Dear Donna,

Can you please tell me what the best colours are for a medieval-style dining room? My partner and I have been having problems coming to some agreement on what colours would be best.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Amanda.

Our Homes And Property Expert says:

Hello Amanda,

An Englishman's home is his castle, so what better style to go for than a medieval look? Traditionally, heraldic-style rooms would have included lots of wrought ironwork in the form of candlesticks and chandeliers; heavy hand-carved, rustic furniture and rough textured walls in earthy blended colours. Textiles would also have been very much apparent, as the rooms were cold and uninviting without them.

Luxury is the keyword here. In the Middle Ages, opulent furnishings provided warmth and also encouraged an appearance of wealth. Colours were typically warming with lots of reds and deep burgundy.

Tapestry weaves were popular, depicting scenes of courtly love, battles, Bible and historical stories. If you are feeling crafty, you could stitch your own - look out for Latin text or heraldic motifs tapestry-prints and kits, and remember to use metal rings or wooden or metal polls to hang your textiles.

Curtains should be made from large pieces of luxurious velvet, brocade or silk damask and gathered at a single panel to one side - attached to the wall with a large tassel. Hang your curtains from rings on a wooden or metal pole with fleur-de-lys or spearhead finials.

Add warmth with some large floor cushions and scatter chairs with cushions made from damask or velvet with medieval patterns.

As a foil for all this rich texture and colour, I would paint the walls in a blend of light tones or, if you are feeling brave, the colour of hessian. Paint effects are perfect because you can blend three colours together to achieve a wonderfully layered effect. Choose your paint colours carefully, picking three blending natural tones.

Use silk emulsion, starting with the lightest colour first and paint two coats of flat colour. Dilute each of the darker two colours 50% paint, 50% water and, once mixed thoroughly, paint sweeping brush strokes of the colourwash, immediately feathering the edges of each stroke with a dry brush. This will blend to an even tone all over the wall. Each coat of paint should be thoroughly dry before applying the next and finish off with the deepest tone.

Durham medieval-style dining furniture from a selection by Old Charm, chairs start at £317. Call (08451) 303303 for further details.

Hope that helps!

Donna