Even a bland dining room can be made into an elegant destination with the right finishing touches. Interior designer Sarah Richardson demonstrates how to create a captivating jewel-box dining room with carefully chosen architectural details, vintage furniture, and luxurious finishes. The key to achieving this look lies in balancing various design elements to create a cohesive and inviting atmosphere. Here, we take a closer look at Richardson’s design to find elements that you can use for a similarly regal dining area.
How To Create an Elegant Dining Destination With a Jewel-Box Design
To create your own jewel-box dining room, consider incorporating the following elements:
- Metallic accents and finishes
- Rich, textured wallpaper
- Vintage or antique furniture pieces
- Ornate lighting fixtures like brass chandeliers
- Luxurious fabrics and textures
Scroll-Patterned Wallpaper
Wallpaper sets the tone for a jewel-box dining room. Opt for designs with intricate patterns, such as scrolls or damasks, to add visual interest and depth to your space. Using wallpaper above the chair rail creates a striking focal point without overwhelming the room. When selecting a pattern, consider coordinating it with other elements in the room, such as the shape of your chair backs or lighting fixtures. The one shown here was inspired by the curves of a violin, and them metallic curves echo the brass elements in the room.
Wall Mirror
A well-placed mirror can enhance the jewel-box effect by reflecting light and creating the illusion of more space. Choose a mirror with an ornate frame to add an extra layer to your dining room. Look for designs featuring intricate details, such as gilded accents or mosaic borders, to complement your overall aesthetic. Positioning the mirror strategically to capture the most light will heighten the sense of openness in the room.
Candle Chandelier
Lighting creates the right ambiance for your jewel-box dining room. A candle chandelier offers a warm, inviting glow that enhances the intimate atmosphere. Look for fixtures with multiple arms and crystal or glass accents to add sparkle and sophistication to your space. Consider installing a dimmer switch to adjust the lighting for different occasions. This flexibility allows you to create varying moods, making your dining room adaptable to dinner parties or quiet family meals.
Glassware
Colored glasses, such as rose-tinted tumblers, add a touch of whimsy and elegance to your table setting. Pair them with crystal or cut-glass pieces like the dessert bowl shown for a mix of textures and styles. You may also include small, decorative touches like individual flower vases at each place setting to enhance the overall aesthetic and make every guest feel special.
Embroidered Fabric
Incorporating luxurious fabrics is an excellent way to add depth and texture to your jewel-box dining room. Consider using embroidered silk or other high-end fabrics for chair upholstery or window treatments. To maximize impact while minimizing costs, use these fabrics sparingly, such as on chair backs or as accent pillows. Another option is to introduce these rich textiles (or budget-friendly look-alikes) in the form of table runners or drapery.
Shield-Back Chairs
Vintage furniture adds character to your dining room. Richardson found the shield-back chairs shown at a consignment shop. If you can’t find what you’re looking for in a second-hand store, you can find plenty of vintage-inspired styles at online stores. These classic shield-back designs pair well with both traditional and modern decor styles. When selecting chairs, look for pieces with interesting silhouettes and consider mixing and matching styles for a curated, collected look.
Graphic Print
Use graphic prints on chair upholstery, curtains, or throw pillows to inject energy and personality into the space. Choose colors that complement your overall color scheme while providing a striking contrast to more traditional elements. Richardson chose this geometric print in a sunny mustard yellow for a youthful joie de vivre.
Wall Sconce
Wall sconces provide additional lighting and contribute to the overall ambiance of your jewel-box dining room. Look for vintage-inspired designs, such as tole candleholders, to add a touch of old-world charm. Place sconces strategically to highlight artwork or architectural features in your dining room. Well-chosen sconces can spotlight your favorite room elements and add to the layered lighting necessary for a rich, dynamic space.
Botanical Artwork
Incorporating botanical prints or paintings can add a sense of nature into your jewel-box dining room. The artwork shown above showcases peonies, a symbol of fortune, beauty, and honor in Chinese culture. The vibrant pink blooms of this print nicely complement the fabric on the chair backs. When selecting wall art, choose pieces that complement your color scheme or continue a certain motif. Consider framing your artwork in ornate, gilded frames to enhance the feel of the space.
Wall-Frame Wainscot
Adding architectural details like wall-frame wainscoting can also enhance the character of your dining room. This relatively simple DIY project involves installing a chair rail and panel molding to create decorative frames on the lower portion of your walls. Paint the wainscoting in a contrasting color to add depth and dimension to your space. In the dining room pictured, a two-tone gray color scheme, like Sherwin-Williams’s Misty and Agreeable Gray, gives the wainscot added dimension.
Accessorizing Your Jewel-Box Dining Room
To complete your jewel-box dining room, add these finishing touches:
- A plush area rug to define the space and add warmth
- Decorative table linens, such as embroidered napkins or a luxurious tablecloth
- A curated collection of small objets d’art or antiques displayed on a sideboard or in a china cabinet
- Seasonal floral arrangements or potted plants to bring life to the room