Thank you all for your thoughts.

Many of you mentioned window treatment. I have thought about a cafe curtain. I wouldnt want the length of drapes. I might even remove the cafe curtain entirely in the summer. In the winter, the ’black hole’ out the window while we eat is dreary.

Mtn mentioned slipcovering the chairs, but their construction makes that seem less than desirable to me. I might consider getting two upholsterd chairs for DH and I to use regularly, and then at the head of the table when it is expanded.

I like the idea of a ledge over the radiator. Not sure a full cover would work, the radiator has a knob on it that actually extends into the french door trim.

The little brown, short cabinet is not the dining are buffet, it holds our fruit bowl, and I want to replace it. I am thinking of a corner cabinet for that spot.

Possible curtains

I love your mood board!

Those are pretty! This is rough but I think adding lighting would be my first step (not something quite this big but something swaggable with fabric shades). I chose the Ballard chairs because they are so versatile, good value, and washable slips. The look white but are french blue.

I like lace or off white cotton waterfall valances. I would not cover the radiator, but maybe some narrow shelves for display?

The problem with an overhead fixture is when the table is moved and extended for guests.

Placemats on the table or a runner. Some sort of colourful and interesting vignette on the buffet and a bigger picture on the right to balance the one on the left.

Agreed to the placemats, runner, or other fabric on the table!

The problem with an overhead fixture is when the table is moved and extended for guests.

You can deal with that by swagging sometimes, think I have seen that ... or, a creative option!

https://www.gardenweb.com/discussions/3745897/movable-chandelier

Is there another spot for the cabinet? My instinct is to turn the table the other way.

I love your curtain ideas. I've always wanted white light cotton or sheer pinch pleated cafe curtains on a brass rod. I also like the patterned ones you showed. The sheers would be lovely fluttering the the breeze in the summer, and maybe the patterned ones in the winter? I like Mtns. suggestion of a runner. I think upholstered chairs would add a lot of softness and would cozy things up. Beautiful room and home!

If you add light i would use only semi flush if you do not want a very obstructed view. I do not think lighting is necessary but if it is maybe something like this

This would be a lot easier, and you don't even need an electrician (see link)

https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/puck-light-sconce-how-to-36845428

I like the sconces better than hanging fixtures!

In the mockups, I like the sconces better too, but in real life, I think I will prefer a chandelier. I found this one which I would add shades to. Thoughts?

Plug In Chandelier

I love the sconces, but I think only 2 lights each, not 3. I like the idea of slipcovered chairs and as you said, you could use those as host chairs when the leaves are added to the table. If you went with sconces, you could move the larger piece of art above the radiator. Using a runner on the table, or even a large vase (pottery) would look nice. The corner cabinet idea would ruin the sconce idea LOL!! (I really do like the sconces on either side of the window.) Would a smaller cabinet that is not as deep work? I think you could even go taller if it weren't as deep. Maybe even a painted cabinet. But if you go with a shorter cabinet, I like the idea of using a lamp.

I would prefer a chandy as a diner, but sconces finesse the issue of "what will you do when you move the table out? "

Maybe a cordless lamp directly on the table. I am all about lamps anymore. Anytime I add a lamp to a room, it seems to improve the room!

You mentioned the 'black hole' of the windows at night. Would you be interested in adding some landscape lighting? We have a combination of hard wired and solar lights and that really helps to add a visual dimension to your view at night.

I'd put a nice bushy plant on the chest in a woven rattan holder. Hang a nice textile on the wall above the chest with an antique brass picture light above it to bring glow and warmth to the room. Above the radiator hang a vintage wood framed mirror that has some texture. It will reflect the warm light from the picture light, and will reflect the views.

This will all bring texture and warmth to the room without having to put a rug on the floor, a chandelier, or window treatments on your walls. (Your windows look perfect naked!)

If I had to define the style of your home I'd say rustic, collected-minimalism, and practical. I dig it. It is so much more interesting than anything I usually see on Houzz or in magazine. I totally get the need for a bit more cozy factor, but I think it starts to look cliche with sconces and upholstered dining chairs that are a dime a dozen. Your chairs are fabulous, really interesting.

@mtnrdredux_gw Because it will be a plug in chandelier(and only wieghs 4 pounds) I am not worrying about what will happen when we move the table out. I can either use a separate clear command hook on the ceiling, or I can take the chandy down. (Plus we have a lot of art work much of which has a lot of sentimental value and if I tell DH he is losing two art walls to more sconces I think he will be displeased)

What so you think of the one I posted? Black or Brass?

@maire_cate No to landscape lighting, the black whole is only a winter issue and I really do not like to interfere with the night sky. We live in a dark sky area and to interfere with it would make me sad.

The existing chest/cabinet is not staying.

The lamp ups the cozy factor immediately. and then there is this: our breakfast nook pendant went out. Like you, our table is up against the window. While we wait for the electrician, we have a brass lamp on the table. I cannot tell you how cozy and ”English country” it feels! And during dinner, it is actually romantic, and this from someone who lights little candles on the table every suppertime.

A lamp would be simpler :) @bpath How tall is yours?

You've gotten a lot of great suggestions already.

I like fabric and window treatments, but I get your not wanting to obscure the window. So I would get swing arm curtain rods that would allow the window to be draped but completely uncovered, and they're in keeping with the mood of the room. The fabric would then hang on the outside of the window which would add a lot of softness and focal point to that window wall.

I would want an area rug under the table to warm up the floor....maybe a braided rug?

Re lighting, I like the idea of cordless lamps for the table vs. the chandy.

I'd put a shelf over the rad to use for display or, leave as is, but get something textured on the wall above like fabric art of some sort.

If the existing cabinet is not staying, I hope you do put something in it's place as it would be the perfect spot for a couple of buffet lamps to lighten up the corner and throw light on some artwork above.

While we wait for the electrician, we have a brass lamp on the table. I cannot tell you how cozy and ”English country” it feels! And during dinner, it is actually romantic, and this from someone who lights little candles on the table every suppertime.

I agree 100% with this, especially since you usually eat a deux at this table.

If you want the wall space and don't care about the chandy being "wrong," at times I like it in brass. I also like fabric shades for your space.

Can you put sconces elsewhere in the room? You need light. Minimum a lamp on the buffet and a lamp on the table. easy

I am anti-corner cabinet. I think it will look crowded.

Can you put cushions on your chairs? What do you use for chairs when you are four?

PS Landscape lighting is pretty, but I agree it does not belong in rural Maine. Can you give my neighbors a call on this please?

PPS agree with Kendrah in re a mirror; just make sure wherever you place it, it reflects something you want it to.

Thrilled to hear someone say no to landscape lighting!

Maybe a rug would warm it up? Also like the idea of a lamp rather than a chandelier. I don't really like having placemats or a tablecloth on a table unless we are having a meal-it seems a bit like having fake flowers. That is just me though. I always have fresh flowers on the table-DH buys them at the grocery store every week (usually lilies, white or stargazer), so not expensive. Frankly, I think it is a charming room that needs very little.

What an adorable space! Love the cafe curtain idea for your windows, during the winter months. Can’t wait to see how you update your space. Post pictures as you go along.

Our lamp is 26” to the top of the bulb. the bottom of the shade is 16” from the table. Nit so high that we can see the bulb. It’s a three-way, of course, which is nice. We don’t have to have it on the brightest for dinner, just if I’m doing paperwork at night.

Another option for sconces is rechargeable light bulbs. They keep popping up in my FB feed of folks doing sconces with them. don;t know how long they last before needing recharging, though. Here's one website talking about rechargeable bulbs, lams and sconces: https://lifeonvirginiastreet.com/rechargeable-light-bulbs-lamps/

With a lamp on the table, you will want a cafe curtain so you don’t get that mirror effect at night.

I was actually thinking of the swing arm rods at the middle of the upper window so, sort of like a cafe curtain but even when shut would leave the upper window exposed.

This is a fun thread, and I love your charming house.

Echoing suggestions for sconces with a hanging light, and cafe curtains.

I have these saved on IG, just showing how they did sconces in interesting ways:

I really like the simplicity of this hanging light:

Thanks for all the help today. I am going to move forward with cafe curtains and either a lamp or a chandelier(or will order both and experiment).

I will post photos as things develop, but warning I am no SueB, I am slow.

Sueb just passed me on 95 headed North, not far from the KBPT exit. i saw stacks of fabric samples in the back, and i know she never goes anywhere without a paint deck.

Lookout.

She’ll have one wall painted and everything on order by morning.

🤣

LOL. For a second, reading quickly, I thought you thought you really did see me on the road. I was going to say, no, I was in Harvard Square witnessing what happens when an Anthro store closes. After 14 years, it is closing, which is sad, but OMG the line was down the block for HOURS and inside the store was completely packed. (No, I did not get in line.) The sale is 30%, not worth that excitment IMO.

Anyhow. I am sorry but I am not loving the plug-in chandelier idea. You’ll have a black cord then going up the wall and across the ceiling?

Check out Pooky for portable lamps and really cute shades.

I love the upholstered chairs you posted. I would do a lamp and new chairs as step one.

And cafe curtains. Check out Saffon Marigold.

We have a similar size radiator in our bedroom and I recently got a plain marble slab to put on top. I love it.

I just ordered your curtains. Be on the lookout for a fedex pkg.

i love your rooms local !! So charming! I could see the chandelier w/green fabric shades that Mtn posted over your table - it compliments your green leather sofa. The walls and trim are beautiful as are your windows and view. Adding some fabric will soften your dining area. Can't wait to see what you do!

Nicole

Cafe curtains will block your view....curtains that are long and elegant on either side of the window will frame the window, enhance your look. Sticking sconces on the wall...tacky! You have such a charming space. I'm eager to see what you decide to do with it....but....not every idea is going to enhance the space....some will only junk it up.

We open the cafe curtains during the day. No view blocked.

I’m not sure I understand the sconce comment???

I meant to add that we have a flat weave rug under our dining table. Our chairs move well on it.

@Jilly....mtn was blunt on her review of clothing I liked....she can take it. :0)

Sconces just stuck on the wall.....not everyone will like that look.....it's up to localeater....we're just tossing out ideas. Local will choose what's right for her. Lots of ideas....

I'm kind of surprised if said something you liked was tacky. I usually try to keep that to myself. I agree with @Jilly. So, sorry about that @HU-376768088.

I’m not sure I understand the sconce comment??? Me neither, kind of funny to me.

I’m a fan of undressed windows when they have such nice trim. I would wallpaper that little alcove or paint it a warm color. Add a rug. Figure out a radiator cover (they surely can be designed to accommodate the valve?)

As far as black hole windows at night, all of my windows are undressed and I live in a semi rural area, so it's very dark out (no street lights). I just have dark sky fixtures mounted on the outside of my house that just barely light up the areas in front of the windows so that I can see out and know someone isn't sneaking around out there, lol. It's very nice to see some of the vegetation that is close to the house, too.

Charming area for dining. I can see why you wouldn't want to block much of any of the view. When living on the lake, we went without curtains for several years, but once we added, they brought so much to each room. I think you will enjoy the addition of the cafe curtains you ordered.

One thing no one has said is they believe the current art is too large, so distracts from the view. I would add a wood or stone shelf over the radiator for a lamp and bowl, then arrange art above and on the other large wall. Anything that goes on the window wall should be smaller, light and airy so the eyes are not stopped from being drawn outside. A pair of single non-electric sconces (like ones used by others here) would cast a nice glow.

If not slipper chairs, which do not have arms for comfort, of the two possibiities you posted, I like the one on the right. It looks more comfortable and mroe like a dining chair. The chair on the left leans more office waiting area.

Local - There have been a lot of great ideas provided, I don't have any to add but look forward to see the change you create. What fun!

I agree with Jilly as well, and would like to add unkind comments can have an affect on all of us.

We have a "bumped out" window (don't know what they are called LOL) in our kitchen nook and my winter project (one of them) is valances on windows in this room; plus I would like sconces on the interior on each side on the bumped out window. We are thinking of building a window seat below this window also. It's the perfect place. There is a small table (4) in front of this window.

Um. Local? Are you done yet?

Lol - no !

I did order the cafe curtain, on back order expected delivery March, and the curtain rod.

I moved an admittedly ugly lamp to the table and while dh and i like the lighting, I am not loving a lamp on the table.

I went back to the chandelier concept,

got enamored of the idea of doing a riff on the ”pucklight hack” by using these rechargeable candelabra base bulbs in a chandelier so that its completely cordless. BUT- I am not sure shades will fit on those bulbs. Got any ideas?

Are these the only option? You could have lampshade made I guess? But are you thinking like clip on? Guess I am not sure what you are thinking of. Note too that some people do not like the way puck lights disburse light underneath a shade