do you need it for storage?

I could picture something open there, like a two level cart or table.

If you really need closed storage, I'd look at an antique piece you could paint. You're not going to be able to match the wood of your lovely dining set exactly so it might be nice to have a painted piece. You could paint the back as well.

I really don't need it for storage and don't want to block the window too much. Just thought I needed something to "complete" the room - I came across this piece, but then read a bad review on British Traditions from a poster. I agree that painted/distressed would be the way to go, since I've got enough wood color with the floor, table and chairs. What do you think of this?

Here is a link that might be useful: mercantila

I have several you could choose from! I went on a crazy buying spree, and wound up with about two too many (they fit in the old house, just not in this one). They're all old, and show some "love," but it just looks like patina. Not sure where you live, but you would need to arrange transport.

Here's some pictures:

This one is a 1940s buffet with original bakelite handles. Holds a ton of stuff. It's just under 5' long and 21'' deep. 1940s Buffet

This is a small one, but it has a large hidden drawer inside and two pullout shelves on either side. Currently houses all my table linens, candles, etc. Not as old, but very nice. Small buffet Sorry only picture I have right now is from the reflection off of my hideous fireplace. I think this one is about 36''X 21'' but I can double check if you are interested.

Email me if you want. Also, I got several very nice pieces off of ebay. Just make sure you check out the seller's feedback. I wouldn't buy from an antiques dealer off of ebay unless they had a 97% or better feedback rating. Only had 2 duds, and both were promptly refunded. Also, if you're buying furniture off of ebay, make sure you know BEFORE you buy how much the shipping is going to cost. Sometimes it's more than the furniture is worth.

I think your DR looks very nice as it is. If you don't need the storage or for serving - I would be inclined to not have anything. Your shutters are so beautiful - it seems like a buffet block alot of the lower section. I also really like the simplicity of your table/chairs.

I love those wide wood floors.

Smiles:)

Thank you all for your suggestions.....johnatemp, I think you just told me what I needed to hear. I do love the openness of the room, and it would be silly to cover the shutters (that we just paid for) and block the view to the outside fireplace/patio (that we're still paying for - ha.) I think, for now, I'll leave as is. Since this pic was taken, I have replaced the table's red bowl with some assorted mercury glass vases that look nice.

Thank you also for liking my floors. We like them, too. They are engineered (recommended because of the moisture/humidity here on the Miss. Gulf Coast) - antique heart pine.

wodka -- what brand is your engineered antique heart pine flooring? I need engineered, but LOVE antique heart pine.

We ordered from Authentic Pine Floors, located in Locust, GA. They have a website and brochure that they can mail you and are so great to work with. My husband was in their area on business, so drove and met with them, went through their warehouse, etc. I had asked them so many questions beforehand, they knew all about us by the time they met my husband! They also will send you generous sized samples of the different types to compare and help with your decision.

Thanks. I wonder if there are any dealers out West in my area. I'll check it out.

Just another thought .... perhaps a custom corner shelf unit that would fit in-between the pretty windows? Maybe a local woodworker could build one that would have ascending size shelves that would reach as high as your Christmas tree?

JUST a thought -- your room is lovely!

teacats, that's a great idea! I don't know any local woodworkers, but will start asking.

I was thinking of even rustic iron floor candlesticks, but then thought that would be too "matchy" and maybe take away from the chandelier (which we've lowered a bit since this picture was taken.)

Thanks so much for the input...

This gives you a different view - where there's a little brick corner/nook where I could add something , but it doesn't appear to be as "naked" as the opposite wall. {{!gwi}}

That room is fabulous! How about a tiered plant stand in front of the window - not too tall but one that you could put a variety of plants on?

Also, what about a china cabinet or something of the like against the brick wall that is on the upper left in your second picture? It's hard to tell by the photo if there is enough room for that but it might help round out the room.

Then again, I do think it is lovely as is!

LOVE your room ... the brick, light fixture, wall color ... absolutely beautiful! I have a black Stanley sideboard that is made kinda cheaply but looks good and wasn't expensive. I'd love to know where you got your skinny mirrors? Nancy

{{!gwi}}

swizzy and nancy, thanks for your input, too. swizzy - I don't think there's enough room for a china cabinet on the brick corner, but I had similar thoughts, perhaps a drum table or something or a small corner cabinet.

nancy, I like your sideboard a lot. If I could find a smaller corner cabinet like that in a painted/distressed color, I think it would look nice in the brick corner.

Definitely like the idea of plant stands, too. Add some ferns or ivy....lots to consider. Thank you all.

re: the skinny mirrors. I was so excited when I found them, marked 50% off at Hobby Lobby. I had seen them elsewhere for much more. They are nice and heavy, too.

I just thought I'd add one more thing. I don't know if you noticed or not, but the lightbulbs in the chandelier are "Feeling's Flame" electric candles - when lit, they actually look like real, flickering candlelight. Some friends of ours had them on their much fancier chandelier and we couldn't believe it, the glow was so "realistic," so we ordered some for ours.

I have to agree with johnatemp.....i think the room looks great as it is....I am afraid adding another piece in that room might make it looked cramped and interfere with the seating at the end. Great lightbulbs, did you order them online?

What about a pretty grandfather clock in the brick corner? Wouldn't stick out too much, but might fill that pocket without being too obtrusive.

gk - yes, you can find out more and also order the lightbulbs online. Go to www.electric-candle.com. You can find out all sorts of info. They are not cheap, unfortunately ($25 per bulb), but definitely worth it, as far as enhancing your light fixture.

sarschlos - I never thought about a grandfather clock....that could possibly work, too.

Thank you both for your input!

just a little update. I found these this morning online, and ordered two of the smaller ones. I figured that would fill in some of the blankness of the walls, complement the mirrors, and once I add some fern or ivy in them, add a little dimension and color. Still won't be blocking the views or shutters, so think my mission is accomplished, for now. (If they don't work out, I have other rooms I can use them in.)

Here is a link that might be useful: homedecorators