Like the chandelier above. What the room really needs is a very large patterned rug with color, for starters. Second, drapery panels on rods hung very near the crown molding, and extended past the windows on all sides to hang simple drapery panels. Next center the sideboard that is on the right side in the picture with the middle of the table...then hang the large mirror vertically over the sideboard, with maybe 2 tall thin lamps with shades on either side. Add large pieces of colorful art to the space. Change the chair seat covers to a pattern..maybe a trellis design fabric using colors from the new rug.

I like the drum shade--something oversized to make an impression--
and what about something in black with open areas to mimic the chair backs--
The second one is probably too heavy
The first one is also available in a silver finish from Shades of Light

Layer your lighting for a gracious and elegant atmosphere. An LED chandelier on a dimmer gives you total light control. To flank the mirror, add sconces or place a graceful lamp on the buffet.

Oh, that last rectangular fixture is really pretty and would look nice above your rectangular table.

With such a long table, how about two lights?

Wow! Wonderful feed back!

Barbara, the sideboard is centered on that wall :) It just isn't showing up clearly in the picture. We also use the top corner to store one of the four extra chairs we have when the leaves are out. I like the idea of turning the mirror, I'll try that and see which way I like it. The room is 10 feet tall, so not sure about curtains all the way to the crown molding, but I'll explore that option; it does look nice in the Urbane shingle style picture that pcmom1 posted. The height from the current curtain rod to the floor is 9'.

THANK YOU for all the lighting suggestions! I see several that get my heart beating a little faster. I was leaning towards a drum shade and love that one that loves2read posted. I had also fallen in love a while back with one very similar to the rectangular crystal one that Robin posted, so thank you for showing me that one again. What do you think with the pattern on the chair backs, the beading around the mirror and the scroll work on the buffet... would a blingy crystal chandelier be too much? I'm the only girl in a house of men, so it can't be too blingly or there may be a revolt!

PCMOM1, we normally have both leaves out (I'll try and post a picture tomorrow when it's daylight and I can get one) with the table closed as it usually is. We have it set for six as the default, with the ability to seat 10+ with both leaves in.

The room is just being crafted now that the table and chairs arrived. I loved the clean look of white leather seats with the dark wood, brings out the dark in the buffet and softens the contrast with the warmer tones in that piece. lights are next and then curtains. I'll be avoiding a rug as we often entertain families with children still (we have teens), and I'm not a fan of kids/food/carpet.

You have made a great start with this room. Just the way I would design mine. I have the same paint colour and floor boards! I agree that u need a coloured rug since everything else in the room is neutral. Upholstering the seats is also a great idea. Since everything in the room looks quite traditional, a more modern lighting fixture would mix it up a bit, giving it that transitional look

Question on the buffet..you said it is centered on the wall, but is it centered with the light fixture and table? Because that is more important.

Hi! Here are a few ideas for you:

http://deciture.com/shop/lighting/lumen/ventana-single-tier-chandelier/

http://deciture.com/shop/lighting/world-market/rope-chandelier/

http://deciture.com/shop/lighting/belle-and-june/hex-pendant-lamp-jolie-silver/

Hope this helps!

Sorry to go off subject, but think the buffet needs a round mirror.

Hi Barbara! Yes, it is centered in line... table, light, buffet. (See attached). I was planning on bringing in a punch of colour with the curtains when I do those. As you can see reflected in the shot of my mirror detail, I have a teal/turquoise feature over my fireplace in the living-room that the dining room is open to. I've tried to take some more detail pics and attached them.

Thank you all again everyone, Great ideas!

Your chandelier is way too low. The drum chandelier style would look great, but set it higher!

You room would really come alive if you added a painting instead of the mirror over the buffet. Here are some ideas that might inspire you.

The correct height for a chandelier above a table is between 30 to 34 inches. Yours look about right.

denicekatja & leelee, thanks for that! I didn't know the 'right' height, but the current one is way too low, and the new one will be hung higher. Currently it's 28 inches.

Also, leelee... I agree and that is the longer term plan. I am currently taking art classes and intend on painting a large painting for that space. I had an abstract in mind before, but sadly it wasn't in budget at $4000. So for now we have the mirror, and it does bring in some extra light to a slightly darker room.

Must have Chrome in there against that color. It would look Fab.

rectangle shade would be best....

or

for a more traditional take

ansafae, 3 out of 4 of the paintings I posted were from etsy.com If you want to check out that site they have thousands of original paintings for really good prices. I'm not an artist and I don't sell art but I appreciate good art and how it can transform a room. There's also alot of slock art on etsy so don't get discouraged.

Here are a few more of the etsy.com paintings

ansafae - love the crown molding in your space- can you share a closer pic of it please? (I'm looking to add crown in my home someday-I like the size of yours)

Very pretty room - the light suggestions already made are perfect.

14thstreet - Here's a close up of the straight run and of some beautiful detail over openings. It's approximately 10 inches.

Thank you! Beautiful.

Hi, I have added a few choices of chandeliers that I thought would look nice in your dining room. We do carry these and many others. Please visit our store at www.essentialsinside.com

We offer free shipping and no sales tax (except for Ohio)

Marika