You say you want to change the furniture eventually. Do you want to keep with the same style or go a different route all together? You may be better off buying a "transitional" light fixture, one that would go with a variety of furniture styles.

As far as lightening up the room, maybe a rug with lighter colors that also incorporates the wall color would work? You could probably find coordinating drapes and framed art. The white drapes seem a little stark against the red, making the red feel heavier maybe?

Your centerpiece on top of your table is beautiful! I would definitely keep it, but maybe put a fabric element underneath (table runner or piece of fabric) to soften it a bit. I can't wait to see what you do with it : )

I think a nice patterned drape with the red in it would make a big difference.Perhaps a floral print? Your drapes should just touch the floor - the ones you have now look short.

A light fixture with the finish on your centerpiece might look nice. Hang it 30-36" above the tabletop.

Southern Frenchie's suggestion to add a table runner is great.

You can make a real improvement in the room without changing the furniture!

Be sure and show us what you do!

I had this runner in the house. Is this any better on the table or should I look for a different color? I will be looking at other drapes, thanks for the suggestion. Would white shades on a chandelier work?

Here is a link that might be useful:

How about some seat cushions to make the chairs look more comfy?

I think that runner is perfect! It's amazing what a small rectangle of fabric can do. It definitely ties the table and centerpiece together. You could probably find a chandelier with a bronze finish at Lowe's or Home Depot, though I would go with ivory or tan shades rather than white. I found one on the Lowe's website that would take shades. What do you think of something like this?

The runner looks great! Just switch the candle to a brighter white one ....

Perhaps consider adding a simple sisal rug under the table -- check around on sites like Overstock.com or at the late summer sales at stores like Lowes and Target ... simple and easy change!

I do like the present curtains -- but IF you wish a change -- check at Big Lots for simple fresh light white sheers ....

Jan at Rosemary Cottage

Is there more to see in the room - other pieces of furniture, pictures on other walls? There are all sorts of things you can do depending on your budget.

Starting from least expensive:

Changing out the chandelier would be the first thing on my list. Look on your local craigslist for shiny brass chandeliers, which people are just about giving away these days. Find the largest you can and spray paint it, the chain, and the inside wire a metallic brown. It should drop lower than the one there now.

If you can sew, add a red border to the edges of the drape and drop the hem so that the drape almost touches the floor. Or have it done by a seamstress. Personally, I would remove the valance and place the panels on a decorative rod. Just my opinion, but valances have an old-lady aura about them.

Add a sideboard. It doesn't need to match the table. Or maybe a hutch. There are plenty of them sold cheaply on craigslist.

Add additional light sources to the room, such as a lamp on the hutch and a picture light over the largest picture in the room.

More pictures on the walls.

That is a lovely candleholder on the table, but you could give it more presence maybe by raising it somehow or setting it on a fancy tray or removing the candle and replacing with a spray of greenery that points up. Not fake flowers, though. Right now I am rooting a number of leaves cut from a friend's "aucuba japonica" plant. You might find them for sale at a florist.

Thank you for all your suggestions. I'll post a picture after I make other changes and get your opinions.

Well you have cherry red walls, white white trim and slightly off white curtains. It looks like you have a colonial/New England theme going here.
First of all I would set the curtain rids wider so you could get more of the curtains off the windows...that alone would go a great way to lightening things up.
I would lower the chandeliere by about 2 feet so that the lowest part is about 34 to 35 inches from the table top.
Your centerpiece is nice, but not doing a thing to lighten the room. I would put it in another room and look for an oval antique or antique looking doily and a large clear glass "thing" perhaps a vase full of off white hydrangeas or just a big covered glass compote and a pair of clear glass candle sticks ( the $$ store has some that look pretty good).
Then find a tall but small plant for the corner...or perhaps a fern stand with a plant on top.
Don't cover your pretty floors.
Linda C