I would put art over the buffet. Sites to look at: art.com minted.com etsy.com bigcanvas.com

Make sure the art is at least 2/3 the width of the buffet

Be sure to accessorize the side board to suit what you add on wall. You could use large artwork, mirror or even plates for a nice French country feel. A new chandelier, rug and drapes would be an added bonus. Would suggest changing the tablecloth to a runner and placemats which will still protect table.

What other colors do you have in the rest of the house?

@katinparadise neutral colors mainly. The walls are all the light green/gray. Carpeting is a mixture of tans/browns. White or cream curtains. It’s been a slow process getting to decorate. I like blue though, so maybe adding pops of that.

Something similar to the shelving is what I was originally thinking, but I really like all the other ideas too. The problem is i‘m so indecisive.

@Maureen Thanks for the pictures. I love the second one.

IMO, the shelves are just one more place to have to add "stuff" to fill them up. I think a piece of art and a few well chosen accessories are a better fit for the things you have in the room. Your white ceramic pitcher is a good start and I like the clock-it's different. You could add some eucalyptus to the pitcher and find a pretty buffet lamp to balance the other side. A different chandelier will also help change the mood of the space. You could also add curtain panels and re-upholster the seat of the chairs in a coordinating fabric.

I think the shelves in the inspiration pictures are too rustic/country. You mentioned you are looking for French Country, which is rustic provincial which works better with your dining set

Spend a lot of time collecting inspiration before you decide on wall. Consider the whole room’s overall feel vs just one component. Good luck and have fun!

I don't believe your furniture lends itself to farmhouse, but it could skew country French. Use the mirror that Ilikefriday suggests. It's perfect. Get a black iron or French country style of chandelier and hang it much lower than what you currently have. A nice set of simple drapes and a table runner to match. Blue would be a great color. A pottery bowl with lemons or apples for the center of the table.

I would also consider having a table pad made to protect the table. Although the right tablecloth could work. It's just a shame to hide the pretty table.

This chandelier is very well priced and would look nice over the table.

https://www.amazon.com/Wellmet-Farmhouse-Chandelier-Industrial-Chandeliers/dp/B07RVFD6NT

I like your buffet; nice piece of furniture. We can’t see the table but none of this looks farmhouse or French. A bit English mixed with early America maybe!

Ban you take a photo without the tablecloth please!

Can I meant;)!

The plastic over the tablecloth doesn't show off that charming vintage furniture at all. Could cork-backed placemats and chargers help Hubs get over his fear?

I'd pick art for over the buffet, new coverings on the chairs (EZ to do yourself), curtains, and a new chandy hung a bit lower over the table....bon appétit!

My goodness, real wood furniture should be used and enjoyed! That tablecloth looks like it’s still in his Grandmas house;)!

No shelves. A nice piece of art.. maybe a plain air piece that is framed and matted, add a lamp.

Plein Air . Sorry, autocorrect!

It hard to make anything look good with a granny tablecloth....

It has a table pad underneath, but it has a white top. Here’s some without the tablecloth.

Pretty table!

This shot from further back if you want a mock up!

When you have furniture this nice it really doesn’t take that much.

Your kitchen is to the left, correct? What will be the function of this buffett? Photos of adjacent space and what are you open to as far as improvement or updates? Draperies, lighting, rug, chairs fabric update, paint or wallpaper?

Also, I do have another tablecloth I like a little better. (Not a fan of tablecloths either). I threw that on the table for reference.

LUCY! You got some you got some splainin to do when I get home!

I vote for art. If it were me, I would probably use a blue & white gingham tablecloth, and maybe solid blue drapes if you decide to use drapes (or toile drapes and a solid tablecloth) to add a little french country feel.

@Jodie White Designs yes my kitchen is to the left. I use the buffet for storage, and to display some items on top. I have used it to display decorations/cake for birthday party’s. My home is still fairly new so I’m not looking to do anything major right now. Basically looking for ways to add character. The blank space above the buffet bothers me the most. I want to add some french country feel into the space. I’m open to window treatment, lighting, and decor ideas. Im also lost when it comes to decorating the table. The fabric in the chairs are probably going to stay. If I did anything to the walls I’d like to do white molding or wainscoting on the lower part of the wall.

Add a pretty dough bowl to the table.

https://www.target.com/p/67-6oz-sheesham-wood-serving-bowl-threshold-8482/-/A-76167301? Fill it with lemons.

Can you change out the chandelier to one like I suggested? Add ticking stripe curtains.

Add a piece of landscape art.

https://www.framedart.com/nai/summer-in-provence-print-826588.htm?

This is a very pretty buffet lamp.

https://www.antiquefarmhouse.com/ornate-narrow-buffet-lamp.html?gclid=CjwKCAjwv4_1BRAhEiwAtMDLsp8zDePgZb3fvjfPLJcFxxvyZLnk-cYDImoOQtWVRaW_PPEhupZa_hoCOSUQAvD_BwE

Adding Lighter wood materials in contrast to your darker wood would brighten the space. Just a simple white modern pretty white or mirrored runner with large white jug or vase on table as above to create a nice dining space in a less traditional design can work. Tall mirror and new chandy in a white/cream finish. Draperies and wall paint to complete the look. Another look is hand painted vintage tole trays arranged over the buffett with new lighting and lamps.

Your not saying what sort of look you really like. Feedback is always good !!! I’m not sure about a mirror because we don’t know what it will be reflected in it.

Will hubby object to a clear coat of varathane on the tabletop?...then no tablecloth needed ...if cloth not debatable at least trim an d hem into an oval shape that fits the table...

More precisely ...that will have the same length over hang all around