What are the dimensions of your table as you normally have it set up? You don't want the length of the fixture to be fine with 2 or 3 leaves if you only use those once or twice a year. I'm looking at rectangular also in the new home we are building with a very open floor plan. But since we wouldn't have leaves in it on an everyday basis I'm thinking of the length of the rectangular chandy being maybe 3/4 of the length of table with no leaves. Does this sound reasonable?

I do prefer hanging light over the dining table. There is something very cozy about it. But I see how semi flush or flush or sconces or even big overhanging floor lamp can be beautiful too, in some cases. I don't like flush mounts or so I thought; but when I suddenly saw one that I really loved-I changed my opinion in a blink of an eye, and didn't rest until I found place for it:) So it depends. What I don't like-a huge amount of recessed lights..they're okay in kitchens or hallways or where they are really needed, but I saw several rather pretty houses that had just these recessed lights all over the ceilings, a lot of them, everywhere. And the ceilings were perfectly high too, so I truly could see no reason for them..it just brings unwanted attention to these lights, and you can't look away somehow.

I think you'll be fine using two smaller chandeliers over your long rectangular dining table as well as the can lights. That way you can mix and match how much light you'd like to use at any given time--for example, you could do a meal illuminated just by the chandeliers (maybe even with the lights dimmed down for atmosphere) or turn them on as well as the cans for lots of welcoming light. When it's time to shop for chandeliers, look for ones that are 1/3 the length of the table. So let's say your table is 60" in length. 1/3 of that is 20". Then, center each chandelier over one half of the table. Let me know if you have questions or want to look at some chandelier recommendations!

Just experiment with some inexpensive vinyl tablecloths to find a color you like best, OR, maybe you want to paint the table? or just the table top, to bring some light into the area. The dark furniture is absorbing the light, the painted wall color is providing. You may want a different dining set? https://www.wayfair.com/furniture/pdp/gracie-oaks-ridgley-7-piece-extendable-solid-wood-pub-table-set-w001171274.html?piid=364988432 There are many options in that size of set. Painting it would be the most labor intensive, adding light colored chair seat pads and a coordinating table cloth, table runner or placemats would be easiest, or just buy a light colored set of furniture. The bonus there is, they really don't show the dust as much as the darker wood does. LOL... But a set this color, as the link above is for, ----or the table runner and chair pads below this picture, might be the best short term solution since your dining set is very nice.. https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/mother-of-pearl-beaded-36-inch-table-runner-in-ivory/5316905?skuId=67414284&poc=3298507 with this and than find some slim ivory chair pads for the chair seats. You may find other sets or styles you like, I just think Mother Of Pearl is timeless and classy, not gaudy, and would be special in your dining area on the table top..