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nancy_koritz

Boring dining room needs some spice!

9 years ago

Nice space but kind of blah.




Should we paint?

Replace Chairs?

Replace Table?

Window treatments?

We'd like to keep the black buffet and artwork.


The original owners installed white plantation shutters. They made the room took dark so we removed them. Thank you!

Comments (42)

  • PRO
    9 years ago


    Color Pop · More Info
    Here's an example of what a rug could do for your room. It adds pizazz and color. You could then repeat a color from the rug on a large vertical piece of art between the two windows. The art should be almost as high as the windows.

    You possibly could use a different chandelier. I'd like to see a better photo of the chandelier, showing it from the side. Then add a runner or something of interest on the table and maybe a pair of lamps on the chest at the end of the room.

  • 9 years ago

    The room is beautiful....

    What appears to be recessed area with the two framed pieces in the dining room on the left of photo 2. Is the space large enough for the sideboard which is hidden at the head of the table? Every shot of the room you've taken the sideboard is hidden by the table and or the chair at the head of the table. Moved to that location it can better be seen and appreciated with the art you have above it moved with it to that spot.

    It's one of the few things you said you prefer to keep. Will it fit there nicely? It can better be seen when entering through the large glass doors and when entering in to the room such as in the direction from where the last photo is taken from.

    The light fixture is difficult to see.....do you love the light fixture? Can you take a photo of it so it can better be seen?

    I can think of a half a dozen suggestions. However, I'm going to see what you have in your idea book to better get an idea of what you like.

  • 9 years ago

    I see a single light such as the above or similar


    or two such as above over your table.




  • 9 years ago

    Nancy, it's very difficult to help as you started a second post this being the second which I just realized. Can you delete one of them so Houzzer's aren't working to help on two different posts.

    Thank you!! Sorry, it's just very confusing for we Houzzer's trying to assist.

  • 9 years ago

    My apologies. I was having a difficult time figuring how to delete the original post. I appreciate your suggestions

  • 9 years ago

    What chairs would you put with this table? I agree the black chairs don't really work. Also, what kind of window treatments for the 2 small windows?

    Thank you

  • 9 years ago

    Moved the buffet and like it much better in the new spot. Thank you!


    Should I return the table? The table legs makes it difficult for anyone to sit at the head of the table comfortably. If I kept the seating as is, what would you put at the table ends? I'm thinking an upholstered chair with arms? It would look good but not be very functional ...


    Here is the best shot of the light fixture. I don't love it.



  • 9 years ago
    You need to keep the table. What you do need is a large colorful painting and a larger more dramatic fixture over the table.
  • 9 years ago

    If you want to have chairs at the head of the table for that many people to be seated and it doesn't work. Then I would return the table for that reason, yes.

    I personally like upholstered chairs at the head of a table especially if it leans even slightly rustic. I think a slightly rustic table works well in the room yet a trestle may be difficult for seating at the head of the table... not all trestle tables, but you say your table in particular it's not working comfortably.




  • 9 years ago

    Some trestle tables have more room for seating at the head of the table below top two have leg room, third photo minimal to none.


    vs

    I do love the style... yet, you need to know it works for your purposes.

  • 9 years ago

    Thank you, Porter! Would this table work with the black chairs and 2 linen end chair? Concerned a black table would be too matchy-matchy

  • 9 years ago

    I feel the room is too pretty for that table..... what is the size of the table you have as I think it's the appropriate size albeit maybe it can't seat people at the head?

  • 9 years ago

    Length and width that is if you like the size in the room?

  • 9 years ago

    This is a great chair.... yet, your room is far to pretty for that table....

  • 9 years ago

  • 9 years ago

    Maybe more tapered legs on a table such as you posted? It doesn't do the room justice to me.

  • 9 years ago

    ??

  • 9 years ago

    Pretty. Restoration Hardware?

    and what on earth should I do with those 2 windows?

  • 9 years ago

    I'd do the same thing you did on the other windows... same height rod, same style rod... not certain if you had them made or if they are full curtains or panels. I'd mimic them in panels albeit not skimpy even if they are mostly on the wall, that is if there is not a privacy issue with the two windows on that back wall. Just for warmth and for lack of a better word, "grandeur". The tree may have to be moved out a bit from the corner and moved a bit more to the right wall, but...

    It's a stunning room and you don't have to do all that much!

    I'm East Coast time so I'm out! :)

    Let me know about the curtains you have on the windows and if they are full curtains or large panels.... Naturally, you don't want them to be too oversized for the smaller windows, but I'd duplicate them to scale!

  • 9 years ago

    Sorry, yes the simple table with the more tapered leg is from RH.

    I was thinking.... keeping your table and changing the black chairs even in a very dark, but different style? Can you return the chairs?

    How often does somebody sit at the head of the table? Is it completely inappropriate or simply a little awkward?

    The RH table is beautiful, yes. However, I think it's not the chairs, but the style of the chairs on each side of the table that don't work with the room nor table :(

    Same issue if you go the RH table...

  • 9 years ago

    I can't return the chairs. They are from Stanley Furniture's Coastal Resort group and went with a table we sold. That said, I agree the chairs just don't work. If I could pick out new chairs and/or table what do you suggest? I like the idea of having a dining room table that seats up to 8 people. Thank you so much.

  • 9 years ago

    would pair well with the Asian elements the legs have a slight bamboo look the cane back would be beautiful in the room.

    Samuel caned Dining chair




    LUCY 20"H WOVEN BACK SIDE CHAIR (SET OF 2)
    MCR4541B-set2
    Dining Chairs






    http://belleescape.com/round-caned-back-side-french-chairs.html

    available in black stain

    sold in pairs


    https://aldenparkes.com/items/provencal-cane-back-chair/


    https://www.jeffan.com/categories/334699/dining/products/df-ls101-vb/(ls)-louise-dining-side-chair-(upholstered-seat-and-rattan-cane-back)-vintage-black-frame-(205x21x4


    Home Decorators Collection

    Jacques Antique Black Oval Back Side Chairs (Set of 2) 499.00


    Square Back Louis XVI Side Chair



  • 9 years ago
    It needs art on the bare walls and a rug under the table and chairs. The rug should measure 4' wider and 4' longer that the table itself to allow at least two feet all around the table for people and chairs. As you say, the room is nice but blah. Art and color are the finishing touches, no matter what style art you prefer.
  • 9 years ago
    Before replacing furniture, you might wish to consider: 1) reframing lovely outdoor scene - it's too dark. Use white mat and some kind of lighter frame. 2) buy a runner for your table 3) add some texture and interest - steer away from black now. Replace objects on buffet with color, metals, glass. 4) consider buying a rug to add some color. Or, if not color, a neutral to help ground the room. Personally, I love the black chairs. They tie in with the black buffet and coloring of artwork. I also love the buffet and table. In my opinion, your room is terrific but just needs a bit of tweaking. If you have PowerPoint, you can use it to make a mood board. Put in photos of your furniture or similar ones. Then add and subtract accessories, rugs, and lamps. I've found it to be very helpful.
  • 9 years ago

    Given that I have this image of your this dining room being in a beautiful home in the South of France..... or even a West Indies elegant home. The cane chairs work better than the transitional chairs. If they can't be returned then other options out there certainly!


    I see a olive tree in that corner so there is a trunk vs. a solid vertical plant or a large Fiddle Fig maybe a maidenhair tree.

    Olive tree in background with the brown pot (example only)

    Maidenhair in foreground with black square pot

    olive in background which is a bit hidden so you can see the shape better.


    Olive tree

    Would look incredible in that room!



    Fiddle Fig


    Ok, well.... your thoughts.... two decent sized lantern light or a single large.... I want that room! My inspiration may be way off from what you seek. I'm running with how I feel the room captures me and it can be such a stunner!





  • 9 years ago

    Anne, what do see as, "too dark". The art, the room?

    The room has a lot of beautiful light coming in from the large double glass doors.

  • 9 years ago

    If they aren't returnable, the we can just work with them... I'm sure they were not inexpensive.

    How do you see the room if you could do anything you wanted? As I said, "I see" British West Indies elegant or in a beautiful Villa in France....The floors are stunning (hate that word, but true) in that room and the large glass doors.....

    So, that's where I head... trying to work with not having to invest more than necessary knowing you want to keep the art..... what do you see?

    I believe you went to a darker wood to tie in the sideboard? So, I wanted to keep with that as I assumed (bad to assume) that was the goal?

  • 9 years ago

    I just did this to show you different chairs... similar to your table in color/wood for example, but this is the RH table. The chair at the top with the finely woven cane comes in black leather as well as brown. That is what struck me the most. The fabric chair is there as you have the fabric chairs at the head.

    Just trying to give you a visual: woods, styles with table. If I could find your current chair ( I couldn't) I could have included it. I wanted to include that lovely olive tree in the basket for kicks, but it was too large to post on the board :(

  • 9 years ago

    Thank you! Wish I could everyone who has commented over for a nice meal when the room is finished. If I kept the 6 black chairs, should I put one more on each end of the table? White linen? There is space.

    Rug Ideas?

    Thank you.

  • 9 years ago
    Oh, man... You could get away with the cheapest fix ever! Just get an attractive table runner and a bouquet of flowers. Your room is beautiful.
  • 9 years ago

    I just did a mock up with your table with a few chair so won't send them :)

    I had to use Lasso so it's not the greatest.. my husband won't let me on the computer right now that has photo shop... however, wanted you to see them in your room if you leaned that way.

    I'd do light linen, yes.... at the head of the table... the chairs you have or more full linen parsons? Only reason I was not fond the tall chair before is they obstructed the whole sideboard as did the table :)

    You never mentioned.... the curtains on the large doors... panels or curtains. Look too full to be panels. Can you manage the same rod and same curtain as an accent on the others? I'd do full length and full enough, but only covering a tiny bit of the window as I said unless a privacy issue. Otherwise can post another option I had thought of. I think it would warm up the space and look, "grand". I sound crazy, but I love this room.

  • 9 years ago

    I'm wondering if you should put the larger art piece over the sideboard and the 4 pieces (darn which you had more even 1 more) of framed art on the wall due to the curtains..... not sure about size if it would work as you don't want them too far apart...... I need my photoshop!


  • 9 years ago

    AGREE!!! Read my mind Thank GAWD Groveraxle.... I did not want to put a rug on this FLOOR! Wanting Nancy to try her four framed pieces on the wall where the large art piece is.....


  • 9 years ago


    Enlightenment Art Print by Ivo at Art.com · More Info

    Antiqued Metal Funnel Pendant · More Info

  • 9 years ago

    So Nancy, now you've had a lot thrown at you..... what are your thoughts?

  • 9 years ago

    Here's what I'm thinking:

    1. Exchange table

    2. Change light fixture (wrought iron?)

    3. No Rug

    4. Add Drapery Panels to smaller windows

    5. Hang Kyoto photograph over Buffet

    6. Move 4 Framed Prints

    7. Make peace w/current black chairs....

    Porter, I'd love to see your computer renditions of chair/table combinations.

    Thank you everyone

  • 9 years ago

    I'll send them to you.... again, I don't have access to Photoshop so it just shows chairs with the table haphazardly placed with your table.

    The leather seat chairs you'll see on the same page they come with black leather seats. One is a straight back and the other is the round or, "medallion" back.

    leather seats... two different wood tones there are 4 different wood tones and many leather colors yet stock photos are brown so....


    After you get these since you are making peace with your chairs... what table do you think you'll lean toward? I think the one you sent me was too warm/yellow in wood tone and the legs looked a bit chunky is all.....

    Do you one one single large light or two lights? I just toss some out to you if you know and also the size of the table width and length is very important as is the ceiling height since down rods are not idea for really high ceilings and the fixture hangs way too high... should be 36" or so from the table for higher ceilings and larger fixtures you can do a little bit higher... 40" or so.

  • PRO
    9 years ago

    your home has good bones & great paint color & flooring. it just needs some oomph. try this on for size:

  • 9 years ago


    I think this room could use something more special than a wrought iron chandelier.



  • 9 years ago

    The last photo of the chandelier looks great in the room!

    Decide on your art and what you are doing on the back wall with the windows first.

    I was looking at more unique pieces and came across these before I tossed out some iron:

    https://www.allmodern.com/Marinette-5-Light-Candle-Style-Chandelier-BL11197.html



    https://www.kathykuohome.com/Product/Detail/23198-Sabina-Oly-Tiered-Silk-Silver-Chandelier

    https://www.1stdibs.com/furniture/lighting/chandeliers-pendant-lights/hugh-nacre-mother-pearl-brass-pendant-lamp-italy-1960/id-f_7642983/




    http://lowcountryoriginals.com/product/three-tier-shell-chandelier/



    http://lowcountryoriginals.com/product/box-hart/

    I love the hook on this :) just a strange love for this light in general, but with the hook it's more unique.



    However, the last light posted by Groveraxle looks really great!


  • 9 years ago

    forgot the 2 tier

    SCHEHERAZADE 2 TIER PLAIN SUSPENSION