Congratulations on your new pretty home!

1) My preference is always to go with a chandelier over a dining table-it creates special atmosphere, and does better job on defining the area and making it feel cozier.

They can be really bright-depends on amount of bulbs, and wattage of said bulbs. We keep just several of ours in"working" position, unless we have a dinner with guests.

It's always a good idea to keep it(and other lights) on a dimmer-gives you so much control over how much light you'll get-bright, moody, or just a little bit of light.

If you go for shades(which you probably won't-my impression from the pics in the link)-the light will be more diffused and thus more flattering.

I wouldn't put a big rectangle there-I think it's too formal for a nook..

Between the fixtures you saved-I'd go with a Pottery Barn one, which is also visually light, see-through so to say, and you'll still be able to enjoy the mantel view.

The drum one might be a nice idea too.

As for wall art and furniture-there is no rules what has to come first(unless you have no table at all))

Just take into account that if you start with art-it will have to relate to the future sideboard/console/buffet. Art on a blank wall should correlate with people only-so that its center is approximately where your eyes will go when standing straight.

Art over the furniture takes this furniture into account too.

But if you don't mind some patching holes and touching with paint, and already have a beautiful art in mind-then there is no reason not to start with it.

Now, in the dining area, where people mostly sit)) you'd rather see your art when you are sitting too. So in case of a dining or a nook-your art might be placed a tad lower than usual.

No, it's not important to choose the dining table right now, but you'll need to keep it in mind. I mean, you'll need to keep in mind the whole room, your plan for it, and how you want it to be.

A sideboard, to me, is always a great idea. And you can put a lamp on it too. Or sconces on the sides.

But I'd start with a table probably, rather then a sideboard. Even though you have the table for now.

Why? because the table is the major player. After you know which shape material and color your table will be-it will give you much better idea for a sideboard.

Advice that you didn't ask for)) but I'll still say it-don't rush. I know how it is-you have new place, get this bug "faster! everything should be done!"

But there is no urgency in decor, so take your time to think it over, plan, look for the right things for you.

I waited for six years until I found a hutch that I consider ideal. I'm not saying you should also wait six years)) Just don't try to get everything at once. You don't have to.

Go and purchase as you see something that makes your heart skip a little bit. It might be tomorrow, or in three months, who knows.

When a room is not finished-it still is beautiful. It's like a bud. It will, at some point become a rose, but buds are pretty too. More than that-they have this promise inside of them. It is this promise that makes decorating(and other things in life) fun.

{PS important detail I've missed-you'll need to know an approximate size of your future table, so the size of the light over it makes sense.

It's usually one third of the table width

and-I'd go for relatively short/narrow sideboard/console, and not too bulky too, so there is enough "breathing space" between it and the fireplace

Wow, I can't thank you enough aprilneverends! Your comments are so very helpful (and they've given me extra confidence, too). I will keep you posted as the look evolves.

Do you own the black table and chairs? Use them while you get accustomed to your new home. Mock up a sideboard to see if you have enough room to still pull the chairs out. Try turning the oval table the other direction. Make sure you leave room for the traffic path to the door.

The items on your mantel are NOT junk--you may end up changing them later but it looks fine for now.

And I agree with April, don't rush!

I would check craigslist. From time to time I see spectacular dining room sets including the buffet on there.

I think the shape of the chandelier and the shape of the table are related so if you have a round table you should have a square or round chandelier, if the table is oval, oblong or rectangular the light can be long and straight, oval or oblong.

I wonder if what appears to be a random sconce was the electric outlet for a picture light - do you have any large artwork you might want to hang on that wall?