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Design Dilemma
schicksal

Dining Area - Where to position light, chairs, pictures + stools?

12 years ago
last modified: 12 years ago
I have four simple questions about how to finish this informal dining area.

1. What color stools should I get for sitting at the counter? I was thinking about getting some that have a low back and pulling a color from the picture on the wall and getting something red/orange. Or maybe something that compliments the backsplash, which is actually blue in person?

2. Did I hang the picture too high? Is it the wrong size or just not right for the area anyway? It's from a previous residence and just sort of ended up in this spot after the move. The design and decor here is very modern which I enjoy; the place we used to live was more "normal." This is our forever house so I'm more free to find something that works with specific areas and fits our taste which is modern.

3. I would like to put in a light over the table (PH5 pendant lamp) but am unsure where to position it. Would directly over the center of the table be best? This leads me to...

4. How should the table and chairs be positioned? The table is 48" across and the area it's in is 12.5' x 12.5'. Right now it's in the center of the area, and maybe putting the chairs at a 45 degree angle would be better than straight on? I'm giving this particular table and chairs to a family member soon but the size works well and it will be replaced with something more modern / better quality.

edit: if it matters I can share a picture of the area behind where I took these from. The dining room that's visible through the passageway from the kitchen is going to be renovated next summer so everything back there will change.
Featured Answer
  • 12 years ago
    You could definitely consider having all of the stools in vibrant coulours if you want a very 'pop' style room. Or go for very modern neutral stools with maybe just one in coulour.

    Is your painting centered in the wall with equal space to the right and to the left?

    You could also consider having blank space between each segment of the triptych

    Comments (11)

    • 12 years ago
      I would go for a black wooden stall to tie in with your table.

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    • 12 years ago
      Something along these lines...
      schicksal thanked hayleysmith1977
    • 12 years ago
      Is your artwork positioned in the middle of the wall?
    • 12 years ago
      The picture looks too high to me. I would keep the stools neutral and perhaps use something else to pick up the colors from the painting...a vase or flower arrangement on the bar perhaps?
    • 12 years ago
      PS...love the tile!
      schicksal thanked Christine Sloan
    • 12 years ago
      It is great that you are practically able to start from scratch with the table, chairs and counter stools and also that you would consider color. Neutrals can also look fantastic, it just depends on how they are used. There is so much to choose from and lots of special offers at the moment. I would be more than happy to make some suggestions. You can always change the picture at a later stage but since it is what you have at the moment, if it is possible have a one to one and a half inch space between the panels, and do bring it down at least a foot to 18 inches so it is closer to eye level when you are seated at the table. I would wait until you have decided on the new furniture and then consider painting that wall a great color or a neutral shade to match your scheme. Go right through into the kitchen with the same color, beyond the framing over the bar. A nice rug as part of the scheme would make the dining area look more inviting too. Have fun!
      schicksal thanked judithstern
    • 12 years ago
      I would lower the picture so the top is the same height as the top of the opening above the bar.
      A pendant/chandelier would have to be centred over the table and the bottom of the light fixture should be between 30" - 36" above the table.
      Space between your dining chairs around the table and the bar stools should be at least 42".
      I wonder if it would be a good idea for you to choose a rectangular table when you have bar stools there. Case of measuring :-)

      These stools are available in different colours. I'd go for black or white :-) But it also depends very much on what kind of dining table and chairs you'll be getting. They have to work together.
      Forest Walnut Bar/Counter Stool · More Info

      Satin Counter Stool, Transparent Orange Seat · More Info
      schicksal thanked Carolina
    • 12 years ago
      Wow, lots more comments than I thought there would be by now!

      The painting is centered to the left/right of the wall, if measured from the corner (left) to the column (right). Should it instead be centered between the corner to the left and the edge of the countertop to the right? It would be easy to lower it so the top is 18" from the ceiling and double check the spacing at the same time.

      This is the shape of stool I've always had in mind. White would pop against the walnut in the cabinetry and go with the quartz countertops.

      Contemporary Bar Stools And Counter Stools by Other Metro Furniture & Accessories IKEA

      I'm not sure what type of table we will likely end up with. After only 4 years the finish is in poor condition and coming off entirely. I needed something quick and inexpensive, and this one is what we ended up with. This is one idea that I've had in mind for a long time, and it would solve our problems with small felt feet that protect the hardwood from chair legs that keep coming off. They also used the same light that I bought. If it matters, our house is a mid century modern.

      Modern Kitchen by Austin Architects & Building Designers Webber + Studio, Architects

      Furniture in the adjacent family room is something I'm also reevaluating. I already know I need a new area rug under the sectional (too small) and entertainment center (wrong style and never was very functional). Turning 180 degrees from where I took the pictures faces into the family room, which is still under just a bit of construction while I wait for replacement doors to arrive.
    • 12 years ago
      pictures didn't post for some reason... let me try again

      @carolins, looks like we posted nearly the same type of stool. I could easily get that much space if I moved the chairs from the position they are in now by rotating them 45 degrees about the table... there is a double door leading to the deck to the left of the table I also have to keep in mind, which would also benefit from moving the chairs. I'll give it a try once I get home.
    • 12 years ago
      Yep, that's the kind of stool that I think will look great at your counter. Love the dining table, chairs and lamp in that photo.
      I would probably centre the picture to the table.
      schicksal thanked Carolina
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