I would add two large pictures that compliment the space, on either side of the window. Get a larger light fixture. Omit fabric on bench. Add larger centerpiece.

Paint the two other chairs black as well.

Thanks! Any suggestion for what style light fixture?

Something like these?

Those are nice. But Im afraid it will be too much black. The table in that pic is much lighter than mine and I also have a dark rug

Is the comment about too much black referring to the light fixtures? if so, what about brush gold in those same style fixtures? I really like your space. It looks very welcoming.

Can you show the other side of the room? Is it completely open to the kitchen, or are there walls?

I’m wondering about turning your dining table lengthwise and if there’d be room to put the piano on the long wall to the right. If that wouldn’t work, I might consider getting a round table.

Is this the only dining room? How many people do you need to be able to seat?

What styles do you like? What are wall colors in the rest of the house?

I like the traditional and cozy feel, and would not bring in ubiquitous generic ’mod’ elements to update.

Wow! That is so cool how you made that. It looks so much better without the two-tone wall. Thanks for doing that!

As RL Relocation mentioned I was also going to suggest remove the chair rail and paint 1 color. It seems like a bright room I would try the charcoal/gray/brown (?) from the rug.

@jinx Thanks everyone for your great suggestions and helpful questions! Here are pics of the other long wall which is an arch looking into the entryway and living room, the living room looking into the dining room through the arch, the street-facing dining wall, and the dining wall with the open doorway into the kitchen. You can see the living room walls are yellowish. This is the only dining/eating room in our house (a 1940s cape) and we use it every day for 3, sometimes 5 people. I like scandi, mid century modern, bohemian, and classic American interior styles..

Thank you! Charming home. :)

Could the table be turned and piano put on the other wall?

I’d consider playing up the character of the house and keeping the chair rail — with wainscoting and wallpaper above.

So many directions you could go for an eclectic room full of character.

Love these suggestions! I will definitely try the table the other way (will wait for my husband to be out of town, lol). I love the wallpaper idea too. I think my first task is going to be to get a gold chandelier. I have a question about paint, too. I have some leftover white paint. Does anyone think that painting the bottom panels white would achieve a similar vibe as the all one color wall? It would be a super cheap way for me to make a change.

Yes you can start there, but honestly removing that trim piece is pretty easy.

Thank you! Also, what do you think of this chandelier? Seems like a good value for the price

I like that, very pretty!

It’s only $155! I think I’m gonna go for it. 🙂