away'.
Image: Laurel Oak 51282, Moduleo
You can't go wrong with a solid oak table. Inspired by English farmhouse antique, this dining table features traditional dovetail joinery and wooden runners, a handy drawer on either side, and an antique brass knob.
Victorian and Edwardian homes would've once had their walls adorned with striking wallpaper choices, so why not reinstate the look?
If you're a fan of all things patterned, you can try out a maximalist look by layering print on print. Up the kitsch factor by adding details like scalloped edges and fringing to your soft furnishings and lighting choices.
Image: The Enchanted Woodland Wallpaper, Mind the Gap
If you're looking to work more pattern into your dining room, then this is the light shade for you. Offering a dose of boho style, the muted colours will slot seamlessly into your existing decor.
Keep your dining room feeling spacious and inviting by choosing a natural colour palette and then uplifting it with the addition of zesty hues. Plenty of natural light also helps to make the space feel open and airy.
This 100 per cent linen tablecloth will protect your dining table whilst adding a dose of colour to your dining room. We love the sunny yet muted shade, perfect for spring, summer and autumn.
This rattan seat and back in a natural blonde finish is an easy-going piece that suits modern and period homes alike.
Over the years, period homes can find their original features stripped away, in part thanks to trends and to the whims of previous owners. Bring your dining room back to its former glory by replacing or renovating features that have suffered damage over the years. This could be by replacing your fireplace surround or renovating panelled walls.
Image: Cellar Oak, The Wood Flooring Co.
This set of four pared-back plates is crafted from stoneware with an unglazed base. Each piece is washed with a terracotta glaze to reference vintage styles.
To modernise your period dining room, make sure to include decor that is distinctly contemporary in appearance. Choose homeware with clean lines and distinct silhouettes to contrast with the often kitsch or classic period details of your dining room.
Image: Memphis Table And Piper Dining Chairs In Cosmopolitan, Sofa.com
This simple handled vase is a contemporary way to add practical decor to your period dining room. We love the rotund shape and neutral finish.
'One of the joys of period properties is the presence of wonderful architectural details such as cornicing, ceiling roses and beautiful fireplaces,' says Clarissa Hulse. 'Therefore, to ensure these original features are the heroes of the room I tend to advise my customers who are keen to introduce a more contemporary and modern look, to keep it simple and focus on subtle patterns and colours so as not to overpower and distract.
'This can be done through wallpaper, fabric, and soft furnishings to make a real impact and complement the historical elements of the room.'
Image: Mia Extending Dining Table, Ercol
A stripped-back look can sometimes be the easiest way to show off period features within a dining room. A minimalist look allows details such as original wooden floors and ceiling roses to shine without any other details getting in the way.
Image: Cone Marble Dining Table, Atkin And Thyme
This natural bamboo lampshade features black crosshatch detailing, perfect for adding warmth and texture to any room. It's available in two different sizes so you can choose the best fit for your space.
'Adding colour to highlight architectural details in period properties is a modern way to make a feature of these gorgeous details,' says Anna Hill, brand director at Fenwick & Tilbrook. 'A ceiling rose in a slightly darker tone, or cornicing and ceiling in something a little more interesting than white can be a lovely touch.
'I would always opt for slightly muted brights as they are softer and therefore look less harsh and flat in a period property, adding a more heritage feel.'
Image: House of Finn Juhl Reading Chair, Nest
A compact design, the Etta table is perfect for smaller living spaces and has a simple extension mechanism. We love the gently rounded silhouette and tapered legs.
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