Pretty room, but I agree that it needs a little life infused into it. I would add ceiling-to-floor drapes on the window, and I'd probably switch out the chandelier for something with more presence. A rug would absolutely help (a lot), because your table and chairs blend into the floor, but I understand about spilled juice and dropped macaroni ... although do keep in mind that there are rugs out there that are very stain-resistant and easy to clean. I like the lamp on your side table, and agree that pillows on the chairs would help to bring in more color and pattern. I'm not crazy about the runner, unless it has special meaning to you. Otherwise, it's a bit fussy (something I've come to realize myself when considering a runner for my own dining table).

I agree drapes will make a big difference and a new light fixture above the table.

Cushions on the arm chairs, drapery panels, chandelier (I like the "more presence" description). The side table looks more like a hall console than a DR piece. Maybe some pottery on the bottom shelf coordinating with the new fabrics.

consider a runner that is NOT as long as the table, so that the tabletop "frames" it.

BP and I posted at the same time! GMTA

Drapes would warm up the space and a new chandy would be nice but if not then lower the one you have it is too high.

As one who has kids and dogs, I say you can certainly have a rug in your DR. We have since our kids were toddlers. The rug gets cleaned periodically, and it's fine. (Actually, our dog does more damage than our kids. She's taken to carrying bits of her dog food into the DR, dropping them on the rug, and eating from there. I guess she likes dining in the DR!)

Your rug doesn't have to be expensive--Home Goods often has very nice but inexpensive rugs.

Definitely drapes. Also your wall art does nothing to add lightness to the room. It's kind of dreary looking. No to a table runner.

Thanks everyone. I hadn't considered drapes. What a great way to get color and texture in there. Any suggestions on fabric patterns or colors?

I had no idea that runners were "out". So just a centerpiece on the table? Placemats?

The photos are a bit distorted on this posting. Not sure why. Anyway, there really isn't room for the arm chairs at the table. When we need them we actually pull the table away from the wall towards the foyer to allow space. And the side table is small, but again, no room for a more substantial piece.

I would attempt the rug (an inexpensive one), but how big would it have to be to accommodate an 88x40" table (plus the chairs)? I think it would appear too big in the room. Just a hunch.

ETA I just measured under the table. 9x6' would not look too big. 10' creeps too close to the foyer. Any suggestions on a rug? I've looked online at indoor/outdoor but I don't know if I should get something plain (which I tend to go for- thus the "blah" room) or a pattern (which scares me because I don't know what drapes, pillows, etc. will work with the pattern). Also, the foyer has a rug (approx. 5.5'x7.5') that I think should coordinate since they will be so close together. I've been wanting a new foyer rug for a while now. This one just needs handle Michgan weather!

If it were my space, I would get a bigger and more dramatic chandy. I would get some curtains in a color you really like. I love rugs, however if you can only do a 6X9 that might look a bit whimpy. I would get a large mirror or piece of art that has some an off white matte to brighten the room. I pretty much agree with everyone here.

You have a lovely table and and beautiful dining room! A few changes and it will be perfect!

Have you thought about adding mouldings?

In addition to drapes and a new chandy, which have already been mentioned a number of times, I find the room very flat due to lighting. I'd look into getting some lights added...at a minimum picture lights over the pictures (wouldn't require an electrician) or if you are willing to pay for an electrician, look into spot lights by the pictures, one over each window and maybe one centered over the console table...or add some wall sconces there. You'd be amazed at how much depth, dimension and life can be added by having more sources of light in a room...plus the color of whatever is in the room becomes more vibrant too.

Annie- I love layering lighting. Recessed. lamps, picture and sconces. You're right-it really adds dimension.

Crown moulding for sure!

Mounding is on our "someday" list. DH is able to do it, but there are so many other projects on his list. Right now I'm looking for ideas for things that I can do. Will look at new chandy. The current one is the builders choice. I never really liked it.

Off to look at drapes, lights, lumbar pillows, center pieces...

You have a good start with nice DR furniture. If the 2 chairs don't fit at the table, try placing them on an angle(kitty korner)facing toward the table. Either paint the white lamp to match the metallic frames, or maybe use one you already have. Yep, get rid of the runner. It doesn't really add anything. Drapes will bring a softness to the room and 'cozy' it up. If you decide to purchase a new light fixture, get one that's a bit larger. A different centerpiece or changing out the stark white candles(maybe a gold color, but not metallic gold)might be enough. Think about adding an area rug also. It's a good way of bringing in more color. Fairly easy changes.

Have you considered wallpapering just the back wall?

Raspberry/pink drapes or Carribean blue or off-white drapes would look nice. Hang them against the walls so as not to block the windows.

All I can add is: A--love your chandelier. B--how about adding a chandelier medallion? It could echo the patterns of the mirrors on the wall.

I use pretty fabric placemats on my tables. They add texture and color. I probably have eight to ten sets.

Holly-Kay,

Any sources for your pretty fabric placemats? I've been looking and get tired of the plain ones everywhere. I would love some gorgeous placemats.

OP, I second the idea for a medallion for your ceiling. They add so much in a dining room!

Wallpaper would certainly bring life in, but I don't think I would ever be able to choose a pattern. I hadn't thought of a medallion. I will keep that in mind when looking at lights.

I've been looking at drapes and pillows as a starting point. I like the fabric on these, but I think the lumbar pillow is too big, and the square is just wrong. But I like this fabric. It has the pinkish color from the prints as an accent (I don't want that to be the dominating color). My thought was to find pillows and drapes that coordinate, then go from there. Am I going about this correctly? ;)

I didn't read through all the responses, but I think a different ceiling color--something darker and more dramatic--would make the room feel more intimate.

I made my own runner and matching placemats. My table measures in the 50's. I used about one yd of fabric. No, I do not have a sewing machine. I hand sewed everything. It's not hard, just turning the edges under, and doing an invisible stitch on the underside. By doing this, I saved a decent amt of $, and got to use the fabric that I wanted. It did not take a lot of time. Something that you might consider.! To me, your dining room is crying out for some curtains. Use curtains that are almost sheer. Your room needs something that is light and bright. That's where I would start, and then bring in a coordinating fabric for the runner and placemats. Good luck!

Using the color from the art seems natural for this room. Some striped drapery panels that also have the red accent from Overstock would be nice at the window and a chandelier sized correctly for the room would be a bonus.

I was going to suggest drapes, I think that would make the biggest impact. If you are truly happy with the wall color, that is. I agree it's a bit lifeless, but I've never been a beige fan. A warm white even would be neutral but have more life. I love the red shown above, but not everyone likes such bold colors.

I'll delete but take a look - dark? and not 6 x9 - not interested in a rug. At eye level, you need curtains!!

Jaipur Madison Cotton by Rug Republic Harris Tango Red, Coral Red 5' x 8' Rug · More Info