large scale artwork - no one really loves watching themselves eat :)

eta a large woven fixture would look great with the brick and cut down the glare

can you pull the table away from the wall and add a sideboard?

if not, just a large scale canvas, I'd soften the light with different shades.

Art and no to that woven light fixture please but I would like to see a linear fixture above that long table and no placemats

Contrast will add more dimension and interest.

Select a 3 dimensional sculpture for the back wall

Replace the light fixture with a linear light fixture.

Thanks for the good ideas!

that light is too skimpy for that space.

here, I've photo shopped some other options

this one is on Amazon. Heircido kitchen light

get a tall flower/basket thing too . everything is so short on the table.

Here's another example. You could do simple black/white pics like this

a black sisal or jute rug would add some contrast

a neutral sisal would also work. notice the tall vase on the table as well

No one wants to eat facing a mirror, even if it's hung so you wouldn't see yourself. Reflection is everything. What would it be showing off?

Wow, thanks for all the photos and ideas!

What is the style of the rest of your home? Although I do agree on art as well as a new light and also wonder how much space you have in that area, I would not choose modern art and a modern light if the rest of your home is traditional or leaning coastal or cottage. More info please before giving you suggestions.

Our house is modern farmhouse/transitional vibes.

the previous owners had oval table here and we haven’t yet replaced light.

this is a tight area and our only seating except for island bar stools

Artwork would be best for that location

A little historical context, for anyone who may be interested: Convex mirrors such as the one shown here [link], were once used in dining rooms to reflect the candle light, thus boosting the overall light in the room. Useful if you like to see what you're eating!

I am among those who don't want to see my reflection when I'm eating. But I have no objection to a mirror in a dining room if it is hung in such a way that it won't reflect the images of the diners. Beautifully framed mirrors can be art in their own right.

Some options to go with mirror or wall art and chandeliers.

chandelier at Home Depot

art. definitely not mirror

Thank you for all the ideas. art seems the way to go, just needed help visualizing!

Another thing ….a color wash over the brick ….could be an interesting option…

Also…depending how many family members….it might be nice …cozier….to have a table that is smaller ….for daily use….adding extensions for occasional holidays or special events

There are sites like art.com with extensive print and frame choices. You may be able to upload your room photo to try out art virtually.

One option is a landscape photo, maybe with a black frame. Add a new dark metal light fixture, dark chair cushions and plants in interesting containers on the table top.

I really like what you have going on with the brick and your table and chairs. The scale works really well, and it’s a lovely soft look. I think artwork is the way to go, a long skinny piece would be really interesting. I personally think introducing black into
this space is the wrong direction to take. Lean into what you have and and obviously love
!

I vote for Art as well, rather than a mirror. Rather than one large piece I think a triptych, a series of three or a centre panel with two side panels would work well in the space. One large piece is going to be very domineering.

Something that offers a view into the distance would open up the space…like looking out a window.

I like the art as I stated. If an mirror...windowpane in black.

No mirror, definitely art!

Debra

Which would you prefer? A mirror on the brick backdrop would be beautiful. I would hang it high, so that people would not see themselves while eating, and also- so as to reflect the chandelier.

A mirror would add light and reflection. And expansion... nothing opens up a space like a mirror.

Most art will look busy on, and take away from, the brick. The brick, itself, is a feature.

The only issue that I can see with hanging a mirror could be the close proximity of the table and chairs to the brick wall. It looks like the chairs are backed up to the brick. Is it that way when people are actually dining there? If so, I would not hang a mirror, nor any art. I would hang a couple of battery operated wall sconces- one on either side of the chandelier- in a reflective metal. And let the brick and the chandelier and the sconces be the art.

So in other words- it could be something like these- but just using the sconces minus the mirrors.

Here is a mirror in your space. Just a quick rendering- but you get the general idea.

Can the table be pulled out from the wall when people are dining?

ETA: Actually, I think it would have to be pulled out- or else people would not even be able to get in there to sit. If it all clears the wall- go for the mirror if you like. Doesn’t necessarily have to be as large as the one I show (above) in your space- that is just a general idea. Lots of ways you can go.

Thanks to all for the pics and great ideas!

yes, the chairs are away from the wall and there is room for people to pull out chair & sit.

the chandelier reflecting in mirror is pretty!

A large mirror or art will work well on that wall so the decision is based on your personal preference.

For me, I prefer art over a mirror if that spot was in my house as I don’t like glare from reflected light and I find it distracting to catch movement in the mirror out of the corner of my eye.

If you choose a mirror, consider putting the light fixture on a dimmer so you can soften the light and reflection as needed.

Hi Kristy, You have a fabulous dining room, very warm and inviting--no wonder you have a large gathering for dinners! First, you don't need to change out the chandelier--just get a white linen drum shade. Manufacturers are making them now to "fit" on existing chandeliers. Also, I find installing a diffuser on the underside of the shade (it just clips on) will soften the glare from the bulbs.

Artwork on the wall, absolutely! Instead of buying a mass produced canvas in a home decor store, why not look through your own artwork, or you family's artwork...or photos of your favorite place, or a memorable trip you've taken. Something that makes you smile. Have the piece enlarged, make a gallery wall out of the pieces you like.

Not sure of the style of the rest of your home, but have you considered lightening up the wall a bit with a limewash? Maybe a German schmear? I think with an open space like that, you probably have an echo. If you do a limewash or german schmear, and the wall now is more white, you could hang a large tapestry on a black iron rod. The white will brighten up the wall and the tapestry will soften the hard brick.

I would leave the table pulled out from the wall all the time it looks cramped when it's up against the wall and I was wondering if it can be turned 180? I think I said it right lengthwise toward the other end of the room?

The table cannot be turned length wise, i think i said that right!

it would impede the walkway between the kitchen island and bar stools.

I know this is a unique area spacewise. when we downsized, this was my hardest/least favorite area. But we absolutely LOVED the rest of house, so worth it!

Lots of mirrors

I have never purchased from this company, but reviews (if to be trusted) look great. 20 mirrors in one and you can pick the color of the frame.

https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Customized-New-Hot-selling-Decorative-Mirror_1601252266338.html

Art or quilt.

I would probably get a much more stately light fixture and add arug instead of artwork. To answer your question, tho - artwork, not a mirror.

Without knowing what colors are throughout your home if I were coming in I would make the following changes

1. Swap out the chandelier.

2. I would do some solid seating on the brick wall side of the table. Brick (which I love) is busy and as the back drop for slatted chairs I find it needs something less choppy to ground it

3. mirror, art? why not both?

4. simplicity on the table for everyday centerpiece

In this first image I actually changed the table to a wood finish to bring in some warmth . I did a back and white ticking stripe on the settee. a black chandelier with shades art work and a mirror and anchored the space with a natural rug.......not neccessary if small kids are in the mix but does anchor the space.

in the second image I kept the table cream and brought in some more color and pattern play in the settee, chandelier and art in blues and greens. Again not knowing what is going on in the rest of your house these colors should reflect the rest of your home whatever they might be

Giant art and make it a male nude so it will be a conversation starter when guests come over.

No nudity pictures over the dining table some people might be offended and it's a little tasteless there but it would make their eyeballs pop out their head but no

this looks great

the settee is a great idea. love the grid mirror and smaller art pieces, light and the tall leaves in a natural type of vase.

I'd go with this!

Looks nice…but Settee will be very difficult ..or impossible for anyone to get up during the meal…with the added inconvenience and difficulty of removing any spots or stains easily or quickly