Another view

Another view from living room looking towards dining room and that back room is the sunroom (please disregard the loveseat we have in our sunroom right now) :)

I assume you are ok with moving the corner curio?

Is your dining table bar height or table height? I can't tell...

Yes, I am just fine with moving the curio. The table is bar height. About the same height as our island in the kitchen.

You have space to make it look a little more formal. You can get a larger table-height table and you can do a hutch or china cabinet on that wall. An area rug will help define the space as separate from the other rooms. If you lower the table, you probably will want to lower the chandy too.

I was thinking this china hutch or something very similar. Or buying an old stained one off of Craigslist and painting it white.
Would this be something that would work or would the white not go with the trim/cabinet color? The house is just too dark...I really need to lighten it up a little.

I like this.
Your home seems more on the contemporary side (vaulted ceilings, clean lines, very little mill work)

I happen to like mixing some traditional with contemporary. This has a french-country feel to it.

If you went this route, you would definitely need to change your table. Maybe something with a farmhouse look.

Obviously, you can't go this long, but take a look at the rug along with the white cabinetry.

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[Traditional Dining Room design[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional-dining-room-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_722~s_2107) by San Francisco Interior Designer Nicole Hollis

The other thing I like about a farmhouse table, is that you can totally mix up the chairs. You don't have to buy a full dining set. You can find chairs on craigslist, pier one, whatever. Put an upholstered chair at each end and do four wood ones. I couldn't find a good example, but you get the idea:

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[Eclectic Kitchen design[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/eclectic-kitchen-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_709~s_2104) by Austin Interior Designer Van Wicklen Design

I was thinking the exact same thing. I love the barn wood table look. i was thinking of even making one myself (with hubby help of course) so it looks more natural. I just wasn't sure if I could put a huge white hutch in a room (let alone a whole house) full of honey trim and cabinets instead of a house with white trim/cabinets.

Is it this particular one you are looking at? It doesn't appear bright white to me. But even still, mixing woods and painted woods is totally fine. This is like a statement piece to me. It would be the focal point of the dining room and you would love seeing it from your kitchen.

The more I look at this, the more I love it. Do any of your kitchen cabinets have glass fronts?

One corner cabinet has glass fronts to it in the kitchen. I am actually really eyeing up this particular piece. A lady repurposed an old china cabinet and she said it's painted antique white. She's asking $500 for it. Is it worth it? It's a Thomasville China Cabinet dated 1965. All solid wood, lighted interior.

Great price for that. Is it two pieces?

I recently purchased a repurposed sideboard - and have been shopping the "reclaimed/repurposed" market for some time now. So, from my recent experience - this is a really good deal.

It's a very nice-looking piece - great lines. Not too fru-fru. Being lighted is a big plus.

You can play around with what you put inside of it too - some colorful accent pieces... bring in some brightness to your space.

It is two pieces. Now, if you are looking through to the sunroom, seen in the third picture I posted, (and lets just say that I would have that white china cabinet on the dining room wall with a barnwood type table) would you think wicker would look best in that sunroom? The sunroom has patio doors out to a patio. Maybe I would extend some of the same type of wicker furniture out to the outdoor patio as well to tie it all in? White wicker? Bring colors into the room with different cushions?

Or Black wicker with cushions that have white and maybe some other colors?

I also like the piece; assuming you have enough clearance for it. You'll need about 3-1/2' between the cabinet and your table. If you were to go that route and it's perfectly fine to mix painted pieces with stained wood, I would think about painting the walls to give it more impact. If you want to play around with it, I think the piece would look good with the application of dark wax rubbed in the carved areas to give it more of a glazed look.

I'd also add an area rug to ground the table and switching out the one you have now to one that is table height.

Also, with that white hutch on the wall, what do you think of this farmhouse style table? I would maybe not use the benches and use four wood chairs and then two fabric chairs on each end. Thoughts? Would I need to paint the legs/trim white in order to blend in a little better and not be all dark?
Thanks!!!

Also, with that white hutch on the wall, what do you think of this farmhouse style table? I would maybe not use the benches and use four wood chairs and then two fabric chairs on each end. Thoughts? Would I need to paint the legs/trim white in order to blend in a little better and not be all dark?
Thanks!!!

{{gwi:1640347}}

If you want to lighten up the area I wouldn't get another dark table. If you want a quick fix until you decide what to do, what about using a tablecloth?

I have a farm table and I put tablecloths on it in the spring and summer.

I just thought it would be a nice touch up against the large white china cabinet (like anothers suggestion earlier). I put tablecloths on the table I have now about 75% of the time. I just wanted to give the actual feel of the room in my picture with the furniture/items I have.

What about having a barn wood table but painting the legs and "skirting" (?) white like the china cabinet?
Thanks!

This is my thought...

I like Vals suggestion to apply dark wax to the piece to give it a more aged look. See if the woman who painted it can do that for you.
This is an example from a local guy who paints furniture:

I like the table you showed. You can skip the benches altogether, or - keep one bench and have two chairs across and then two fabric chairs at the end to lighten it up.

Some folks don't like to sit on benches - we have one and I don't mind it. The kids love it.

Benches with fabric chairs at the end. (and in your case, I would to a light color)

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[Modern Dining Room design[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/modern-dining-room-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_722~s_2105) by New York Architect Robin McGarry Interior Design

This is a little kitchy, but it works:

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[Eclectic Kitchen design[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/eclectic-kitchen-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_709~s_2104) by Other Metro Media And Blogs Ryland Peters & Small : CICO Books

You could do something like this at the ends... I love this, it's from Pier1 and only $99:

or -- add a pop of color.. (also from pier1 - look on the website at this one - the back of the chair cover is cream; it looks nice)

If you want to go with that whole french country vibe, this one works:

These would also be cool - from World Market:

Kinda has this look:

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[Eclectic Kitchen design[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/eclectic-kitchen-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_709~s_2104) by Other Metro Media And Blogs Stephmodo

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[Eclectic Dining Room design[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/eclectic-dining-room-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_722~s_2104) by Chicago Kitchen And Bath Rebekah Zaveloff
As I said earlier, I like mixing styles and pieces for a more collected look. I don't particularly like things matchy matchy. But that is my taste...

You would definitely need a rug to anchor the space, and I would do something light in an indoor/outdoor so you don't have to worry about spills and stains as much. Look at Ballard, Overstock.

This particular photo shows a nice look - but the rug is a bit too small (all chairs should be on the rug) The room has a similar feel to what you can do with the cabinet, table etc.

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[Contemporary Dining Room design[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary-dining-room-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_722~s_2103) by Dallas Design-build New Leaf Construction

rug from Ballard:

Love your ideas. I was thinking two fabric chairs for each end and then some sort of wood chairs for the sides. How much clearance should there by between the end chair and my fireplace? 3 1/2' is what was said earlier for clearance between the china cabinet and the table but what about the actual chair? I am thinking of having a custom made table and want to make the table as big as I can without being too big. If I measure lengthwise from fireplace to end of tile leading into sunroom, it's 136" (11'4"). If i get a 64" table made that leaves me with 36" (3') on each end of the table. Is that cutting it too tight? The current table (in the picture) I have is 54" wide. If I have a gathering, I'd like to fit a chair on each end and three chairs on each side (it may be snug). That would be 8 people at the table. But, any other day I would probably just keep 6 chairs at the table. That is my ideal situation. Suggestions? Too tight?

Thoughts? Anything? :)

I'm not seeing what you mean about the chair and fireplace. Where is the fireplace?

I don't really know the rules of thumb as to clearance around tables with regard to walls, furniture etc.

Google "dining room chair clearance"

Here is one I found:

Here is a link that might be useful: dining room chair clearance

I appologize...if you look at my first picture, there is a brown wall on the left side. That wall is just splitting up the living room, dining room/kitchen. It's only like 6' long. You can pass through each side to enter the living room. That wall has a double sided fireplace on it. I measured and the way I want to place the table I would have 3 1/2' clearance on all sides. I think it should be fine.

Ok. So, I have another question for the room/adjoining kitchen. I posted on the forum some suggestions on adding a couple things to my Master Bedroom. if you look at the picture below, that master bedroom is through the door on the left. The door on the right goes to mudroom & garage. I just did updating in the Master. Would that matter on how I decorate the dining & kitchen, pick out fabric chairs for the dining, etc.?

Ok. How do I post multiple pics on one comment/message like you guys do?
I have some different chairs to show you that i found

What do you guys think about any of these chairs with the antique white china cabinet and barn wood table.

There would be only 2 of these. 1 on each end

6 of these (3 on each side)
These are considered Antique white as well

Or the 6 white chairs and this one on each side?

Or this chair that Janice742 suggested with 6 of the antique white wood chairs.
which I like this look as well but is it going to be comfortable enough for guests? And does it seem too outdoorsy :)

Anyone? :) I have to make a decision on the barn wood table tonight. The guy only can make one at a time and I have first dibs! Done by Easter!! :)
So unsure about what chairs though. Some are on 2 week back order so would have to order soon! :)

I like the flowery chairs. And I love barn wood tables. However, is that type of table hard to come by in your area, or is it such an amazing price that you need to snap it up right away?

I like the first chair the best. The hutch is beautiful.

It's hard to come by in my area and it's an amazing price ($350 custom made to what I want).
I wouldn't want every chair to be the flowery chair though right? Because then wouldn't it be too busy? Maybe just that chair on each end and then all other chairs would be something plain on each side? Would the white wood chairs even go with the flowery chairs?
Ugh...wish this was easier for me. Some people just have an eye for this stuff...I don't. That's why I always play it safe and everything room in my house is brown! :( Time for a Change! Big Change!

I'd opt for host chairs with slip covers. You have children correct? Washable is always a good thing! And then you can get a pretty floral without being locked into the pattern if you want to change it up a few years from now.

The barnwood table sounds like an amazing deal. I believe the 3-1/2' clearance is minimum, 4' even better but many get by with a lot less. I know I do! If you are unsure, try to mock up the area the table would take with cardboard boxes and see how it makes you feel.

That's a wonderful idea with the slipcovers. My only concern would be that I hate the look of slipcovers over chairs and they are baggy, don't fit tight, etc. How do I make certain that it's a quality slipcover and will fit like a glove? (Without custom made slipcovers because that will cost too much)
Also, I do really like the shape/style of the floralish chair I posted above because it leaves more room around the table.
I haven't heard from anyone if I should mix the antique white wood chairs in with a pattern/color fabric chair for each end? Or should I just go with all fabric chairs for the entire table?
Thanks so much!!!!

Is this idea too "countryish" and not enough formal / country mix.

Or this setup...

And another idea but I do have my updated Master Bedroom posted on here and it's white, gray, and yellow. Would this be too similar?

Here is my first thought...
Think about the floral chairs. You mentioned that you use tablecloths quite a bit. The floral pattern may limit using a pattered tablecloth - unless it's a stripe fabric. Something to consider... But I do like the chairs.

I'm not crazy about using all upholstery, as in your second photo.

Did you not like the silver tub chair from World Market?
The only reason why I say this is because of the white chairs and white cabinet. If one is a brighter white, it may not look right. The metal is more like a neutral.

Also - it looks like you have more red accents in your kitchen - the solid upholstered chair is more rust. Here is another patterned chair with more red tones:

Also - when your guy makes the table, make sure he gives you enough overhang on each end (short ends) so you can get two chairs there if you want. As it appears now, you would be limited to one chair, sitting between the legs.

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[Contemporary Dining Room design[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary-dining-room-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_722~s_2103) by Charlotte Architect Pursley Dixon Architecture

I already talked to him about the overhang. What would be a good measurement to tell him? (he asked...I was unsure). I just wanted enough room to slide a chair in and enough leg room.
I will take a pic of my living room. Keep in mind (I am changing out my furniture in the near future). I just wanted you to see if you like my window treatments and maybe the rust would go? Although I do like red in a kitchen (can't have both though) :)

Now this is me standing in the dining room taking a picture of the living room.

It will be a whole other dicussion on this forum but I was thinking a neutral couch and loveseat (not too light...like white/off white, but not too dark either) Maybe kind of this tone (maybe a little darker) Maybe I would keep the rust panels if I went with the rust pattern chair?
Not sure why I'm stuck on that chair though...

I do LOVE the metal chairs.
My concerns:
Are they comfy enough for guests (I looked at the reviews and everyone says they are) :)
Would I be able to fit 3 chairs on each side of a 64" table. The armless chairs seem to give more room.
Are they going to be ok with my style house?
Would I pair an upholstered chair at each end of the table too?

I looked at the reviews and everyone says they are comfortable. Usually, I trust reviews like that - as most folks are giving pretty detailed reviews.

I can't tell you if six would fit - you'll need to figure out the measurements.

* I like them with the style of your house.

* Yes - upholstered chairs would look great at each end.

Looking at your living room and taking your upholstery in there into consideration - I'm thinking a solid for your end chairs.

This is assuming you are keeping the two club chairs, and eventually adding an off white couch.

I like the rust window treatments.

If you won't be keeping the club chairs, go for the pattern end chairs. If you keep them, do solid chairs.

Not keeping them. Or they will go in the finished basement once we start that project...

Thank you everyone for all of your help so far!!! It's much appreciated!!!!!!!!!!

I think you need to be careful that the china cabinet you end up with doesn't over whelm your space. Maybe you can use some paper to lay it out on the wall. The one you posted looks too massive to me.
Diane

Oh, that price for the table is great, and I understand that you're going for it.
Now, looking at the chairs, here are some random thoughts:
I like the white chairs and the flowery chairs, but I don't really see them together. The flower chairs have dark legs, the white are, well white.
Could you get some cheap/used wooden chairs that fit shape-wise and paint them in a coordinating color (red, blue, cream, whatever)?
Some inspirations below.

With respect to slipcovers: I have slip covered IKEA chairs, and the covers stay totally in place. I'd assume that to be the case for the World Market slipcovers as well.

Here is a link that might be useful: painted chairs