The bottom of your chandelier should be 30 to 36" above the table. How about just refinishing the top of the table instead of painting it?
Carolyn Albert-Kincl, ASID

That's what I figured after being addicted to Houzz for the past few weeks. I have extra chain now I'm hoping there is enough wire stuffed up in the ceiling. What do I do if not? It will bother me forever way up there.
Painting seems so much easier then staining-but you are probably right. I'm just tired of it. It is a hand me down from my husband's grandma!
Another question-Is the art too small?
Thanks,
Donna

I think the picture should be a bit lower.

You could always put a fun tablecloth on the table!

Maybe the picture should be bigger or put two small ones.

Agree with the others, but we always use 28" above the table top. It's a personal thing through so start low and link it up from there. On the table color, I would strip what you have, sand well, paint it with flat latex black paint, sand through what edges and stain you want to see, and apply two coats of good, thin polyeurethane (Dura-Seal) for durability. It's a great look that you can't mess up because the edges are already worn. The bottom picture is the same finish on a handrail without the sanding through of the hardwood underneath.

You can easily add wire to your fixture to lower it. That picture does look small and lonely on that wall:(

You're right, the picture is way too small. Try for something three times that size, and preferably vertical, perhaps 30 x 36".

I love that black table I wish mine was that nice. I think I will give it a try. Hoebeke-you mention stripping the table then you mention to sand after painting to let some of the stain through. So do I strip, stain, paint then sand?
Thanks so much,
Donna

It is funny how I never thought that picture was too small until I saw it in a photo! I really like it so I will find an alternative spot and keep an eye out for something bigger-the more art the better I say:)

Yes it should be 18-24 inches above table so that it doesn't interfere with speaking to guests but lights the table

Regarding the different heights at which all we pros determine to be the best, I'll explain my determining factors for you. Since I like a chandelier's bottom to be 30 to 36" above a table top, how on earth do I decide on the 30 or 36, or somewhere in between??

It depends a lot on the bottom visual weight of the chandelier. If, as in the case of the chandelier in question here, most of the visual weight is in the upper section, I would hang it lower than I would a chandelier where the visual weight is in the bottom of the chandelier. Clear as mud, I know. You have to eyeball it on sight with a discerning eye!
That's why you need us professional interior designers, and I'm so glad you do since I've been working as a professional interior designer for the last 34 years!

@drae65, there is no reason you need to replace the picture with another. Instead you can add two more to have a nice arrangement of 3, placed together on the wall and making together the size required for the area.

@ trickyspaces, I don't understand how a chandelier placed 18 to 24" above a table would work. I'd be ducking down in order to speak to people across the table, unless it's just one little crystal that dangles down to that level!

Donna, more than likely there will be enough stain on the table even after you strip it. To be safe and very sure you can always stain again, but BE SURE the oil based stain is dry before applying the latex based black. The table I sent over earlier was a beautiful old oak table that I stripped and sanded. It looked to me that there was enough stain on it that would sand through OK, so I didn't stain it. Remember too, once the latex black is dry and you start sanding you may think you've ruined your life because the original wood peeking through doesn't look very good - but it will with the polyuerathane. Have fun doing this, it has always turned out wonderfully for me!

A good thing is you have a lot of natural light coming into the room. I would look at the general height of your family and hang the light so you can see past it when standing. You will be playing dodge the light if it is too low. The picture could be a little longer. Or as some suggested find some pictures to add to the wall. Hopefully you can sand the table and refinish it. Last choice to paint a wooden piece of furniture. I do not think it will look right with the other woods you have. I believe after a while the paint would flake off. Especially if not done professionally.

ThEnterprise light should definitely be lowered BUT it is not reallyet the right size. In my opinion it's too big for the table and room. A little early style light might be a better choice or one that is "lighter" as in mass, not weight. On the art wall, I feel like the artwork is appropriately sized but only if you add something like a buffet table with a mixture of candle holders other floral arrangements. If it were me, I'd add a tall potted tree to the right side and move the artwork over towards the door, and still add a furniture piece.

Old post 2014

Aw geez. LOL