I try not to judge other people’s art, but my first reaction was similar to Ingrid’s — your rugs are both too small, so I’d replace those before spending money on new furniture.

I could see trying to restain or paint the coffee table, since it seems to be a good size and good condition. Or if you’re replacing it, maybe a simple glass top parsons table (check out the ones at Crate and Barrel).

In the dining area, I’d get white kitchen stools so they “disappear” and also paint the corner cab white (to match your trim) so it blends in and would look almost like it’s built in.

For the dining table I’d go with a darker wood to balance the darkness of the sofa.

The biggest eye sore in that room is that couch. So I would not spend any money on coffee tables until I put an overall plan and budget together of the furniture that you are going to need. Nothing that you have in there is going to work, so you are going to need everything including a larger area rug. Come up with a plan and then just start working on it as you can afford.

Following. I need new tables in my familyroom too.

I think it depends on how you want to decorate the room and the general feel that you want. The area could use a facelift. If you want to carry the bright, happy feel of the whites from the kitchen, you could repaint everything to match. If you want to add some dark tones, you could stain everything darker. But be sure you have some inspiration pictures of what you want so that when/if you select a new rug, sofa, etc. you aren' just piecing things together as you go. It's best to have a picture in mind from the very beginning. The table and chairs seem to be in good shape, though, so I would just repaint.

The style of the coffee table is a bit too Scandinavian feeling for the soft, rounded seating. Sell the pieces you're replacing on Craig's List and use the $$ to get a larger rug. It should slip under the front 1/3 of the sectional and extend past the ends by a foot or more.

My first reaction was rug is too small. Try putting it under the legs of the sectional to gage(?) correct size. What does the sectional face? If it is the TV, it may make sense to rearrange the room. Turn sectional so one side creates an entry way and faces the wall where you could then put TV. As far as your questions about tables I would go for a round coffee table or ottoman. I just took a workshop on painting furniture with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint and it is really easy to do. Might try it on your buffet and/or corner cabinet

I think the end tables should be dark and then add contrast with the curtains,rug, art, pillows, and cocktail table....see pics below for inspiration. Finish the living area before you start on the dining table as they will need to look like they relate to each other......

This room is example of added colors in the accessories and they all coordinate such that the sofa could be any color and the room would look finished.

My Living Room · More Info

Here is another example of accessories finishing the room....the end tables and the sofa table and the floor are all similar in color but not matching, the the accessories give it punch all thru the room....fireplace, sofa, end table plant, stuffed benches, etc....the valances are the same color as the wall but they add weight to the room and add architectural interest to the windows, where as your curtains are not doing it....the sofa is way heavy and the accessories need more weight and well, just more in the room.

East-meets-west in San Francisco's Russian Hill · More Info

It does look like you need a bigger rug, and if you want to bring in some more color, you can add a rug with more colors in it. Here are some of our designs with rug, coffee table, and dining room suggestions.

Cooper Mountain Jewel · More Info

Cooper Mountain Jewel · More Info

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West Hills Cottage: Dining Room · More Info

Whimsical Farmhouse: Family Room · More Info

Whimsical Farmhouse: Dining Room · More Info