You can use either oil or latex paint as your color coat, though oil goes on thinner and preserves the turnings detail (if any) better than latex. Sand it first, you need to get a good 'bite' for the new paint. Don't apply the paint too heavy. You'll want a coat or two of polyurethane on the top (Minwax is good), applied sparingly with a foam brush. DO NOT apply heavy like you are coating paint. Use a 3M scrub pad to knock down the nits in the poly. Final coat use a clear paste poly varnish (such as Bartley's) applied very, very dry with a rag. Use the Clear Paste Varnish on the base as well, again applied with a rag and very dry. Thats should do you good for the next 10 to 15 years. Duane Collie The Keeping Room

kitchenkelly, A wine tower is a great idea. I hadn't thought about that at all, but it has the height and some substance. It could work. georgiagal, I'm so glad you posted. I've always loved your diningroom! I think I need to study it to see how you've accomplished that look. (Our room looks so sparse in comparison but with nothing on the walls or window, what do I expect?) Which wall is longer in your room? I'm sorry about not posting photos of our table finally set up as I had promised ages ago. We've had a recurring problem on our other computer and it seems the kids have ignored the messages that we have limited room on our hard drive. Didn't even know that was possible but it's so bad we can't even properly defragment. So I have to be careful with what I download onto that computer. I may be able to download something and quickly transfer it to photobucket but I got an error message the last time I tried that. It's always something.

Kathryn, thank you! I was thinking well I guess my husband would have to get up there and change the direction of the fixture if I ever change it back, lol...and this is the second time it is facing this direction. This is how I originally placed it and then got bored and switched it. I like that I can do that here. So that's 16ins of over hang on each side? I love all your suggestions! I'm thinking the one from Pottery Barn. Should I add shades?

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Kenroy-Home-Dumas-3-Light-Weathered-White-Wood-Bead-Chandelier-93131WW/310153452?MERCH=REC--pipsem--310153467--310153452--N https://www.birchlane.com/lighting/pdp/rutland-9-light-candle-style-chandelier-b000284014.html I also wanted you to see something darker.