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malikagupta

Need Help Dinning Space - How to make it present better?

11 years ago

Hi Guys - we finally have bought out dinning chairs, tables, pendant and rug but now the next stage of finding right decors - Painting, Window Treatment and decorating the glass dinning table with placemats or other ideas. Below are the images of the current furniture we bought. Please help with your reviews and comments now how to make this space look/present better?

Please forgive for blurry images due to camera issues.


Comments (75)

  • 11 years ago

    I like the striped ones KSLW2 posted. I would choose grey since you have color on the other side of the room.

  • 11 years ago

    I'm not sure that your sheer needs to have any 'design'. I think I'd stick with plain white. Are the red curtains you have the blackout ones?

  • 11 years ago

    k9arlene - they are orange and yes they are blackout.

  • 11 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago
  • 11 years ago

    I'm afraid that the clock canvases are too similar in content to your area rugs. I'd look for something that isn't quite as busy or 'abstract'. Also, if you get art that's too busy, I think stripe shades or multiple color roman shades are going to overpower the room with too much color and large pattern. On another note, can you pull the sofa (where the chaise is) away from the wall and center it more in front of the window? That way you could have a cool arc lamp between the chaise and the wall. You really should have some lighting on/near the sofa.

  • 11 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    That curtain picture you posted is in a room that is not remotely like yours. Where your space is contemporary and modern, the room those floral sheers are shown in is traditional and very staid looking. And I know I am repeating myself but you really must hem those blackout curtains. They look messy and like you bought the wrong size. That type of grommeted curtain is too modern to "puddlie" on the floor.

    If you like photographic art, how about this from Grandinroad. It is printed on a stretched canvas and is in the perfect color way for your dining room. You can get it in two sizes, and the largest one would very nicely fill the wall in your dining area (perpendicular to the window wall).

  • 11 years ago

    kswl2 - the first thing i did yesterday was hem the curtains and then went to buy new once from store.. Please check out below pic to confirm u all like these?

  • 11 years ago

    Great job hemming. You sure work fast! The new sheers work so much better. Looks great. I noticed in your inspiration photo that the sheers are on a separate rod behind the blackouts. I really like that look. Is that your plan? I wonder what your thoughts are regarding moving the sofa away from the wall. It looks kind be of squished in their. And lamps?

  • 11 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Great job hemming those curtains, i am totaly impressed! The simple sheer curtain is so much better suited to your decor!

    i do think you need a similar window treatment at the other window in that seating area. You don't have to pull the curtains at all if the sun and light is not an issue from that direction; they will be there just to frame the window and provide a symmetrical balance to the window treatment behind the sofa. However, you will need two sheer panels so they can hang just in front of the leading edges of the two orange side panels and not I between (obviously, if the window stays uncovered).


  • 11 years ago

    Something like this for your sesting space, it is a blue abstract canvas print in a similar hue to the blue of your rug, and is horizontal---to go over the chest at right. You can't see all of the canvas in the picture below, unfortunately, but it may help you get the idea.

    In your dining area:







    You our need larger art, not a collection of small things, for maximum impact in your home. IMO, anyway!

  • 11 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    kswl2 - Yea i will be adding one more sheer curtain. i was just checking the look..the other side as well i have bought similar panels which i will hem till the window length and put on. Quick Q do we hem the side window curtains below the seal or above?

    Your suggestion on blue wall art is very nice but we are building a bar and floating shelves in that area.. something similar below in concept but different items.. I will share pics tomorrow as this is our DYI for today evening.

    Lastly for dinning room wall art we both really loved the idea of canvas wall art with clock so are thinking will it really look very bad? What can i do to get it working like change the rug?

    Other options we have in mind are below -

    Modern Style Abstract Scrawl Wall Clock in Canvas 3pcs #01061704 · More Info

    Parvez Taj 'Buddha' Canvas Art · More Info

    I am also searching for the wall art you suggested.

    Salt Lake Home Remodel · More Info

  • 11 years ago

    Both the orange and sheer curtains should be hemmed to the floor on both windows. Also, even if you plan to always reveal the sheers, I would use 2 pairs of orange curtains on each window to provide a more generous look. The pairs do not need to be sewn together. Sounds like you REALLY want that wall clock tryptic, but I think the either piece of art suggested by kswl plays better in your space in that it is a bit more sophisticated. Love the bar inspiration photo!

  • 11 years ago

    A bar area will look great above that piece of furniture, good call for that space!

    The canvas clock with flanking similar pieces is just too small or the wall in your dining area, but it should be able to find a home somewhere else in the condominium. The Buddha canvas you posted is the right size and color for the dining area and i think it would look very nice on that wall behind your dining table. (Dont forget to lower the light over the table!)

  • 11 years ago

    The Buddha canvas would look great with a striped canvas shade as well:


  • 11 years ago

    kswl2 - the only issue is the stripped canvas shades are very expensive around 400$+ for one window.. I am trying to find if there are any other ways to get these.. Do you have any idea?

  • 11 years ago

    I don't think you are going to be able to get a custom shade for any less than $400. Perhaps you could at least try the same orange curtains at the dining window , without sheers, and keep them pushed very far to the sides so their only real function is to frame the window.


    How ow about these gray and white stripe sheers from Urban outfitters?

  • 11 years ago

    kswl2- are these above suggested for dinning?

  • 11 years ago

    kswl2- i went to JCpenny and they have some plain deep orange roman shades for 150$ but i did not have my curtain samples to did not order. I will visit again in evening...

  • 11 years ago

    k9arlene - thanks for your comments, the reason i am not putting the sheer behind is the front blackout panel are not that wide to cover full window. They leave a gap of 3-4 inches between them.. that is why i am still confused :( .. Do you think it will still look good?

    In regards to the sofa can you please explain me again what you want to me to move and were? Just for background we have done inwall wiring all over living room for sound sound and tv so the boxes are keep on a small table behind the sofa. I am sorry i dont have a pic now but will share once i am back home in evening. Also i regards to lighting we have just completed reaccessed lighting throughout the space. Please let me know your thoughts.

  • 11 years ago

    If you look at your last photo, move the sofa to the right so it's not pushed up against the wall on the left. Even tho you have overhead lighting, I still think you need lamps and I think a cool arc lamp would fit into your contemporary room. You could place it next to the chaise.

  • 11 years ago

    "the reason i am not putting the sheer behind is the front blackout panel
    are not that wide to cover full window. They leave a gap of 3-4 inches
    between them.. that is why i am still confused :( .. Do you think it
    will still look good?"

    Whether or not you plan to close the blackout panels, you need additional panels. Even open and revealing the sheers, one pair is too "skimpy." You need more fullness for the blackout panels to look good on either side of the sheers.

  • 11 years ago

    I don't necessarily agree that more fullness is needed for those orange curtains. The modern, grommet hung style is supposed to be much less full than traditional pinch pleated or shirred curtain panels. If she's not going to close them, I would open them wide, let a bit of the sheer hang at the leading edge and call it a day. Another set of blackout drapes on that window would envelop it and cut off the light that makes their condo so appealing.

    Yes to an arc lamp behind the sofa, and moving the sofa away from the left wall and away a bit from the window.

    (I posted to your cocktail table thread, Malika, with the suggestion of a lucite table from CB2 that will not take up much visual space.)

    Malika Gupta thanked User
  • 11 years ago

    Delilah66 - I dont fully understand what are you suggesting? I am definitely going to add one more sheer panel... but i am not sure if i will put another curtain rod behind the first to separate sheer from blackout as in my inspiration pick above.

  • 11 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    kswl2 - i picked few tables and posted in other thread for reviews...

    On a side note do you like the Buddha painting more than the abstract wall clock art for my living dinning space if we leave the rug aside/out of picture.

    Quick Q do we hem the side window curtains below the seal or above?

  • 11 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Adding to the sheers will do it, Malika!

  • 11 years ago

    Okay Thanks Delilah66 - what are your thoughts on the wall art? Which one of below you like?



    Modern Style Abstract Scrawl Wall Clock in Canvas 3pcs #01061704 · More Info



    Parvez Taj 'Buddha' Canvas Art · More Info

  • 11 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Buddha! Curtains on both living room windows need to go to the floor.

    Malika Gupta thanked User
  • 11 years ago

    Delilah66 - thanks for your inputs. Could you also check out my other post for coffee table suggestion?

  • 11 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Yes agree with Delilah that all curtains should go to the floor.

  • 11 years ago

    The Buddha painting is much better as it has a calmness to it whereas the other is quite busy and detracts from the furnishings. You've made some very good choices so far, love your orange curtains.

  • 11 years ago

    Hi All - so we completed the floating shelves for bar and below is the picture. We are yet to put the items for decor, wine glass rack and some other stuff... Also we are planning for a aquarium which we have setup (need to buy the fish now).. project for next week would be get this space finished up :)

    Please provide your feedback?

    kswl2, Yayagal, Delilah66, k9arlene, oaktonmom, olychick - Regarding buddha painting we are only thinking because the painting is costing 200$ which we think is too much for commitment for wall art as we like to keep changing. Is there any other way we can get it for lower price?

    Other options we have in mind are below

    Price 110$ - http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Design-Art-Colorful-San-Francisco-Canvas-Art/10030304/product.html

    Design Art 'Colorful San Francisco' Canvas Art · More Info


    Price 200$ -http://www.overstock.com/Main-Street-Revolution/Parvez-Taj-Buddha-Canvas-Art/9067366/product.html?refccid=ECQDPR7LLOQIPGCKXXBBBFIBTA&searchidx=320


    Parvez Taj 'Buddha' Canvas Art · More Info


    Price 39$ - http://www.allmodern.com/Today-is-a-Good-Day-by-Evangeline-Taylor-3-Piece-Painting-Print-Set-WA95B-0003-INTD1183.html

    Today Is A Good Day by Evangeline Taylor 3 Piece Framed Painting Print Set by · More Info


  • 11 years ago

    It is really coming together!

  • 11 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    The smaller items you've posted are too small for that wall in your dining area. You need something large to balance out the large window and give a sense of presence to that space. Anything large is going to be more expensive, obviously. If you like your orange and colorful decorating scheme and continue it throughout the house you can move your artwork around to different rooms. If you really like the Buddha, you could later move it to your bedroom, or hang it in your entrance way.

    (adding, the bicycles and good day sign look like they belong in a cheery child's room.)

  • 11 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    I don't love the Buddha painting. Art is really personal though so you should get what you love.

    Etsy is is usually the first place I look for less expensive art and such. This is a link to a search for prints with orange. There are also paintings and mixed media pieces and more if you want to search on etsy. Our art has come from all kinds of sources, including flea markets.

    I have to admit that while I like for art to look like it fits the room, I don't really like for it to look like it was chosen solely because it fits the room. I think art should stand on its own rather than being just another decor item. You already have a lot of orange in the rooms. I would probably look for a piece I loved and not worry so much about it being orange. I think if a piece has any of the colors in the room in it will fit in just fine. I also think if you love it, it will find it's way into use in multiple rooms and houses over the years. Where if it is purchased more or less like a throw pillow to match the room, it will be discarded when you redecorate.

  • 11 years ago

    crl_ - i agree fully with you and all above arts are the once we like. Could you all suggest some throw pillows? We would like to add one more accent color in the room.

    Please suggest.

  • 11 years ago

    kswl2 - yea bicycle is not a good option we realized later. we are now thinking on buddha and bridge painting. Lets see

    Could you all suggest some throw pillows for couch? We would like to add one more accent color in the room.

    Please suggest.

  • 11 years ago

    FWIW, CB2 also has floor lamps (arc) that would work perfectly. Also, I think you will need to scoot the rug under the front feet of the long part of the sectional. Otherwise, the coffee table will be too far away.

  • PRO
    11 years ago

    You could also do a metal print in orange or


    it's compliment it would cost more than $200 though

  • 11 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Malika, I love your choices so far. Especially the rugs. And that bar area is awesome!

    I tried making a mood board. I'm new at this, and definately not design savvy, but here is my take anyways. :-)

    I did google search for 'modern abstract art orange and purple'. Your colors reminded me of a beautiful sunset, which is something I could never get tired of looking at. I would have centered the picture more, but don't know how to do that yet with my App w/o it covering your light fixture.

    I didn't care for the dining room curtains in the solid orange. Especially when I tried adding your Buddha picture, it was just way too much orange. I did want to tie them in with the living room since I think it's all open right? I put your living room photos on the side to help me visualize.

    I think you got the orange curtians at JC penny's so I picked the same grommet style from there in white. I thought since you sew, you could add a color block stripe at the bottom in the orange/red color? Or just leave white.

    And since you mentioned having an aquarium, I had to add the betta fish just for fun!

    I like the the turquoise throw pillows you have, (my favorite color) but I think I would add a neutral color, maybe with a little different texture to the fabric? Or a throw blanket?

    Here are the Bettas.... Well, they do kinda match right??? Lol! ;-)

  • 11 years ago

    rebunky - thanks for such a details response. I am searching for the curtains and see if i can stick the cuts on bottom. I don't sew but i used the stick tap which ikea sells to short the curtains. I am hoping i can use same for this as well.

    For aquarium you are correct we are getting an betta fish with buddha statue inside.

    rebunky , sjhockeyfan325, kswl2, Yayagal, Delilah66, k9arlene, oaktonmom, olychick - Could you please help me to pick 3-4 throw pillows and blanket for the living space? Also ideas on decorating the coffee table?

    We ordered Clear Acrylic Coffee table for the living room. Hope that fits.

    Clear Acrylic Coffee Table · More Info

  • 11 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Glad you ordered the cocktail table and hope it works for you! It is modern and roomy but takes up very little visual space. I will take a look at pillows today, but i think your best best will be to look on etsy..

  • 11 years ago

    Hi kswl2 - I looked with so many pillows and bought so many of them home and then returned because it did not appeal.. I am going crazy with it seems. So please help..Finally i thought may be i need some modern design geometric pillows for the space. I would like to add one more accent like yellow or aqua in the space to make sure everything is not ONLY orange... May be something like below with plain orange in back?

    AMAZLINEN(TM) Home Decorative Geometric Print Cotton Linen Throw Pillow Cover (K · More Info

    Also please help me to pic up some accessories for the room to spice it up like vase, decorative objects.

  • 11 years ago

    BeverlyFLADeziner - you have helped a lot since beginning so i was wondering if you could input for throw pillow. I am going crazy with it seems. Finally i thought may
    be i need some modern design geometric pillows for the space. I would
    like to add one more accent like yellow or aqua in the space to make
    sure everything is not ONLY orange... May be something like below with
    plain orange in back?


    Also please help me to pic up some accessories for the room to spice it up like vase, decorative objects.


  • PRO
    11 years ago

    From Target and CB2. You can find pillows and glassware at the local HomeGoods and places like that.

  • 11 years ago

    rebunky - were did u get the wall art from? I am not able to search it on google and see were can i buy it :( Please help.

  • 11 years ago

    I honestly think that any new accessories (i.e. Throws, pillow, etc.) that you get should move away from Orange. You already have enough of that color. I like the idea of adding teal as another accent color along with some additional medium or light gray.

  • 11 years ago

    Sorry Malika, I don't know where I found that painting. :-(

    I just copied the image from the google images search I did. Maybe type in the exact wording I mentioned in my post earlier and see if that image comes up.

    I don't know if it's the perfect painting for your room, I just picked it because it was one of the first paintings that caught my eye. I liked that the colors in it were softer and more muted, yet was still very colorful which you seem to be drawn too.

    That's too funny that I imagined you having a betta and that's what you have! Lol! I was actually thinking you meant a bigger aquarium fish tank. Best wishes.


  • 11 years ago


    rebunky - below is the aquarium we had setup.. name is Percy... we will add color stone once we decide the accent.

  • 11 years ago

    Percy looks very happy!

    I "babysat" my friends betta once for a week. I think they said it was five years old. I didn't believe it. I was so afraid I'd kill it on my watch. But I actually talked and interacted with that fish as much as I could. It was so friendly and knew it was loved. It reacted to me. Seriously!

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