Yes, you definitely need some drapes. I think some kind of chandelier would look nice over your table, and it probably should be at least a little higher than the one you have. I'm not a pro, but that looks like a long drop from the ceiling for a rather small fixture-to my amateur eyeballs, anyway. I think you also need some kind of centerpiece on the table once you have the other stuff done.

What would your table look like turned the other way. ?

I agree with erinsean, the table looks too big for the space and I'm not sure drapery will help that. Could you try turning the table? If not, if the table has leaves maybe you could take one out. The windows are beautiful and will certainly be enhanced by draperies with a bold colour.

This looks like a pretty good sized room as I see the china hutch there, too. Is there a way to turn that table and move it a lot closer to the hutch? Maybe this part of the room where the table is now could have two chairs and a table in front of the window instead. There seems to be floor space down the other direction, but I am not sure what is there, either.

Thank you so much for the feedback. I have added other pictures to help understand the room better. It is my formal living room and dining room combo. It doesn't work if I turn the table because it sticks out too far into the living room. I can make the table smaller, and that is a great idea. Thanks!

Is there room for the living room part to be by the window and then move the table over by the hutch?

The hutch is at the entrance to the room. Again I added more pictures to see the front of the house as you walk into the room.

An elegant approach. You can also mount them lower at the top of the windows.


Or less formal

I would place the two iron sculptures vertical and parallel to one another. Leave abou12" between them. On the other wall opposite, a large artwork that is about the same visual width and height as the sculptures together.

Thanks... I really like the idea of putting them above both windows. The ceiling is about 15 feet tall. I was thinking of one panel on each side... With one small rod on each side of the windows instead of one large rod going across. Thanks for the input and ideas because I never thought about having more panels like in the pictures.

You're Welcome lvpugs!

Note: 4 panels but don't cover the windows. Mount up to the frames :)

A different idea about the sculptures. I like a mirror in the dining room.
A large rectangle mirror a bit taller than the sculptures. Add the sculptures, one on each side. Opposite wall, an artwork as large as the grouping of the three together mentiioned above. Close in width and height to balance each other.

I was thinking of a mirror in there . I really appreciate your help!

I think that you need a round table for the space rather than a rectangle. Not sure if this is in the cards. The chandeleir needs to be substancial in height and its bottom should be 30 to 36 inches from the table top. Short rods will look skimpy in the large room. Go with one all the way across and then hang your stationary panels. A well designed valance or cornice could really compliment the room. The chandelier and drapery treatment will clearly be the focal point on entering the room.

I agree with the advice from MPAI, except for the round table. I am a firm believer in using what you have whenever possible. I would like to see some color and pattern in the drapes, as well as color and light in the living room...lamps, pillows, artwork really bring life to a room!

ABHS&ID, I also agree in using what you have but if something would be better and is possible why not? Afterall buying a preexisting home is the greenist home you can have! I would love to see the finished room.

You can use short rods to be mounted individually if you prefer. I believe the shortest length may be 18".

Looks like there may not be enough room on a wall for a large mirror and the two sculptures. Rethinking from a pic you posted, On one wall a large mirror and the other two large artwork to balance the size of the mirrror. Possibly use the sculptures in a group with the art piece (on the floor in pic) above the sofa. Scale would be better.

LB, I mean this with all due respect. What is with everyone hanging the curtains way above the windows like that? Why is that done? I know there are certain times that it makes sense, but it has become a trend that I don't understand. It just ends up looking weird most of the time.

'handymam' I think it is 'always' in the eyes of the beholder for everything in design ... and ... artwork choices. Some of us like drapery hung high. Some are not comfortable with that. Doesn't mean it's wrong or right!

The visual reason that is the visual response we tend to feel from this application, is that it definitely makes the room seem taller. This is a preference which is decided upon by the dilemma poster in anything posted on houzz. We just throw out ideas and possiblilities to consider.

I'm not real fond of trends. They sometimes take on an automatic response that is labeled, "the right thing to do". That is false. Trends tend to become so overdone and become so saturated with being the only solutions or options. Not true. I like difference and for me anything goes if you like it and it fits your personality!

Oh, I definitley agree that it is always in the eye of the beholder. I was just thinking there was some kind of reasoning to it, and I was wondering what it was so that I could see what situations it would apply to. I agree about the trend label too. I think we see a lot of trend ideas here on houzz. Hopefully people can decide what they truly like and not just go by what the majority thinks is "best."

One of the main reasons is that the room feels taller and more grand. It can also accentuate and highlight the pre-existing tall structure of the room's architecture. Which many prefer.

Thank you everyone. I love all the comments and feedback! Please keep it coming.

I have a question. If I paint the wall where the windows are an accent color, I'm not sure I was thinking a blue? Would this change the curtain situation in any way? I love this place. I am learning so much and everyone's input really helps you grow and understand decorating. Thank you everyone!!

You may want to check out our custom glass lighting for over your table! We can make it as large or small as you need in almost any length using our blown or fused glass pendants!

@ Maison. I wasn't suggesting one way or the other for the height of the drapes. I was just showing that there are options that fits any preference. That there is no right nor wrong.

I love that space and think the drapes should go above the window. I also like the idea and look of the lights over the dining table. Good suggestions and Professional opinions...@ LB Interiors, handyman, Maison, Shakuff!

Great input so far...just wanted to share another drape concept with you that isn't as linear as the others...keep in mind that this is a snapshot and not professional photography! These snapshots are of a room in progress but will give you the idea I am speaking of. Although this is a traditional room, this concept can be applied for all styles traditional - transitional - contemporary varying the fabric and hardware will set that tone.

Draperies should definitely be mounted high to draw the eye up to take in the whole room and the double height ceiling! Based on what I can see as far as your style - solids may work best with the accent fabric (top layer) having a little shimmer to it.

Good luck and please let us know how it goes!

A swag could be a great idea. I think it would have to go across the whole window, and I do think it would have to be above all the window, with maybe just the bottom of the swag grazing the top windows?
As for a different color, what you could do is to go to the Sherwin Williams site, or another paint company, and upload the photo of your dining room. They have a way to pick their colors and "paint" the room. That way you might get some idea how the different shades of blue, or any other color, would look in your room.
I know that some people do use different colors as accents on walls. My aunt's house, when I was a kid, had a small dining room that was basically part of an "L" shape, with the living room being the long part of the "L." On the back wall of the dining room was wall paper with a very light print of a gold color. It was very understated, especially for the time, but it worked to set the dining room apart from the rest of the space. So, a different color might work, and uploading it would be one way to give it a trial run, so to speak.

I think you could definitely pull off a darker, richer wall color or wallpaper if only for the Dining Room Alcove,[houzz=]

The Lighting from Shakuff is awesome, or some kind of chandleier to your liking, maybe one of those more restoration hardware types...

Long Curtains,

A Beautiful Mirror on the Wall, or Art, Candle Sconce, or table top oil lamp

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Whatever is decided, there still needs to be some kind of centerpiece-or, more specifically, interchangeable centerpieces-on the table, IMO. A lovely flower arrangement, collection of candles, bowl of fruit or "something" would be a nice touch.
I like the Clarissa light fixture. ")

I agree with those that feel that the table should be turned the other direction. By changing the direction of the table the two side walls are freed up for a sideboard, hutch, etc. As far as window treatments, this room gets a TON of light so I would assume that you're wanting to keep the blinds. As a decorative accent I would add tall panels to the exterior of the higher windows that go all the way down to the floor. They don't have to be wide enough to close, they just have to look like they could close if you wanted them to. As for choosing their color look to the surrounding rooms for inspiration, you want the rooms to flow so if you used one color as the primary in a near by room use that same color as an accent in the next room. This will give your home a cohesive feeling.

I took out a leaf. I added pictures of the table turned and the smaller version of my table. When I turn the table, it sticks out into my formal living room by a few feet. I really appreciate all the ideas. I am looking at a mirror for the one wall. I love the idea of taking down the two circle sculptures and adding it to the picture that is currently on my floor and putting them together above my sofa. I have these huge walls and everything I look at seems so tiny on them. I also would like to add a contemporary centerpiece to my table. The candle centerpiece idea caught my attention.

It look SO much better turned and from the pic, it doesn't look like it its in the way of anything. I would leave it like that.

Can you paint the window wall a brighter color to minimize the size of the table, add some art work on the side walls to pick up the new color and add an area rug that will pick up both colors in dining area and a runner in front of the hutch that will co-ordinate both areas; You could also add sofa accent pillows to tie things together. Would shutters or patterned shades work on the windows?

Here are some nice examples of candle centerpieces from the site.
https://www.houzz.com/products/products-pcat-br~
If you are going to paint the back wall as an accent color, I think I would do that first, then choose the curtains, or whatever window treatment you go with, and then the accents. When you turn the table perpendicular to the windows, then it looks like there is more room on the sides. It's hard to tell from the photo, and it might just be more "elbow" room for the chairs to move back and forth so your guests have plenty of room to maneuver without hitting anything else-which is always a good thing. However, if there is room for that, and more, then you might consider putting a small console table-more like a sofa table, really, so it would be slender. They are nice to have, especially when you have company, because then you can put some of the items that you are serving on the table, which keeps you from having to go back to the kitchen as much to get things. It doesn't look like you have anything that could serve that purpose from the pictures you've posted. Of course, it could be too much of a squeeze, but it would be nice if it was possible, especially if you do like to entertain. Such an item once was "de rigueur" for a dining room, so it's an old fashioned concept, but still a very useful one. At any rate, it would be a nice addition if it would fit

If you decide to add some artwork, you might want to consider custom art that is created just for that space. Using groups of 18"x36" or 24"x48" canvas panels could help balance those high ceilings and add more character and interest. Here's two examples of groupings that could be configured to any size you need:

I would really take advantage of the height of your ceilings. Maybe, use some pendants like the Larmes or Starburst By ET2 Contemporary. you can see all sorts os amazing pendants at www.ET2online.com

the one on the left is the Maxim Comet which I thought might be interesting.