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Dining Room Table Update - where to go from here?

14 years ago

So our new table arrived on Wednesday... the one that I proclaimed my love for, shortly after posing the question "How do I know if I really love something?", lol. The table is even more beautiful than I could have hoped, and it feels so sturdy and well made, I can't help but feel that it will be around for a very long time. We removed both leaves because it was just SO big with them (great for entertaining), and with the 6 chairs I think the scale is perfect.

Hubby and I still can't decide on a paint shade. I am still thinking beige thanks to this beautiful inspiration picture of mine (though it is a room MUCH larger than ours, lol):

My plan is to create a similar look with picture frame moldings. I have also been eying these curtains and this chandelier for the space (though the chandy is a bit pricey for us considering our budget... I may need to try to find a cheaper fixture with a similar look):

Very torn on how to choose a rug. I have found rugs that I like, but mixing patterns scares the heck out of me. With paisley curtains, I can't imagine what type of rug would work in this space. But, we need a rug ASAP because the chairs on the wood floor aren't really the best thing.

What do you all think? Where should we go from here? Is beige boring? Is a patterned rug impossible with those curtains? Should the rug be a lighter color or a darker one? Will the picture frame moldings look good or will they make our dining room look too trendy? (since I feel like most new construction homes these days have those types of moldings in the dining room). I am looking for honest opinions.

Comments (36)

  • 14 years ago

    I think a light beige that has a greyish tone as in your inspiration photo would really make the room expand visually and would go very well with your curtains. I see too many yellowish tan rooms that look somehow dated and trite.

    As far as a rug is concerned, please make sure first of all that it's large enough. I couldn't believe the difference to our dining room when we put in a large rug. The room suddenly looked much larger and more "relaxed". As far as color is concerned, I'd pick out one of the darker colors from your curtains as the main tone and would try to find a large, swirling and more open pattern. You don't want to repeat the small pattern of the curtain. Alternatively, you could have a solid color with banding around the edges of a darker color. A Persian would probably also look beautiful if you opt for a more traditional look.

  • 14 years ago

    Whoo, I really like that chandelier! Can you give me more details on the brand and where you saw it?

    That's a beautiful dining room set, your room is charming and once you neutralize the color-- it will be lovely!
    For the woodwork, I like Swiss Coffee by Pratt and Lambert. I'm headed towards warmer tans as my wall color -- less gray so I'm not sure that I have suggestion for that wall color.

  • 14 years ago

    I love all of your choices! Good luck finding that yummy paint color & I'd go with a simple sisal or seagrass rug.

  • 14 years ago

    I love the chandelier.

  • 14 years ago

    Thanks for the feedback! I am glad that everyone seems to like my choices so far.

    I have a couple shades I like but Hubby is hesitant to do a beige with a grey undertone in it. He is like "when you said beige, THAT is not what I envisioned." However, the beiges he picks out look almost peachy to me, which is NOT what I want to go with when we are planning on having the adjoining living room a soft, light, grey-blue.

    The sisal rug is a great idea! I don't know why I didn't consider such a rug. It would protect the floor, and give the room a nice light, airy feel to it. I remember, when we had just put in an offer on this house, I was trying to relay my ideas for the design style of this house. I wanted to convey a clean, contemporary feel, with light and airy colors, warm, traditional furniture and lots of sparkly accents. All I could come up with to describe it to my hubby was "Modern, beachy farmhouse"... as if that makes any sense, lol. But, I think the rug would fit in with that description.

    Compumom- That chandelier is the Murren Chandelier by Savoy House. I found it on lighting universe, but I am sure it's available all sorts of places. Here's a link to the entire Murren collection (all of the pieces are beautiful)...

    Here is a link that might be useful: the Murren Collection by Savoy House

  • 14 years ago

    The table is gorgeous, and I think it will look great with the drapes and the chandelier. Can't you just put some felt on the bottom of the chairs to protect the wood floor until you decide on the rug? They have sticky felt in all different sizes at Home Depot.

  • 14 years ago

    Lovely table and room. Does the table fit in your room with one leaf in? It looks like it might. I think the chairs look squished and the arm chairs don't fit under the table as it is. Were you planning on taking out two of the side chairs? I think it would fill your room better with one leaf in and make it look more grand. I would try this before I get a rug. With the gorgeous chandelier that you have chosen, a larger table will help the room look more finished. Just my 2 cents worth!

  • 14 years ago

    Sashasmommy- Thanks... those felt things are a good idea. I have never lived in a house with hardwood floors, so things like that never occur to me. I will have to look for those when we are at home depot.

    rnmomof2 - It does fit in our room with one leaf. However, the leaf is pretty large and I felt like it took up too much space with all 6 chairs. With only 4 chairs and a leaf, the table looks... "underdressed". At least to me.

    I have some pics of it with the leaf in. Let me post one and I'll let you all be the judge (sorry for the yellowy-ness of the photo:

    That is without the two captain's chairs.

  • 14 years ago

    My other concern, too, is that I don't know where to put the two end chairs if I don't have them at the table. There is not enough room in the DR to keep them there, and I am not quite sure where else they could go. My only idea was to buy a small table for the breakfast room and use those two chairs for the seating there- to kind of tie the two rooms together. But, I will probably have a very hard time matching the finish of the table to the chairs.

    Where do you all store your extra dining chairs?

  • 14 years ago

    Do the captain's chairs fit at the end of the table with the leaf in? Is this table for looks or will it be used every day? Since your room can handle the size, I think it looks more elegant and dining room like spread out with the leaf. I have a china cabinet and my arm chairs sit on each side of it.

    I am tweaking my dining room table (which is definitely for looks!) with Christmas decor as we speak. I don't have a leaf in it now, but my room is more cramped than your appears to be. I feel tablescapes are easier with a larger table.

  • 14 years ago

    I think you have a beautiful start. Love the table. Love the built in china cabinets. I think a soft tan would love great. Take a look at Benjamin Moore Manchester Tan.

    Have you looked at overstock.com at lighting? They have a more budget friendly version of that chandelier. See link below.

    I think the table looks much better with the leaf in. Can the arm chairs fit too?

    I do not think molding can ever be considered trendy. I think it is classic and will always be beautiful.

    Here is a link that might be useful: budget friendly chandelier

  • 14 years ago

    Your dining room table is beautiful. You must be so happy with your purchase. I like the idea of ligth colored walls.

    I don't know how much the chandelier is that you wanted, but that Overstock one is very close. I had to go back like 5 times to compare...

    Your room is gonna look great.

  • 14 years ago

    I love your choices! Where did you find the drapery panels? The fabric is beautiful.

    jillinnj's idea of trying BM Manchester Tan is excellent. If you decide you want grayish beige, check out BM Revere Pewter.

    -Laurie

    BM Manchester Tan


    BM Revere Pewter

  • 14 years ago

    Jill, thanks so much for the link! That chandelier is beautiful and less than half the price! Definitely more budget friendly... I will have to show the DH.

    rnmom - the captains chairs fit with the leaf, but they don't leave a lot of room to move around the table. This table is used every day for us (DH and I eat dinner together every night at the table) so it's definitely important to keep function in mind.

    Laurie- I have looked at both of those colors. I remember DH telling me he thought revere pewter was too dark. As for the Manchester Tan... I could have sworn I thought it had a hint of green to it?

  • 14 years ago

    You're welcome. Make sure you read the reviews on overstock. I didn't check if there were any for that chandelier or what they said.

    I recently painted my family room Manchester Tan. It is a beautiful, soft tan. But, I have to say that when I sampled it in that room by painting large samples on all walls, it did look green to me. Not that it's on all the walls, I don't see any green. I think it is one of those colors that changes a lot due to lighting and what's around it. So, definitely sample it in your room.

  • 14 years ago

    Your new dining set is beautiful. Love your inspiration photo and I also really like the curtains. Where are they from? Can't wait to see it all come together for you.

  • 14 years ago

    I just love your dining room table!

  • 14 years ago

    I love your dining table. I agree with other posters that it looks better with the leaf in. Did you change your orientation from the first to the second picture? I prefer it like in the second picture. If it's only you and your DR eating there daily as long as you orient it in such a way that one end of the table is easily accessable it should work with the leaf. I also agree with suggestion to get the larger sized rug that works with the leaf in place.

  • 14 years ago

    Your furniture is very pretty! It looks solid and well-made. Nice light fixture too. Not sure about the beige walls, but then I don't see the whole picture of your house. I don't know what colors are in the rooms near the dining room. I can imagine more color on the wall looking great with that dark wood, but you can also do beige and add color with art, a rug, and your WT's. Whatever you choose, I know it will look great!

  • 14 years ago

    I have tables and chairs in the same color wood your table and chairs are and I just love it.

    The drapes are perfect along with a warm beige paint.

    I don't like the chandy though, it would make the room more modern.

    The whole room will have that classic style to it but I see the chandy as having some crystals/glass hanging from it.

    I also like the table better with the leaves in.

  • 14 years ago

    Your table is absolutely GORGEOUS and I also LOVE your inspiration room. When I saw it and read your description of Modern, beachy farmhouse, I immediately thought of the movie, Something's Gotta Give and my friend, Rhoda's blog called, Southern Hospitality. Rhoda's DR used to be painted a beautiful red. However, a while back, she decided she wanted to change it up. Her incredible inspiration room came from that movie, which is set in the Hamptons. Here is that simple, yet amazingly elegant room:



    SW Antique White

    Rhoda did an excellent job making it her own. You should check out her room through the link below. There are LOTS of great pictures! Her wall paint of choice was SW Antique White. I think it is a tad bit warmer than the one in your inspiration room, but it is beautiful. The one in your inspiration room reminds me of the one in our new home, SW Relaxed Khaki. Here's an example of that:


    SW RELAXED KHAKI

    I hope this helps some. I can't wait to see it!!

    MERRY CHRISTMAS!

    ~Addy~

    Here is a link that might be useful: SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY - A Classic Dining Room

  • 14 years ago

    Well, my links didn't work! HUMPH! Let me try that again.

    Something's Gotta Give

    Southern Hospitality

  • 14 years ago

    WOW! I loved the table when you posted it before! :0) The chandy is perfect in every way....size, shape, shades.....another WOW! Beige is a great color....muted, yet classy....lots of fabrics to choose from to coordinate....go for it!

  • 14 years ago

    Thanks everyone for your your kind feedback!

    Oakley- I should have prefaced my inspiration photo with the statement that the chandy is the one thing I don't care for in that room. I love every other element but I tend to lean more toward transitional decor, so a simple chandelier is more my style. Thanks for the feedback though!

    Karoloke - the curtains are from JCPenney. I think they are on Clearance so I had better order quick if I am going to get them!!

    Addyson- I can't believe you are friends with Rhoda! I read her blog every day :) I actually really love that relaxed Khaki color you showed me... it's beautiful! Maybe I could get BM to mix that color for me in the Aura. Oh and that room is stunning.

    I am going to put the leaf back in tonight and see how I feel about it. I am also really digging the idea of the sea grass or sisal rug. Anything I should know about them?

  • 14 years ago

    I just wanted to say I like your new table. Like it with the leaf if you have the room. Looks like it works ok in the photo you posted laster. I think the chairs appear a bit too cramped without it. I agree a rug should be large enough to accomodate with the leaf in. Love that inspiration photo and think you have some nice choices picked out. :)

  • 14 years ago

    Oh, here's a question I have been meaning to ask... what are the rules regarding chandelier size compared to the size of the table? The chandelier we have now is very small, but some of the ones I have been eying seem quite large (like 24 inches in diameter... for a 5 light). I want to make sure whatever I buy, the size is nicely balanced with the other elements of the room. It's a pretty small room and I don't want to overwhelm the space.

    Also, as much as I LOVE that chandelier... it's just not financially feasible. However, Jill posted a great alternative... and while looking at that chandelier, I found another I like too. The only thing I would do is remove the crystals that hang from each arm... and maybe see if I could find white shades? What do you guys think???

    Possible replacement chandelier:

  • 14 years ago

    Somebody recently posted a link to the Cote de Texas blog where she explains all about seagrass vs sisal (and other materials). See link below. Now I want a seagrass rug for somewhere!

    I like the new chandelier, and I actually like the crystals. As far as size, do a google search. Here's one explanation I found:
    http://www.ehow.com/how_5068427_determine-right-size-chandelier.html

    Here is a link that might be useful: Seagrass vs Sisal rugs

  • 14 years ago

    Wow, that new chandy is really gorgeous!!

    Oh, and I guess I should say that I have come to consider Rhoda my 'friend' because she is so very kind and she ALWAYS, ALWAYS answers my emails and has helped me on several projects that I have asked for her opinion on. She also often takes time to visit my blog and leave very sweet comments. She is just one of those people who always has time for others and she treats you like you are her friend...and always have been. She is just a really special lady. Plus, she lives in Alabama and I live in Georgia, which is where she is from, so we have a lot in common.

    However, I have not yet had the pleasure of meeting Rhoda in person, so I guess you would say we are internet/blogging buddies. :0) I didn't mean to insinuate anything more.

    ~Addy~

  • 14 years ago

    Addy-

    Wow, that's awesome that Rhoda has personally helped you figure out projects! I don't think it matters whether or not you have met in person... I think it's AWESOME that you have had so much contact with her.

    I do think she creates beautiful spaces, and she seems like such a lovely woman!

    And thanks for the feedback on the new chandelier... I don't love it quite as much as the Savoy House one... but seeing that it is less than HALF what the other costs, it's hard NOT to justify it.

    That said, I would love to find white, less-tall shades for the new chandelier to make it a little more streamlined looking. Does anyone know of a good place to find chandelier shades?

  • 14 years ago

    so I found two more chandeliers that I think would be good alternatives... the first is a about $100 less expensive than the second. What do you think?

    The Kichler Crystal Persuasion chandelier:

    The Maxim Rondo Chandelier:

    I like the Kichler one, but I'm a tad bit unsure about the stacked angular crystals... but I like the fact that it's kinda of edgy looking.

  • 14 years ago

    So, I did a quick mock-up of what the room would look like. I am concerned that it might be too beige. However, the picture doesn't take into account the picture frame moldings and chair rail that I plan to add. What do you all think?

    I used the least expensive chandelier. If I can find some white shades to put on it, I think it will work very well in the space.

    Please ignore the strange orangyness of the floor. The picture had an orange cast and when I masked the walls, the whole thing looked really funny.

  • 14 years ago

    I really like it. I don't think it is too beige at all. A couple of things you should keep in mind is that it will look totally different once you get an area rug under your dining set, some beautiful art on your walls, your dishes and other items in your built-ins, maybe a runner on your table and then all of your other accessories. Those are places where you can really pull in some color - as much, or as little, as you want! I think it is going to look ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!

    Oh, and as far as the rug is concerned, people are mixing and matching ALL kinds of patterns these days. Take your time, look at all different styles, colors and patterns of rugs and wait for something that really makes your heart go pitter-patter! :0) Then you'll know!

    I will probably be away for the next few days, but I will check back in soon. Hope everyone has a wonderfully blessed Christmas!

    ~Addy~

  • 14 years ago

    I love ur choices. The fabric is so beautiful Colours and patterns are good. MERRY CHRISTMAS

    Here is a link that might be useful: Stoneselex

  • 14 years ago

    It looks beautiful!

  • 14 years ago

    That dining set is beautiful and I absolutely love the curtain panels! Although the inspiration pictures are gorgeous, I think I would try a neutral with a little bit more color. Google Benjamin Moore Coastal Fog or Camoflauge. These are earthy neutral colors that would compliment the curtains and the gorgeous wood dining table color.

    I have Coastal Fog in my kitchen and it reads tan/olive in the sunlight during the day, warm olive at night. It is definitely a neutral color. I'm all about paint samples on the walls to get a good feel for how colors change in a room with different light!

    BEN MOORE COASTAL FOG

  • 14 years ago

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