Search flea markets for authentic country items like an old weather vane.
Country-style decorating combines a bit of Americana with old-fashioned charm. A country-style dining room should start with a warm, light color of paint, such as antique white or pale yellow, on the walls and be accented with fabrics and decors that remind you of the country. For example, a country dining room is the perfect place to display a collection of farm memorabilia, such as on sideboards or walls. Look for antique farm items at yard sales or flea markets to stretch your decorating budget.
Instructions
1. Stencil images onto the walls of your dining room. Arrange small designs along the top of the walls near the ceiling, like a border, or large ones on the center of the wall. Look for stencils that evoke a feeling of country living; stencils of farm animals, barns or stars all have a country feel. If you do not want to stencil your walls, stenciled furniture, such as a sideboard or table, will also work.
2. Add a farmhouse dining room table to the room. These large old-fashioned tables are made of solid wood planks. Visit antique or second-hand stores to find one at a reasonable price. It is also possible to purchase a brand-new replica.
3. Hang red and white gingham tabbed window treatments. Use a wooden rod to display the treatments and allow them to touch the windowsills. Install shutters stained to match the wood in your room on the bottom half of your windows. The shutter/drape combination gives the room a country feel and allows for more light control.
4. Add a sideboard to the room. Sideboards create storage area as well as give you more serving area. If the color of the sideboard does not match the rest of the room, whitewash the sideboard. White furniture adds to a country feel to a room.
5. Purchase or create a rag rug for under the dining room table. Rag rugs are traditionally made with old clothing or cloths. If you want to make the rug yourself, save old clothing or purchase material in colors that complement the decor of the dining room.
6. Hang farm- or country-themed pictures at focal points on the walls. Display one large picture or multiple pictures grouped together. Look for pictures of tractors, farm animals or country landscapes. Whitewash the frames of the pictures to connect the images together.
7. Decorate the room with small knickknacks. You do not need to stick to just one theme; for example, mix animal-themed knickknacks with tractor or old farm machinery models. Place the knickknacks on shelves, tables and sideboards around the room.
Tags: dining room, country feel, dining room table, room table, farm animals, flea markets