My first thought also was that you should turn the table.

The table was the other way for 4 years, we just turned it recently in order to squeeze a second table in for a large family gathering. The other orientation was even worse in terms of not having enough room to get in and out of your chair.

Get an 8x10 area rug,. Can you keep the same table and just replace the chairs? Are you keeping side board? You need to lower the chandelier.

And yes we would want seating for up to 8, and the current table is such a tight squeeze for that #, especially with the chairs we have.

How much seating do you need?

First off. Would put any buffet you do get on the wall to the left in picture posted...remove round mirror and replace with large floor mirror leaned against wall between Windows for some drama..I would hang a full drape panel on each outer side of the Windows. Instead of square. Would go with round In a smaller space it is easier to get around it and easy to add extra chairs when needed... Because of the size of your room a round table looks best with all the same chairs no host or head chair. I think it will help with the overall look.

Yes was wondering about a rug. We love the chairs, although the right now they are mixed up, see previous comment ;-) I'm looking for a sleeker and lighter sideboard possibly.

This table is 6x6' Figure at least 3' for each chair and elbow room. You need 24" all around table to pull out chairs. When you pull chairs out on sides they will be right against the wall. Yes, it's going to be a tight squeeze because the room is small. There is nothing you can do when you are seating all 8 people.

The side board is not the problem. It is the size of the table. You can go a bit smaller and just do less than 72" but you don't want to crowd your guests when they eat. You have plenty of room in length, it's the 10 width. The chairs are all 24" which is pretty standard if you keep the back narrower also. But no matter how narrow the chairs, the problem is pulling them out for other people to get to the back of the room.

I like the idea of reclaimed wood for the table but stick with rectangle, square will be too tight in the room. Change the direction of the table, too long to go in the direction you have now and the space would feel more open if you had chairs that aren't quite as "heavy" looking, think something with open slats. To lighten it up change the wall color to a neutral beige/sand color, it will make the space appear bigger. The sideboard does not have to match the table, the chandelier is pretty but brings the ceiling down, try something more open. Love the mirror but would spray paint it white to make it less heavy looking. Have fun decorating!

Hi Erin,you need to change the walls color and the light..a big mirror would be perfect too..the picture is an example..good luck!

add a large wall art will enhance the look...for more artwork check my shop too...

https://www.etsy.com/shop/PooArtGallery?ref=profile_shopname

The space is nice. Feels a little dark though. Is that all the lighting in the space? II think the sideboard could be white. I think the windows could would look good as stained windows or windows with an adhesive/decal in white or silver. Do not cover them over or hide them. The table should definitely be turned in the other direction. The wall art seems too low/small. If you can afford it a rustic table similar to the floor would enhance the space. If your budget does not allow you could simply purchase complimentary table runners for the sideboard and table.

Thanks Shelral. Additional to the chandelier, there are potlights in the 4 corners outside of the ceiling feature.

Great idea for the windows...and I was waiting to hear if anyone suggested a white sideboard because that's exactly what I was picturing! We are looking into a custom reclaimed wood table - but stuck on shape and size. Current table really doesn't work well in either orientation. But then again maybe it's because of everything else in the room.

Hi Erin, you are welcome. Hmmm......I'm wondering whether changing the shape of the table to something oblong or round would allow for a better fit. What about a bench style dining table.

You know what...I changed the table orientation and moved the sideboard to the left side wall in the picture -- WAY BETTER. :-) So now on to addressing some of the other suggestions from this great forum. Thinking of having the sideboard refinished in white or antique white with a dark wood top.

If you want to get a new table and you need seating for at least 8 then get a rectangular with one or two extensions. As Susan2494 illustrates, a square table isn't going to work well. Your table should run with the length of the room. It was not suitable only when you tried to crowd in another table. The rug should be long enough to accommodate the extensions including chairs.

More interesting art with more color. Larger with a frame.

If you really want to, go for refinishing the white side board. But, it looks like the wood is in great condition so it would be a shame to cover it up. Because your windows are so close to the walls, I would not use any type of curtain as even when they are pushed aside, they will be covering at least a 1/4 of the window and you need all of the light you can get in this space. I love you lighting fixture and color scheme! The walls are a little too dark but I think that that can be worked around with light and airy accessories. I would take out the mirror in between the windows. It competes with your beautiful chandelier for attention. Place a more simple mirror there or a piece of art. Declutter the table to just a couple large pieces that are absolutely necessary. Now that you've moved the orientation, I think the idea of a large mirror but it should not be leaning. I don't think you have enough space and you might risk someone bumping it while they are moving around. I would mount it onto the wall. An area rug will provide that warmth that you'll be losing from not having curtains and can add a little texture.

Hi Erin,
My thoughts are to paint the sideboard white, trim out the picture in white, lower the chandelier to cozy it up. And my absolute favorite table for dining room is a round table! Don't know if you have the room, but nothing better for good conversation! Good luck! Those two windows are fabulous and the room has great potential.

Ok update... Dining room 2.0

feedback?? Still a work in progress

Lol I just removed a red leather chair and put it in the foyer! I can move it back and try it!

I like the new arrangement but can you offset the console to one end of the room so it isn't right next to the table?

Nice interesting console arrangement

Also the mirror needs more space so I would put that above the console with lamps and move art work to the opposite wall.

Then you can place a pair of extra chairs below the windows for extra seating.

Extra chair there is probabaly an matching chair in another corner of the room

Again extra corner chair and lovely design on console with mirror sconces and orchid!

Might work to your satisfaction.

Here is a design we did that might help things move along for you. Take note of the side board and the color of the room.

This is likely more of a matter of personal taste, but I think less is more in a small room like this. Opt for a more Scandinavian minimalist decor. I'd prefer the look of a round table in an earthy chestnut stain and simple neutral-toned chairs. (The photo below shows a Scandinavian round table and white Eames chairs). Let the chandelier be the star of the room, not the red dining chairs.

Love your updated post!
Did you happen to try the upholstered bench on one side of the table?
Than add the white leather at both ends...I think it would be fun.
Looks really nice

did you try to move the buffet where the mirror is ( like you had it before)

leaving enough clearance around the table. besides makes it more balance as off balance.

do not forget an area rug under the table

I like the new arrangement. I didn't like the buffet under the windows because it made that wall too busy. The windows are better on their own IMO. Are you sure you need a larger table? Your room seems to look very nice as is.

Yes I've starting shopping for an area rug. I've decided to keep the table (For now) and not change the sideboard color. Still debating if the mirror needs to move or not - and what I should do with that window wall if I do move the mirror. I'm liking the new arrangement for now! Thanks for all your comments.

I would look into a round table with extensions (becomes oval shaped) for larger crowds, just based on the shape and size of your room. As for a sideboard, go white or extra fancy details. I currently have a grey reclaimed table with a glossy white buffet. It is a really nice contrast but also complimentary.