Barker and Stonehouse x Tetrad

Words by

Michaela Quinn

March 10, 2019

Patterned beige sofa with textured cushions, a geometric rug and wooden side tables in a neutral living room

A Shared Love of British Craftsmanship

For 80 years, Barker and Stonehouse has championed great design, quality craftsmanship and furniture made to last. Throughout that journey, Tetrad has been a longstanding partner – sharing our appreciation for beautifully designed furniture and the skilled craftsmanship behind it.

Made in Britain by skilled upholsterers in Lancashire, Tetrad’s furniture represents the very best of traditional British manufacturing, combining time-honoured techniques with contemporary design. It’s a commitment that feels right at home with our own values: keeping great design moving while supporting the makers and manufacturers who bring it to life.

Craftsman repairs a wooden chair with a power drill in a furniture workshop

Upholstery fabric rolls in cream, grey and rust tones stacked together

A visit to Tetrad's factory

text

The Dakota Collection

Patterned sofa and matching ottoman with cushions and books in a sunlit living room

Beige patterned sofa with textured cushions beside a dark wooden side table and ceramic vase

The story

Dakota began in 2021, when Tetrad designer Ryan came across a set of vintage textile-inspired rugs. Their patterns drew on North American weaving traditions, where every motif carries meaning, from the land and the natural world to the community that made it.

Four years on, those same patterns have been reworked as upholstery fabrics. The weaves are deep and tactile, and they define the Dakota range: natural materials, skilled craftsmanship and the exceptional comfort Tetrad is known for.

6. Find the perfect grey dining table

Your dining table will be the core of your grey dining room design, and if you find the perfect one for you, the rest of the design should fall into place.

With a grey dining table, it will set a striking foundation and give you the freedom to mix and match different furniture items, patterns, and textures. If you want to keep it minimalistic, opt for light wooden chairs and candle holders, as this will give your dining room the rustic feel that is always a great choice. However, if you want to enhance the sophistication level, you could try using metal dining chairs and statement floor lamps that will add balance to the space while still keeping it elegant.

Using a grey dining table can also work perfectly for anyone looking for a Scandi dining room. Our guide on Scandi dining room ideas should tell you everything you need to know about executing this chic design.

Grey dining table and velvet chairs beside a black glazed sideboard and tall vase

7. Use grey for your upholstery

To make sure your dining room still feels cosy and soft, you could choose grey for your upholstered chairs. With their delicate texture and neutral hue, these chairs work well with glass, wooden, or metal dining tables, and add texture to your space without resorting to rugs or cushions. This is great for modern grey dining room ideas as it’s a simple trick but still streamlined and fresh.

You can then play around with the chair’s legs to bring your personality into the design. Opt for sleek, metallic legs if you want a glimpse of shimmer in your space, or stick with neutral, wooden legs that will look great sitting atop a plush rug. No matter what you choose, you'll have stylish and efficient support when it’s time to enjoy meals with your loved ones.

8. Bring in some greenery

Plants and flowers look stunning against a grey backdrop, and it’s one of the easiest ways to breathe fresh air and life into your space.

A few well-placed pots and planters, filled with some lush plants or beautiful bouquets, can stand out beautifully against grey walls, introducing colour and life into the space. An easy and reliable way to lift your dining room design, greenery enhances both the atmosphere and air quality, creating a more natural, inviting feel. Combine your plants with a wooden dining table and chairs to strengthen the organic look, maintain visual balance, and bring the whole space together.

Round dark wood dining table and upholstered chairs by large windows and a brick wall

9. Utilise cushions and curtains to complement the grey

Now you have grey as the backdrop to your design, you'll need to find ways to bring in different textures and hues into the space. This is when cushions and curtains become incredibly important.

Finding cushions for your dining chairs and curtains for your dining room’s windows in complementary tones will soften the boldness of the grey and can even add visual interest. If you want to keep it feeling airy, choose natural fabrics like cottons or linen, and pair this with darker shades of grey to fill your dining room with character. Finding complementary curtains will also add depth and frame the windows in your preferred style. Round it off with a shaggy or vintage-inspired rug and your design will be complete!

10. Keep it classic with grey and white

It may seem like the most obvious choice, but sticking to grey and white will create a timeless look that will never go out of fashion. It’s clean, it’s modern, and it gives you the freedom to bring in all manner of different materials and textures that can help ground the design.

The problem you may face with white and grey is the space feeling too stark. To avoid this, introduce texture with elements like a rug in soft, muted tones or furniture pieces - such as chairs and storage - with gentle wood finishes. Sleek-framed mirrors or minimalist wall art can help tie everything in, elevating both the practicality and style of your grey and white dining room.

Brown velvet dining chairs beside a fluted wooden table with vase and candlesticks

Well, there you have it! 10 grey dining room design ideas that should show you how versatile and stylish grey can be. Feeling inspired? Then check out the Barker and Stonehouse website and browse our entire collection. If you’re someone who likes to see the pieces in person, you could visit your nearest Barker and Stonehouse store, too.

Is grey not working for you? Then take a look at our blue dining room ideas if this sounds more like your thing!

Interior Inspiration

Want interior tips, trends and more straight to your inbox?

Join our VIP list