For a little clarity regarding the window treatments, check out calico owners.com
Go to image gallery and then click on window treatments.
Scroll down and notice the substantial curtain rods and how they are hung higher than the window frame (you can actually go higher tan in these pictures ).

NOW, JUST IMAGINE THAT YOU ONLY HAVE ONE PANEL ON EACH WINDOW, PUSHED TO THE SIDE SO MOST OF THE WINDOW IS EXPOSED.
BY sizing your rod to the size of the wall the window is on (as opposed to just the width of the window )
It allows enough " rod space " to push your curtains to the end of the wall and just covering a couple of inches of the side of the window. It makes the wall and windows feel bigger .

What I would also do is hang something centered over the center window high enough so that there is a visual plane created by the side windows and the decoration.

For example, a more traditional style would be to hang three plates over the center window so you have an imaginary line forming across the top of the side windows and plates ( so where your eye is drawn is equall across all windows, and the center window doesn't seem dwarfed.
A more contemporary look might be a line of " wall expression decal " or a horizontal canvas with words.

Hope this helps !
I wil continue to try to locate a visual for you.

Think i am getting the idea. So remove the rod above the center window. Add two smaller (maybe thick wood rods) over the wall space where the narrow windows are. Then hang the drapes and let them cover the empty wall space next to the narrow blinds to make it look like those narrow windows are wider? Is that the idea? And add the center space visual along the top of the center window, right. Then do i add the same pattern drape over the window on the other wall?

sort of like this but without the center rods and drapes, and only one drape on the smaller rod.

Since this dining area is small and has traffic from the back door I think that less is more. Change out the chandelier to something more modern and fun plus lower to make it a focal point. I agree that the small frames and accessories should be replaced with larger, fewer, bold colored pieces - DIY with ideas from Pinterest. Instead of drapes or curtains, simple, tailored valances 16" -18" long in a substantial textured fabric over the windows and existing blinds. Hanging them high but covering the top of the window and blind valance would make the windows appear taller. I've made these myself with 1"x 4"s, a staple gun and metal "L" brackets - you don't even have to sew! Then use the same fabric on the door in a roman shade. A round table would definitely work better here and it might be fun to paint the chairs a contrasting bright color with cushions from the valance fabric to tie it all together. You will probably need 2 more chairs for guests - check your local Craigslist for a round table that you could paint and some chairs that will compliment your existing ones. Denise Carey, ASID

Painting the chairs is a good idea - The windsors are great, but a little country, so a bold color will mix it up a little. If you get two more, maybe you could get two that are a little diferent than the others? I don't know, just an idea.

Oh and personally I don't think the chandelier is bad - should be lower, and maybe brighter little shades, but in general, I wouldn't change it until you see something you can't live without.

My chandelier is from Pottery Barn something i loved for a long time and finally bought (on sale). So its not going anywhere. But i might lighten up the shades and definitely lower it.

HELLO, WAY BACK, SOMEONE SUGGESTED BAY WINDOW CURTAIN RODS. yOU CAN GET THEM INEXPENSIVELY AT J.C. PENNYS. LOVE THESE AND ARE EASY FOR EVEN A WOMAN TO PUT UP.

Yes, you have the idea exactly.
You don't have to use wooden rods, you can choose thick silver, or burnished bronze,etc ( like what you would see in Pottery Barn).
I don't know that I would do the side window because it might weigh the room down too much on one side and detract from the symmetry of the back wall ( as a focal point )
If you have all the same shades ( or it looks like you have wooden blinds ) on all the windows, that is a cohesive look and just the MAIN window ( bay ) is "dressed and stands alone. I would put the same treatment ( shades or blinds ) on the glass door. That is part of the finished room.
Also, it looks as if you have a black board and some things near the left window, and you don't want to confuse or over fill the area with drapes.

Also, I don't know I'd someone else suggested it, but you might want to try a round table that has a leaf to extend to an oval when you need it.

Sorry, I just noticed that when I sent you the note to check calico corners web site the computer auto corrected and changed it to calico owners.
Hope you founded what I was talking about without too much trouble !

Need help. Found this table selling on Craigslist. Do you think this black would look good in my space? And what color chairs would you do? Thanks. Want to react quickly since it might go.

http://palmsprings.craigslist.org/fuo/3632105856.html

MY initial instinct is not to get the black table.
It has " visual " weight and might be too heavy looking in your space.
THere are ways to make it work,but I think it might over complicate the process for you.
Keep the same feeling going that you have in your living room space.
The black farmhouse table is a little too country I think.
Don!t rush for a good bargain unless you reallly think it is perfect.
My advice is to take your time and make it a space you will love.

I agree with the above comment. Everyone liked the idea of a round table which would seat six more comfortably in your space. I also like the photo someone attached that had white legs and a wood top. I like the different chairs in this photo painted a light color - something that compliments your family room. This is different than my initial comment but now I think a lighter color works better with your chandelier to complete the look you seem to like.

The one you have is as good as this - I would only change for something WAY better.

Thanks for your quick feedback. I really do like that oval pedestal table look in white with blue chairs and should just wait for that. I guess i was thinking that since i have two young kids and our table sees alot of action, that a white would get messed up easily. Oh, what to do. I wonder if i got a glass top for the table if that would look ok. My kids do their homework, art projects and eat, very messily on our current dining table but its held up very well.

I was only commenting on the chairs from this photo. Although, I do really like the idea of the shelves in those corners which I think would look fabulous in your dining room.

I really like the other table in the photo above - it has white legs but a distressed wood top which would accommodate a busy family. Marine varnish as maintenance might be a good idea there. My granddaughter and I do lots of art projects on our glass kitchen table and it does clean up easily but tends to scratch even though it is tempered glass. I've had it for years though and it's seen lots of wear from my two kids. I would use a thin glass if you decide to do that - never seen that done on a kitchen table though - it might collect "stuff" under the edges that would be hard to clean.

Yes, i like those shelves too. Where to find them though.

I found this one at IKEA in white that you could distress or glaze yourself or even leave as is. http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/50217653/#/30217654
Also, I checked square shelving units on Google and looked at the images - lots of different choices there - some metal ones that looked interesting, too.

I really like this table, but am trying to look for something less expensive, since I would have to buy 6 chairs as well. http://www.wayfair.com/Riverside-Furniture-Coventry-Dining-Table-32551-32553-RVF4918.html

And I like these shelves two. Would you recommend one on each corner, or just on the wall side?
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/60176303/

I don't think you have to purchase 6 chairs! The chairs with this table look fairly large anyway. Use the ones you have and get two more that match each other and paint them all the same color - I'm thinking garage sale/flea market finds. I think two shelves would work great - one at each corner. Have fun.

Yes, I agree with Carey and CO.
Purchase two chairs for the " ends ".
Have you ever checked out flea markets or " antique " ( I use that term loosely ) stores for chairs ?
You would be shocked at what you save and what you can do.
If you need to keep the table you have, for now, I would also lighten the leg color.
Just a subtle beige/ honey color ( close to the color of the top ) will make the legs less prominent and you can paint chairs any color you want.
Don't forget the use of fabric (softens all the hard edges ).
ANOTHER OPTION :You could get relatively inexpensive upholstered end chairs ( stores like Home Goods ), and very inexpensive slipcovers ( if needed ) and just paint the chairs you have.
It is more interesting and more rewarding when you let a room evolve and resist the temptation to " get it done " . That is what makes a house your own.
Live with and enjoy each change you make, with an eye toward your next step.
The process is ultimately a lot more satisfying, and less sterile.

I've painted a desk with chalk paint it worked great for me. You don't have to sand or prime. You could paint your table and chairs with that until you find the perfect one.

Totally agree with karmeg! This is a home not a house. Good idea on your existing table as well!

Here is a link to Annie Sloan, chalk paint. I just bought some today and she makes paints in the colours that you like . She also sells a clear wax that makes the surface very durable. Just take your time and keep looking for that "previously used" table and some quirky mismatched chairs. Keep us posted please and thank you.

http://www.anniesloanunfolded.com/inspiration

Can i really just paint without sanding or priming? I like the idea but hate the idea of sanding. I sanded down that small blue table in the corner with the lamp on it and painted it blue. It used to look like the one n the other side. But never finished the sealing process, because the whole thing took me so long and the table was so small. Have thought about painting the dining table and chairs before but then thought back to how much work was involved. So if it really is that easy, will give it a try. And yes I agree about the evolving process. I just see these pretty pictures and think how i want that look but get overwhelmed with the process. If i painted the legs antique white, what color would i paint the chairs?

A tip.
You can give a quick, light sanding to the table legs, and buy rustoleum spray paint for the legs.
Just take the table outside, and protect the top.
Goes very quickly,makes the existing table work for now and costs practically nothing.

I've seen numerous posts on Pinterest about the no sanding process. Love that idea myself as I've been in the same position you have many times. I feel your pain. I have a chest of drawers I've used for most of my married life (38 years - recently bought new ones) and an antique trunk that I tried to refinish - still not not finished. Why not purchase a small amount in a color you might like (something that looks good with your living room area) and try it out on a sample? Something easy that you don't care about if it doesn't work out.

I just found this post and it seems to apply here
https://www.houzz.com/magazine/diy-project-sit-pretty-with-mismatched-chairs-stsetivw-vs~319828

The Annie Sloan paint is not cheap but you really do not have to sand (only the spots where you would like some distressing, after you've painted) The shop where I bought my paint had several pieces of furniture that had been painted and they all looked great, just like the furniture in your "inspiration" photo. The retailer will give you any advice you need and instructions on how to use it. You can buy sample cans that will probably do a small chair (why not start there and see what you think?)

A round table is best for this area. You can shop at the salvation army. On their half off days you can get a table and chairs set for 150.00 or less 75.00 . I have painted and sanded many items from these places. I call them rustic Lux. they are one of a kind and you can make them any color you choose. add two different chairs and you have an interesting mix. You could add a thin sofa tabke next to the back window for holding food ect. coordinate it with the colors of your table set. You can get beautiful panels for your windows at Ross or Homegoods. I have to work within tight budgets at times and these are some thing to do to make it look more expensive tha it is. Don't forget the Paint. It'the cheepest way to change the look of a room. Go for it. pamela@soringinteriors.com

List your table and find a new one that will match with the bar chairs. Spray black or other neutral color. Lower lighting. Remove small pieces as they only tend to clutter up a room. Remove sheer curtains and use a more modern print fabric if anything. If not alot of sun comes in that room, leave them without coverings.

change the chairs to parsons, remove the vase off the table and put 2 black candle holders. get heavy brown pattern curtains with shades of orange brown gold. paint that blue table lack, replace the curtain on the door with a red curtain

what about blue for the chairs?

I have not used Mixwax Polyshades, but they swear you don't need to sand. It doesn't come in bright colors, just various wood colors and black, but they also make a cream paint that comes in lots of colors- even bright ones- and apparently is the same- no sanding.

Less is more....you mean painting my existing chairs blue?

Denise Carey - Can you explain or direct us to more info re: creating valances without sewing?? Thank you.

I would be tempted to "mix it up" and paint at least 2 of your chairs blue (and I would be tempted to vary the shades of blue too! Some darker, some lighter) You have the pretty blue drapes in your LR as a "tone" starting point. I like the image posted with the variety of blue chairs and the white table. You could find some other chairs to mix and match in there too for a total of 4 or 6. Thrift/craigs list/garage sale finds. The right colors will pull it all together.

Julie77777 - I have a quick sketch I did for a student of mine - hope this helps. You can also put pleats at the center and corners.

Denise Carey - thank you! sorry, I don't know how to get to the sketch? Rather new to this site....

Whoops - I didn't realize you can't upload a pdf so I re-scanned it as a photo. Here you go.

Denise -- Thank you so much! How neat!!

Wow, love the comment "easy even for a woman to put up". I LOL because this woman handles all of the power tools in our home.

But back to the topic on hand.... Removing the small tables and lowering the chandelier is a great starting point. I would not do one valance. I think painting the chairs (or part of them) to match the table legs would be a good idea too. I don't think you need a second rug either. Less is more is the key here.

What do you think of this banquette bench with this oval white table for my dining area? Since the original post, I have taken down all accessories and side tables as suggested by others. I am also buying drapes and rods to hang on the ends of the narrow windows, to create a more dramatic window frame and not block any light. I also lowered my light fixture as low as i could (ran out of wire). So it is now approx. 32 inches above the table. The table is from Pier 1 and also comes in black and a very dark brown.

Hi! It's been awhile. What drapes have you chosen? The table pix looks great, does it have a leaf option? Some do, some don't. On the either ... if you go with the white table, and the gray (?) banquet, the banquet has those dark legs. Where is it from? Looking forward to more pictures of your room with of the new drapes to inspire us :-)

I've always liked the idea of the banquette around a table to make it more of a sitting area as well. Are you thinking of puttig it on the side in front of the window?

The banquette is from Cost Plus World Market is a purplish grey and would go in front of the bay window. Then i would pull the white table closer to the window, as it is larger than my current table. The table is round and has a center leaf to make it oval. I have been trying out different drapes, so not settled on a specific one yet. But love the look of pushing the drapes to the side to let in the light. Looks more dramatic.

I think it could be lovely. Does the color work with everything else or are you starting from scratch?

Well, the white table is something I am considering. I have dark brown bar stools on the other end of my island area that are on my living room side.