Read on to discover our different storage options and ideas for styling them, whatever your taste and design preferences.

Go stylish with sideboard storage

Oliver sideboard | @littleedwardian

Undoubtedly, sideboards have earned the top spot as one of the most versatile storage pieces, for any home. They offer fantastic space-saving functionality for living rooms, dining rooms, or even hallways, as a great first impression of your home.

They are a handy storage solution while also providing ample space on top where you can display your most treasured trinkets and decorative objects. Why not brighten up an otherwise unused space with a beautiful new sideboard?

Parquet sideboard | @millinerbellway_

Sideboards are also an excellent choice for bedrooms, providing ample storage for clothes, accessories, toiletries, and make-up. Pair them up with pieces from the same range for a beautifully coordinated and serene sleep sanctuary.

Compact your clutter with a console table

Maine console table

Often referred to as a ‘hallway table’, console tables have traditionally found their home in entranceways. However, their versatility extends far beyond greeting guests at the door. While they can be the perfect, stylish solution to storing keys and placing envelopes, they can also be used to lift your dining or living room style.

Don’t quite have enough space for a large sideboard in your dining room, but could still do with some handy drawers and a space to showcase your favourite mirror or wall art? A console table provides the perfect compact storage solution for your belongings and a great stylish accent for your home.

Tidy up with a tallboy

Brompton wardrobe | Brompton tallboy | @a_house_and_its_chows

It can be difficult to find the right storage especially when space is a premium. This is where pieces such as tallboys come in. Their slender silhouette and deep drawers save precious floor space while giving you heaps of storage.

Pop it in a small corner of a bedroom, or tuck it away on a landing or in a dining room to store anything from socks and linen or even cutlery and napkins.

Arrange your belongings in a blanket box

Copenhagen blanket box

A blanket box used to be a staple for any bedroom, sitting at the foot of the bed as a beautiful home for linens, blankets and your out-of-season wardrobe. However, that’s not their only function. They can also serve as a toy box in a child’s room or playroom, a coffee table in your living room, storage for boots in your utility room, or even a bench in your hallway.

Opt for a storage footstool

Dalby sofa | Dalby storage footstool | @mo_morshuis

From toy tidy to cushion collector, turn your footstool into a practical addition to your living room by choosing one with in-built storage. Go for a coordinating piece from the same range as your sofa for a cohesive set-up, with the option to use your storage footstool as a perch for tired legs or an additional coffee table.

Streamline your bedroom

Bloomsbury ottoman bed | @layered.home

Choose one of our storage beds to maximise this often-under-utilised space in your bedroom. Our ottomans offer easy-to-access storage via a simple gas-lift mechanism.

Now you’re ready to revolutionise your storage! Our Oak Furnitureland ranges breathe style, versatility, and functionality, ensuring you have both the look and the storage you need for your home.

How are you currently using storage pieces in your home? Share it with us by tagging #OakFurnitureland #GrowYourHome on Instagram.

The post Stylish storage solutions for every home appeared first on Oak Furnitureland Blog.

A classic afternoon tea features tiered bone china cake stands with piled-high sandwiches, delicate miniature cakes, and scones topped with jam and clotted cream. Pair these treats with endless cups of tea poured from a vintage teapot, and perhaps some champagne if you feel extra fancy.

If you enjoy hosting your own teatime treat at home, read on to discover all the ingredients for delicious afternoon tea celebrations from the industry experts.

Where it all started

Shutterstock | ©Alison Henley

We chatted to award-winning bakery and tea rooms, Huffkins, to understand more about where this classic British tradition began.

‘The origins of afternoon tea go back to the early 19th century when Anna, the Duchess of Bedford, introduced this meal to fill the long gap between lunch and dinner. The practice of afternoon tea then grew throughout the Victorian era when it became firmly established as a fashionable social event among the upper classes.’

‘The popularity of afternoon tea has increased even further over the intervening years to the point that tea drinking and afternoon tea are now perceived as intrinsic to our British culture to be enjoyed by all. We at Huffkins have seen a resurgence in interest in recent years, welcoming visitors every day from all over the UK and International tourists from all corners of the world who have come to indulge in this very British tradition.’

Laying the foundations

Macdonald Hotel

When it comes to afternoon tea gatherings, our oak and painted dining tables make the perfect backdrop. Whether you prefer to embrace the natural look or add a pretty tablecloth, our tables come in a variety of styles and sizes, including extendable options, making them ideal for anything from a cream tea for two, or a large afternoon tea party.

Romsey larder

If you’re planning to whip up some cakes, keep all your baking supplies neatly in one of our larders. Offering endless storage space that also looks stylish, these oak or painted acacia freestanding units are perfect for bringing a touch of homeliness to your kitchen.

Styling your table for afternoon tea

Image: Collecting Seashells

Once you’ve got your table sorted, it’s time to have fun with styling it. We spoke to Tilly Wilson, CEO of online home decor boutique Collecting Seashells, who gave us some top tips for styling a table for afternoon tea.

‘When preparing your table for an afternoon tea party there are a few key essentials that will make your table look divine. Firstly, use a pretty cake stand as the centrepiece to show off your cakes and scones. Napkins are a must and placing them in a holder will help keep them looking nice and neat.

‘As well as beautiful china tea cups, I like to add a glass for those who like a bubbly afternoon tea. Finally, I like to finish off the table by adding a splash of colour with some lovely flowers such as pink peonies, which are one of my favourites.’

What to serve for afternoon tea

When it comes to serving the ultimate afternoon tea, the experts know best — from dainty sandwiches and scones with lashings of jam and cream to delicious cakes and more experimental sweet and savoury flavours. Discover top tips from these industry pros on their different approaches.

Traditional meets luxury at Huffkins

 Huffkins

‘We believe a great afternoon tea should be elegant and sumptuous, combining a well-curated selection of savoury and sweet treats, served in a comfortable and inviting atmosphere.’

‘Our essentials for the ultimate afternoon tea are superb sandwiches made with fresh, high-quality ingredients and soft bread featuring our favourite fillings including coronation chicken, tuna mayonnaise and cheddar, chutney and salad leaves served on granary bread. Presentation is important, so sandwiches should be cut in small triangles or rectangles and look neat.’

‘Freshly baked scones are a must, ideally a mix of plain and fruit, served warm with generous dollops of thick clotted cream and a premium fruit preserve.’

‘A mouth-watering selection of freshly baked cakes in a variety of flavours is always a winner, with different textures and colours. Classics such as Victoria sponge cake, triple chocolate brownie, and lemon drizzle cake, along with one of our much-loved signature fresh cream eclairs.’

‘Freshly brewed tea, either classic black teas or our own Huffkins house blend is a combination of single estate Darjeeling and Assam teas. Delicately flavoured Earl Grey, herbal and green teas are all also great accompaniments to an afternoon tea, as is a glass of fizz for a special celebration.’

‘The other essential for the ultimate afternoon tea is a three-tier cake stand. Huffkins was one of the first high street tea rooms to introduce this quintessential component, previously they were usually only used in fine hotels. We always serve our sandwiches on the bottom tier, scones on the middle tier, and reserve the top tier for our eye-catching and gorgeous cakes.’

The quirky approach at Shed 1 Distillery

Image: Shed 1 Gin Distillery

We chatted with Zoe Arnold-Bennett, co-founder and owner of Shed 1 Gin Distillery, who shares her unique take on this culinary tradition.

‘My love for all things afternoon tea started from a young age. My mother took me for my first one when I was quite young, and it became a regular thing for us to do. From local tea shops to famous hotels, to this day it evokes memories of good times. Afternoon tea is such a very British tradition and epitomises relaxed indulgence that we all should make time for… particularly when you introduce gin!

‘When we opened Shed 1 Gin Distillery to the public in 2019, it was a perfect opportunity for me to share my love of afternoon tea with our customers. We’re not a run-of-the-mill distillery, so it was obvious from the start that our afternoon teas needed to offer something a bit different, even a bit quirky. So, we decided to incorporate gin and some of the botanicals we use in our range of award-winning gins into our Afternoon G&Teas.

‘All of the sweet treats that make up our delicious botanical-inspired afternoon tea are homemade by me at the distillery and I’ve created each one using botanicals found in our gins. Think chocolate, orange and chilli brownies with cardamom buttercream and silver leaf — all the botanicals found in our Chilli Fest Gin. We even give you a little pipette of gin to sprinkle over the orange and lavender cake, and the humble cucumber sandwich gets lifted to another level!’

Zoe shares one of her favourite recipes that you can recreate at home. Enjoy!

We’d love to see how you’ve styled your Oak Furnitureland pieces to create the ultimate afternoon tea. Share your pics by tagging us at #OakFurnitureland #GrowYourHome on Instagram.

Lead image: Shutterstock | ©Magdanatka

The post How to create the ultimate afternoon tea appeared first on Oak Furnitureland Blog.

Whether you have a dedicated dining room space or a kitchen/diner, the first thing to consider when choosing your table is how much space you have to play with and how many people you want to fit around it on a regular basis.

We offer a wide range of solid hardwood dining sets, with a choice of sizes, including useful extendable tables that are ideal for special occasions when you host extra guests.

Whatever your taste, we’ve got a table that’s right for you – from industrial-style designs and Scandi-inspired ranges to glass-topped contemporary and rustic farmhouse-inspired tables, with a choice of chairs and benches.

Read on for inspiration on how to style your table and the space around it – perfect for bookmarking when you’re ready to purchase the table of your dreams.

Luxe Living

Oliver Dining Set with 6 Chairs | Oliver large sideboard

Experience the epitome of dining luxury with our Oliver walnut-stained oak dining table. The statement plinth legs adorned with beautifully fluted panelling ensure every gathering is imbued with a little grandeur. Style with coloured glassware and accent upholstered chairs or dark wooden seating to create the perfect place to dine in style.

Industrial cool

Brooklyn dining set | @bellway_easton

Add a touch of industrial style to your home with the Brooklyn dining set, bringing together beautiful natural wood with galvanised metal details. The fusion of the two materials creates a perfect modern loft aesthetic teamed with exposed brick and contemporary green tones.

Scandi-style

Durham table and 4 chairs

Embrace the allure of Scandinavian-inspired dining with our Durham table, a masterpiece of understated elegance designed to enchant. Fashioned from solid oak, its smooth natural finish exudes an effortless charm that seamlessly harmonises with any interior decor. Durham epitomises minimalist sophistication, making it the perfect piece to work alongside other natural wooden accessories and neutral wall colours for a cosy and intimate dining space.

Match perfect

St. Ives dining set | St. Ives dresser | St. Ives console table | St. Ives sideboard

Create a cohesive dining room look by choosing coordinating pieces from the same range. The warm grey tones of our painted St. Ives range adds a touch of country style that works perfectly in modern homes and period properties alike.

Table for two

Dorset dining table | @home_of_roberts

Whether you’re enjoying mid-week dinners or dedicated date nights, make mealtimes an occasion by setting the table. Our natural oak tables are the ultimate blank canvas and lend themselves to all kinds of styling set-ups. Go for a retro, pared-back look with vintage-style crockery and natural accessories.

Family-friendly comfort

Romsey extendable dining table | Scroll Back dining chair | Romsey small dresser | Romsey tallboy

Our Romsey range, with its soft rounded corners and simple design, is the perfect choice for busy family homes. The understated modern range teams beautifully with bright coloured accessories and design details that complement the natural oak and add a fun and playful finish to the room.

Art deco design

Islington dining table with 6 chairs | Islington large sideboard

For those who love to host in style, look towards our Islington dining table, an enticing fusion of Italian Carrara marble and dark wire-brushed acacia. Its striking geometric legs and polished marble top will transform every meal into a sophisticated affair. Team this mixed material table with the elegant yet simple coordinating dining chairs and statement lighting to complete this inviting look.

Embrace natural light

Dorset dining table | @our_claytoncorner_

Place your dining table and chairs as close to natural light sources as possible to allow the sun’s rays to flow in all day long. Not only can you enjoy mealtimes in this light-filled space but it’s also a calming spot for afternoon cuppas, post-school snacks and homework hubs.

Bring the outdoors in

Highgate dining set | @mo_morshuis

Make your dining space an extension of your garden by adding a menagerie of houseplants. The inky blue and natural oak tones of our Highgate dining table look lovely paired with the different greens of indoor plants. Pick up tips and inspiration in our decorating with plants blog.

Orrick dining table | @thetraditionalhome

Beautiful blooms always create a striking and uplifting centrepiece for your dining table and are especially attractive teamed with our natural oak furniture.

Browse our selection of dining tables, chairs, and dining room furniture, plus you can also create the perfect set-up for your home with our dining set builder.

We’d love to see how you style your dining tables. Tag us at #OakFurnitureland and #GrowYourHome on Instagram to share your homes.

The post How to style your dining table appeared first on Oak Furnitureland Blog.

It doesn’t have to be back-breaking or time-consuming, just follow these spring cleaning hacks from influencers and experts and you’ll have a spotless home in no time.

What is the fastest way to clean a house?

Newton coffee table | @livingwith_sienna

We all want to spend less time on housework and more time doing the things we love. The best way to spend less time cleaning is to keep on top of it in the first place, with storage organisation and quick daily cleaning sessions that maintain your house on a regular basis. That said, there are ways to speed up the process if you’re not starting from an already clean jumping-off point.

Tackle the worst thing in each room first to get it out of the way and make the biggest impact. Taking care of that will give you a sense of accomplishment and motivate you to carry on.

How do I deep clean my house like a pro?

Highgate triple wardrobe | @somerford_manor

Professional cleaners use certain tricks of the trade to consistently get homes to look and smell fantastic. Their number one tip is to declutter first, then work from top to bottom as you clean. If you start by tackling ceiling cobwebs and dusty high shelves, any dirt and debris will be shifted to the floor, where it can be picked up by sweeping, vacuuming, or mopping as your last step.

In addition to moving from top to bottom, the pros also work in sections. They move from the back of the room to the front or visually divide the room up by pieces of furniture. By focusing on just one area at a time, they can clean it effectively and move on to the next section efficiently.

Cleaning hacks for kitchens

St. Ives dining set | @athomewiththepurcells

Start with your hob as it’s often the worst part. To clean grease off a flat-top hob, sprinkle bicarbonate of soda across the surface and lay lukewarm damp tea towels over it to soak. After about 15 minutes, you can use the tea towel to wipe off the bicarbonate of soda and all of the loosened grime.

Plus, the tea towels can go straight in the washing machine with any other load, as there aren’t any harmful chemicals involved in this cleaning hack. A similar method can be used to clean your oven as well, all you need to add to the soda is some vinegar and dish soap for this handy TikTok tip.

How to clean Tupperware

If you want to reuse greasy plastic take away boxes or have Tupperware that’s stained and difficult to clean, then you need to try this TikTok hack from @uzy-au. Just put some hot water, a pump or two of soap and a piece of kitchen roll in the box. Then close the lid, shake it around for 30 seconds, and voilà, they’re now beautifully cleaned ready for a rinse and dry, and then perfect for storing leftovers.
Keeping your cleaning clean…

Make sure you’re not spreading germs around the kitchen with a dirty sponge. Put a damp kitchen sponge in the microwave for 90 seconds to disinfect it. Studies show this will reduce bacteria by up to 99%. This trick saves you creating a small pile of sponges from just one clean while still keeping your home as germ-free as possible.

Easy ways to remove limescale

If you’re worried about the chemicals in traditional limescale removers, this might be a great alternative to try. Buy a large bottle of lemon juice or white wine vinegar, and every time your kettle needs descaling, fill it up halfway with either solution and boil it. Leave to cool and if there is still some limescale left, repeat the process again. Once you’re happy with the results, empty and boil it once or twice more with tap water and you’re all ready to go.

If you live in a hard water area, adding some white vinegar to your dishwasher will also prevent your glasses from getting mineral build-up, which can often be difficult to remove.

Cleaning hacks for bathrooms

Pexels | Karolina Grabwoska

Stay on top of your bath or shower cleaning with weekly wipe downs. Ideally, you want to quickly remove limescale and soap residue before they build up. However, if you’re too busy for a daily clean, you can tackle the hard-to-shift limescale using WD-40 as demonstrated by @rubycleansthings on TikTok.

Use what’s at hand

If you want to fit in some more regular cleans but don’t want to store cleaning products in the bathroom, then this surprising hack might be for you. Some experts say shaving foam works great for breaking down the limescale on shower glass. Just pop it on, wait 15 minutes and wash it off.

Go eco without the effort

If you’re trying to stick to eco or DIY products (or just don’t have time to nip to the shops) try this lemon and salt hack. Dip half a lemon in salt and scrub the limescale residue. The acid of the lemon and the abrasive salt work together to break it up. As a bonus, your shower will smell lemony-fresh too.

A bath of bicarbonate

We’ve already talked about how useful a dash of bicarbonate of soda can be when it comes to effective cleaning hacks around the home, so this one might not come as a surprise.

If there is a stain or build-up you just can’t get rid of, then try this trick. Just mix some washing up liquid with bicarbonate of soda and sponge it onto those hard to shift areas. Give it 10-20 minutes and then rinse it off, and you should be left with a sparkling clean bath.

Cleaning hacks for living rooms

Morgan sofa | @51stinthemanor

Living rooms are the cosiest room in the house, but they’re also a magnet for dust and hair. It’s easy to forget to clean fabrics as well as furnishings, but make sure you give your sofas, blinds, lamps and cushions the attention they deserve. Use a lint roller or vacuum brush attachment to clean them properly.

When it comes to cleaning your sofa, consider investing in a carpet cleaner or renting one to give it that extra fresh spruce. And, if you’re looking for the products you need to take proper care of your sofas, check out our fabric and leather care kits.

Cleaning hacks for bedrooms

Parquet bedside table | @new_build_forever_home

Your bed is one of the largest pieces of furniture in your home, and it’s where you’ll spend a good chunk of your time. Although we change and wash our bedding regularly, most of us overlook the mattress itself.

Freshen up your mattress on a monthly basis by sprinkling bicarbonate of soda on it and allowing it to sit for a few hours. When you vacuum up the bicarbonate of soda, it will have soaked up any odours and made them disappear.

How to get fresh sheets everyday

We all love that feeling of getting into freshly washed sheets, but there’s a surprisingly easy hack that can help give you that feeling every day. Buy some fresh smelling tumble dryer sheets, and pop one or two under your bed sheet in a place you don’t sleep on (like the top corner). This will give a faint but refreshing scent to your sheets for longer.

It’s also worth keeping in mind that if you make the bed as soon as you wake up, it might actually be better to wait and let it cool before doing so. Studies have found that an unmade bed could help get rid of dust mites and potentially reduce allergy or asthma symptoms. While not conclusive, you could try making your bed towards the end of the morning instead of the beginning and see if it makes a difference.

Cleaning hacks for dining rooms

Parquet dining table | @hausfifteen

In most households, the dining room has become a central hub for family life. In recent times it’s become truly multi-functional as a home office, a home work and crafting station and more. As it’s such a hive of activity, the dining room’s biggest challenge is being adaptable and tidy enough to accommodate all of these different purposes.

When it comes to cleaning your dining room, the top-to-bottom rule applies here. Dust cobwebs and light fixtures, cabinets and wall art, and then move on to the table, and finally hoover right at the end.

If you’ve got young kids or just love a good cocktail party, it’s easy for fabric dining room chairs to get messy. If you’ve run out of a proper fabric care kit, you could always try using fabric upholstery spray for cars, as this is often extra tough on stains. Watch @daysharae’s TikTok tying this to see just how impressive the results are. If it doesn’t remove the stain the first time, you might just need to do another round, so don’t give up.

Ready for a full spring declutter?

Malvern Sofa | @_homebyalessia

Let your pre-loved pieces find a new purpose with the help of our British Heart Foundation partnership which offers a complimentary furniture collection service. Schedule a slot at your convenience, and let the local heroes from BHF whisk away your items to be resold and raise money for this incredible charity.

We hope these cleaning hacks are useful for giving your space a new year refresh. If you’re loving how these hacks make your space look and feel, share images with us by tagging #OakFurnitureland on Instagram. We can’t wait to see your homes sparkle!

The post Simple steps to a spring clean appeared first on Oak Furnitureland Blog.

Whether you’re looking for something bold to add colour to a room, a textural design to lift a neutral space or just wondering how big you should go, here are some tips to make it a little easier when the time comes to choosing the right rug for your home.

Types of rug

The first thing to consider is the type of rug that’s right for you. You’ll need to think about where the rug will be used so you can determine whether you should go for a low-pile or high-pile style.

Low pile rugs

Low-pile rugs are great for busy areas of your home that get a lot of foot traffic, such as hallways or living rooms, as they will stand up to wear and tear better. A good underlay will make low-pile rugs more comfortable for sitting on – ideal if you’ve got young kids who will be playing on the floor.

Placing a rug under dining tables is a simple way to zone your dining space. Low-pile rugs are best here to allow dining chairs to move in and out freely, plus you can vacuum up crumbs easily.

High pile rugs

Cosy high-pile rugs, such as our Shaggy or Dakota designs, are ideal for low-traffic areas of the home such as bedrooms. And, they’re lovely to sink your toes into when you get up in the morning.

If you have wooden or tiled flooring, shaggy rugs introduce instant texture that brings added comfort to your home. These plush, fluffy designs create a luxurious finish that really ups the cosy factor in any space.

What size should you go for?

The best way to decide this is to measure out the area you want to cover. There should be at least a foot or two of visible flooring around the room. This will give you an idea of the size you’ll need before you set out to find your dream rug.

Our rugs come in three different sizes to offer plenty of options to suit your space. In a living area, generally speaking, all the front legs of the furniture should sit upon the rugs. Stay away from postage-stamp size rugs right under the coffee table as it will make your room look smaller.

At the same time, you don’t want to waste a lot of money buying a large rug that sits fully underneath the furniture as you’ll essentially be paying for a rug that you won’t even see. And if it’s in front of a sofa, then it should run the same or slightly wider than the width of the sofa.

Rugs for other rooms

In a dining room, the rug should be large enough so that when you pull out your chair, the chair remains on the rug. In most cases, you’ll also want to match the shape of your rug with the shape of your table, so rectangular tables suit rectangular rugs and round tables suit round rugs.

In a bedroom, you might want to consider two smaller rugs on each side of the bed or one that’s large enough to cover two-thirds from underneath the bed and at least a few feet on either side of the bed and in front of it.

What material should you choose?

Choose from a range of different materials depending on your needs and budget. Our Kennedy, Mayfair and Ohio rugs are hand-tufted and made from 100% wool to offer a naturally luxurious finish.

We also have a range of polyester rugs – designed to be hard-wearing and practical for every home. Be sure to utilise an underlay to make thinner rugs more comfortable underfoot. On the upside, they’re normally less expensive than wool rugs so if you tend to change the style of your room frequently it may make more sense to buy something you won’t feel guilty replacing every few years.

Finally, natural materials, like jute rugs, are great for high-traffic areas although less comfortable underfoot than wool or cotton rugs. However, they are very practical and don’t require as much care. Simply beating the rug outdoors will loosen any dust and debris and keep it looking great for years.

Remember there are never any hard and fast rules when it comes to decorating. The most important thing is to buy what you know you will love for years to come. Find the perfect rug for your home by shopping our latest rug collections. We’d love to see how you’ve styled rugs with your Oak Furnitureland pieces at home. Tag us at #OakFurnitureland and #GrowYourHome on Instagram.

The post How to choose a rug appeared first on Oak Furnitureland Blog.

Dining room inspiration

Parquet large sideboard | @roseontherow

The large sideboard is a winning storage piece for any room in the home but works particularly well in dining spaces or open-plan kitchens. Take a cue from @roseontherow who complements this stunning piece with a gallery wall of bold prints, plants and retro accessories, to bring an opulent, warm and homely feel to her dining room.

Parquet sideboard | @willowandmaine

Perfect for storing crockery, glassware, cutlery and table linens, the versatile Parquet sideboard is the ideal addition to a dining room. Teamed with inky blue walls and accents of brushed gold, it creates a grown-up dining space that’s crying out for entertaining.

Living room decor tips

Parquet sideboard | @insidenumber.3

Carve out a cosy reading nook with a comfortable armchair and our Parquet small sideboard. Ideal for underused spaces that need a bit of love, it’s the perfect combo for style, comfort and practicality.

Parquet large sideboard | @yarrowlovetofalcon

Not only are our sideboards practical, but they also offer endless styling potential. Hang your favourite photos or a mirror above and then decorate the top with a lamp, greenery and beautiful objects that create a beautiful display.

Parquet TV corner cabinet | Parquet small bookcase | @casaoldcorn

Combine pieces from the same range to create a cohesive scheme while using colour and texture to stop the look from feeling too uniform. Our TV and bookcase anchor the space in this period living room while the art, light installation and quirky details add personality.

Parquet sideboard | @at_the_mcgillens

Embrace biophilic design to bring the outdoors in. We love how @at_the_mcgillens has transformed their Parquet sideboard into a green-fingered display that contrasts perfectly against the warm wood tones.

Parquet coffee table | @laura.elizabeth_

Blue velvet sofas and Parquet are a winning combination as demonstrated by @laura.elizabeth_’s lovely living room. The coffee table has handy in-built storage and space to style with all your favourite details such as magazines, candles and beautiful blooms.

Bedroom inspiration

Parquet bedside table | @thelightshesees

Transform your bedside table into a beautiful vignette with fresh blooms. Easy to create yet offering maximum impact, it’s a welcome change from a cluttered bedside table that echoes boutique hotel chic. Choose flowers that tie in with the colours in your bedroom to create a soothing palette.

Parquet bed | @our_little_devon_reno

Lay the foundations for peaceful slumber with our Parquet bed. Paired with crisp white walls and bedding, it adds a subtle warmth further enhanced with plants and boho-inspired design details.

Parquet console table | @new_build_forever_home

Create a dedicated spot for getting ready in the morning and evening with our Parquet console table. More compact than the dressing table from the same range, this is a great multifunctional piece that can be moved around the home as your needs change.

Parquet chest of drawers | @hoptroffhome

Whether you’re furnishing a room for a baby, a teen or anything in between, Parquet is a great choice for children’s bedrooms. It will grow with the child and adapt to their changing needs while offering a timeless design that’s built to last.

Home office ideas

Parquet desk | @hannahcoates.design

Practical and stylish, our Parquet desk is a great choice for a home office. This hard-working piece of furniture includes plenty of drawer space to keep all your essentials to hand while the generous top offers ample space for a laptop, monitor and keyboard.

Parquet bookcase | @black_cat_terrace

Whether you’ve got a dedicated home office or a shared area in a living room, a bookcase is an excellent addition to a workspace. Not only can you stack all your work-related reads together, but you can also personalise the shelves with photos, mementoes and candles. Plus, there’s also a handy drawer for paperwork.

Head to our website to discover the complete Parquet range. Plus, we’d love to see how you style your Parquet pieces. Share your home with us using #OakFurnitureland on Instagram.

The post Parquet inspiration for every room appeared first on Oak Furnitureland Blog.

We know you want to start putting your own stamp on your new home right away but there are a few key decorating rules to keep in mind with new builds. We spoke to experts at the NHBC (National House Building Council), and several home construction companies to pull together everything you need to know about decorating a new build and what you should and shouldn’t do!

Your home needs time to settle

Evie sofa | @new_build_forever_home

With all the beautiful patterned wallpapers out there, we understand why this might be on your decorating agenda, but builders recommend leaving 6-12 months between when you move in and wallpapering.

This is because new building materials, such as the timber in the walls and fresh plaster need time to dry out and it’s best if they dry out slowly. As your walls dry, you may notice small cracks forming. This is totally normal, but it may damage wallpaper, and if any additional work needs to be done by your building company, such as fixing any problems that may occur, that would also spell the end of that lovely new printed wall.

There are ways you can minimise cracking and movement from the drying process though. Try to be sparing with the central heating during your first winter in the house to allow walls and joinery to naturally expand and contract with the seasons, and open the air vents in your windows to keep a gentle flow of fresh air.

And, if you just can’t stand your white walls, you can always reach for the paint. As long as you use breathable paint, like a matt emulsion, this will not affect the drying process. Just remember to keep some paint saved for touch-ups if required.

From the floor to the ceiling

Parquet chest of drawers | @709_design

Painting your skirting boards? Remember that new woodwork tends to absorb a lot of paint or stain, so don’t be alarmed if your first painting doesn’t give as good a finish as you were expecting. As your home settles, later decoration will have a more even and weathered surface to take the paint and stain better. But when you do paint it, make sure you have a clean and properly prepared surface that is totally dry to start with. This will help to keep it looking its best.

And a top tip for ceilings; many new builds have a plastic compound finish which should never be sanded or washed. So if you want to embrace the painted ceilings trends, lightly brush the surface to remove any dust or cobwebs, and then you will be able to paint it gently with a few coats of emulsion to create a custom look.

Tackle the big jobs first

Scroll back dining chairs | @amy.elizabeth.home

While it might be tempting to start with a simple job first, if you begin decorating your new home with the tougher, messier jobs, like a kitchen update, you could be saving yourself lots of hassle in the longer term. You wouldn’t want someone treading tile grout through your freshly decorated living room, or scratching a newly painted wall while bringing in a new fridge.

Perhaps consider doing garden work before laying your carpets. Newly built gardens tend to have more dirt than grass, and bringing in the patio pavers now stops them from staining a beautiful new rug!

Tackle those messy and more difficult tasks first. Then, your lovely decorated rooms are more likely to stay that way for longer!

Expect the unexpected

Parquet desk | @hannahcoates.design

Be diligent with your snag list, and remember, sometimes, even the professionals get it wrong. If there is something not right in your new home, and your building company needs to make a repair, they won’t redo any of the decorative work that you have done. Sometimes it’s best to wait a few months to try and uncover any hidden problems.

Additionally, before you drill into your new walls, make sure you know what’s behind them. You don’t want to puncture a cable or damage any electrical work you can’t see. You can help to establish the exact position of cables that are inside walls and flooring with a cable detector to help safeguard you from hapless DIY disasters.

What can you do to decorate a new build?

Romsey triple wardrobe | @insideours

As it turns out, quite a lot! There’s no need to put up with an empty white box while you wait for your new build home to properly settle (unless that’s your personal style!). There are plenty of decorative tasks that you can tackle straight away to help your house feel like a home.

Window dressing is a big one. Blinds and curtains are not only a great way to regulate temperature and add privacy to your space, but they’re also perfect for adding a bit of personality. There are lots of stunning styles available; velvet drapery adds a luxe feel, while a brightly patterned print can add a modern twist to a room.

Throw rugs are another fantastic way to add colour and softness to a room, and they have the added benefit of being easy to move if work needs to be done. Scatter cushions and blankets can all add that bit of wow factor to a room.

If you know you’re going to be painting or wallpapering a room in the future, or don’t want to put holes in the wall, but love art, Command hooks are a lifesaver. Sticking to walls with a gentle adhesive, they won’t damage plaster or paintwork, and they allow art to be quickly rearranged to your changing tastes, making them perfect in teen rooms for example!

Once the decorating is done, now’s the time to pick your furniture. Oak Furnitureland has pieces for the whole home, designed with longevity in mind and made from quality hardwood and upholstery. Whether you’re looking for a sofa to complete your living room, a bed to finish your sleep sanctuary or a desk for your home office, we’ve got it all.

What other decorating tips have helped you in your new build home? Let us know on Instagram, and share your real home photos with us by using #OakFurnitureland.

The post New build house rules appeared first on Oak Furnitureland Blog.

To make things easier, we’ve put together a list of things to consider before making any purchases, to ensure that your dining area has the style, and functionality that it deserves…

Your dining room shape and measurements

Brompton larger dresser | Brompton dining set | Brompton nest of tables

Whether you’re making new additions or replacements to your existing dining room, or designing from scratch, you’ll first need to measure the room itself.

Not all dining rooms come in an easy rectangle. It’s recommended to map the room out to scale on paper, including walls, walkways, and other furniture so that you can visualise how best to style your furniture. Alternatively, using masking tape, or cardboard if the room is carpeted, is a great way to work out the placement of your dining room pieces, and really experience the feel of how they will sit within the room.

When drawing out the room, don’t simply measure the size of the structure and furniture, think about the functionality of the room. Have you left enough room for doorways and drawers to open? Can people push their chairs back to get out? Is there enough to pass behind the pushed out chairs? And what about doors? To ensure the best entrance to your dining area, we advise leaving 120m square from the doorway.

If you’re going for a whole new fresh look and are unsure of what furniture would work best in your dining room, take a look at what you should consider when buying dining room furniture.

Choosing the right size dining table

Hove dining set | Hove sideboard

When choosing your dining table, it’s important to think about how it will sit in relation to the rest of the room. There’s nothing worse than having to squeeze past furniture to get seated or to walk through the space, so make sure you leave enough room. Allow a minimum of 70cm space between the table edge and the wall or other furniture, or up to 90cm if you want to create a more spacious feel.

So how do you measure a dining table? The size of your table will ultimately depend on the space that you have. Simply measuring your room and subtracting the 70-90cm from each side will give you a guide to work with – but make sure to factor in other furniture such as dressers and sideboards. This will then help you to decide the number of place settings that your space will afford you.

For more on specific table sizes and how these will work in your space, find out how to choose the right size dining table.

How should your table look?

Brooklyn dining set | @bellway_easton

It’s not just the measurements you should think about. How do you want the space to feel? If you’re primarily using the room for intimate family meals, consider an extendable dining table to allow more space when entertaining, studying or even doing crafts.

If you’re working with a small space, bear in mind that your table should be no narrower than 90cm to allow for comfortable place settings. If you’re concerned that your space may not be adequate for this, it’s worth exploring a round dining table, or placing the table against a wall for the use of three sides.

You’ll of course also want to consider how the table looks and feels. A chunky rustic dining table may make a small room look overcrowded, in the same way that a large space may drown out a small square dining table. It’s also worth noting that bigger tables make intimate conversation far more difficult, so determine the feel you’re going for before you buy.

For more on the shape of your dining table, take a look at how to choose the right dining table and chairs for your home.

How to measure your dining room chairs

Romsey dining set | Romsey dresser | Romsey tallboy

When it comes to finding the right dining chairs for your space and dining table, there are a number of logistics to consider. If you choose a dining set, you can rest assured that the table to chair spacing has already been calculated for you. If you’re choosing your own, however, you’ll need to consider the depth and width of the dining chairs, as well as the space necessary for table settings.

Standard table heights are typically between 75 and 80cm. For the ideal seating experience, allow for between 26 to 30cm between the seat and the top of the dining table so that your guests can sit comfortably under the table. You may need to increase this distance, however, if you opt for an armchair style of seating, to accommodate the arm rest.

Finding the right chair spacing

Richmond dining set | Richmond dresser

So, how do you position your dining chairs? We recommend leaving between 60cm and 80cm per place setting, to allow for enough elbow room as well as shared space. Do also ensure that you leave at least 38cm of depth for each placement, as well as 13cm between this placement and the counterpart on the opposite side of the table. You want to make sure you have enough space for dishes, glasses and bottles when eating!

If you feel that you don’t have a big enough margin around your dining table to fit chairs, why not consider benches? They’re an ideal space-saving solution as they can simply be tucked away when not in use. But do ensure

Take a look at the Dining Table Size Guide to find out which Oak Furnitureland pieces would work best for your desired seating numbers and room space.

Adding accessories to your dining room

Islington dining set | Islington sideboard

A great dining room rug can really add texture and depth to your dining room. When placing it under your dining table, ensure that you leave at least 60cm each side of the table to allow for chairs to be pulled out seamlessly. It’s also recommended to match the shape of your rug to the room or the shape of the table, particularly if it’s round.

When measuring up your dining room, don’t forget about the lighting. If you’re looking to make a statement with a chandelier or pendant lighting above the table, ensure you’ve calculated the proportions. As a rule of thumb, leave between 75 and 85 cm between the table top and light feature, and ensure that the shape and diameter doesn’t overwhelm the size of the table.

How to get your furniture into the dining room

Knightsbridge dining table | @rachelducker

Now that you’ve worked out what furniture will fit in the room, you’ll have to work out how you’ll get it in there before making the purchase. Ensure that you measure both the hallways and doorways that need to be accessed to place the piece into the room.

If your desired space is not on the ground floor, ensure that you also measure any lifts or stairs for clearance height. Do note that most of our furniture is delivered fully assembled, so the full measurements of the piece will have to be taken into consideration when assessing the delivery of your furniture to your chosen room.

You should now be ready to get creative with the configuration and styling of your dining arena! Shop our wide range of dining room furniture to find the perfect piece for you and your home. Share your dreamy dining updates with us on Instagram and tag #OakFurnitureland #GrowYourHome in your posts.

The post Your dining room measurement guide appeared first on Oak Furnitureland Blog.

Sharing this special meal is a wonderful time to enjoy family and friends but it’s also a great excuse to create a seasonal tablescape that sets the scene for the main event. If you’re stuck for ideas, here’s some inspiration for decorating your table – from luxe white and silver to understated elegance.

Scandi chic

Parquet dining table | @thelightshesees

If your style is less is more, then you’ll definitely want to take cues from Devon-based lifestyle photographer Lisa Northam, who shares snippets of her life on her Instagram @thelightshesees. Lisa styled our popular Parquet dining table and we love how she has created a look that evokes the Christmas spirit without going overboard.

Parquet dining table | @thelightshesees

Rather than going for a tablecloth, Lisa has made the warm wood tones of the Parquet table the star of the show, using simple white tableware and green foliage to bring the look together. Use gold candle holders and white taper candles to create a special occasion feeling that adds to the festive atmosphere. For more photography inspiration, head to Lisa Jayne Photography, or read about her Christmas table styling in more detail on her blog.

Jewel tones

Highgate dining set | @mo_morshuis

If you want to go for a festive look that’s slightly different, then take tips from interiors influencer @mo_morshuis who has decorated her Highgate dining set with rich wintery colours for Christmas. The purple runner sets the tones, while the sequin details add a lovely bit of seasonal sparkle.

Highgate dining set | @mo_morshuis

Foraged green foliage makes a statement centrepiece, with the purple berries, jewel-toned baubles and candles adding a dash of warming colour. This is a more eclectic look yet feels welcoming and festive – it’s definitely somewhere you’d want to linger over your Christmas dinner!

Classic red and gold

Brooklyn dining set | @sarah_elizabeths_home

When you think of Christmas decor, you really can’t beat the classic red and gold combination. This cheery red runner looks fabulous teamed with our Brooklyn dining table. Use gold place settings to add a touch of glitz that ties with your crackers and napkins. Table decor can often get in the way of the food so making an easily removable tablescape, like this wooden bowl full of greenery and seasonal dried fruit, is ideal.

Luxe white and silver

St. Ives dining table | Curve Back chairs | @mrs_roobottom_home

Interiors influencer, Samantha Roobottom, transformed her St. Ives dining table into a frosty winter wonderland. The decadent silver candelabras, snow-dusted pine cones and foliage tie in perfectly with the tree – a good idea if you like to have a cohesive look when it comes to seasonal decor. Carry on the wintery theme with crisp white linens and crockery that makes a lovely backdrop to your Christmas meal.

So, there you have it. A few simple ideas that you can easily recreate on your dining table at home this Christmas season. We’d love to see your festive table set up – tag us at #OakFurnitureland on our Instagram @oak_furniture_land.

Lead image: @thelightshesees

The post How to style your dining room for Christmas appeared first on Oak Furnitureland Blog.

Best dining tables for entertaining

Maine dining table set | @2flats1house

If entertaining is your thing, the right table can make all the difference — both functionally and as a statement piece. Looking to impress your guests with a showstopper? You can’t go wrong with a modern industrial look. With its galvanised legs and warm solid oak top, our Maine dining table is the perfect centrepiece for your dining space. Plus, it’s a flexible piece that offers the choice of having benches, chairs or a combination.

Bentley dining table set | Clouds rug

If, however, you don’t have the footprint for a 6ft. dining table, or you need more flexibility, extendable dining tables can stretch to accommodate up to 12 guests comfortably without taking up permanent space. The easy-to-use mechanism means that when the party ends, your table can shrink back to a smaller size and maximise space in your dining room once again. Benches are another smart space-saving choice — easy to pull out for guests, and just as easy to tuck away when you need the room back.

Best dining tables for small spaces

Venice dining table set | Maine console table | Maine sideboard | Clouds rug

Whether you live in the city or just love a minimalist setup, there are plenty of stylish dining tables designed to make the most of compact spaces. For a quick meal or a chat with friends, a small round table works beautifully with its sociable yet space-saving shape. Round tables typically have a smaller footprint than their rectangular counterparts, and the softer edges help create the illusion of more space.

Dorset dining table | @dzinia_design

If you need something a little more versatile, a slim-framed 4 seater extendable dining table is a smart choice. It keeps your space feeling open day to day, and easily expands to welcome a few extra guests.

Best dining tables for families

Parquet dining table | @hausfifteen

When choosing a family table, you’ll need to keep both function and form in mind. They go through their fair share of mess — but that doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style. A solid oak table is a great solution as it’s built to withstand the wear and tear of everyday life. Why not explore some of our rustic oak styles? The warm honey tones not only highlight the natural grain pattern but also help to hide everyday spills and messes. If you’ve got little ones, easy-to-clean seating is a must, so opt for natural oak chairs or leather chairs.

Dorset dining table | @our_radleigh_home

Whether it’s crafts with the kids or your own creative projects, a larger or extendable table gives you room to spread out. Benches can be a great choice too — easy to move or tuck away when you need to stand and work.

Ready to find the perfect dining table for your space? Browse our full collection of dining furniture to find your ideal shape, size, style, and seating. Don’t forget to share your setup on Instagram using #OakFurnitureland #GrowYourHome — and if you’re looking for more inspiration, check out our guide to top dining room ideas.

The post How to choose the perfect dining table appeared first on Oak Furnitureland Blog.