The painting and the mirror just don't fit this formal space. I would take a leaf out of the table and a few chairs, perhaps slip cover the two captain chairs to soften it up in here. the curtains, table are elegant, as well as the light, the clock is shabby, the painting is rustic and the mirror is well just not right. the buffet sits rather low and lost, and it is a very lovely piece! what is it like with a leaf out and fewer chairs?.. you have great things they are just semi mish moshed right now. The vase is much too small.. lets try to see if we can group some things move some things, and maybe borrow some things from other rooms.

Have you considered an elegant rug? I would suggest one with 2-3 colors you just love. Use these colors for accessories in the room. I agree with the previous comment regarding your current wall and table decor. It can take time to find just the perfect wall items so put down a beautiful rug and then proceed slowly, always relating choices to your rug color pallet. With a quality rug and pretty center piece, you can take your time.

Actually, the rug in the dining room needs to be big enough that the chairs are still on it when people push them back to sit down or stand up. Therefore, I would skip the rug.

Definitely different art, and lose the clock. The mirror isn't bad, but it's not quite right. I like the simplicity of the bowl and candles on the sideboard.

take out the leaf and a few chairs.

yes i dont think it needs a rug.

Yes, unless you seat eight family &/or friends at each meal I think you should remove any leaves from the table until needed as well as two or more of the chairs. You have lovely floors & a very classy chandelier with high end dining set.

The most obvious missing item is a very large area rug. Go Oriental or Persian as they have a mixture of small patterns & many colors & should be able to go into any setting. After the rug is in, the drapes raised higher, the table is smaller & the chairs placed in different places, you can reassess the situation.

The art & the clock may need to be switched out for something a bit more formal. Add a long silk table runner & replace the small vase with the buffet object, add some tall items at either end of the buffet (perhaps a silver tray with a set of multi colored hand blown wine glasses & pitcher on one side & a grouping of 5 varying sizes of candlesticks on the other side.)

Check out Art.com or Great Big Canvas for a sizable art or tapestry piece to set off this beautiful & welcoming dining room setting. Only you can choose your art. Use guidelines on the sites for 'dining room art'.

Vintage posters in shades of yellow, gold frames. The room is lovely. Keep it simple.

The problem with the mirror is that it looks less like a starburst and more like something with porcupine quills around it. A plainer larger mirror would be good.

You don't need a rug, or a runner, or more flowers, or lamps. The room is simple and elegant.

Nope. I love the big round mirror with the round bowl on the sideboard.

I would definitely place the PB mirror over your buffet. Tip: Notice how the accessories are placed in front of mirrors and immitate with objects of similiar size. A lovely rug with a soft or light colored background will do wonders for separating the dark dining set from the dark floor. Currently the table and chairs are one dark mass. If you really need to leave the table full size, try plaxing the end chairs on either side of the buffet. As stated earlier, the rug should allow for chairs to stay on the rug even when being guests are being seated.

I like this room. I would enjoy sitting in room and visiting. I would try the following:

* Work on wall over sideboard. Make it as important in feeling as the richness of floor and old table and chairs. Try putting that very cool painting over the sideboard instead of across the room from it. Then arrange your best or favorite vases and pitchers on a tray on the sideboard or get a giant silver bowl or some other piece to add to top of sideboard to dial up drama of that sideboard/ painting wall. I see you have something big there but, it does not read to my eye that well in picture.

* On wall where painting was, try a series or grouping of several items that relate either by shape or subject matter. I'd have to see your stuff to make a good recommendation but, seems like a good wall for a series of 3 prints that are like 24" x 30". Make this wall interesting too, but, let the wall with the sideboard and painting dominate in importance.

You need to give more focus to where your eye goes and making one wall more important than the other will do this. Love to see a wonderful series of silver or glass or plants on center of table too.

Since your table and chairs have so much character I feel like you need to come up to that level with anything you bring in the room. Try finding an "architectural antique" from a seller in your area. Old pediments, signs with your family name etc... are always fun to own. Oh and suggestion for fabric slipcovers on end chairs could be a good one if done by a good seamstress. Thanks for sharing...really a nice space....you're just not used to it yet maybe.

I think you need more lighting in the space, either ceiling can lights in the corners, or at the least, buffet lamps. Something tall, skinny, with crystals to coordinate with, but not match, your amazing chandelier. I agree that your art piece is dark, but with proper lighting around the room, it shouldn't be a problem.

I think clocks are better in the kitchen. Maybe swap you living room mirror with the artwork. Art could be cool on living room. Small sunburst mirror in the hallway? Beautiful room, don't need to add much at all.

I love the chandelier. Did you purchase it? or was it already in the house?

The clock and the painting, go together, and may work really well grouped with something else on that living room wall where the large mirror is!.. I agree a larger mirror. and simple decor. Dont get too caught up with all of us, we all have our minds at work lol.

what else you got around the house lol.

I like the room and wouldn't change much. I'd walk right over and take the clock down right now and I would change the art. Other than that, it's nice. I wouldn't get a rug. I love your chandelier and the room's uncluttered look. The mirror wouldn't be my first choice but it's not bad. I think I'd leave the PB mirror in the living room as it looks nice there. As you look for art (maybe greatbigcanvas.com), please post your favorites so we can vote. Grover might even pop a few on your wall to see:)

im with ann for the most part, simple art and a few decor pieces you should be done. i think the church street has the right theme.

I do think an area rug is needed. I do not agree with grover's choice for wall. Your room is formal & more formal art is needed. Please reread my suggestions made earlier. I do like the mirror in the living room, however I would hang it vertically.

Regarding a rug, it would need to be 4 feet longer and 4 feet wider than the table (that's an absolute minimum). Additionally, it should be about 2 feet away from all walls. All of that can be tough to manage size wise. Just last week, I removed a rug from my dining room to make it look more like your dining room and I'm loving it without a rug:). A rug isn't a bad idea, but it would have to be the right size and nice rugs aren't inexpensive. I'd start by replacing that art (and removing the clock) and see how you feel about the room then.

I agree the chairs and table are all dark, but they are really nice. I wouldn't change them.

I love Sandra's thought to hang the living room mirror vertically!

no rug, you dont need it and the room just isnt large enough to make it functional. also you can save that money for new art!