Lovely DR

- I think drapes will add a lot - are you removing the shutters? that will help too -
- I would look for a rug but not decide until you have the drapery installed
- Lastly the chair upolostery material after both rug/drapes

If you could post pics into your request that would be helpful

I posted a great place to start rug shopping - depends on your taste/budget
I recently purchased many fr. safavieh & am quite pleased

good luck

Here is a link that might be useful: safavieh rugs

Ok I don't know whay the pictures did not work so I will try again

{{!gwi}}

{{!gwi}}

{{!gwi}}

Oh, please, if you are getting rid of the shutters, don't give them or throw them away. Put them in safe keeping. I would bet you will eventually want to use them again.

Thanks for the responses - I am not planning on getting rid of the shutters! I was planning on keeping them and then the drapes I ordered are not functional they are just stationary panels to go on either side of the window.

Whew, Pinkmommy, I was worried for a minute. That's what I have. I call them "dummy drapes."

Your room is lovely. I like your mirror too. Not sure what you would do to get it ready except set that pretty table. Once you have your drapes up, can you show us pictures and/or go to the Holiday forum and ask those pros over there. They are really good at that kind of thing. I am surprised Les has not responded. She, too, has a knack for that.

Your room is beautiful...love the wall color with the crisp white. I wonder if the mirror is too ornate and competing with the beautiful light fixture. What about something a little more tailored and rectangular or oval, but with the shape going horizontal? I was thinking of a mirror in black with perhaps some gold if you keep your sconces. Maybe the light fixture doesn't go with the gold?

Thanks for the responses. Lizzie I tend to agree with you - I think the mirror is too ornante - I have been looking for a different one but wanted some help on what to go with any suggestions? I wanted to keep the sconces too but I don't know I was hoping to put them on either side of the mirror but with this one it looks too much. Does anyone have any ideas about any other furniture in the room - I don't think I have space but I am a little worried that it looks a little sparce.

I think the ornateness of the mirror matches the grandeur of the chandelier - I love both of them - you have a very formal dining room so go with that theme. I would also flank your mirror with the sconces (that would really complete that wall) and get art work for the walls on each side o the doorway. on that same wall as the mirror, it might be nice to put matching plant stands in each corner (out from the wall a bit) with two beautiful Boston Ferns - the softness of the fern texture and the green would look beautiful in your room.

Now, the centerpiece - you need help there girl, lol.

I like this runner even better

Here is a link that might be useful: runner

Thanks Cattknap- you had me laughing with the centerpiece comment! I know I need help... There is this fabulous place in town where they make the most beautiful arrangements and I am hoping to talk DH into letting me get one but I need to get the room mostly finished first so that I know what colors to go with - them I will be back here asking you all what to do. Ok So I will move the sconces and put them on either side of the mirror and take a picture- to me it just looked like too much gold and ornate detailing- but I will let you all see and then you can tell me what you think- DO you think the mirror is the right size- I keep thinking that I need a bigger mirror...
Oh and the runners are beautiful but I just don't know about $400 for a runner.

Thanks Cattknap- you had me laughing with the centerpiece comment! I know I need help... There is this fabulous place in town where they make the most beautiful arrangements and I am hoping to talk DH into letting me get one but I need to get the room mostly finished first so that I know what colors to go with - them I will be back here asking you all what to do. Ok So I will move the sconces and put them on either side of the mirror and take a picture- to me it just looked like too much gold and ornate detailing- but I will let you all see and then you can tell me what you think- Do you think the mirror is the right size- I keep thinking that I need a bigger mirror...
Oh and the runners are beautiful but I just don't know about $400 for a runner.

It may be that the sconces are too over the top on the same wall as the mirror - I took a second look and they have mirrors in them too....I think that the plant stands and ferns would help complete the wall....then see if you need something else on the wall or need a bigger mirror - my guess is that you won't. It is a beautiful room already.

HomeGoods often has gorgeous runners -

And of course - I think you need a rug too :-)

Hi. My first thought was what a beautiful room you have! I love the red! Second thought was to place the sconces on either side of the mirror. A sideboard placed under that would help anchor them also, if you have the room. Some pretty artwork on the other walls and a beautifully set table will complete the scene. Another great place for runners is hobby lobby if you have one near you. Also, instaed of a runner, a smallish square of fabric with boullion fringe that can be draped over the table is very pretty too. Hard to explain, but I can see it in my head, lol! Add some chunky candlesticks and I can smell the turkey roasting! What time is dinner?

Your home is lovely (and thanks for the nice compliment, patricia43!)

The chandelier is lovely, and is wonderful as it is. BUT, it is a very 'cool' and almost floaty feeling because of being all crystal and glass. Everything else in the room (other than the painted white areas) reads very warm and heavy - the woods, the chair upholstery, the gold mirror and gold sconces.

I would get rid of the mirror. Not just because of the ornateness (is that a word?) but because so much gold sets up the warm/cool fight with the chandelier. I would love to see something wider, less ornate, but that would still work with the sconces. I think this one from Bellecor might do the job, and echoes the curves and center peaked ornamentation on the chairs.

antique gold buffet mirror

As an alternative to a mirror, a lovely framed landscape would be nice there, to bring some softness to counteract all the hard white angles of the wood trim, wainscot and shutters. The drapes you ordered will help that as well.

I think the sconces need to stay on the side walls, but I would move them so they are centered on those walls, not flanking the door to the kitchen. I would also think about changing the shades out to a warmer beige/gold fabric, as the black feels kind of harsh to me. I would not hang them to flank the mirror, since they have mirrored centers and that might be too much mirror in one spot.

I think a rug would be a nice addition, would set off the wood of the table and chairs nicely. Perhaps something with a field that is the color of the chair fabric, with touches of the reds from the wall in the pattern and in the border. I would want it to feel lighter since you have so much dark wood.

Yep, your centerpiece needs help! LOL. Too small and too casual for the ornate chandelier and decor in the room. I would look for a lower footed bowl or tureen, something with a light background and handpainted design, maybe a red toile or oriental design OR something in cream and the antique gold of the sconces, etc.. Fill that with creams and whites and greens and touches of deeper golds and reds in the florals.

Thanks for the compliments I am hoping it will work well when finished

I love that mirror Les- and I think it would work better too- I did not think about the warm/cold battle but I do know what you mean now.

I do not think I have enough space for a buffet in the room there is not much space now behind the back chair so I think I will have to leave it alone for now-

I have another question for you all now- i was thinking of painting the ceiling a metalic gold- what do you think about that idea? right now the ceiling is a light buttery yellow ( the stanard builder color) and it looks funky with the white below and then the red- Let me know what you think.

I have another place I can put the mirror where I actually think it looks better but it is in the foyer area - which is open to the dining room- do you think it will be okay to have two mirros in the same area?

Thanks for all your help.

I really don't see a huge difference in the two mirrors - both are gilded and both are ornate - you already have the mirror - to go out and buy another mirror just because it has an inch less gild on it doesn't make sense to me.

Turn your mirror on its side.

Adding the plant stands and ferns will help fill up the void of that wall - buying another mirror will not cure that problem.

Gilded mirrors and crystal chandeliers are timeless and classic - there is no warm/cool - crystal chandeliers adds sparkle and brightness just like crystal candlesticks do.

A runner like the last one I posted will bring in the gold that you need on your table - tying in your mirror and your sconces.

I think buying another mirror is a waste of money. Accessorizing and tweaking what you already have is where you should put your resources.

Thanks for your input- CatKnapp I understand what you are saying- but as I said I do have another place where I can use the mirror so if I did change it out I would still be using it- I think I will try and make it work first and then if I really still don't like it I will look into changing it- I had a plant stand with a fern in it in another room - so I put in the dining room to see how it looks- tell me what you think

Not sure if these are formal enough for you to use, but maybe you can get some ideas from them, or someone else can. They are from Better Home & Gardens. Also do a search on Judithva for other table decorating ideas!

Here is a link that might be useful: Better Homes & Gardens

Don't hate me, but I actually like the sconces with the mirror very much and I love the black shades against the red - very rich looking. You need two plant stands that are matching and taller and more substantial and weighty. I really like it - I'd think about a rug, a runner, some additional art for the kitchen door wall, two plant stands and ferns and a centerpiece - you will have one stunning dining room.

DKR has posted some wonderful pictures! Love the set table - gorgeous! I really also like the silver pedestal dishes - I have some very similar and they are so versatile.

PinkMommy - I like the tall plant stand on this link - $75 each...they have the formality that your room needs.

Here is a link that might be useful: plant stands

Well, Cattknap and I are gonna bump heads on this one, I guess! LOL

I think the sconces and the ornate mirror together are too much for that wall, and especially with the simple elegance and open feel of your lovely table and chairs. Since I think the wall opposite that is open into the foyer, I think the end wall feels too heavy in comparison. Personally, I also think you have to decide what the focal point of the room will be - the back wall, or the chandelier.

I also wouldn't do a runner on the table, just a pretty low centerpiece. Let the warm wood of the table reflect the light of the chandelier and add a 'glow' to the area. The runner may also visually shrink the size of the table, and it isn't really a huge, long table to begin with, with too much bare wood showing.

The room isn't large, and I think sometimes too much is just too much. You are going to be adding more to the room when the drapery comes in, then more if you are going to add a rug. While I like the one fern in the corner (tho I think the style of the container is a bit rustic for the room), I wouldn't add another one with the drapery in the other corner.

What is most important, tho, is that YOU love the look of the room, and that it has the feel that YOU are trying to achieve.

One thing that did occur to me. If in fact the wall opposite the mirror is open to the entry hall, have you considered doing some drapery panels on either side of that wall, portieres, to create some separation? Not having seen that opening I don't know if that would work, but it might give you the sense of a more separate space if that is what you would like.

I am going to agree with Cattknap here. I think Les has some good points, BUT, I have never thought a room should be reduced in grandiosity because of its size. Those rooms are those from which little jewel boxes are created and big does not make a small room look smaller, it makes a small room look grander and more important. I like the mirror, I like the sconces and if it was mine, I would use the plant stands, greener to soften and a beautiful runner on the table, perhaps some gold ornate vase full of beautiful autumn flowers to show off the lovely table.

Your table is screaming for a tablecloth. As others have said, the room has a very formal, elegant feel. (I like that). Follow that feel with your table and everything will look great Worry less about the walls and windows... focus your attention where your guests I will be!

A book I heartily recommend to anyone: "The Art of the Table, a Complete Guide to Table Setting, Table Manners, and Tableware" by Suzanne von Drachenfels c. 2000, Simon & Schuster. This book explains it all, with great good humor, and tells you how to "make do" when you don't have all the proper "stuff" and/or are unsure about how to pull it all together.

I see a lovely tablecloth (over a hushcloth, to deaden the table noise), with napkins to either "match" or provide a SUBTLE contrast. A simple centrepiece (a cornucopia with some fruit?) or NOT, depending on the available space on your table; maybe a discreet pair of candlesticks?

Your "best" china and flatware; OR whatever you HAVE but sparkling clean and laid with care as to how far from the table's edge, everything in alignment, napkins crisply pressed and neatly folded THE SAME WAY AT EVERY PLACE. The most important thing is that you pay attention to detail. You can mix and match to your heart's content, but beautiful tables begin and end with attention to detail.

All the rest is up to the company and the food... good fun conquers the oversights (be a love and pass the wine, won't you, dear?). ;) Here's what the basic white tablecloth can do with some imagination; even the "everyday stuff" looks fancier:

{{!gwi}}

{{!gwi}}

{{!gwi}}

{{!gwi}}

I was pleased with the centrepiece in the first shot above, here are some others I liked, too:

{{!gwi}}

{{!gwi}}

Liv, looks like our dining room and we still need to get furniture. http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/decor/msg0813341119127.html

Mind me asking what brand table/chairs you have, looks nice.

Thanks,

Backsweat--LOL really need to change login nick...stumbled upon GW while searing for advice on air conditioners after our central went out.

Pinkmommy, do you have room in there for a sofa table size table instead of a sideboard? I did not have room in my DR for large hutch that I have and large side board, table & 8 chairs, so I put the sideboard in the GR and placed my sofa table which I no longer am able to use in this house on the wall where a sideboard would be. It is slimmer and less obtrusive and I can use it for dessert or other accoutrements not on the table, similar to a dumbwaiter.

I agree with patricia43. They do make really thin sideboards too. Have you thought about painting the sleeves on your chandy a metalic gold? I know you can buy the sleeves with gold drips too. I think the ceiling would look good with a darker ceiling, being it just paint or metalic.

Hmmmmm. Great DR to begin w/!

I think that the mirror w/ the sconces on each side looks good & you could go w/ that. Very classy.

But.... as soon as Les mentioned a landscape I went "Oooohhhhhh, yes! How pretty would that be w/ the chandelier?!". The mirror & sconces together is expected & very, very pretty but a landscape w/ that chandelier - not as expected. And I would look for something w/ a lot of blue sky in it o balance that warm/ cool thing going on like Les mentioned.

Not knowing your art style here are 2 that I came across to get an idea:

{{!gwi}}
{{!gwi}}

You have a great space already to begin w/.

RE a center piece: Where will the food be served from?

Ok Well thanks for all the responses- I have a lot to answer to this morning. Dekr8 I love the table settings you posted and will definetley look at them again for the hoiliday - same with Chelone- wonderful settings - I will have a tablecloth and the whole table set for Thanksgiving - right now I am looking to finish the room before the holiday.

Les and Catknapp- I think you both have wonderful ideas and I really appreciate your feedback -

Backsweat - I just love your dining room - Where did you get your rug- our drapes are going to look almost the same and I think that rug would work in my dining room too!-
I got the furniture from Thomasville - it is the Kent Park collection.

Patricia - I am not sure about the space for a sofa table- I don't think I have enough behind the table- but I may have enough space on the Kithcen wall.

Thanks again I will be back later

I LOVE those sconces. Could you share where you got them?

Gorgeous dining room. Have you looked at Karastan rugs? I have several in my home and they are great quality. Your silk bronze drapes sound gorgeous. October is national Karastan month and Macy's in particular usually has great sale prices. You can even try them in your room and return them.

What do your dished look like?

ooops! That should be dishes NOT Dished! :)

I like the wall color what paint did you use?
Thanks!

I would love to see a thin console table along the side wall ....... if possible ......