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brittany_cherichella

Help. Advice on decorating dining area.

Struggling with where to start on this space. I would love some ideas re; furniture, area rug, wall decor, layout.





I just purchased a chandelier that I love. Attaching photos here.




Comments (31)

  • 6 years ago

    What a gorgeous room. The color and the mouldings are really lovely, as are the hardwood floors.

    First, how married are you to your current dining set? It looks a bit diminutive in the available space.

  • 6 years ago

    Thank you so much. I’m not married to it. Frankly, it’s not my taste but it was given to us by a family member and was never used. It’s quality piece (the table is very well made) and I wanted to try and warm it up a bit. It extends to sit 8. So I wanted to try and mix match the end chairs.

  • PRO
    6 years ago

    Here is a nicely designed dining room for reference.

    Here is your room with the chandelier, new paint to match the chairs and rugs added.
    I've sketched out a location for drapery panels and art.

    How long is that table because the chandelier is 61" long






    Brittany Cherichella thanked BeverlyFLADeziner
  • 6 years ago

    Sorry, but to me those chairs look like office or waiting room chairs. You might want to consider re-upholstery. Maybe something in a print in Krypton fabric? Krypton is a very durable, washable fabric which would hold up well in a dining room.

  • 6 years ago

    You said table extends to seat 8. Please extend table & post pic. The space is large enough & agree the set looks diminutive as is. Do you have 2 more chairs ? If not, are you thinking of adding 2 end of table chairs? I disagree with Nancy about the look of the chairs & like your idea of adding a mix. The end of table chairs are the obvious to change if you have 6 matching. It looks like a nice set to build your dining room around.love the chandelier!

    Brittany Cherichella thanked KW PNW Z8
  • 6 years ago

    If you're keeping the table then paint it ebony like the photo that BeverlyFLADeziner is showing. Then the chairs might work.

  • 6 years ago

    Sometimes we make do with pieces that have been given to us until we can afford to replace it with pieces that are our style, but don't hang onto anything that doesn't bring you joy just because it is expensive or well made.


  • 6 years ago

    @KW than I only have 6 chairs. My goal is to find to new end chairs to mix it up. I think I can pull it off!

  • 6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    Extending table is the answer. I love your whimsical chandelier and the paint color is nice. You have so many options regarding the two chairs and hold off on any decorating, as they will have a major influence in a direction.

    You could go with a similar style but contrasting color


    A different style and color


    My favourite is to look for second hand and reupholster with a great fabric.


    Brittany Cherichella thanked Maureen
  • 6 years ago

    I see that the leaf extensions are self storing under the center of table so there is no apron on sides of the extensions. In this case the table has better appearance if not extended unless needed. Do you plan to add furniture pieces to room? If so, could 2 existing chairs sit at either sides of a console / buffet etc or elsewhere in room? This way table could be not extended when extra seats not needed & the new different chairs can sit at table. Be sure if they’re arm chairs that arms not too high & do slide under apron. If you add a rug, be sure it’s large enough to work when table extended. I like the idea of extra chairs with a complementary print fabric to add texture to room.

    Brittany Cherichella thanked KW PNW Z8
  • 6 years ago

    @Maureen I love your suggestions. @KW I also love this idea with the chairs you suggested. I haven't thought of that. If I do decide to add a console it would prob be the last item I purchase. I want to think about the wall behind the table. Not sure whether to do art, mirrors. or possibly standing mirrors.

  • 6 years ago

    Brittany, my vote for that wall is art. A standing mirror or ”leaner” feels like a bedroom, foyer or hallway piece. When I think of standing mirror, it’s a tall, narrower mirror meant to be seen from some distance. If a mirror is used, I think a wall hung mirror over a buffet would look best, and reflect the chandelier the best also.

    Brittany Cherichella thanked KW PNW Z8
  • PRO
    6 years ago

    We offer a wide range of award winning wall art and photography you may like at http://mndphoto.com

    Brittany Cherichella thanked M&D Photography
  • 6 years ago




    Brittany Cherichella thanked Maureen
  • PRO
    6 years ago

    Art.. as soon as I saw the space, it needs something on the walls. Mirrors are great, but personally I believe art adds to rooms a little bit of sophistication.

    Brittany Cherichella thanked Altair
  • PRO
    6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    Some inspiration



  • PRO
    6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    with wall art



    Brittany Cherichella thanked Celery. Visualization, Rendering images
  • 6 years ago

    Hmm - the visuals are great. like style of first rug much more than second. And, your chandelier just disappeared with that busy wall art! If you hang art maybe it needs to be a very “open” scene or softer - Monet?

    Brittany Cherichella thanked KW PNW Z8
  • PRO
    6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    Disappeared on rendering. Chandelier itself is very beautiful, it would attract the eyes in reality. Nice mirror probably would be better with so nice chandelier.


    Brittany Cherichella thanked Celery. Visualization, Rendering images
  • 6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    Better - the chandelier at least shows up. But, maybe 3 is too busy & 1 large, soft image better & with a fairly decorative frame that complements the chandelier. Love this rug!

  • 6 years ago

    Wow I love the last picture, thank you all much. You’re giving me so much inspo! Where can I find that rug in the last picture? I love it. I like art too.

  • PRO
    6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    Got inspiration for mirror in dining room from Restoration Hardware. It reflects chandelier.


    or may be in dark gold frame. Arhaus has it in gold for this chandelier.

  • 6 years ago

    Actually, a mirror like that might not be a bad idea, because it would reflect the light from the chandelier. That would give more light than the bulbs in the chandy would.

  • 6 years ago
  • 6 years ago

    Or these side by side?




  • PRO
    6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    Brittany! I mean just color. You do not have to go with fancy and expensive mirror at all, your chandelier is already fancy. Get some less fancy one.

  • PRO
    6 years ago

    Below are dining room designs for you. Notice the furniture and decor.

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