A very simple trick we use when working with a tight budget where custom art isn’t doable and there specific sizes needed is this. Split the size and do two prints. In your case it would be 23” x 27” leaving 3” between the two. You can find simple black frames or wood etc on amazon in this size. Go on Etsy and source digital/ PDF prints That come in that size or close to it. Better to get larger, you can always crop a portion of the piece down. Send that digital print into a printing source like Vista Print or others . Tell them to format the print to the size you want. You can allow for a 2-3” Matt which makes everything look better. Then go down to Hobby Lobby or Michael’s and have the matts cut. Generally you are all in for minimal cost and end up with some fantastic looking art pieces. If that is too much work order the frames and do the matting then order prints from a source and frame. Again you may have to size up to crop down.

Ahhhh!!!! Great trick!!!! I will do this!

All things considered, I may have decided on Sloane w mink finish by Aspenhouse. It's classic although I wish it was wider (it's 34"). So maybe not. Obviously I remain unsure - the bookcase/display case/storage case is such a large piece. It's not my fav of the group, but practical.

I'm just not sure what to do on the other side of the FP. Maybe nothing, There isnt much wall space there,

Oh! And I have an appt set with the window-treatment peeps to get a quote on roman shades.

Abby, are these going to work with the vent on that wall? I understand they are not solid on the bottom but the vent is above the molding.

If the vent is proving problematic you can always do floating cabinets with floating shelves above them.

Oops the rendering didn’t attach

They also make magnetic vent deflectors that will attach to the vent and blow the air downward so it can move out from under the furniture.

DIS Our walls are plaster. I have nightmares every time anything heavier than a painting goes on the wall! The drapes have held up tho! The vent is proving to be not as problematic as I thought. I just am having trouble making a decision.

I saw this today. Of course it is expensive, but... not out of reach. I'd love to hear your opinions. It looks very nice, but doesnt fufill much in the way of "storage".

Moe's Home Collection Hannah Tall Cabinet in Black $1400

Depth16.900 inches

Height86.200 inches

Width35.000 inches

other options:

Riva Ridge (Aspenhome) in Mink $600

epth14.000 inches

Height78.000 inches

Width34.000 inches

Heirloom Home Gregory Bookcase in Flat Black - $550

Depth18.000 inches

Height84.000 inches

Width36.000 inches

Four Hands Sussex Bookcase in Smoked Black $3300

Depth21.000 inches

Height84.000 inches

Width47.500 inches

Whoops! Already pasted this one.

Heirloom Home Mariss Bookcase in Flat Black $570

Depth18.000 inches

Height84.000 inches

Width42.000 inches

So- 6 potential cabs that l've found and vetted for size and price.

Price range $550 - $3300 (a big empty between $1500 and $3300). My local furniture store (Nebraska Furniture Mart) is having a big sale this weekend, so prices are about as low as they are going to get. I've checked against online stores.

I'm seeing arched cabs everywhere- seems like it might be a short-lived trend but what do I know?

Kait - I've used those in the past. Thanks for the reminder.

Thanks to all for hanging in with me. It's very helpful! I'm having my right knee replaced on Oct 28; I'd like to have things in place before, so I do really appreciate all of your comments. My hubby just says "yeah, looks good" to almost everything so not much help :)

DIS the rendering makes me so happy! Beautiful! and so symetrical... those chairs are marvelous.

Here’s an inexpensive arched hutch.

Rug size is the constraint, not the pattern.

Table is 47" x 80". You want about 24" of rug past the table on all sides so chair legs stay on the rug when people sit down. That is roughly an 8' x 10' rug. A 9' x 12' will crowd the 9' run to the floor vents and you said those vents cannot be covered. Do not buy a rug that lands on the registers.

Keep the rug under the table and chairs only. Do not run it to the art wall. That leaves a clear strip of floor, keeps the vents open, and stops the dining zone from swallowing the living room.

For color: let the large art stay the loud piece. Choose a rug with one or two muted colors pulled from the painting, on a quieter ground. Busy all-over pattern plus big art plus new chairs will fight. Low-contrast pattern or a simple border works better in an open DR/LR.

Chairs: match the table finish more than the rug. If the table is warm wood, a mid-tone wood or upholstered seat in a solid from the art is enough color. Patterned chairs and a patterned rug together usually look busy.

A very narrow console under the 11' art wall is fine if it is shorter than the art and leaves the vents alone. Keep it shallow so chairs still pull out.

If you are in Winnipeg and need the console anchored, vents left clear, or the rug area marked before you order, we can do that on site.

The Handyman Winnipeg
Winnipeg, MB
431-816-2379
https://www.thehandymanwinnipeg.ca/

Good luck with your knee surgery - my 2nd TKR will be a couple weeks after yours. 1st was unexpectedly easy, hope yours will be. I want to thank you for the link and info about your DR photograph. I checked out his site and fell for a different landscape, and am trying hard to see if I can fit it in - a small version doesn't move me but the large one which does may be too big....I've been enjoying following along on your journey - it's all coming along so nicely!

Abby Of the cabinets you posted i like the last one. However i like the one Emily posted. The black works so well with your fireplace and it pulls from your dining table base as does the interior wood color.

The chair i dropped in that rendering was this one

https://www.interiordefine.com/living/all-custom-chairs/custom-accent-chairs/alexander-custom-accent-chair?legs-type=189387&material-type=714169&options-24260=714169&options-7994=189254&options-7996=189387&sku=ALXR.FABRIC.CHAR.ACCENT.DC-03.Leg005-3.ROY-009

Emily - when you have a minute, could you please post a link to the cabinet? I'd like to see if I can find it locally. I wish Houzz would allow Google lens to read the pics.

Cabinet_ So I should get one that is all black rather than the lighter wood on the inside? I was thinking the lighter wood will allow photos & decor items to be more "seen".

DIS- you like the one Emily posted and this one Heirloom Home Mariss Bookcase in Flat Black $570 ?

I bought the Feizy Pearson rug yesterday but it will take a week or 2 to ship. You were right on DIS! Once I had a small version to look at in place I could see that it was THE rug.

Looking more at art for over the FP.

DIS mentioned getting 2 of the (current) green barrel chairs https://www.nfm.com/slatehouse-fairfax-dining-side-chair-in-moss-69300838/69300838.html?srule=undefined

as host chairs and 4 black spindle chairs to go along the sides of the DR table. Could it work in reverse? That is- 4 green barrel chairs along the sides and 2 different host chairs?

I was able to use google lens? Seems to be this one:

https://www.wayfair.com/furniture/pdp/red-barrel-studio-71-h-arched-storage-display-cabinet-with-led-lights-adjustable-brightness-large-drawer-large-capacity-tempered-glass-doors-freestanding-cabinets-w121316187.html?piid=2095281712

kcooz - I wonder what I'm doing wrong using GL. Yes, that's it! But it's only 31" wide and 15.5 deep. I'm hoping for a minimum of 36" wide (preferably 40") and 16-18" deep.

If placing the same cab on both sides of the FP isn't feasible, what is the best alternative? I'm concerned that there isnt enough wall space on the "short" wall. I mean, a small cab will fit, but not so sure it will look right.

A floor lamp or large planter? Open bottom legs higher.

How about this one from Wayfair? https://www.wayfair.com/furniture/pdp/trent-austin-design-holzhauer-modern-arched-glass-bookcase-with-drawers-w117943004.html?piid=118490464

Sorry I hadn’t seen the link request until now but looks like kcooz07 found it for you. What is the wall length that you have to work with on the short wall?

short wall 48" total with a light switch at 42"

A main walkway goes past this area.

I am also considering something like the Nathan James shelves and cabs. I think only the top rails need to be attached to the wall (but not the cab).

Consider this piece. its the perfect size and has a nice finish. If you wanted to lighten the look of it up you could do a peel and stick grasscloth in a natural color in the back of the shelves.

https://www.crateandbarrel.com/keane-40-black-wood-storage-bookcase/s200308?a=1552&pla_sku=618168&pcat=FURN&ag=adult&storeid=&targetid=pla-314148698522&campaignid=22943547754&adgroupid=198110584694&adpos=&creative=821498207722&device=c&matchtype=&network=g&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22943547754&gbraid=0AAAAAD-RWKjLK5euPpxTkQVSVdPfm4bsw&gclid=CjwKCAjwwfnUBhAtEiwAfQpAYgyBGyP91X7FTMtkhnZu_4_V9kb3lclbshkLDUFFYF-JjkfMu5wa7BoCVNgQAvD_BwE

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Scott-Living-30-75-sq-ft-Natural-Vinyl-Textured-Abstract-3D-Self-Adhesive-Peel-and-Stick-Wallpaper/1001001060?user=shopping&feed=yes--0?store=426&cm_mmc=shp--c--prd--kit--ggl--PMAX_KIT_Priority-Items_Omni--1001001060--local--22869275677--&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23536723822&gbraid=0AAAAAD2B2W99GVK7tqs1TGYdPcZwyB55-&gclid=CjwKCAjwwfnUBhAtEiwAfQpAYouHYpzQC2k3yxs4H5ouommWxsXxCPYKnLNWrCRatoTfVYuLCm_-exoCd3cQAvD_BwE

or for a budget option this one is a good size and got decent reviews

https://www.wayfair.com/furniture/pdp/harriet-bee-kirklyn-6-tier-standard-bookcase-with-4-drawers-hcho2756.html?piid=106884829

DIS, what do you suggest for Abby to balance the right side of the FP? I was confused and thought she was flanking the FP, but that doesn't seem to be the case?

I love that C&B cabinet. Thans for posting that one.

Any ideas about what to do on the other side? Im thinking maybe just leave it as is.

I think I would keep the rug fairly simple and let the chairs bring in most of the color. Since you already have a large piece of art, too many strong colors could make the room feel a little busy.

Maybe a neutral rug with some subtle pattern would work well, and then you could choose chairs in one of the colors from the artwork. I would also look at different Furniture options before deciding, especially if you are planning to add a console and a tall cabinet later. That way everything can feel more coordinated.

I think keeping the rug neutral and using the chairs as the main pop of color would give you a nice balance.

Catch me up why arent we flanking the fireplace?

DIS The short wall is 49" (41" to a light switch) from the edge of the mantle to hallway opening. I'm not concerned about the electrical outlet, or the switch (reacing behind is ok for me). It seems a small amount of space for a large cabinet. Maybe I'm wrong.

I picked up the other 3 dining chairs yesterday! Looks good! The consult for window treatments is Monday. Still waiting for the Feizy Pearson rug to be delivered.

The question is- should I put smaller cabs on both sides of the FP or just one large cab on the long wall?

LONG WALL

SHORT WALL

bETTER PHOTOS of FP wall:

I just discovered that the augmented reality renderings I'm using from retailers do not accurately reflect height. A 70 inch tall unit hits the same wall space as a 92 inch unit. Great :(

The answer is really dependent on if you are a Symmetrical person or not. You can balance a buffet style cabinet on one side with art on the other and use a mirror above the fireplace . If you keep the two book case style cabinets you are going to likely want a couple inches between the FP and cabinet. Because of this I would consider moving down to a 36-38” width. You can place a plant/tree on the left of the left cabinet if you feel the space looks unbalanced.

The answer is really dependent on if you are a Symmetrical person or not. You can balance a buffet style cabinet on one side with art on the other and use a mirror above the fireplace . If you keep the two book case style cabinets you are going to likely want a couple inches between the FP and cabinet. Because of this I would consider moving down to a 36-38” width. You can place a plant/tree on the left of the left cabinet if you feel the space looks unbalanced.

Thank you VERY much! After thinking things through (again), I see a need to keep the space in front of the vent as clear as possible but I prefer the taller cabs. Is there a specific name for a tall bookcase/cab that has an open space at the bottom (like the buffet you posted, but tall)? Is there a search term that might help me find them?

OR - what would it look like to place an open-style piece on one side and a cabinet on the other side?

Open bottom bookcase is a good term or bookcase on legs

Searches

eterge with cabinet bottom on legs

book case cabinet on legs

open bottom side board with hutch

check out this one by four hands.

https://www.kathykuohome.com/Product/Detail/119902-Allura-Modern-Classic-Blue-Wood-Bookcase?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22277795172&gbraid=0AAAAADwTMm-MzrGqZClOtzj_J0SqrWthB&gclid=Cj0KCQjwzY7VBhDwARIsAFtPvBS_LPseXQ_yGChK682ZLvWyGpqXZCkl4U3P6xZKrbBq0cI1ETlueWkaAiAEEALw_wcB

or a knock off of the same thing

https://www.wayfair.com/furniture/pdp/beachcrest-home-bair-74-h-x-35-w-standard-bookcase-w004785434.html

I had been looking at the one you posted on Wayfair. Blue? I know you said black, but do you think blue is OK? Funny, my local staore has that same piece in green for $400. I didnt see any link Four Hands. Did you miss inclusing a link? Thanks for the search terms!

I think I'll go with this one. Expensive for us but it comes put together and I really like the style. The legs are 10" so it clear almost all of the vent.

https://www.nfm.com/moes-home-collection-hannah-tall-cabinet-in-black-69388098/69388098.html?pview=PDP

Oh shoot I just saw that it is out of stock until 11/25/26.

ok maybe Ikea with a leg hack?

Oh shoot I thought that was black! Skip the navy one.

This one is by four hands just sold under other labels on many sites. I believe coleman furniture sells it for $200 less.

https://www.kathykuohome.com/Product/Detail/98460-Corazon-Global-Baazar-Black-Acacia-Wood-Mango-Woven-Cane-Open-Back-Bookcase?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17955275906&gbraid=0AAAAADwTMm9Z7N8BBMvtYSIORHTDyXgdt&gclid=Cj0KCQjw8JPVBhD-ARIsAO691sE_ZM073PBuAn_kIBO8uKzLp9sy3fY6F6pma9jp728jbG1_YwQFPZ4aApqyEALw_wcB

and this is a knock off of it on Wayfair

https://www.wayfair.com/Beachcrest-Home™--Bair-74-H-x-35-W-Standard-Bookcase-X115896545-L38-K~W004785434.html?channel=GooglePLA&ireid=160014947&fdid=1817&refid=GX714769969188-W004785434&device=c&ptid=334337754466&network=g&targetid=aud-2334530351723:pla-334337754466&B2B&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21133386441&gbraid=0AAAAAD9ISC7GGVulDySUPaz8a5Cudlk6u&gclid=Cj0KCQjw8JPVBhD-ARIsAO691sH0SaAeT3SzIVyjL9CAIq6yib-6bfb-FsSFd5aAivOSuFbOcNIxJ7saAnIUEALw_wcB

Sorry, I haven't read all of the comments, so i apologize if i am repeating someone.

I'm not sure if you've given the actual dimensions of the DR area, but at first glance it seems as though your table should run the other way. The length should be parallel with the bay window wall, with the head of the table centered on the 11 foot wall.

IMO, making that adjustment first would add balance…. prior to adding design/color.

Again, sorry if this is redundant!

First, Change out and get rid of the plastic fake wood flooring. With real wood floors, you will not need a rug - the floors will be the beauty. Besides a rug in the dining room is crazy as there are always food spills even with the neatest of people.

And for chairs, some nice antique wood chairs would be great. Add colors in art and curtains, not the floor or rug.

And be sure to avoid greys and black as it was stupid that it was ever trendy and thankfully is no longer trendy. Also the cold uninviting look is going out and more traditional warm looks are back in as they should be. Think "warmth" as you make decisions. Look at photos in OLDER magazines before the black/grey cold trend was in to get ideas.

Have fun!

DIS I found it on Coleman's but they charge over $200 to ship. So it comes out in the wash. I saw this today -

https://www.nfm.com/wycliff-bay-marsden-86-wall-bookcase-with-lighting-in-black-and-tan-70832894/70832894.html?srule=HighestPrice

I like it. It's less $$$ then Four Hands but still good quality. But it isnt going to be in stock in my local store until Thanksgiving.

Does anyone have time to put these two prints above my FP?

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1697115168/red-poppy-by-georgia-okeeffe-1928?ref=cart

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1652492239/georgia-okeeffe-red-poppy-1927-georgia?ref=cart