Hey y’all! So last Thanksgiving, after my grandmother made that pointed comment about my dining room looking like “one of those modern restaurants” (not a compliment), I decided it was time for a change. Three months of estate sales, antique shop adventures, and one very interesting Facebook Marketplace meetup later, I’ve finally created a dining space that feels like it has actual history – even if some of that history was made last week.
Quick backstory: My dining room was giving major “just moved in” vibes despite living here for four years. My golden retriever Mac actually refused to lay down in there, which if you know anything about golden retrievers, means the space had zero cozy factor.
Fair warning: This post might include some wild adventures in antiquing, several references to my husband Jake’s eye-rolling, and definitely some stories about Mac’s opinions on decor (he’s very judgmental for a dog who eats socks).
1. The Statement Chandelier Saga
Found this incredible wrought iron chandelier at an estate sale. The previous owner had stories about it that went back three generations. Sure, it took four hours to clean and Jake almost divorced me during installation, but now it’s the conversation piece of every dinner party.
2. Vintage Buffet With History
Scored this gorgeous pine buffet from an old farmhouse auction. The owner was this sweet elderly lady who told me it had served Sunday dinners for 60 years. Now it’s serving my collection of mismatched serving dishes and hiding all the paper towels we buy in bulk.
3. Gallery Wall of Vintage Plates
Started collecting old plates from various antique shops. Each one has a different pattern but they all work together somehow. My mother-in-law actually asked if they were family heirlooms, so I’m counting that as a win.
4. The Perfect Farm Table
Found this beauty at a barn sale two counties over. It’s got all the right dings and scratches that make it look like it’s seen generations of family dinners (even though most of those scratches are from me trying to drag it through the front door).
5. Mixed Dining Chairs
Collected various wooden chairs from estate sales and flea markets. Each one’s slightly different but painted them all in this creamy white that ties them together. Mac has his favorite (the one with the most cushioning, naturally).
6. Rustic Table Runner
Got this hand-woven linen runner from a local artisan. It’s got that perfectly imperfect look that says “Yes, I probably made this myself” (I didn’t).
7. Vintage Silver Collection
Started collecting old silver pieces from estate sales. Some need polishing, but that tarnished look is actually trendy now so I’m calling it intentional patina.
8. Antique Bread Bowl
Found this huge wooden bowl that’s perfect for centerpieces. Previous owner said it was used for making bread for decades. Now it holds seasonal decor and occasionally Mac’s tennis balls.
9. Wall-Mounted Plate Rack
Discovered this old plate rack at a farmhouse estate sale. Now it displays my grandmother’s china (finally earning some approval points there).
10. Vintage Scale Centerpiece
Got this old kitchen scale from an antique store. It makes the perfect base for seasonal displays, though Jake keeps asking if it actually works (it doesn’t, honey, that’s not the point).
11. Wire Basket Collection
Started gathering old wire baskets from flea markets. They’re perfect for holding napkins, cutlery, or fresh bread during dinner parties. Mac only tried to steal from them once.
12. Vintage Window Frame
Repurposed an old window frame as wall art. The original owner told me it came from a 100-year-old farmhouse. Now it’s adding character to my formerly boring walls.
13. Antique Rolling Pin Collection
Mounted a collection of vintage rolling pins on the wall. Each one has its own story, and yes, I know all of them (much to Jake’s constant amusement).
14. Mason Jar Chandelier
Created a second light fixture using vintage mason jars. Some of them still have the original blue tint, which everyone assumes I paid extra for (nope, just got lucky).
15. Antique Corner Cabinet
Found this corner cabinet that the seller claimed came from her great-grandmother’s house. It’s perfect for displaying my collection of ironstone (that I definitely didn’t start collecting just because of this cabinet).
16. Vintage Grain Sack Pillows
Got some authentic grain sacks from a farm auction and turned them into cushions for the dining chairs. Each one has different stripes and markings, making them perfectly imperfect.
17. Old Ladder Plant Stand
Repurposed an orchard ladder as a plant stand. The seller said it picked apples for 40 years – now it’s holding my herb collection and occasionally Mac’s leash.
18. Antique Mirror
Scored this gorgeous gilt mirror that makes the room look twice as big. The antique dealer had a whole story about its origins that I’ve completely forgotten but love to make up new versions of.
19. Vintage Crates
Found some old apple crates at a farm sale. They’re now serving as both storage and display pieces, adding that perfect rustic touch.
20. Antique Door Turned Art
Rescued an old farmhouse door complete with original hardware. It’s now a statement piece on the wall, though getting it hung was an adventure I’m still not ready to talk about.
21. Copper Collection
Started gathering old copper pieces from various sales. They’re perfectly tarnished in that way that looks intentional (at least that’s what I tell myself).
22. Vintage Clock
Found this huge wall clock that the seller swore came from an old train station. Whether that’s true or not, it definitely makes a statement.
23. Original Barn Wood Shelves
Got some actual barn wood from a demolition site (legally, I promise). Made them into shelves that look like they’ve been there forever.
24. Vintage Breadbox
Discovered this old breadbox at an estate sale. It’s now holding napkins and placemats, but it looks so authentic nobody questions it.
25. Antique Tea Cart
Found this gorgeous tea cart that rolls perfectly from the kitchen to the dining room. Mac has only tried to ride it once, which I’m counting as a success.