You need more contrast between all the dark tones and shift in wood tones from floor to table. Add a good size low pile rug under the table. I like that the painting adds some texture bringing the lights and dark together, swap it for something that speaks to you but make sure it’s at least 4’ wide and is light pattern with subtle dark detail. Mirror in corner seems out of place. I agree with adding more light reflection to all the darks, so consider a 6-7’ tall leaning mirror on the left side of room.

I would begin with wall color. I would opt for something in a color similar to your lampshade. I love your table/chairs! Do you want a more rustic vibe? I would consider replacing that dark cabinet between the Windows. Is it black? I think it is too dark for your space....even with lighter colored walls.

I agree that a colorful rug would be great. I would remove the blinds and replace with drapes in a color pulled from a new rug.

Thank you, Ana! I never thought about the contrast of woods between floor and table- I love the idea of a light, low pile rug!
About the mirror- yes, definitely need to take the one we have out of the corner. When you say to add one to the left side of the room, do you mean I should hand it next to whatever painting I choose? Or in place of a painting? Or should it just be in the floor but to the left of the painting?
THANK YOU SO Much!!!!

Thanks, grapefruit! We are definitely changing the blue-grey wall color to a more neutral cream/beige. The cabinet is a dark grey stain, but my husband will have an aneurism if we remove it. I’ll see if he is open to painting it a lighter color. If we keep the dark accent wall color (it’s a deep grey/blue color), and get a lighter rug under the table and a lighter piece of artwork, should we paint that cabinet white?
Yes, I love rustic style. And those chairs with the table are cheap ones we bought off Craigslist, so we will change those as well. Should I go with lighter, fabric chairs or keep to something wooden that matches wood color of table.

Put a rug in here to see what it looks like. I like it but obviously not this color as it feels to dark and brings the room down, I feel .
Do you guys know what size I should go for?
This rug is grey, I would opt for something that perhaps is the color of the ceiling lamp shade. Any other tips on rugs?

I would get a patterned rug so that spills won't show so badly. I'd also paint the dark wall the color of the rest of the room. Then you will be able to see the cabinet in the corner. The size you are showing looks OK. Large bright art would help also.

Thanks Ashtonic! I love the idea of a rug that is neutral enough but can easily disguise stains.

I love the table and bench. It’s a great space. If it were me, to make the area more elegant you need to add in a little softness. I would install curtains/drapes from the ceiling all the way to the floor. If the walls are staying dark, do a lighter drape. I would probably replace the light fixture over the table with something more traditional or rustic. I like the rug idea a lot too.
Maybe also put a table under the artwork with some lamps on it to brighten the space. You mentioned replacing the art, maybe a nice mirror.

A polypropylene rug will resist staining and be easy to care for. It should be 4 feet wider and 4 feet longer than the table to leave room to pull out chairs. Rugs USA is having a huge sale now and esalerugs.com has free shipping and returns. Choose a rug first and then pull a color from it and add a fixed roman shade to your window to add some softness. I think chairs with some upholstery will soften the space as well. Or you could do something unexpected and add colored metal chairs. These metal bistro chairs come in all sorts of colors and are fairly reasonably priced.

I've also been loving these french bistro chairs.

Thank you both so much! Fantastic feedback. I’ve now seen a few people recommend around house about how the rug really helps set the color pallet for the space, so I’ll be using that as my inspiration. I do want to keep it light to show contrast in woods.

I love those metallic chairs!!! I may go down that route.

You guys are all so helpful!

I hope you'll let us see what you decide to do!

@colorzen- thank you! My only question is about that colorful rug. I love the idea of them, but this dining room flows to my living room from where I was taking the picture, and through to the kit hen on the right side. Do I have to worry about bringing together that rug under the table with how I decorate my living room? So far, living room is neutral.

The rugs I shared...they're colorful yet muted and should work with the other rooms. There is always a bit of trial and error involved. Try a few- even if from local stores and see what happens :)

You should easily be able to find a rug that works with the other accent colors you've used in the house. There are thousands!