Since moving our dining room to the space the used to be our living room, Dean and I have been working on adding simple elegance to the room to balance out the rustic and industrial touches we love so much.
We recently removed and sold the jute rug that was under the dining room table, mainly because Dean and the kids found it made scooting in the chairs almost impossible while seated. Which is only an issue because we eat that table 2-3 times a day every day.
We’ll be adding two more dark metal arm chairs like the ones in the photo above to replace the lighter aluminum chairs that we’ve used for awhile. That should add a bit more of a cohesive feel to the room.

And the gray tweed painted thrifted hutch from a few years ago will soon be replaced with a more spacious glass-door bookcase. I can’t wait to fill that with our glassware and dinnerware!
Another elegant touch we added are these beautiful custom laundered Belgian linen drapes in a dark gray to replace the taupe colored panels we had before.
They’re from Barn and Willow, a company that makes custom draperies for about 1/3 the price of other custom curtains.
Barn and Willow offers an auto calculate service to get an instant price for custom curtains which is super handy for budgeting. And they’ve also just begun a try before you buy option which allows customers to order as many sample panels as they wish at $10 each to keep for up to 7 days. Returning the panels is easy – simply drop them in the mail with the pre-paid shipping label that Barn and Willow provides. Once customers place their drapery order, the $10 cost of trying out the sample panels is refunded to them. Which makes for a very easy way to pick the perfect draperies for your space!
I didn’t use the try before you buy option but instead used the free swatch option and chose our curtains from about five sample swatches that Barn and Willow sent to our house.
Although I love the look of drapes puddling on the floor, the fact that our puppy, Jackson, kept trying to bury his chew toys in the the old curtains caused me to order the new drapes a wee bit shorter. Just to avoid that problem going forward. #puppiesareliketoddlers
Dean also picked up a couple of oil rubbed bronze register covers to replace the light-orange wood ones that were here when we bought the house. I love that they blend in so well with the floor and curtains now!
Another thing I love about the new dark gray drapery panels is that they are lined with white cotton – so they still look clean and bright from outside.
I’m loving the drama that the dark grey linen adds to the dining room.
How is your dining room coming along lately? Have you made any changes? Do you need new drapes at your house too?
xo,
Shannon
This post was sponsored by Barn and Willow. All opinions, decor decisions and photos are our own. Please see our privacy policy and disclosures for more details.

Looks wonderful
Thanks, Coreen!
My son made me indoor shutters for my LR. I made light drapes that hang on tension rods for when I want the shutters open. I am loving it.. Love new changes.
Sounds lovely!
Yes, little tiny changes like the register in the floor make an impact plus the drapes. They are unusual yet quality –perfect for your look. I actually do not have a rug under my table. For the same reason. But also because I like the clean look. I’m never in step with the norm. So for me? No rug under a table means easier clean ups, and a sleek look. Isn’t it fun to decorate the way you like?!!!
Yes it’s the best! Happy you’ve figured that out too!
Hey Shannon – Love your drapes! and Love the colour you chose! I will have to try them out for our dining room. I was wondering where you got your wicker chairs? I’m thinking of doing something similar in our breakfast area where we usually eat. I’m looking at some from Ikea – but my daughter wondered about the height for sitting at the table – making it too low? Do you find that’s an issue?
Thank you, Faye. 🙂 The wicker chairs are from Ikea. The height is perfect for a standard table. I would recommend getting the chair pads that come with them. They are $20 each, which seems ridiculous. BUT we didn’t get them and I’m now planning to pick them up next time I’m at Ikea. The chairs are a little hard on the bottom! 😉
Thanks! I will be looking into those! as well as the pads. Thanks!
Have fun!
Shannon, your new draperies are awesome! Your post is very timely as I’m looking to spruce up our dining room this summer and drapes are on the list. What an amazing concept by Barn & Willow regarding the try before you buy method! Going to check them out this weekend! Linen provides fabulous texture without being overpowering and even darker colors have an airy feel. Beautiful room!
Have a great day!
-Aime