Furniture Finder: Plantation Dining
for the Near-Penniless
This is a guest-post by Dean Fisher.
Since moving from LA to Chicago, I’ve restricted myself to a very tight budget when it comes to buying things for my apartment. I’m assuming that many BackGarage readers are in the same boat, so building a dining room from a chandelier I found in Craigslist’s FREE section felt all the more exciting…
While it’s not my typical taste, it’s got loads of character and it instantly brought to mind an airy plantation-style dining room. I’d bring it into this century by giving it a coat of glossy color, perhaps in one of my favorite hues which I refer to as “peacock green” or “Keeneland green”… you know, it’s that posh green that’s so dark it looks black until the light catches it and you can see a verdant gleam — I think it’d really set the mood for the room and it costs nothing more than a can of paint and some lightbulbs!
On to the table! I knew I would need something big, ’cause a dining room just wouldn’t recall an old plantation if it couldn’t seat at least 10 people. Well this behemoth features three (yes, THREE) extensions to take it from 5 feet to 8 feet long…I’d be able to host dinner parties every night of the week!
And I can’t believe they only want $75 for this monster! I love how the decorative legs lend it a bit of a fancy kick, but overall it’s super versatile. I’d absolutely whitewash the whole table to unify the top and base, as I want to keep the table really simple so that I can play around with mismatched chairs, fabrics, and accessories. Plus, I don’t want this space to come across as “trying too hard.” It’s a modern take on an upscale Southern look, we’re not trying to be Scarlet O’Hara, people…
Chairs! Oh, one of my favorite addictions… These amazing bamboo armchairs were actually my second Craigslist find, thus cementing the idea for this post.
How fabulous will these $50 finds look at each end of the table? They’re so relaxed and regal at the same time…I think I’d fight the urge to lacquer them and keep the pair bare, introducing a natural element into the room. I’d definitely have cushions made for the chairs, perhaps in a cheeky floral patterned fabric such as Clarence Houses’ sold-out Herb Chintz.
To accommodate guests, you’ll need a slew of chairs both at the table and as backups. These scroll-back walnut beauties are a steal at $30 each…
Aside from reupholstering the seats, they don’t look like they’d need too much repair. I kinda dig that they’re a bit banged around and I’d like to continue to keep things simple and recover the seats with a thinner, firm foam, using a sturdy white burlap as the outter fabric.
I like mixing up chairs and it’s never a bad thing to have a few bentwood buddies around. They’re handy in all situations and look lovely just sitting quietly in a corner stacked with books until they’re needed.
Unfortunately they’re not always in the best shape, but you can generally find ‘em on Craigslist or eBay for around $20, which just so happens to be the going price for the one above. I’d paint a few of them glossy black, or perhaps throw things for a loop and paint just one that perfect orangey-red.
Last week you learned that I am a fan of taxidermy and here’s another fun fact: if possible, I try to include a bar in every room. A dining room obviously needs a chic and charming bar and this $75 deco-y metal and glass piece is just perfect!
It will keep the room from being too wood-heavy and anique (or god-forbid “shabby chic) feeling. I’d fill it with Lilet, St. Germain, Chartreuse, barrel-aged bourbons, decanters of scotch, and would offer guests drinks at every meal. Especially breakfast.
Finally, I picture this room being filled with ferns, banana plants, and a fig tree. Craigslist came though yet again with this $30 banana plant…
I’d repot it in a simple white pot (or even something fun and brass), of course. The tall, leafy greenery would be just what the room needed to feel like you’re almost outdoors…throw in a woven jute rug, soft cotton tea towels as napkins, mis-matched plates, heavy old silverware, and lots of champagne, and I’m there!
If you have requests or suggestions, please leave them in comments! Do you have a room that you want to redecorate, but aren’t sure where to start? Are you looking for a specific piece for a specific space? Lay it on me. I’ll find your furniture.
Dean is new to Chicago and is already sick of people asking her if she’s ready for winter (’cause she is). She has a dog named Bunny, has yet to leave the country, and enjoys cooking dinner with her best friend. She is in the process of making big things happen.
