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Dealing with 2 tiny windows in dining room wall? Art? Shelves? drywall

last year
last modified: last year

I would love to get rid of the windows on the dining room/cafe wall but concerned that drywalling over them might be a problem later. Think the drywall could work? Ideas for wall treatment, art arrangements, and shelving? ?? We get plenty of light in the room so don't need the windows. Has anyone don't anything creative? We will need to use shades or shutters to keep the sun out if we keep the windows. The room is narrow, 10'5". We are keeping our dog!!



Comments (132)

  • PRO
    last year

    In Option 1- you could put tall piece of art 36” wide and probably 48-54” high above table to draw the eye away from windows. In Option 3 - you would create the most interesting vignette that would allow good views from all lines of sight. I think the round table is my least favorite simply because it is too small a space for easy walks rounds. Best to have at least 3’ of space to have comfortable walking around. But all 3 are viable options! Enjoy!

  • last year
    last modified: last year

    Flo Mangan Wow. Thank you. I am sitting here looking at this and trying to think about the possibilities. I would have never thought of them. I do like the idea of the high-back sofa with interesting fabric on the wall. However, when I look at all three options, option 2 appeals to me because I often gravitate to clean looks - and it might be wrong but I would use a square/rectangle rug rather than round. Tonight I will move the furniture around a bit and see what it looks like. Thanks.

  • last year

    Another part of this room that drives me crazy is the abrupt end of the kitchen cabinets on that wall.

  • last year

    If you're a bit crafty, you can make a wooden insert for each window (like a picture frame) and staple fabric over it. Then stick it in the window.


    This worked well for some friends in one of those ridiculous 18' ceiling houses with tiny windows way up high--part of the year the sun lined up with the windows and made things unpleasant inside.

  • PRO
    last year

    We can find some solutions for the end of cabinets. Just depends on table set up you go with.

    Maggie Passel thanked Flo Mangan
  • last year

    Keep in mind any obstruction at the end of the kitchen cabinets will block natural light and interrupt interaction with people at the table…

    Maggie Passel thanked btydrvn
  • PRO
    last year

    Something like this but only 24” wide and as high as needed.

    Maggie Passel thanked Flo Mangan
  • last year

    I feel the same way about my kitchen cabinets ' rather abrupt ending. Worse yet, my wall cabinets there aren't even connected to others like yours at least are. They just hang there like a nose about to fall off.  My solution is going to be a little wall there. And I don't care if it blocks a little natural light. Tons of natural light isn't equivalent to Nirvana. There's plenty of light in my kitchen; I can let go of a little, and that's if it even happens.

    Maggie Passel thanked kl23
  • last year

    Fori I would do that in a minute if there were 3 windows! but could still work. Thanks.


  • last year

    K L Love the "nose about to fall off". I have always wanted to do a wall there but it would just make the space look smaller. I have seen a few houses where people continued a very narrow lower cabinet down the wall. Unless we make it a 6" cabinet it would be too big. Glad I am not the only one that thinks it looks unfinished.

  • PRO
    last year

    Trying to post. Did this little sketch for you. Of course, you can pick style, sizing and fabrics. The blush banquette seat can be done in any fabric you want. Just depends on styling you might want. I just thought it was more modern look. I have seen people cover pool tubes and Velcro’s to backer board for similar look. Just ideas.

  • PRO
    last year

    You can get ready made stick on wall panels to fit your configuration really economically. These are for headboards but using them vertically would create modern look above a bench of you choice. Lots of options out there. Just takes a little creativity.

  • last year

    Is there a chandelier above the table?

    Maggie Passel thanked R Joy
  • last year

    I love the high backed banquette idea! Could go minimalist modern with just a touch of glam depending on the table. I wish I could do this, hmmmm, just maybe…….

  • PRO
    last year

    Just checking on you Maggie. We’re you able to test any layouts?

    Maggie Passel thanked Flo Mangan
  • last year

    R JoyThere will be a chandelier when I settle on round vs rectangular table.


  • last year

    Flo Mangan interesting with the high back layout you did. It is a little modern for me. Sorry but I think I am going to have to go with a more classic look -- may just go with the table and chairs round or not. I wonder how a cabinet continuing on the wall from the kitchen cabinets in a 8-10" deep would look.

  • last year

    I understood you to say there wasn't enough room. Otherwise I think that could be nice if done right...shelves and or cabinet 8"-10" deep.

    Maggie Passel thanked kl23
  • last year
    last modified: last year

    You can certainly sheetrock over them.

    Put window film or paint that look will like a shade. Then find out if you need a vapor barrier, insulate and sheetrock your inside. Outside looks like there is a pulled down shade.

    I did this in 2 homes.

    Maggie Passel thanked eld6161
  • PRO
    last year

    I look forward to seeing your finished room. I always like to offer options people might never think of themselves and then it’s their choice. No worries.

    Maggie Passel thanked Flo Mangan
  • PRO
    last year

    A way to test space for a line of cabinets is to put a row of boxes the depth and height you are considering and then add table and chairs. According to my scale drawing, you don’t have room for that so another choice. You do need some room around whatever table you use to access your slider and rear patio.

    Maggie Passel thanked Flo Mangan
  • PRO
    last year

    Here are some further ideas based on your feedback. A pair of narrow bookcases to put either side of windows. These are very slim. A narrow 11” deep console table in center. A round traditional pedestal table and possibly new black chairs. Or you could chalk paint your existing chairs if you wish. Target, IKEA and Amazon all have options like these. See how this might work for you.

  • last year

    If the sliding door doesn’t get used that often filling the room won’t be such an issue as long as slider is accessible. For the abrupt cabinet end maybe consider a tall corner bakers rack there that you can use for decor and commonly used items for dining. Just me but I wouldn’t overfill the space with too much furniture.

  • last year

    K L It would be tight with a narrow cabinet but will consider. i need to find photos of people who have continued the kitchen wall with a narrow cabinet. I know I have seen it somewhere.

  • last year

    eld6161 Good to know about putting a vapor barrier. That sounds like a good solution if we drywall. Thanks.

  • last year
    last modified: last year

    Flo Mangan I really like the tall bookcases! Amazing what a difference that makes! I would want the bookcases and table etc to be in brown tones because of the dark brown media cabinet across the room.

  • last year

    Once we decide about furniture I want to consider a panel of drapes to soft the look on both sliders. Is that crazy? or really should start a new thread when we decide on furniture.

  • PRO
    last year

    If you don’t need the light I would hang a set of oversized art over them simple allows lots if room but has a big impact…I would not add shelves for just a bunch of stuff..

    Maggie Passel thanked Home Interiors with Ease
  • last year

    Home Interiors with Ease I will look for art that will work. It would be the simplest solution and create huge visual impact. Thanks.

  • PRO
    Maggie Passel thanked Home Interiors with Ease
  • PRO
    last year

    Look at TWOPAGES.com for drapes..great looking and many styles to pick from..budget friendly too! What style are you wanting to achieve? And what is the size of the space?

  • last year

    Home Interiors with Ease I Love the idea of the art. Knowing us, it would be a year before we could find art we want to commit to. I wonder about using fabric. We might be able to do that as a placeholder. I am including a picture of the other large art piece we have in the connected family room.

  • PRO
    last year

    Sure, as I said, you pick the finishes and styles. You don't have to "match" woods in adjoining room, so keep that in mind. Mixing finishes with purpose is always doable. Keeping it simple is wise because it is a pretty small space. Is your slider going to a covered patio? If so, I don't think you need drapery there at all. Keep it open as long as you have the basic privacy you need. Start with table and chairs and that will "inform" your other choices. You have some basic direction now so enjoy!

    Maggie Passel thanked Flo Mangan
  • PRO
    last year

    For slider wall, check out sliding panels or solar shades since space is limited. They come in a wide variety of patterns and colors as well as "degree of privacy" needed. They are also a more "modern" feel.

    Maggie Passel thanked Flo Mangan
  • last year

    Home Interiors with Ease Attaching space blueprint. The ceiling is 10'8". I have marked the drapes pages that you mentioned. Need to wait on that until the furniture is done. The room is painted bright white for now. We want a clean, classic/modern look. We will need a chandelier over the dining table ( even with the large art?) and we are changing the pendants over the island. They are gilded. And the DR fixture taken down already.



  • last year

    Flo Mangan We are good on the slider as far as sun issues. We will have shades on the screen cage that will deal with the sun coming in the side.

  • PRO
    last year

    Perfect. You have very little room on the small window side of your room, so any window treatments would have to slide over to the other side, which is also your entry exit to the patio right? So, I don't think you need anything on that wall.

    Maggie Passel thanked Flo Mangan
  • PRO
    last year

    btw, I love that chair with the wood trim in your family room. Beautiful!!!

    Maggie Passel thanked Flo Mangan
  • last year

    Thanks Flo Mangan I like those chairs as well. I do need to get a throw for chair or sofa.


  • last year

    Keep in mind cabinets need room for opening doors.. and to stand/bend for access

    Maggie Passel thanked btydrvn
  • last year

    The added pics of your full space…suggest an accent color on the kitchen wall.. and across the backsplash…to draw the eye and break up all the white…a pretty pale pastel shade of your favorite color …then adding other touches of color..prints?…in accessories for the living room area

    Maggie Passel thanked btydrvn
  • last year

    A color on the island is another option…if the wall feels overwhelming

    Maggie Passel thanked btydrvn
  • PRO
    last year

    Wow your piece of art is amazing! Has a modern feel…..if you do big wall art in kitchen you could do a cluster pendant style light fixture over the table……a round modern pedestal table will work in your space….or stick with rectangle but nice you have both options. I have seen the big abstract wall art in fabric and yes that could solve that area until you find the perfect art…I have seen several sources for the fabric wall art on Pinterest…love the crisp white walls!

    Maggie Passel thanked Home Interiors with Ease
  • PRO
    last year

    Lighting for over table inspiration

    Maggie Passel thanked Home Interiors with Ease
  • last year

    Home Interiors with Ease Thanks for the inspiration. I am finding that my comfort level isn't quite ready for much more modern in the room. I love the amber one on the right but will feel more comfortable with something more transitional.

  • PRO
    last year

    Maggie it really all depends on the style of table and chairs you add..if you add a more transitional or contemporary table and chairs you can add that modern clean lighting…..such a nice mix with your kitchen design.

  • 6 months ago

    I have 3 windows like this in my stairway. i found a decoraive wall sqare that fit inside and they look amazing. (wall art was wood covered with ivory mother-of-pearl) Our new home we are building has 3 15”x15” square windows in our cafe/dining area. i plan to do a similar treatment. I recently found iron gate window inserts that i think will look great with my intended design. I hope that sprouts some ideas for you. best of luck.

  • 6 months ago

    Thank you, Debbie. Do you have a picture you could share?

  • 5 months ago



    I took a picture during the day, and one at night.

    This is one of 3 windows aligned at the top of the staircase.

    Maggie Passel thanked Debbie Campbell