how about one of those chandeliers with the wooden beads? see if i can find a pic. you've probably seen them though. :)

[houzz=]

or

[houzz=]

[houzz=]

there are a few companies that have the wooden alternative chandeliers...horchow, restoration hardware...some of the beaded ones have some in darker browns, if you prefer that. and also colored wooden beads, if you would like a pop of color there!

[houzz=]

this one is cool too.....

I would change table to round if money allows. Ballard Designs even sells a party table which seats six. Then invest in custom tablecloth to the floor and matching floor to ceiling drapes. Since it is a smaller room it will give a softer cozy feel and make ceiling seem higher. I would perhaps stay in the gray tones and leave your gray chairs on either side of your hutch. Look for four new smaller scale dining chairs. Can also see an oversized lantern centered over table for main light fixture. A glass top can protect your tablecloth to allow some practically.

to klfische- the room is painted in a light taupe that is the same color as kitchen, family room , hallways & foyer since its a somewhat open concept. I had a round table but switched it with this one that was in the kitchen b.c i needed more room in the kitchen. The bench was a custom job & needs to stay. I was thinking of doing cream solid linen curtain panels on the palladium window then just one panel on the outer side to the corner of the other 2 windows. If i keep the style of the grey chairs i was thinking they would look better in cream linen but not sure about the finish for the legs. its been suggested to move the curio shelf but i dont know where i should move it within my house?? i was thinking about a large lantern chandelier, rustic crystal one or antler chandelier. Any thoughts

Traditional Dining Room by Charleston Cabinets & Cabinetry Carolina Kitchens of Charleston, Inc.

or this one [houzz=]

Definitely the lantern. Ballard also has custom round table covers in burlap as well.

I have found when I go with something that is currently "in" I live to regret the decision as trends seem to change so quickly. My rule of thumb is to go with pieces that are timeless for integral parts to the design of the home and expensive in terms of switching out. I then change up my rooms with smaller trendy items that can easily be switched and not an expensive redo. I think the antler chandelier, while beautiful, will be a trendy thing that you will regret. I would go with something that is not frilly and stays rustic but is more traditional. I do like the lantern look.

This is my favorite chandelier ever--it would look lovely in your room. Pottery Barn, baby!

I like your chandelier. Try getting curtains up before you change it out.

CPSK, you haven't said definitively what your budget is - are you looking to keep what you have and make the room look "more finished" or do you want to do it over? I am assuming you don't want to start over.

I agree with other posters that the table looks like it is in the wrong direction from the first photo, but I think that is an optical illusion based on your comment and the third photo. Unless your room is almost square, I don't think I would go with a round table.

My take. I love the neutral palette - walls, floor and rug. While I think that the dining room table looks a little casual - or "kitcheny", I like the simplicity and the scale. The chairs and the bench are not working for me. The two Windsor side chairs are too matchy and reinforce the kitchen look, the captain's chairs are too large and formal with the table and the bench seems too long for the space.

Can you use the bench at the foot of a bed, in an entrance hall or as a coffee table? I would shop antique fairs, consignment stores or Craig's list for six chairs that are mismatched, but similar in scale. I'd than have them all professionally spray painted in one color, but not black. You can buy a fun fabric and reupholster the seats yourself. If that doesn't work for you Ballard designs a good selection of dining chairs. Simple parsons slipcovered chairs to serve as captain chairs and then the Cassie or Constance side chairs.

Love the Ballard Designs lantern and someone else's idea of the burlap or simple linen panels. I would go with panels on both sides of your side windows - it would make the sideboard "fit" better. Re the color - I would go with something similar to the color in your rug - or anything that would be similar in hue to the stone in your fireplace.

I do think the mirror is too large for the sideboard. I would go with something taller and more narrow to better fill the wall space between the windows. Sometimes you can find wonderful old frames - pop out the art and have a mirror put in.

Good Luck!

I would change out all the brown and beige for green and add more natural elements and textures. I do think a patterned rug would look amazing. Right now the color just kind of blends into the wood floor.

My vote is for a rustic crystal chandelier over the antler one. I think the crystal chandelier is more timeless (but then again, I'm also partial to crystal chandeliers :) ). Also, I feel like the room doesn't have quite enough color yet. My style also leans to Pottery Barn. Personally, I'd go with a light paint color that gives some warmth (but has a slight grey undertone, such as one of the Sherwin Williams neutral colors): maybe a warm, subtle sage. In my own house, I use a lot of SW Netsuke and Ecru paint (a tan with grey and green undertones; it often looks more like sage than tan, depending on the light). I could also see an oriental rug in this room paired with burlap curtains. Or, I could see your existing rug with silk curtains (maybe a subtle striped silk curtain to bring in a little color). I think you might also want to bring in some cool-colored accessories to balance the dominant warm tones (e.g. a few decorations that have some blue in addition to your main warm colors, maybe in artwork or a decorative piece or two by the lamp).

I agree with the others that a round table would be more appropriate for this space and mirror the artwork in your family room. I also think two more of the gray arm chairs would really anchor the table and room. A geographic area rug in charcoal and cream would add some interest to the room and focus on the table. Let artwork add the color or punch you want in the room as well as fresh flowers depending on the season. Roman Shades on the two smaller windows would add some interest and not conflict with the palladian window. For the Palladian window I would go almost to the ceiling on either side with simple panels same fabric as the roman shades on two smaller windows. To add more depth to the room, I would ditch the small chest and all the accessories and use a large, framed floor mirror. Check out Victoria Elizabeth Barnes on this site or her own blog to see how effective large mirrors can be! Have fun!!!

I really like what you are doing and that you seem to love texture. I'd paint the two wood chairs to match the gray. . If you don't have to cover the paladium window I think I'd leave it alone. Linen drapes would be light and airy in the small room. Maybe use that wonderful rustic box and put it on that table filled with plants......gives life to a room. Think about replacing the mirror with a piece of art, poster, photograph, print anything that you love.....remember art does not match the furniture or colors in a room! Keep your small things together.....maybe put the balls, and 2 ceramics on the tray without the glass bowl, add a flower to the vase. I love the sturdy gray chairs and the upholstered bench.....love. I don't dislike the chandelier, if you change it I'd do that last. I think the antler chandelier may be too definitely western.....I'd try to keep it more flexible. I do like what you have so far......texture and neutrals......perfect.

I like your idea of the cream linen curtains. And I like the gray chairs. Have you considered a cream finish on the legs? I was also thinking that the current chandelier might be a frog prince in need of a kiss. Maybe some cream and/or linen (light taupe) paint and different (smaller?) glass shades? Maybe NO shades; just pretty bulbs? If you are even passable with a paintbrush, you could pull off a nice custom finish. Paint it cream and then dry brush some linen color on? It might turn out looking great and save you money! (If not, sell it on Craig's list!) And if you save on the chandelier, you could afford to pick up another round table. However, I do really like the Pottery Barn chandelier that was posted here twice and think it would work well in that space. It has the glam AND the rustic w/o being heavy. And it would bring some movement to what is a rather static, square/linear room. Your curtains could have a pattern that compliments the shapes in either chandelier. Also, it looks like the chandelier has large crystals hanging from it? Maybe take those off and drape a string of more delicate glass beads, maybe with some color in them? (Yes, I'm a hard-core DIYer. lol) You didn't mention the mirror, but you could paint the mirror frame, too, unless you're in love with the silver. I also like the idea of a few well-placed real plants.

Why don't you paint the dining table? A lighter color would brighten the whole room and make it look more spacious.

I need to ask a stupid question....have you tried moving the table going in the other direction in that room? Or is that room square? I can't tell, but it may look better turned in the opposite direction with the wooden chairs or bench on the back window side.
btw...i love your bench!!

Another idea: Could the bench go under the double window and put one Windsor chair on each side of the table? I think that might bring more balance and break up the row of rectangles (bench, table, sideboard). I realize the bench being under the window would leave no space for pulling out the gray chair on that side, but if it works visually, it can be moved when necessary for seating purposes. And it would give the look of a window seat. And this is where a round table would help, b/c then the four chairs could be positioned towards the corners of the room rather than toward the walls, bringing even more balance and space. :) Just some thoughts. I like your room and think you have a fun challenge on your hands.

I can see your dilemma. It's so much more difficult to decorate a small room than if you had tons of space. Lighting? It's such a personal issue and you've had many great ideas passed on to you already. Just use what you like. Another poster suggested not going too much with what is "in style". What's "in style" now won't be for long and you'll have to start over again. (antlers, for me, translates to a cottage) Window treatments? Something sheer, ceiling to floor, wall to wall. It's light and airy and doesn't "fill" an already small room. Not only that, it doesn't hide your fantastic light. If privacy at night is an issue, you can always use simple roller blinds that are almost hidden when rolled up. Keep the sheers and blind the same colour as your walls.

If you truly can't turn your table around, leave it as is. I'd get rid of the parson's chairs and use six chairs that are the same and almost disappear when pushed under the table, Nothing upholstered. Upholstered chairs add bulk and take away space. As for the bench.. please use it elsewhere. Benches are uncomfortable for the user and quite honestly make the whole room look like something you would use in an old farmhouse kitchen. It's a lovely bench that can be used, like someone else commented, in an entry or foot of a bed. If you need a lot of seating, just use 6 chairs.

the mirror above the buffet looks great. I wouldn't change that at all. If you were to put something narrower and higher it would just add the the linear feel of the windows and do nothing for the room.

I just looked at the pictures again, and if you go with the light sheers, no upholstery on the chairs, re-purpose the bench, a lovely light fixture in the same colour as the walls would look fantastic. It would pull it all together without adding fussiness.

You have some great ideas from some pretty smart people. From where I sit, it's a simple and easy fix and not overly expensive. Good luck. Keep us posted.

Oops sorry. Two corrections on my part. Ceiling are too high for ceiling to floor drapes. And I meant Windsor chairs, not parsons.

I would definitely recover the bench and possibly the chairs or go with a lighter framed chair and mix and match fabric for bench and chairs in same color family EX plaid w/ floral or geometric pattern with floral but same basic color scheme. Chandeliers well let's say center piece for your ceiling instead should be light and timeless approach anything heavy in the room will make room look worse because of size.

I suggest painting the black spindle chairs a light grey to match the legs of the other chairs. You can keep grey tufted chairs as long as you tie it altogether. You need a wow factor chandelier and I would suggest splurging on that. My suggestion is to go all out for the Restoration Hardware crystal chandelier in cage that I attached. Then for curtains I would go with something simple possibly tie in more grey here. I found these paisley drapes on WorldMarket for pretty cheap. They would look nice. Lastly, I would suggest moving the mirror to the wall opposite the windows if there is space, and then putting a really fantastic piece of artwork there instead to draw you in. I love the wall colors. The carpet is neutral and I think you can work with the table.

Thanks for all the suggestions. I really think I will return the grey tufted chairs b/c they are little big and I think a cream would look better. The reason the table is turned this way is because if it's orientated the other way the person who sits in the end of table doesnt have much room to pull chair out b/c of sideboard but maybe if I changed the end chairs it will work. This dining room is so small!the Chaney def has to go as it was originally off white and the room had 2 hideous rams horns for sconces flanking thealladium window. I then painted Chaney silver...yuck then black. It's like putting lipstick on a pig. That thing has to go!!!!ha FYI I was working with what previous homeowner had and did a big gut on house and dining room wasn't a big concern at that time. I do have a round table like this in the kitchen but switched me b/c kitchen is used more and this table is a bit big. It comes with 6 Windsor chairs that was passed on from my aunt. Originally the set was white but yrs ago I painted them black.if I go with cream linen parson chairs...no tufting what color should legs be. I moved the existing grey chairs to side of room and like that better. I have ruled out the antler chancy now. I am now debating on oversize glassed black lantern. What do y'all think? Should it be circular or square?

The set up that you have so far looks pretty good. I would not advise a cream/linen drape- the reason being is that the walls are tan, the rug is tan and the bench is also tan. The finished look will be tan on tan on tan. Since you’re style is eclectic how about a reddish drape, something that pulls from the design of the bench? The tufted chairs that you have already are great, I would not replace them. Since you’ve described a “lodge” style design in your family/living room I like the idea of the antler chandelier. Whatever color drape you decide on you could stencil/paint a border of the same color on the rug.

To make it cozier you need window treatments and something on those walls, maybe large plants would do well in the corner, it appears you get lots of light

to be honest...i think circular would be nicer!

and if you could move the sideboard to a different spot maybe it would work as well, IF you moved the table.

I like what dianier1 has said about doing the curtains in a color perhaps....don't rule that out entirely either. If you have a flat sheet or can buy a cheap flat sheet in a color and hang it up by windows just to see if you like that before committing to buying curtains. You can always return it. Just a cheap trick of mine! ;)
but i think you've done a great job so far.....go with your heart and your gut!

Great bones. It is a small space. I would keep the light wall color or whatever shade you choose make it light. If you wanted to keep the table, bench and chairs you have, I would replace the two wood ones. I would invest in floor to ceiling or very tall curtains, large grommets, substantial rod. If not pooling on the floor then right to it. A light color but almost wall to wall to create drama. If you want color, pale pale greyed down blue, green or turquoise. Table linens to match. If you want pattern do monocramatic. Keep the mirror. If you want a drastic shot of elegance sanding the floor and staining it dark, keep the rug or not. (wooden chandelier RH.jpg) sounds like it would blend with the other room. Good luck

It is hard to tell from the photos, but is there room on the other wall beside the kitchen door for your sideboard, or even something bigger that you could use for more storage? Also I agree the mirror should be larger. I think a square one would look nice. The table almost looks too small for the space. If you have too large of a light it is going to make the table look even smaller. One that you can see through would be a good choice I think, but I also like the antler lights. They would go well with your fireplace and rustic furniture as would the other fixture. I would hang some drapes on black rods high above the window and have wood blinds.

Thanks. Be macramé asked if there was room for sideboard on other side of wall. ...well it doesn't show in picture but on the far right side the is a corner shaped hutch that has been in our family for generations so needs to stay plus it doesn't work in the rest of the house, so the only other choice for that placement would be on front corner on left but the is a floor vent over on that side so that's not the best choice. Since I started this discussion I'm pretty sure that those grey chairs will be returned. I was off today so while my 2 yr old was napping I switched the kitchen table which is a round black pedestal(it has a left which makes it oval) ..from pier I..I do like the round table b/c it broke up all the angles but I can't leave it in the room b/c then wouldn't have a kitchen table. The black rectangle farmhouse table is too big for kitchen. So I am open to changing the table..what color?

A comparison for table shapes.

Personally I think the black is not right in this room, its very gloomy and dated. Simple solution return it to its natural state , sand, stain and add a glass topper if you want to risk with children if not staining and returning to natural state vs painting will give better results. Whether you are leaving the round table or the rectangle does not determine shape of light fixture you could actually go linear/contemporary say with two or three pendants hanging. Bulky in a small room looks like furniture too big, so if you lighten it up with other things such as the chairs and fabric on benches with light framed lighting it will improve the overall appearance of room I think you will be pleased.

Here are two examples of lighting, just do the same with the side board. Lighten it up with some pottery pieces too.

Love, love, LOVE the grey parsons chairs, don't change. I like the mix you have going with the different chairs and woods. Eclectic but not hodge podge. Nice.

Also, love the idea of the antler chandelier w/ the parsons chairs. The fixture you currently have is pretty heavy. I think the antlers will actually lighten things up. If you keep the bulbs clear it will give a nice twinkle to the room.

The fabric you have on the bench looks like a linen. You mentioned linen for the drapery. I've seen burlap/linen type fabric, in the same vain. Perhaps give that a try with a 3in border same color as red(?) lettering on bench. Whatever you do, hang the rods as high as possible and wide enough so that when the curtains are pulled back they are not blocking light from the windows. Ah, found some pics.

You have a really great space to work with. The first thing I would recommend is having the chairs around your table be more consistent, there are two many differences tings going on from the two styles of chairs to the bench. On the window width the arch you could do a really magnificent drape that's always "dressed" with a white wood blind underneath to open and close for privacy,to pull the fabric into the room more do the two smaller windows as roman shades in the same material as the drapes. I would keeping the drapes and roman shades a simple color with some texture and get a rug with a pattern. what ever colors you pick you can tie in with place mats and other small items. i would paint the bar table in the back though, it competes with your wood coloring in your floor to much.

Good Luck!

could you put the table on the diagonal?

connie...yes i actually had the table on the diagonal but didnt take any pics. i actually was surprised it looked good.

I thought that might be the trick (at least in the short term) to help break up the space, and have the best traffic flow. :)

I don't hate your chandelier. What about painting it? I like the square table idea. Area rug with some color. Neutral to sheer drapes hung ceiling height. Choose a color from your rug for the chandelier.

Didn't read all of the comments due to many lengthy suggestions, so if I repeat, please forgive. Have you tried switching the bench with the 2 black wooden chairs, it would give more room to walk around the sideboard
benches usually stay where they are placed unlike chairs.

1. If you like the antler chandelier, use it as a starting point for redecorating as the style is rustic. Since it was your first instinct, go with it if you can make the necessary changes-it won't blend well with the other items you currently have.

2. I'd find another home for the bench some day. For now, when not in use I would put the bench under the window on the left side of the picture, and perhaps move the sideboard piece to the opposite wall (can't see the entire room for other suggestions) or take it out and put in a rolling cart or small mobile island if you need a serving piece.

3. I would avoid square or round tables, not enough room as mentioned. I suggest an oblong table with wood (top or base) that picks up the tone of the wood of the chandelier, and smaller chairs that fit flush under the table. Get the right scale chairs and if necessary reupholster the seats yourself (an easy and cheap fix). Rustic lends itself to mid weight fabric with some texture and fall or neutral colors.

4. Get a color wheel at a paint department, to help you pick opposite tones which complement one another, such as orange complements blue etc. You will find it a huge time saver.

We make Contemporary Stained Glass Lighting and Art and some of our pieces would fir perfectly in your dining room; For example, the Plice is fantastic and/or the Safari or/and the Galaxy. We customize size and color; visit our website at http://www.lightinart.com/ to see some options.

Listen to klfische, she hit the nail on the head. A round table with leaves would work and look great. The drapes need to be hung as high as possible. The only other thing I would say is to loose the mirror. I only like mirrors used where they reflect some thing beautiful. A beautiful painting hug over the sideboard would allow you to bring your accent color in to the room.

thanks for all the comments. I havent taken a pic yet but this wknd i returned the grey chairs...too big & not right colour. I purchased 2 smaller cream linen parson chairs that i will be adding bronze nailheads. i am leaning towards a square lantern chandelier & going with curtains. I was thinking of doing a neutral curtain with a color trim band but havent found one yet.... probably going to have to go custom. I agree the table should be oval. I moved the kitchen table in the dining rm & liked it but i cant keep it there b/c it works perfectly in the kitchen.

see pic for curtains
[houzz=]

I see the table being switched to the opposite direction. It does not flow with the room.
Take the small side board and put it elsewhere. You'll have enough room.

I can see you love the bench. Tufted grey doesn't go at all with the bench, nor do the 2 wooden chairs. I'd put grey chairs in a bedroom or at the sides... getting 3 sides of the table with comfortable chairs. You and your host should share the bench (or children should). Wonderful, I get it. But not good for a fun and long dinner party; hard on the back.

LOVE the antlers. I'd try that first.
You already have lots of good ideas coming in on the drapes.
I'd take some of that pink or warm colors from the bench and incorporate them in small doses, like cover dining chairs with a bright pattern. Most of the fabric will be sitting under the table!:)

Best to you.

I would suggest a simple chandelier that has the look of black wrought iron or bronze in an open, boxy shape and white electric candles inside (as in the photo posted by cpsk). I believe this simple look, with matching sconces flanking the double window unit and maybe the mirror, will accentuate the other furnishings. I do hope you can give the original chandelier to someone who wants it because it is a lovely piece. I like the idea of white curtains with an accent color that harmonizes with the other, lovely elements in the room.

The colorful upholstery on the bench adds a lot of personality and color, but I would suggest you place the bench under the double windows and then turn the table the other way so that the upholstered chairs are at the narrow ends. Then, I would suggest you center one black Windsor chair on each side of the table and keep the bench for a conversation piece and extra seating.

You should check out some of the chandeliers at ethan allen. Below are a few that would be timeless and look great in your space :)

ethan allen chandeliers

I actually like the window treatment you have. Try moving the table the other way, take out the sidebar. You can certainly have a circular simple light fixture, round, since the table is rectangular. I would like to see the floors done dark or light similar to the wall color. If you use the antler fixture, you will have to lighten the color of the table. After you lighten the table, you can decide on the color for the chairs or leave them. Move the bench under the mirror and get two more chairs. Then, I would change the color on the bench. A chartreuse and cream pattern (maybe also black integrated) fabric would be nice for the chairs and something similar but not matching on the bench or the other way around. One of them solid. You have a nice room to work with.