Dining room challenge

7 years ago

Any designers and would-be designers up for a challenge? I need ideas for how to make my dining room look better bearing in mind the following limiting factors:

I cannot change the paint color. It was just painted last year and my husband would absolutely freak if I proposed repainting -- besides, I like it, even though it doesn't read so well in photos.

The table and the chairs don't match, which I hate, but I absolutely cannot get rid of the chairs (long story -- designer in store convinced me mismatch was cool -- I do like the chairs objectively, but not with this table). I can do something to the table -- paint, re-stain, etc., but can't buy a new one -- my husband loves it because you can store the leaves inside of it.

I need to add an area rug -- which I don't want to do as we had the floors replaced last year and I don't want to cover them up -- we paid extra to keep the diagonal pattern throughout the entire first floor that was part of the house when it was built in 1910. But my brand new Ethan Allen chairs (remember, the ones I hate?), which I was told would not scratch the floors, have, in under a year, so scratched up my floors that we have to do something.

I can change the hutch and buffet but I absolutely cannot move or get rid of the piano (no place to move it, gift from my grandfather, so sentimental).

I'd like to change the chandelier but I'll probably get pushback on that from both my husband and my 16-year-old daughter (go figure). I'll do my best.

So, anyone game? If it was a blank slate that would be too easy, right? I know the easiest thing to do would be to just start over, but I'm not made of money ... so please be gentle!

Featured Answer

User

7 years ago

This is a lovely room with lovely furnishings that just needs completion. You need artwork and a few carefully curated display pieces, as well as a new chandelier. A rug would add color and "life" to the space, but if you prefer not to have one, just add felt pads to the chair feet. I think I would choose either the hutch or the buffet for the room, but probably not both. What's the white piece of furniture just visible on the right side in the last photo you shared?

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Comments (7)

PRO
BeverlyFLADeziner
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
At the very least center the piano. Makes no sense to shove it into the corner.

Why did you post such small images?

What exact color is that paint?
rinked
7 years ago
Put furniture felt under the chair legs. Preferably the type with a nail in.

And personally I don't think the table and chairs look off, it's just that the table's color isn't represented anywhere in the room. Maybe find a goodlooking table cloth? Cheapest option, least risky.

Or use a brown-bronze paint color to paint the lowest rectangles on your walls, to somewhat copy the table color. Or some framed artwork/mirror in the same wood.

I'm not keen on rugs, let alone under tables, so no suggestions on that. And your photos are too tiny to properly see your chandelier. But something with black or steel would be great, imho.
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blubird
7 years ago
Reupholster the chairs. They look easy to do with a staple gun, no sewing, and not much fabric. I would try to find a nice print to incorporate the wall color along with your wood colors. The current white is way too stark for the room. I would also suggest a new light fixture, but even if you can't, this one should we lowered, approximately 30-32 inches above the table.
groveraxle
7 years ago
I like the color of the walls, think the table and chairs look fine, agree that the piano needs to be centered. I generally prefer no rug in a dining room, but in this case, I do think a rug will help to integrate the different parts of the room.

Can you please post pictures that enlarge?
groveraxle
7 years ago
Ah, I see I've worked on this room before:
PRO
BeverlyFLADeziner
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Here is a rug, drapes, art and a new chandelier that I favored with the currently color of your walls. Depending on the size, the rug is very inexpensive.

However, each rug brings out different colors in your room, so only you can decide the direction for the room. Sorry, but I don't understand not placing a rug in the room when that item will have the largest effect on the room. A rug anchors your table and chairs. Yes you have a great finish on the floor, but a rug can make the floor look even better.

You said you don't like the way the chairs look with the table. That's because there is nothing else to view in the room to distract your attention away from the mis-match table chair situation.

Turquoise could be a nice accent with the rug below. Your current light fixture in the room is was more appropirate in a kitchen 30 years ago when it first came out. Now it' just casts terrible reflections all over the walls and it's terrible light to attempt to serve dinner under.

Navy blue could be nice with this rug. No reason to reupholster the chairs. You hardly see the seats anyway.