Layered textures mirror the variety of textures we find in nature and suggest a space that has been lived in and loved. Soft, matte surfaces that absorb light, like wool, jute and natural wood grain, create visual warmth and invite a sense of ease.

An easy way to layer texture is to use different soft furnishings. Add a cosy touch to your dining room seating with some cushions. For texture underfoot, place a rug under your dining table, basketweave would work well for this but just anything that has a natural and organic feel is a great fit.

Make sure it's large enough to extend out beyond the chairs when pulled out. A rug that’s too small looks awkward and risks catching chair legs when someone sits down. Textured wall art comes alive in a well-lit dining room, creating shadows that shift throughout the day. .

Rustic decor finds beauty in the curves and roughness of nature. So bring nature inside and display found and foraged treasures, such as pinecones and dried seed pods. Use sliced log sections as trivets and candle stands. A jug of foraged wild grasses or a piece of driftwood creates a beautiful centre piece that costs nothing.

If you love the rustic look but want consistency across your furniture, a distressed finish is the answer. It is a great way to bring rustic warmth to a whole dining set without hunting down individual reclaimed pieces that match. A solid wood table with a softly distressed finish makes a brilliant centrepiece, and adding a matching bench brings that informal, sociable feel that is so central to rustic dining. Clean lines and simple detailing keep distressed wood looking smart rather than worn out. Be sure to check out our New Frontier dining range for pieces with a cleverly distressed finish.

Layer pendant lighting with candles. Candlelight naturally pulls people around the table. The warm glow is universally flattering and signals that this is a place to slow down and relax. Place a cluster of three pillar candles at the centre of the table as a focal point. If decorating a table for ten or more, place two clusters of candles at either end.

The best rustic dining room ideas feel effortless rather than staged. Rustic is all about nature, and nature is beautifully imperfect, so the look is meant to feel relaxed and unfussy rather than carefully styled. Mismatched dining chairs, a slightly wonky bowl or a table that has seen a few years of family dinners are all part of the charm. To overthink or overengineer it is to miss the point entirely. So trust your instincts, layer in the things you love, and have fun with it.

Now you’ve read through our ideas, the next thing to do is to have a browse through our curated rustic furniture range to start finding the pieces that will fill your home.

Looking for more dining room inspiration? For a similar love of natural materials with a pared-back feel, take a look at our Scandi dining room ideas. And if you'd like to explore a cooler colour palette, our blue dining room ideas show how soft, muted blues can bring a similar sense of calm.