Hang a pair of sconces on either side of the breakfront--either candle holders or little shelves with something simple and elegant sitting on them. That huge round mirror doesn't seem to work in the space. Also consider an arrangement of tall flowers (real, not silk) in a dramatic vase on the table.

Hi! I love that you put out there that you don't want a chandelier! :) So many people get on houzz and recommend items that the houzzer isn't even asking for! Here are a few ideas for you:

http://deciture.com/hammered-mirror-wall-sconce-set-of-2/

http://deciture.com/angelina-grand-scrollwork-candle-sconce/

http://deciture.com/beautiful-styled-wood-wall-panel-2-assorted/

http://deciture.com/classical-wooden-wall-decor-with-glass-pane-effect-in-black/ (one on each side)

hope this helps you! Let me know if you want more ideas!

If you move the two art frames that you have in the hallway and place one on each side of your display furniture. Add some shelves to the other wall with some decor items. Or you can put an art piece on the empty wall and two wall scones by the furniture. Place three long candles on the table.

I think it is perfect.

Here are some ideas:








For the table:

You might try swapping where you have the buffet and breakfront placed, if they fit in the opposite spaces. The breakfront looks kind of ominous on that wall. Also the round mirror would work better over the buffet than where it is now, and the other mirror might work better hung horizontally, somewhere else, maybe where the framed pieces are now. Then they could go on the wall opposite the window, or in the corner where the round mirror is now.

It's probably just because you are not used to the space. You could try moving the short buffet to under the two photos where you walk in (lower the pictures). It looks a bit cramped in the corner where it is and it's a lovely piece - may appreciate it more in the other location. Move the chair you have in the corner (looks squeezed in) and place it where the buffet was. Replace with another chair that doesn't have arms and it will fit better. Not sure if the window's ledge is wide enough to put a bench seat. I know that you don't want a chandelier, but a hanging fixture will ground the room. Just a though. The room looks lovely though.

My thoughts also was to put the round mirror over the buffet and the tall mirror where the round one was.

I forgot to add this photo of the buffet. Unfortunately, I can't switch the two pieces because of a small blip on the ceiling where it's lower than the rest of the room. I agree, ominous is a good word for the break front wall. I did center the table, thank you very much! The hall with two pictures is not nearly wide enough to move the buffet there. Maybe you can see that in the new picture. I used to have a narrow console table there and we would bump into it when people walked in carrying plates and drinks. I borrowed a really cool Italian vase with some tall flowers from another room to put on the table. I like the sconces so far, any others?

Oh, I also took out the chair from the corner. Gosh, I really liked the round mirror there. I am definitely listening if you think it's wrong, but I'm attaching a better pic without the chair to see if that makes a difference.

I have a pair of sconces in my shop that might work: https://www.etsy.com/listing/169540749 They're plug-ins.

vase and flowers look great!

a chandelier will finish it, you have two cans above the table, i would hang two mini chandeliers, since it seems one would not be centered and would leave on off set can light.

Agree about the chandy and would rather see the round mirror and a pair of candle sconces above the buffet and no lamp there.

Part of the reason I'm having difficulty is that I no longer love the style of the dining room set. My style tastes have changed and I now like a cleaner, less curvy, more modern look. In fact, I removed the elaborate top from the break front and the wooden scrollwork that was on the glass, trying to make it a more simple piece. You can see that by the accessories on my buffet table. Would another, simpler chandelier work?

I think the round mirror is too big where it is. IMHO I think you should hang the mirror over the buffet.

I think the round mirror is too big where it is. IMHO I think you should hang the mirror over the buffet.

A few questions.......Does the top of the breakfront come off? Could you find some more cleaner lined, less curvy chairs for your pretty table? Does your table have a leaf in it that you can take out? Could you paint the chair rail the same color as your walls to make it less noticible or take the chair rail off completely? Could you put lighter colored curtains up at the window...something more like the upholstery on your dining room chairs?

Ok. I will move the mirror when I get home. Erinsean, I think the break front top comes off but is unfinished. Are you thinking of putting a granite top on it creating another buffet? Interesting thought. Instead of replacing 8 chairs, maybe I can get an upholstered chair for each end that's simpler. I've wondered if somehow I could pad the top of the chairs to take away the scrolliness. The ideas I'm getting are wonderful. Thx so much.

for some reason i am not getting email updates to thread replies? you could use a drum shade for a simpler look, however the room on a whole is formal.

To help make the dining room more modern, reupholster chairs, selecting fun fabric. See fabric link. You could paint out the chair rail to the same color as walls. Your furniture is classic and can be updated by the room's content and that may help with your uneasiness of the set. https://secure.designerfabrics.ca/shop/ProdImages/34169sm.jpg

This is a beautiful room! I love the trim and the furniture and the color selection. Very well done. I think you might be feeling some emptiness because of the recent removal. I would recommend giving it a couple of weeks. Let things soak in a bit and then see how it feels. You'd be surprised how this is a different process for everyone. A room really has to grow on you, especially if you're the one making the decisions and doing the work. I would say give it some time because it's beautiful. I really liked the photo with the flowers/vase on the table and I think that filled out the room quite a bit. I would recommend taking a look at an accessory that could also serve as a statement piece. A prominent vase will do. I'm attaching one of my favorites below. Here's the link if you're interested. Good luck!
http://www.interiorplace.com/copy-of-eclipse-082-24-5-glass-vase/

Please, no sconces just to fill up space. You don't need them for decor, and it looks like you don't need them for light either. Less is more.

The round mirror doesn't fit on that wall. There is no rule that says you must have a mirror in the dining room. Send it to Siberia, or another room. Likewise the clunky lamp on the buffet. You've got three fairly hefty objects there; I'd remove either the lamp or the sculpture--too much dark--and center the art on the wall.

Then the room will be perfect.

A water wall feature will fill that empty space.
http://www.LuxeWaterWalls.com

Siberia!! Lol! I love my mirror! I will move it ASAP--but into another room. It will be loved somewhere else! The lamp will go. I can't wait to get home and try it

here dear

I like that flair lighting. Especially the one to the farthest right. Maybe if I extended the curtains out farther on both sides, I won't miss my mirror and the corner on the right side of the room would nt look so empty.

Paint under the chair rail a color that is in your draperies. Painting will help with the empty feeling.

murray feiss and kichler lighting.

Some shadow boxes or wainscot may look nice and help brighten up the space.

How about chalk painting your china cabinet and chairs, then reupholster. Lots of ideas on the internet.

You could even paint a funky color.

http://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=chalk%20paint%20china%20cabinet

I really don't like that display cabinet behind that dining table. I would maybe move it, add a mirror on that wall with a beautiful buffet with gorgeous legs. On either side, either some artwork or lighting options.

perhaps like this rough sketch i just drew for you at work because i need the practice and :( the work..

Dilemma is 5 months old - probably has it solved by now.