Yesterday was a day inside out of the heat… and so, some restyling happened. I originally set out thinking I wanted to declutter some of the china in the 14.5′ long but it kind of took off in an unusual direction.
Antique Cupboard
You see, all those thrifting Thursdays have been adding bits of fabulous plates, pitchers, tchotchkes and the like to the cabinet. Which, is okay in small amounts- but sometimes, it just gets to be a bit too busy looking. And as much as I am a collector and love to have pretty things all around- I do like ‘quiet’ in my rooms as well. That breathing room in design that feels less cluttered and busy makes a big difference in the overall.
Remember this cupboard when we first brought it home? I was tempted to leave it just. like. that . without anything on the shelves because it looked so pretty as it was. You can read more about the story of this cupboard HERE
Dining Room Cupboard
Tip: When restyling shelves or cupboards- remove everything for a clean slate and add back only what you feel fits.
I needed a bit of a reset to get the cabinet looking fresh- so, we pulled everything out. As in every glass, teacup, platter, plate, candlestick- you name it. I like to do that when cleaning or restyling with each season because it gives me that ‘breathing room’ to get some creative inspiration. As a toss back- this was what it looked like in autumn with lots of white dishes and pretty little pumpkins.
We started out by taking everything out of the bottom cupboard areas first. We tossed what we didn’t need, made a box for donations and a box of seasonal storage that could be moved. And then we reorganized all the vintage glassware, plates, bowls, tureens, etc. to be stored on those bottom shelves and found a whole lot of new room on all.those.upper shelves. Which is amazing. And then what started as a simple restyling project for a photo backdrop turned into something bigger.
A new look
When my daughter and her fiancé moved into the cottage- we took all of our decor things out- including all the books on the bookshelves out there. And so, I had about 5 big boxes of antique books in the back room that were looking for somewhere to land. And land they did.
Antique Cupboard Library
Yep, we did it. We brought the books out and started stacking them on the shelves. Stacks, layers, lined up books- and a few simple pots or bits to break it up as well. As I mentioned, we actually were going to style just one section of the cupboard with the books for a backdrop for a few photoshoots I am working on- but we went for it and did the whole shebang. As you can see, we have a few missing spots currently- so, we filled them with a few jars and other bits for the photos to fill up the cupboard a bit more. And so, they will be taken out when we get some books to fill those spots and then we can wrap up the photos.
Tip: Don’t be afraid to try something different. Books don’t necessarily belong in a dining room- but hey, if you love them and have a ton of them- why not go for it and try it? And decor change is just that- it can change right on back to whatever you love or something different when you are ready.
Here it is with the glass doors open so that you can see them a little better- lots of light reflections in all those glass doors.
I would love to turn them around and see those beautiful gold and worn pages- it would be a little more ‘quiet’ for my taste too. But I do love the vintage book spines also.
It is a work in progress as I mentioned. We don’t have enough books to fill it as it is yet. 14.5′ long is a lot of books haha! So, the pots and other bits are just there for sharing today and I honestly don’t know how long the books will stay yet. I originally planned to put some of the dishes back in the cupboard and do a bit of a mix and mingle – I do miss the collected dishes look. But for now, books will work well for a couple of photoshoots I am working on. And once I get a few more books to fill in where the pots and bits are holding the space temporarily – I can get those wrapped up. I will share the finished look once it is filled to the brim with books too of course.
What do you think of the ‘library’ in the dining room?
Happy Monday everyone.
alda ellis says
this. is beautiful…but where did all the dishes go? I know you need them for props and posts but storage is always an issue hard to find a happy result. Never enough storage! Any hints hacks or helps would be much appreciated!
GRACE says
Everything LOOKS FABULOUS… the BOOKS LOOK JUST AS GOOD AS the Dishe’s did IN THAT beautiful CUPBOARD.
Tahma Nash says
Its so fun to
Redecorate. You have a lovely eye. I miss the white dishes though. Not feeling the books and jars behind the table. The white was light and airy, even with a lot of pieces. But, change is good. And I love the blog.
Karen says
I absolutely love the books! It is exactly what i would have done!
Nancy Brantley says
the books are pretty but the ironstone my favorite. if sofa and dining chairs were colorful then books would look good.
Renae says
Absolutely stunning! I love the Vintage library look.
Teddee Grace says
I love this and think it will be especially nice for fall and winter. what a lovely lot of space!
gloria says
as a lOver of books and antique gently used furnishings this is simply divine!
Nancy Piper says
Great idea!
Patti Palilla says
Books look great!!
Pam says
The cabnet looks great
Tanya Derrey Bingham says
What a beautiful cupboard and she looks lovely with books or dishes 🙂
Barb Milburn says
In my humble Opinion, there are never enough books nor enough bookcases. I love them everywhere! This is stunning!
Laura says
I love the library look, but would also miss he dishes! Have you thought about popping the cherub statue on the table for Christmas?
Mary Alice says
I love, love, love that beautiful cupboard and it looks lovely with the books, etc. but I have to say I Like it much better with the dishes in it, if it were in the library, living room, or study then the books would work so well. But then again I am a dish freak! You have such a way of doing things that no matter what you decide to do it always looks fantastic! And this is no different! It looks great either way!
Michelle says
I absolutely love this look Courtney! your cabinet is extraordinary! as lovely as your Ironstone collection is, this look is unexpected and just feels cleaned up and the doors closed soften. I think it ads richness and warmth with your wood floors and beams. your ivory sofa in that space keeps it airy and balanced. This way you are utilizing those pretty ironstone “favorite” pieces on the table and kitchen, rather than just displaying them. And, love this look with your limestone cherub somewhere near by. just my personal preference, as I like both English and French cottage, I think you nailed it! 🌹
sonya says
I love the books! It’s a nice change.
Elaine says
i am so happy to see the books displayed with the spines showing! I have never understood the reason for showing the pages.
Kathleen says
Courtney,
I especially love your library dining room because I have been thinking about combining dining and books in my downsized home. but i didn’t know how to do it. then, voila! your blog arrived with full visual instructions! It triggered so many ideas applicable to my new situation. thank you. thank you. thank you! i’m off and running!
Linda Shukri says
Love it! I love mixing the books with dishes. Looks great! In our previous house (American Foursquare) we had an enclosed front porch entrance (heated) which had a shelf running under the four front windows and the one side window at the end. That was my overflow library! I purposely left the shelf devoid of books directly in front of each window as I didn’t want the sun to ruin them. I miss my porch library and that house. In our current home, we purchased a metal shelving unit from Hobby Lobby to hold my overflow. We’re in a new house now and it didn’t come with built-in shelving. I have an antique Swedish bookcase with glass doors (which belonged to my paternal grandparents) that holds the other part of my book stash. 🙂
Linda says
I love the books! I have done this in a small dining room. it became “the place” for family ACTIVITies, studying, relaxed reading, games, and of course dinner. I would love to have a library. ❤️💐📚
Jill Wendt says
I remember when you bought the gorgeous 14 foot cabinet! What a treasure. I love the books. Different look, but pleasing to the eye. Next time you have A donation box, and it doesn’t go to your family or friends, i will be more then happy to take it Off your hands! 😉 i love eVerything about your home, gardens and chickens. Thank you for all your posts!
Nancy Nesbitt says
WEll, it is definitely more of a background piece now. With all dishes, it was clearly a part of the room. I, too, love books and this is a perfect piece for them but they do not show up against the dark natural wood like the white dishes did. Suggestion: you could hang a piece of material or removeable wallpaper (light in color; maybe with a texture?) on the back wall of the cupboard and see how it enhances the look of the books.
Christie says
I actually Love the books in there. I would replace the crocks but other then that, so less cluttered Looking and more sophisticated. Gosh i so love that cupboard.
Cynthia M Meuwissen says
I love it!!! Your design style is divine.
Nmp says
The books would make a lovely fall display. Its too hot for that now with two months of summer to swelter through.
Maryanne says
Love this. It gives the european library feel for sure which i find so warm and comforting.
Linda Hovgaard says
Wow! You can do so many wonderful things with that gorgeous cabinet and this is one of my favorites! It gives such an old world european cozy vibe! LOVE!
DaleAnn says
Courtney. Where did you get your dining room table?
Courtney says
Hi DaleAnn- this is actually a table that my sons and husband made for me. They used old reclaimed wood for the top from the Re-Store, vintage table legs and 2x wood for the sides.
Angie says
Your cabinet has looked stunning each way you have shown it styled, It looks cozy and inviting with the books.
Karen B. says
I love both styles and that is what makes a piece like that so much fun. Styling with seasonal items keeps it interesting.
Karen B.
Monique-Marie says
Courtney I like it either way. But where did you put all those gorgeous dishes now?
Do you have a special cubbart for them off the kitchen?
Congrats!
Courtney says
I have them inside the lower cupboards- there is a ton of room and shelves there and also in another cupboard where I store pieces that is in another room.
Barbara says
It’s fun to have a library anywhere in the house! We have so many books… When the kids were still living at home, we had small bookcases and large ones in each room, almost. It’s hard to say no to good reads.
Enjoy your monster cabinet’s new look!
Hugs,
Barb 🙂