9 Dining Room Styling Secrets That Never Go Out Of Style In Georgia
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Southern dining rooms hold a special place in Georgia homes. They’re where families gather for Sunday suppers, friends share stories over peach cobbler, and holiday traditions come alive.
Creating a timeless dining space that honors Georgia’s rich heritage while staying fresh isn’t just about following trends – it’s about understanding what truly endures in Southern style.
I’m sharing nine styling secrets that have stood the test of time in Georgia dining rooms.
1. Antique Tables With Character
My grandmother always said a dining table tells family stories. In Georgia homes, nothing beats a solid wood table with history etched into its surface. Look for pine, oak, or cherry pieces with turned legs or trestle bases.
I’ve found some treasures at estate sales in Savannah’s historic district. These tables don’t need to be perfect – slight imperfections add character and charm to your space.
Pair your antique table with newer chairs for a collected-over-time look that feels authentic without being stuffy.
2. Soulful Color Palettes
Colors in a Georgia dining room should feel like a warm embrace. Soft blues reminiscent of Savannah skies, warm terracottas that echo Brunswick clay, and gentle greens inspired by Augusta’s famous golf course create the perfect backdrop.
The trick is balancing these colors rather than overwhelming the space. I painted my dining room walls a soft blue-gray (Benjamin Moore’s Coventry Gray) and added pops of peach and green through textiles.
Neutral walls with colorful accents give you flexibility to change with seasons while maintaining that quintessential Southern warmth.
3. Statement Chandeliers
Nothing transforms a Georgia dining room quite like proper lighting. The chandelier isn’t just functional – it’s jewelry for your ceiling! Crystal chandeliers remain classics, but wrought iron fixtures with candle-style bulbs offer rustic elegance perfect for Georgia homes.
Hang your chandelier at the right height – typically 30-36 inches above the table. This creates intimate lighting for those long dinner conversations Southerners are famous for.
Don’t be afraid to go bold with size. My friend installed a chandelier that initially seemed too large, but it anchored her space beautifully.
4. Heirloom China Displays
Y’all know we Georgians love our china! Those beautiful patterns passed down through generations deserve to be seen, not hidden away. A glass-front cabinet or hutch showcasing your grandmother’s china creates an instant conversation piece.
Mix patterns that share a color story for an eclectic yet cohesive look. My dining room features my grandmother’s rose pattern alongside blue and white pieces I’ve collected over years.
For modern appeal, arrange dishes by color rather than keeping sets together. This approach honors tradition while creating a fresh, curated display that catches the eye.
5. Luxurious Window Treatments
Those gorgeous Georgia sunsets deserve proper framing! Floor-to-ceiling drapes add height and drama to dining spaces while managing our intense southern sunlight. Cotton and linen blends work beautifully in our humid climate.
Hang curtains high and wide to maximize window appearance. My dining room windows seemed ordinary until I installed rods six inches above the frame and extended them a foot beyond each side.
Consider layering sheer panels under heavier drapes for flexibility. This combination filters harsh afternoon light during summer suppers while providing privacy without sacrificing the view of your magnolia trees.
6. Southern Botanical Touches
Fresh flowers aren’t just for special occasions in Georgia homes! A simple arrangement of garden cuttings brings life to your table year-round. During summer, nothing beats hydrangeas clipped from the yard or magnolia leaves in a simple pitcher.
When fresh isn’t available, botanical prints in simple frames add that natural element we crave. I found vintage prints of Georgia’s state flower, the Cherokee rose, at a local antique shop.
Keep arrangements low enough for conversation. My rule of thumb: no taller than 12 inches for everyday use, or guests will be playing peekaboo across the camellias!
7. Mixed Seating Arrangements
Who says dining chairs must match? Breaking this rule creates interest while honoring practicality. A cushioned bench along one side of your table welcomes extra guests when cousins drop by unexpectedly – a common occurrence in Southern homes!
Host chairs with arms at the table ends add importance to these positions. I found my wingback chairs at an estate sale in Buckhead and recovered them in a durable blue performance fabric.
Mismatched chairs unified by similar wood tones or complementary fabric create a collected feel. This approach feels more authentic than perfectly matched sets while telling your family’s unique story.
8. Meaningful Wall Art
Bare walls in a Georgia dining room? Bless your heart! This space deserves art that sparks conversation during those long Sunday dinners. Consider a gallery wall mixing family photos with landscape paintings of Georgia’s diverse scenery – from coastal marshes to mountain views.
Silhouette portraits offer a traditional touch with modern appeal. I commissioned silhouettes of my children and framed them in simple black frames against my blue-gray wall.
Oversized vintage maps of Georgia or your specific county create stunning focal points while celebrating local heritage. My friend displays an 1820s map of Savannah that always fascinates dinner guests.
9. Versatile Buffet Styling
A sideboard or buffet isn’t just storage – it’s prime decorating real estate! Layer items at varying heights: table lamps provide ambient lighting, while a mirror or artwork anchors the wall above. Silver serving pieces catch the light beautifully.
Keep the styling flexible for entertaining needs. Leave enough clear space to set out dishes when hosting those famous Georgia Sunday suppers. My buffet features hurricane lamps that stay put while other decorative items shift as needed.
Incorporate seasonal elements for freshness. Spring brings potted azaleas, summer calls for peaches in a silver bowl, fall welcomes small pumpkins, and winter sparkles with magnolia leaf garland.