Dining Room Updates & Layered Table Styling

Looking for dining room decorating ideas? Get inspiration for updating your space with linen drapery and a brass chandelier, plus tips for layered table styling. Discover how to mix blue and white dishes, patterned napkins, natural textures and candlelight to create a timeless, collected tablescape.

Dining room with beige white linen curtains, brass chandelier and whitewashed table

This post features gifted linen drapery and a brass curtain rod from TwoPages Curtains, as well as a book provided by the publisher. I am grateful for these partnerships, but as always, all design choices, styling, and opinions are completely my own.

It’s been a few months since we moved into our new home, and we’re starting to feel more settled as we make it our own. You may have seen a few glimpses over on Instagram, and I’m excited to bring you along as we work through the rooms and add those finishing touches that make each space feel more like us.

I’m starting with our dining room, where we’ve recently added linen drapery and replaced the light fixture. They’re relatively simple updates, but I’m loving how these details work together to make the room feel more welcoming.

I’ve also been flipping through French Country Cottage Seasons, a beautiful book filled with decorating inspiration and gorgeous photography. It inspired me to pull together a layered table setting using a mix of pieces I already own.

Today, I’m sharing a closer look at our dining room updates, along with a few ideas for creating a beautifully layered table with a mix of patterns, textures, and natural elements.

Table set with vintage blue and white Countryside plates and tea cups

Some links used in this post are affiliates. Please refer to my disclosure policy for more information.

Updating Our Dining Room with Linen Drapery

One of the most recent additions to our dining room is the linen drapery we hung over the windows. The previous owners had blinds in place for privacy, but I wanted to introduce another layer that would soften the space.

Beige white linen drapery hung from brass curtain rod with rings

I chose a neutral fabric called Beige White (get a sample booklet) that works with our existing colour palette and pairs beautifully with the brass curtain rod. The linen blend adds just enough texture without taking away from the natural light coming through the windows or obstructing our gorgeous backyard view.

I love how the curtain panels frame the windows and make the room feel more inviting. The key is going higher and wider than your casing (by at least 4 inches if you can). The triple pinch pleat header and cotton privacy lining also give the right amount of fullness on either side. It’s a north-facing window, so sun isn’t an issue. For a closer look, check out the video of these curtains.

If you have a wide window like mine, ready-made or standard rods may be difficult to find. I suggest this custom brass curtain rod (available in other finishes). There’s only one joint in the middle that is covered by the center bracket making it unnoticeable. It’s sturdy enough for the weight of the curtains and constructed so the matching rings glide smoothly over the top.

Following the right guidelines for choosing and mounting drapery can make all the difference between a room that feels a little off and one with that polished, designer look.

Use code SATORIDESIGNFORLIVING to receive 22% off your purchase!

A New Chandelier for the Dining Room

We also replaced our builder grade dining room light with the Brody chandelier, and I’m really happy with how it turned out.

Brass chandelier with white shades hanging over dining table

I was looking for something that would add warmth and interest without feeling too modern or competing with the other elements in the room.

The aged brass ties in with the curtain rod, while the simple shades keep the fixture feeling light. I love how the shades diffuse the light, creating a softer glow over the dining table. With multiple bulbs, there’s plenty of light when we need it, but the dimmer lets us turn it down for a more relaxed atmosphere in the evening.

6-light brass chandelier with white shades hanging in dining room

Lighting is one of those things that’s easy to overlook when planning a room, but the right fixture can make such a difference. This chandelier is on the larger side for our dining table, but its open, airy design keeps it from feeling too heavy or overwhelming the space. When choosing a fixture, I always consider the size of the table, the height of the ceiling, and how it will relate to the other finishes in the room.

Finding Table Styling Inspiration

Do you love home decorating books as much as I do? I can easily get lost flipping through the pages, taking in the details and finding ideas to try in our own home.

French Country Cottage Seasons book on dining table with vintage blue and white tea cup and saucer

Recently, my friend Courtney released another book called French Country Cottage Seasons. The photography is beautiful, and I love looking at the way different colours, textures, and collected pieces come together. She’s so talented!

Home decor book open on dining table with picture of pumpkin floral arrangement

Sometimes all it takes is seeing something arranged in a new way to look at the things you already have a little differently. I enjoy mixing older pieces with newer finds, and setting a table is a great opportunity to do just that.

For this table, I wanted something that felt relaxed and collected, with a mix of blue and white, natural textures, and a few simple finishing touches. Nothing too formal or fussy, just a table that feels special enough for having friends or family over, but still very much at home in our everyday space.

How to Create a Beautifully Layered Tablescape

When I set a table, I like to start with a few pieces I know I want to use and build from there. It might be a favourite set of dishes, patterned napkins, or even a colour combination I’m drawn to at the moment.

For this setting, I brought together vintage blue and white china, woven chargers, striped napkins, clear glassware, and a simple floral arrangement. Each piece adds something a little different, but the overall colour palette keeps everything feeling connected.

Start with a simple foundation

I began with a white table runner to keep the overall look light and allowed the other pieces stand out. Our reclaimed wood dining table has plenty of character on its own, so I like pairing it with softer fabrics and simple colours.

Table set with white table runner, vintage blue and white dishes, and bee glasses

Blue and White Plates // Tea Cups and Saucers // Bee Glasses // Gold Trimmed Flatware (similar) // White Table Runner // White Dinner Plates

Layer in natural texture

The woven chargers add warmth and texture. I love how natural materials balance the more delicate details of the china and glassware.

Mixing materials is an easy way to give a table more interest without adding a lot of extra decor.

Mix blue and white patterns

Blue and white is one of those classic combinations I never seem to grow tired of. I’ve collected our blue and white dishes at thrift stores over time, and I love pairing them with striped napkins for a mix of patterns.

Layered tablescape with blue and white Wedgwood plates and tea cups

Mixing patterns is an easy way to add interest to a table without making it feel too busy. Keeping the colours within a similar palette helps everything work together while still giving the table that relaxed, layered look I love.

Add glassware and candlelight

The clear glassware adds another layer to the table without introducing more colour or competing with the patterned dishes. I especially love the tiny bee detail on the glasses.

Table setting with white tapered candles in glass candle holders

Candlesticks bring a little height to the table and add to the overall look. Even when the candles aren’t lit, they add a nice finishing touch.

Finish with flowers

A small arrangement of flowers brings everything to life. I filled a blue and white chinoiserie vase with a mix of blooms in soft pink, white, purple, and a touch of maroon.

Dining table set with vintage blue and white dishes and flowers in chinoiserie vase

I like keeping the arrangement loose and natural rather than making it too structured. It adds a bit of colour and softens all the straight lines of the table and place settings.

The key is to play around with what you have. You don’t need an entirely new set of dishes or a cupboard full of accessories to create a table that feels thoughtfully put together.

Shop Our Dining Room and Table Setting

Here are a few of the pieces featured in our dining room and table setting.

Don’t forget to use my code SATORIDESIGNFORLIVING to save 22% off your purchase at TwoPages Curtains.

I hope this gives you a few ideas for your own dining room, whether you’re thinking about adding drapery, updating a light fixture, or simply bringing together some favourite pieces for your next table setting.

I always find that a home comes together over time, with a mix of thoughtful updates and things we collect along the way. And sometimes, a little inspiration from a good decorating book is all it takes to see those familiar pieces in a new light.

Where do you find inspiration for decorating your home or setting a table?