I am sorry but the three photos you posted for voting are blurred. In addition I am not sure what you are asking us to vote on as the small blurred photos appear to be the same room from different vantage points. Can you please post a few clearer, larger photos of the room and just ask for advice rather than votes?

Love your colorful vase. Does the table open to a larger size? If yes put 3 chairs on each side. I agree get rid of the corner cabinet and the breakfront if you don't need the storage. Paint the sideboard a fun color, one from the vase. I just did a table with chalk paint, very easy. I think a rug would help also

I accidentally put additional photos under vote. I have nothing to have voted on. Here are the pics of the space.

I am not sure how to reply to specific comments. I agree with the recommendations on sideboard and hutch. The table has 2 leaves. i only have 4 regular chairs and 2 captains chairs so putting 3 on each side would not work. We're you suggesting 3 chairs on each side and nothing on ends?

I agree with Beverly's suggestions. I would also suggest an area rug under the table and chairs and make sure you don't skimp on the rug size.

Yes I was suggesting chairs just on the sides. But didn't see that you had captains chairs.

Pull the captains chairs over to flank the fireplace, and just place 4 chairs around the table. Try to sell the china and corner display so you can move the buffet to the china wall. Once you do, turn the table the other direction. Toss the fake flowers and put the empty vase on the hearth. Get art for the buffet and mantel. If you add a rug, it should be 36-42" larger than the table top all around.

If you want a change make one. You rarely recoup costs back. If you want a new style go for it.

I wish I had the money to make the change I want. Unfortunately, I do not so have to work with what I have

can you show a picture of what look you really want? someone might have an idea of how to pull it off with what you have now, by making some inexpensive changes ie., paint, fabric, etc.

Problem is I am not exactly sure what I really want. Open, casual, minimal, inviting.

Yeah, for the look you want, remove the china hutch and the corner piece. Then have the sideboard be the new bar. Add a rug. ( lots of great indoor/outdoor options would work) Art wise, something with a bit of whimsy. Framed lightly. A living plant or two. The airiness you gain by removing some furniture will make a big difference. The lines of the furniture are not super casual, but they ARE pretty. The two armed chairs might work better in a couple of the room's corners. Toss a pillow on one. Myself, I would also remove the mirror over the fireplace or at least paint that heavy frame. Leaning a piece of art on the mirror would also relax the space.

ps- I've a friend who moved her quite similar china cab into a guest bedroom. Upholstered headboard, simple nightstands,modern black metal sconces. Styled cab with books,linens, some of her pretty treasures. Left plenty of breathing room inside. Looks fabulous and gave the room more personality.

IMO turn the buffet into chaulk painted bar, like above suggested as well as remove the china and corner cabinets. move the table to it's smallest size with 4 chairs and backed up from the fireplace with 2 chairs flanking fireplace. Side tables near one of them floor lamp by the other. Cool unique lamp on the bar/buffet too. Consider painting the table in the bar color or at least get table runner and placemats in natural material. animal faux rug infront of the fireplace.

Little Lotus Garden Stool - Creme · More Info

Luxury Lighting | Perigold · More Info

Free Standing Bathroom Cabinets Sale - Up to 65% Off Through 4/24 | Wayfair · More Info

Historic Renovation in West Chester, PA · More Info

Please post the room dimensions, that would help us help you figure this out. Thanks

The room has too much furniture making it crowded, and no soft surfaces at all, making it look very uninviting. Have you considered painting any of the furniture? Chalk paint is easy and it turns dark brown furniture into light, casual pieces. What about reupholstering the chairs in a more fun fabric? I'd also add a rug under the table, and some curtains to soften the room's hard edges.

But the easiest, cheapest way to change the room is to actually use it. Try having your dinner there in the next few days. Once you set the table, bring in food, and actually start enjoying being there, you may feel more inspired.

following

Maybe swap the dining room with another room? Seems a shame to waste a lovely fireplace hidden behind a dining room table. Bring in a small seating area and move the dining space to a larger room?

How often do you use your dining room? How many people do you usually seat when you use your dining room?

Right now the room doesn't feel like a dining room but a table and chairs in a den. I would add a large area rug to ground the table/chairs in the room. I would also get rid of the china cabinet and bar in the corner. Move the credenza to the china cabinet wall and use as your "bar". In order to help make the room feel like a dining room I would add a chandelier, but can be "casual" in style.

Statement Chandelier

Favina-5

Raul Oriental Blue/Red Rug

Hope this helps!

The dining room measures 10.5 x 15.5 Like most dining rooms these days, we use it infrequently. But we do have family dinners and other gatherings where the space is needed every couple of months. I never considered using the sideboard as the bar and would definitely consider that as an option but there really is no storage there. Painting and softening edges as well as eliminating some of the furniture seems like the best option. Ideally, I think eliminating the whole set and turning the space into a cozy bar/seating area makes more sense to me. My next project, convince the hubby.

Any chance the sideboard and/or hutch are two pieces with the glass section attached to the wooden base? If so, remove the glass section and see what you think of that look. Also, I would remove two of the chairs for to cut down on the visual clutter

Yes, that's always the biggest project in my house...convincing the spouse. haha!

Great comments all. This is an interesting challenge. However I agree with beesknees, Diana Bier, mer03, and others, and want to add my 2 cents.

If you only use the room a few times per year for dining, what about making it multipurpose? There are many Houzz articles on uses for a spare room. My favorites: dining room/library, dining room/craft area, dining room/study or homework area. What do you need in your house that you don't have?

Example: move all furniture out except large China cabinet. Store books and supplies in there. Family heirlooms and albums would be good in the upper part. Take table down to smallest size, take 2 end chairs away. If you have room, turn table where it is perpendicular to the window wall. Result: craft room, library/homework room, or office.

Another example: move all furniture out except corner bookcase. Push table against back wall next to corner bookcase. Result: yoga/dance/exercise area. Or: play area. Store all supplies in corner bookcase.

Once you nail down how you want to use the room, styling it will be easy. Use color in a rug, tablecloth, new wall color. Hope this helps! I will try to find some pics.

Check these out and how colors, wallpaper, and some art made a difference with more formal dining furniture.

July - 2015 · More Info

Miller Family Room · More Info

Living Room · More Info

A Modern Gem · More Info

Dining Room · More Info

Tommy Bahama Home Bali Hai Tropical Double Pedestal 7 Piece Dining Set · More Info

Honestly?

Until you have the $$$ just let it be, you'll never be happy.

Bare minimum?

You need a rug and chandelier to anchor.

It really is a fantastic room but it looks like a bedroom with a dining table in it.

Love that idea!

I love the shape of your chairs! Maybe paint the table, paint the fireplace white and get a different mirror. My eyes went to the chairs, then to the mirror, the frame is too heavy. Get rid of the China cabinet and perhaps paint your mantle. A colorful rug would help.

Thank you.

Hello Cg Cg, any updates?

Waiting for opportunities to sell existing dining room set and corner bar. Very difficult during the SIP especially in the county I live here in California. Once we can move on this, we are forging ahead with a wine bar concept including a wine cellar along the wall that currently holds the china cabinet.

That sounds interesting. I know you are in California, but is this something you will use? You might be able to remix the table and chairs into a tasting demo table with a few chairs separate. (Wine...fridge? Gonna have to search indoor wine cellar.) Keep us posted. Glad y'all are doing ok.