Dining set seems too dark

7 years ago

Hello, I was wondering if anyone had any ideas for how to make this dining room seem more appealing. We have two little children so we opted for 6 dark brown, bicast leather chairs. I thought the 2 fabric side chairs (still waiting for the second one to arrive) would make the dining set seem ok but it's just so depressingly dark right now. The chairs, chandelier, and table have to stay, but I could change pretty much anything else in the room (artwork, window treatment, wall paint color) within a modest budget. Any ideas...? ? Thanks.

Featured Answer

gtcircus

7 years ago

OK, I think the chandelier is too small and too dark. Everything in the room is sucking the light and life out of the room. You also need some color on the walls and IMO drapes with color! You could dry to recycle the chandelier using rub'nbuff but I think the scale is off. You need some "bling" to reflect light instead of absorbing it to give the room the life you are wanting.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (45)

Judy Mishkin
7 years ago
put all of the unneeded chairs in the garage, basement, wherever, covered in a paint tarp so they are nice and clean and dust free the moment you need them. if you put aside 2 chairs, it wont be such a tight glom of gloom, if that makes sense.
Ladka K thanked Judy Mishkin
Porter Edun
7 years ago
agree with above as that's about all you can do
Ladka K thanked Porter Edun
Related Discussions
Help with an open plan kitchen, dining and living area...
Q
Comments (19)
Hi, Could you add a pic of the lounge area outside bedrooms? There seem to be too many palettes of colours within furniture from white tv cabinet to dark brown book shelf to light brown dining to black/blue/beige sitting pieces. Tie up sitting by adding few cushions in possibly black/white/blue combo. Extend sitting area of living through the entire span of AC wall. You need a larger rug for this space. Angle dining table between 30 to 45 degrees with long length between detached counter corner to bookshelf end towards lounge. This will add the flow to lounge. Add a table runner along the centre of the long length. You need larger artwork pics or a collection of art pieces on living room wall behind beige sofa. Lounge can have a console and wall with a composition of family picture frames to personalise space. Remove blue artwork in the last pic. Instead, you can add a composition of wall shelves with artefacts on them or wall hooks with hanging artefacts. Rugs, table lamps, floor lamps and few bold decorative pieces will add the required warmth. A round centre table in the living room can be good.
...See More
Tiny kitchen in a studio apartment
Q
Comments (6)
Boy, it sure looks like the refrigerator doors open on the wrong side--can you get the developer to swap it out or change the door swing?--must be a mistake. I would find that really annoying, especially in such a small workspace. I really see a movable island parallel to the cabinets in this space with storage underneath and maybe a hanging pot rack with lights and maybe some shelving above, possibly with some stools for casual dining. Do you have room for something like that? A freestanding stainless metal full- or counter-height shelf on casters adjacent to the sink could be really helpful. You could put some simple white dishpans or bins on it as a temporary holding place for dirty dishes while you are cooking, and use the rest for overflow for big pots or pantry items. The L counter with the curved sink might be a little awkward, but sure beats not having some usable counter space. If that is all you are adding, then perhaps a cart with a shelf that flips up for extra prep or dining space would work for you. I would pay the money to get decent lighting. I think I see a thin range hood over the cooktop. If this is European, there should be wiring and a plug for the range hood, so I wouldn't think it would be too expensive to run some wire for lights Doesn't the range hood already have lights. BTW?
...See More
Urgent-Need help for dining table and sofa selection
Q
Comments (1)
Go with the leather that is a shade lighter that the floors. Otherwise it could get lost in blur of grey. Use accent colors in the lamp shades,wall art and throws. I also like the white table better. The metal table is more industrial. Than the style you are going for.
...See More
Clueless on rug color! Help me find my perfect rug!
Q
Comments (27)
You already have your accent colour as your sofa pillows (log roll pillows). I would take one of them shopping with me to get a rug that has that colour in it. It doesn't need to be a lot of that colour (I love the idea of burgandy rug here...but it might be too much with your monotone scheme). You can find a large rug that incorporates that red/raspberry in it so that you have a colour that is now your accent.
...See More
Judy Mishkin
7 years ago
as far as art goes, its good having black frames to make your table and chairs at home, but the 4 rather dark art works, with 4 frames, is a big dark to light ratio. 3 larger works, with lighter colors, and thinner (black) frames, might feel a fair bit lighter in weight.
Ladka K thanked Judy Mishkin
housegal200
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
I agree that if you put away two of the chairs, that will banish some of the darkness that's bothering you.

Is turning around the table an option? That is, when the chairs are pushed away from the table, do you have 36"-46" inches of clearance between the table edge and the wall?

Your art prints look interesting, but they're too small and far away from where people are sitting to be appreciated. Can you relocate them in your living room? A big piece of art on that wall would really wake up your dining room. I have no idea of your taste, so these are just guesses combining your cream, golden oak, black, gold valence:
Uttermost Mystic Forest Hand Painted Art · More Info

Golden Horizons · More Info

"B-Blush 1" - Large Artwork · More Info

Cooper Classics Pears Canvas Wall Art - 40877 · More Info
Ladka K thanked housegal200
Porter Edun
7 years ago
I know you said all has to stay, but by just changing out the light fixture to an off white or white drum shade with diffuser would lighten up the space quite a bit. They can be had for about 125.00 to a tiny bit more. The color here is not correct yet there is off white and white as well.
Ladka K thanked Porter Edun
Geneviève
7 years ago
If you are willing to change the wall colours with a cool colour and add a rug under the table , a large mirror or picture , a new light fixture and a buffet table your table and chairs will take on a new look.
Ladka K thanked Geneviève
Ladka K
Original Author
7 years ago
Great suggestions by everyone! Thank you all so much. This is just such a wonderful community. If I were to add the rug and replace the art work and chandelier, what would people recommend? Porter's suggestion is good. Anything else comes to mind? Our style is somewhat transitional.
PRO
VRA Interiors, LLC
7 years ago
You should try adding a light colored rug, window treatments, and changing the dark chandelier. It will help lighten the space. Observe the chandelier in the first photo of ours, the rug in the second photo, and the drapes in the third.
Riverland Court · More Info

Wieuca Road · More Info

Wieuca Road · More Info
Ladka K thanked VRA Interiors, LLC
Ladka K
Original Author
7 years ago
Would this buffet work or would it seem even darker?
Geneviève
7 years ago
I can visualize this in your room
Contemporary Dining Room · More Info
Geneviève
7 years ago
https://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-ca/colour-overview/find-your-colour/colour/2113-50/mauve-desert?utm_medium=display&utm_source=houzz&utm_content=ca_colorpicker&utm_campaign=2016National&color=2113-50
Geneviève
7 years ago

Electra Linear Wave 5-Light Chandelier, Black and Crystal · More Info
lawsonch19
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
I just purchased this chandelier from Lamps Plus and absolutely love it; very reasonable and well made. Think it would work well in your room; my table is about the same size as yours. Agree with others about needing big, bold art. I've had good luck ordering from Gallery Direct for that...huge selection in any size, reasonably priced and fast shipping. Good Luck with your room!
Ladka K thanked lawsonch19
sandi125
7 years ago
I just put a container of fresh tulips on my table. They work wonders!
aidabey
7 years ago
Add a light carpet and bigger art light color as well
everdebz
7 years ago
Did a search for texture [whether or not you keep linen nubby valance] -- this sun color would seem like your floors... to go over a somewhat natural/ distressed console?

https://www.etsy.com/listing/497871329/original-on-burlap-triptech-surf-art-by?ga_order=price_desc&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=burlap%20painting&ref=sr_gallery_20
PRO
Flo Mangan
7 years ago
Some good ideas here for you, but one of your main problems is the direction the table is sitting. Can you turn in lengthwise? That would help visually so much. The chandelier is not large enough for your table and therefore won't throw off enough light and the black iron base adds to the darkness. I do think bigger, brighter art would be beneficial. I would add light linen placemats and some mercury glass accent pieces to the dining table to bring some reflective qualities to the room. Move two of the dark chairs to another place for every day and use just six chairs. Two host (your linen look on the ends if you can) and two leather each side. You could get linen chair back covers made for the dark chairs to lighten things up as well. I chandelier with more reflective qualities would work better as well. I'll post some additional ideas for you. bbl
PRO
Margaret Baird Interior Design Studio
7 years ago
Full height white linen style window panels (floor to ceiling) will make a huge difference! Four pictures I would be two over two, maybe move to a different location in the space. This back wall may be fun to add a pop of color as well. Best of luck!
Ladka K thanked Margaret Baird Interior Design Studio
PRO
Flo Mangan
7 years ago

mock ups · More Info
Here is little mock up for you. A cream and white chandelier, two prints with metallic frames for reflections. A pair of 3 each mercury glass candlesticks with white or cream candles and a clear glass and white hydrangea flower arrangement. Putting linen place mats with some gold chargers on them would lighten up this space like crazy. You can't do a rug with the table in this configuration, but if you turn it, you might be able to do it. You need at least 24" for chair push back and the chairs stay on the rug for this to work and you need some remaining wood showing around the edges. The room just looks too tight. If there is a leaf in the table, I would remove it for everyday. If you can turn the table that makes this room much better and transportation around and through the room much better. Hope this helps as you consider some new ideas.
Ladka K thanked Flo Mangan
Ladka K
Original Author
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
This is really awesome, Flo Mangan --I love it. Thanks so much. Where can I find a chandelier and prints like that? Yes, there is an 18" leaf in the middle that could be removed for everyday. What would you think about adding a rug like this one to the configuration?
everdebz
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
If you want a direction of warm color. Maybe less dressy, this? more a repeat of warm floor tone, etc...22.5" across.
Hypnotic Yellow Rose Giclee Canvas Art by Kurt Shaffer - 35 x 47 · More Info
Kenroy Home Grace Brushed Steel Five-Light 23'' Wide Chandelier · More Info
Ladka K thanked everdebz
Steph
7 years ago
Table runner, colorful vase flowers or bowel of fruit. Also I would rethink art size and position. I would do 2 or 3 large art pieces that are placed lower.
1diamant
7 years ago
I'm all about budget and reusing, I'm an Accent Designer and here's what I would do:

Change the color on your existing chandelier to brushed nickel by removing all the "crystals" and spraying the light fixture with rustolium paint and once dry reattach them.

remove your pictures and hang a large framed mirror say 3 feet X 6 feet (look at second hand stores) and paint frame with leftover paint from chandelier. It will reflect a ton of light from the window into the room.

Add nice crisp white with silver modern curtain panels to the window and perhaps a large light gray/steel color rug.

Paint your walls a really nice light gray, it's a very neutral color and will help tie the room together.

You would not need to spend more then $300, if that, depending on the price for the rug.
Ladka K thanked 1diamant
PRO
Flo Mangan
7 years ago

Salento 6-Light Chandelier, Persian White · More Info
Click on "more info" to see info on ordering, etc. A lot of fixture here for a small amount of money.
Ladka K thanked Flo Mangan
PRO
Flo Mangan
7 years ago

2-Piece Whispering Wind Framed Art Set · More Info
this is the pair I pictured in the mock up btw, if you do replace the chandelier, that one would look adorable in a powder bath and you could completely amaze your guests!
Ladka K thanked Flo Mangan
PRO
Julie Smart Koob, REALTOR
7 years ago
Does the table have a leaf in it? Reducing the size of the table would also help. And I definitely agree on replacing the chandelier and adding curtains!
Maureen
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
I would skip the rug and spend the money on drapery (light colored to work with captains chairs), a rustic/transitional chandelier (yours is too small and too high - could it go into a foyer or hallway?) and larger/more prints for the back wall to ground the room (see below). If you can't change the table's orientation, consider a sideboard/console if it would fit and lower your prints and you'll have created a focal wall, which I think is needed. These accessories will take away from the dark chairs and also help to pull in the light chairs. Neutrals are an easy way to go and easy to work with in regards to the rest of your home. Good luck.
Ladka K thanked Maureen
PRO
Flo Mangan
7 years ago
I wanted to mention, hang a new chandelier so the bottom is approximately 30-32" above the top of the table. Most hang them too high.
everdebz
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
It's interesting as I skimmed back up, that you've received several different chandelier looks! What does the rest of your house look like? :)

And would details of table and chairs seem transitional?...
everdebz
7 years ago
These muted flowers maybe with architecture neutral- chandelier right size idk? 26" across... doesn't mean you couldn't add more vibrant accessories....
Paris Flower Market I Wall Tapestry · More Info
Versailles Wrought Iron With 5-Light Chandelier Black · More Info
everdebz
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
As you arrive in front door and look at window, you see the chandelier? Would you like curtains? and to help complement it? Please show us what's farther in the room...if 1 window, let's widen the window!
Ladka K
Original Author
7 years ago
Hi everdebz, the rest of the house is pretty neutral, with PBish elements in it. For example, this is the living room. Trying to make sure it all goes together:) (we added more art on the left wall since this was taken).
everdebz
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Why not apricot which seems like your floor?! repeats color of fireplace imo.
Lavish Home Metallic Grommet Curtain Panels 84", Apricot · More Info
PRO
Flo Mangan
7 years ago
I suggest selecting new chandelier and art first. Then you can decide on window treatments. The art will drive that selection.
everdebz
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Are your walls a muted pale amber? so maybe these?
Celine Curtain Panel 2-Pack, Gold, 54"x84" · More Info
everdebz
7 years ago
I was suggesting curtains as a tie-in, to help with chandelier choice.
User
7 years ago
I am not sure what color that chandelier is. Blue or black? It looks a bit blue on my screen. You seem to like the blue and yellow of your living room so maybe tie that in to the DR? Maybe paint the walls a soft yellow or bring in some of the blue and yellow to your curtains. I would definitely advise curtains as opposed to the valance you currently have. I would also suggest creating some type of centerpiece (predominately yellows) to brighten the center of the table. If you still think the table too dark, throw some placemats on it to brighten it up. You could also move two of the dining chairs to the corners and have only two on each side to spread out the color and lighten the "weightiness" of the look in the middle. Changing the art to something larger is a great idea and definitely would balance the table better. Then pop a rug with more blue and some yellow to round everything else out. Good luck and happy hunting!
Ladka K thanked User
PRO
Flo Mangan
7 years ago
I don't think you need to change your wall color, and I think you have plenty of ideas. I would tie the blues into any art work and keep the chandelier light and open. Having some light in the space helps "lighten" the overall look of your dark browns. So, I think this is all very doable. I think since the room is small, I would keep any window treatments very light in color and fabric. No grommet style, because they take up a lot more space from the wall, so simple drapery will work well. Linen would be wonderful. I think you have enough information, and are probably on overload, so let us know if you need further assistance! We can go on!
Ladka K
Original Author
7 years ago
LOL Flo Mangan, definitely a little bit on an overload here. But so thankful for all these great ideas . Everyone has been so helpful. Agree on the curtains and bluish artwork. Hope I can find the "right" ones. Probably a bigger, lighter-colored chandelier too..what did you think of the rug I had in mind?
everdebz
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
I hear that about too dark, but wouldn't linen be too much of the same? I like my colored curtains! [and your paint too, neutrally nice].

Rug has a blend look with LR rug, imo.
PRO
Flo Mangan
7 years ago
I think it looks too white and gray which aren't in concert with your more "warm" color palette in your overall space. I would find the art first, then go from there. As to the drapery @everdebz, yes, it would be similar and that is the goal because when a room is this tight, you want the windows to be "background" and not stand out. A darker drapery IMO, would be too much in this space. Art, and chandelier along with tablescape is enough to observe. The eye needs a resting place. Now if the art is all neutrals and the chandelier is neutral then yes, perhaps some color at the window would be in order. So it is all about the balance.
housegal200
7 years ago
I just saw your living room photo--very pretty and well balanced. You know, if you replace your current dining room art works, they would look wonderful on either side of the fireplace. Relocate your photos elsewhere. Also consider moving your round mirror next to the window to reflect the light coming in from the window.

I still think hanging a large piece of art in the dining room and removing two chairs may be all you need. It's a good starting point in any case. These art works are all on Houzz. If one of them "speaks" to you, Houzz will also show you similar pieces at different price points that you might like.
Gold Block Wall Decor, 2-Piece Set · More Info

Cooler Minds Prevail, Original By Tatiana Iliina, Art · More Info

Park., Original By Viorel Scoropan, Art · More Info

"Capaneus" Oil Painting, 40"x50" · More Info

Water Pitcher and Decanteur · More Info
everdebz
7 years ago
One more: that most chandeliers are neutral, yes...? and liked blue art fairly so... please consider some color like in LR.

You aren't showing colorful rug [but could emphasize all the dark legs]... funny, but yeh?
PRO
BaBoo
7 years ago
You could try a drum shade over the dining room table:
Lighting as a Jewelry · More Info

Lighting as a Jewelry · More Info