Here are more photos in daylight

What are the dimensions of the room? Do you plan to get a rug?

It’s about 22 by 14 feet. Honestly I’m struggling with the room. We had a large oriental rug but it was red and was just an eye sore. So now it’s bare. I actually like not having a rug but the room looks so empty.

Do you like all of the dark furniture? Quite honestly I don't think it works in this dining room.

you could actually do a larger table if you like.

I'd bring in more light, a nice area rug, some decor for the walls. And your curtains are too short and just the wrong type.

The china cab doesn't really look good in that spot. plus, it's so dark, it visually disappears.

A nice rug, a large table and large chairs, more light, a buffet, new drapes would go a long way in this room
Lighter rug, better drapes, paint new light, lighter chairs

how much to you want to do to this room to bring it around?

are you up for painting, scraping the ceiling, and lightening up this room?

Maybe bringing in grand table from this century?

This room absolutely needs a light rug probably 10 x 14 foot rug. China cabinet on long wall and a beautiful pot with green plant to distract from side view. A pair of torchiere lamps on far end of room. New drapery full length and off white walls. A rectangular chandelier would help with lighting. No tablecloth. Larger decor on table. Bbl

Here is an option to brighten and lighten and update this beautiful room. The insert is to simulate how to handle end of China cabinet.

A trio of 3 prints on far entry? Wall would work better than large painting. If the China cabinet is two parts, remove the upper part and use base with art over it on long wall.

Beth - I love these photos you added. We recently added the wallpaper so I’m not looking to paint.
I was trying to keep the furniture because it was passed down from great grandparents but I really am not a huge fan of the big traditional china cabinet.
It’s just such a large room to fill, I struggle knowing what to add.

Flo- thank you for the pot idea to hide the side of the China cabinet! I never thought of this. Such a great idea. Do you think a piece of furniture is needed in the place I currently have the China cabinet?

I don’t think you need anymore furniture in this room. Can you separate the China hutch on top from the base?

Yes they can be separated.

Would you consider removing top? It would allow you have a more open feeling and give you option for large art over the buffet. I would try it.

and they actually look really nice painted. that old dark wood, against your dark wood paneling, just disappears.

pick a nice color you like as an accent and have it painted. you can do the whole thing if you like, and display any pottery or china you like (have them paint the inside a light or white so that you can see it

some of them look really nice when redone (and let me reassure you, they aren't worth much as is. People practically give these away on Craigslist because no one wants them )

these can be stunning when done with lacquer or a good enamel, and some cool wallpaper or painting inside the cabinet

Love this. Beth it’s so true. I’m so hesitant to paint it bc I’m scared to ruin an “old piece” but they truly aren’t worth much anymore.

I love the room, and you are so lucky to have such a large dining room.

The china cabinet is wonderful too, and only looks so dark because there is nothing in it.

I would move it to another location, where it is now looks like you shoved it in the corner.

I think you might try it in the middle of the long wall.

Put attractive serving pieces in there such as trays you stand on end, tureens, covered vegetable bowls, silver pieces, etc.

If you are going to put a service of china, please don't just stack them as if it was a closed cabinet.

Use a clear acrylic stand so the china can be displayed attractively.

I would however, avoid displaying china if it is a bit boring, and stick to putting behind glass the things with interesting shapes.

That room is even large enough, you could get two identical china cabinets and put them next to each other. Yes, that is done. A room that large could seat over 20 people easily.

That room is so large you could even get a large sideboard/buffet/credenza for the opposite wall, and get a marvelous starburst or other interesting mirror above it to reflect your marvelous table setting and well dressed guests.

On either side of the doorway you could put two marvelous dressers and find a gorgeous tea service to put on top of one of them. Or one marvelous dresser and a great wheeled cart, a bar cart or a tea cart. As I get older, it is getting difficult to carry things. It is nice to wheel in a cart.

The other advantage of a cart is you can use it not only to serve from when it is attractive and well made, you can pad it and cover the shelves and use it to help clear and the end of the meal, and then put away the china and silver after they are washed.

Take the tablecloth off the table unless you are eating and polish the table and let it gleam.

When you do use a tablecloth, you need a longer one.

Get out a vase and put in some flowers or leaves and bring some life into that room!

The curtains are way too short, the pleating is old fashioned, and they should not be kept closed unless you specifically want privacy at a particular time.

The chandelier might be okay if you put clip on mini lamp shades over the bulbs.

You can get them in white or ivory, but you can really pump up the drama by getting them in black with the inside gold.

Overstock has several styles and shapes with 6 for $40-$55.

A rug is nice, and quality Persian rugs can be had for a song.

Remember, no one can see the part of the rug that will be under the table, so you can actually get a rug that has flaws of various types that others would not touch, but for you would be perfectly marvelous.

The thing is, remember that you do not want to vacuum a Persian you will loosen the knots.

Use an old fashioned carpet sweeper.

If the whole thing gets dusty, hang it over a few rows of clothesline and smack it with a carpet beater.

If you feel you want to introduce a little more color into the room, tie back the curtains with colored tassels, they look so luxurious!, and find some way to reiterate those colors elsewhere in the room, in your artwork for example.

As for table decoration, everyone is different, but I prefer a big thing as opposed to a lot of little things.

For example, rather than strew a lot of little fall-season things all down the table, I would take a the biggest glass vase I have or a huge glass ginger jar and fill it with mini pumpkins, different interesting gourds, acorns, pine cones, interesting leaves, etc.

For the meal, I like fresh flowers or stems of leaves, and a mini pumpkin or gourd or pine cone at each place setting with the person's name written on it as a place card.

(Too much stuff on the table and there is no place for the food.)

stehl, they actually are worth more when they're painted like that. I've done a few of them and know how much work it takes, so don't be surprised at the cost (if you go that route)

You have so many dark items in that room, I think it would bring in a bit of life if you did paint it.

another option is to just paint the inside (or paper it) and do some interior lighting.

that, along w/a rug, some new lighting, accessories, may be enough to get you where you like everything.

You could also get the chairs sprayed (the same as the hutch) and reupholstered.

You can't believe what a transformation this has on those vintage pieces.

Let me show you a few (lets start w/just the chairs) so you can get an idea

I'm not saying it will be cheap, but you have solid pieces of dining furniture that will look beautiful if they're updated.

merely painting the chairs and brining in some new seats, will be huge. For instance, do the seats in a lush velvet, and paint the caning / chair itself in a nice, rich color enamel, beautiful against the deep wood in the room

You could even have the backs done w/a lovely material to accent the velvet seats

and you can still leave the table as is (ignore the red,,,)

Some of these next ones are more shabby chic, but again, even using chalk paint, you can get a nice coverage. you would not distress, but merely sand smooth and spray on a clear coat (I've painted a million vintage pieces in every conceivable color and type of paint)

I actually like something like this for your room. If you redid your chairs in a soft white, new light, a light rug like this one, maybe a mirror, I think it would fit w/the style of the room

I really like this one too

Stehl-

As to whether or not to paint-

Are they antique or just old?

What type of wood?

Do you know who originally purchased it and what was their financial status at the time?

What shape are they in?

What type of joints do they have?

Are there any labels? in the door, on the underside, on the back?

What is the finish like?

Gouges, scratches, chips, pieces of veneer missing?

if this is a valuable antique, you don't want to paint it, you want to restore it, or just leave it alone until it can be properly restored.

Sorry, my eyes are just not good enough to discern this from the itty bitty pictures on this laptop, and when I enlarge them , the details blur.

If it is just old and fun and has memories, then you can paint it if you want, it is up to you.

Looking at it again, it doesn't look to be a valuable antique, but please excuse me if I am wrong.

It would look marvelous painted in a glossy black, and that would look great with the black mini-shades.

Or you could get mini-shades that are white or cream with black grosgrain ribbon trim around the edge.

Or you could keep your eyes peeled for a different chandelier altogether that is more contemporary.

loobab those pieces are from the 60's. they were mass produced. wood is veneered. often it is pecan, fruitwood, or something in that realm.

it certainly isn't an antique from the early 1900's.

Get pricing on painting things. Then you can decide if you want to keep and invest in this set or take that money and get more updated look you would love.

The woodwork is beautiful but it's very dark. A large light rug would do wonders! I can imagine the red didn't bring light. there footage to turn the table the other way? Even so seems like there is room on the one end for a seating arrangement of some sort. How often and how many ever EAT in this room?

We definitely don’t use this room to its full potential. I love the idea of a seating arrangement. What would you suggest??

Before you go putting more furniture in this room, decide on dining table and china cabinet. Maybe you could make this a “flex” room. Get a round, expandable table with some really comfy chairs. Add some bookcases and possibly a ladies desk and it can be both dining and library/office. It is nice size room so think about that.

Wow. You all have the greatest ideas. I would never this of this on my own.

Beth- thank you for the visual. My eyes are really going. (Along with everything else.)

That looks to be a rather large dining room.
Is the rest of the house equally large with interesting panelling and woodwork?
I love that sort of thing.
So did Anglophilia, rest in peace.

Loobab
Yes it’s an old family home that’s been passed down. I’m currently trying to renovate and update it. Unfortunately I have a terrible eye for things.
All of the rooms are equally large with similar woodwork.

I would move the table to go the wide way.

Stelh-

Aren't you lucky!

It's a lovely room! I sure would put that oriental rug back.....or get another if that was too red. As for not vacuuming....nonsense! I have an oriental on my diningroom floor that was a semi antique when my parents bought it in 1957 and sure has been vacuumed many times and it's showing some wear but nothing is wrong with the knots. And another Sarouk in my living room that was new in 1957....again vacuumed many many times and while the fringe is worn, the rest of the rug is pristine!
Try the china closet on the wall opposite the windows....and I think that room needs a baby grand piano. Mirrors would brighten it up and it needs a server....if you are going to use the room as a dining room, you really need a server or buffet.
You have what looks to be a beautiful classic and classy antique house. Don't try to "up date" it with painted kitchey stuff that will be our of style in 5 or 6 years. Stay with the tried and true to the style of the house....

Oh and please lower that chandelier about 2 feet.

I agree get a server but KEEP your china cabinet intact!! You have the room for it why not!! Perhaps you can mirror the back of it get some light and reflecting going on in that space. The painted hutches are marvelous when done right--but it is a look that will not stand the test of time so be sure before you start.

Linda and arcy love this advice. I worry about painting a beautiful set and then it becoming out of style in a few short years.

My only problem was when the China cabinet was on the opposite wall, I hated that when I walked in the room all I could see was the side of it. It was such an eyesore.

You can move the china cabinet to another room (living room, parlor, or kitchen) if its placement there is better.

We wanted to share a few pictures from designers of dining room options. Note where the furniture is located?

Riverland Court: Dining Room · More Info

Mabry Place · More Info

Too bad COVID is on.

Neighborhoods with grand old homes often have wonderful home tours that can can give you some great decorating ideas.

Charities put on "design houses."

All that is on hold now for who knows how long.

Oh well.