UPDATED: dining room question (pic)

Updated: I bought new curtains to match the blue of the rug....what do you think???? (see pics below) The blue looks a bit darker because of the lighting. Ignore the ceiling fan...we have a chandelier to replace it.

How can i make our dining room alittle more formal? It's a small room and our only dining area so i want a casual dining room...but still to look like a dining room (if that makes sense). We have a chandelier for above the table but what can we put on the walls or add to the room???? We're contemplating a new table too but not sure yet. Excuse the mess...we just moved:)

Message edited 11/26/2007 5:34:15 PM.

Re: dining room question (pic)

I'd get a nice table cloth to cover the table & hmmm not sure about the walls (what to add).

Message edited 11/19/2007 8:40:17 PM.

Re: dining room question (pic)

How about a nice mirror and some sconces on the wall to the right in the picture?

Message edited 11/19/2007 8:53:15 PM.

Re: dining room question (pic)

Re: dining room question (pic)

I would get a longer table runner then put a nice big vase with some rocks in it and put some flowers in it (fake calalillys) as for the wall maybe a mirror or a pic.

Re: dining room question (pic)

depends upon the amount of investment you want to have

for the room, I'd say you can make it more formal with wainscotting.

for less $$, you likely could get a more formal dining set.... the country look somewhat limits the degree of formality....

but, the way I would go is to keep the walls and dining set as is, and change the color palette. You have somewhat informal and tame colors on your walls and rug. If you selected richer and more punchy colors (golds, reds, beiges.... or other more intense colors) for the walls and rug, and tied it together with a few well-chosen accessories (think martha stewart decor), I think it would ramp up the formality level to where you want with a minimal $$$ investment.

Re: dining room question (pic)

I agree with a more formal dining table. But I also think centering the furniture in the room would help - I understand you're trying to keep the path to the door clear, but it makes the table look like an afterthough. So, I would centre the table, move the sideboard to the opposite wall so that you'd have more space in the pathway to the door and then hang a picture/mirror and sconces over the sideboard. I would also consider painting/refinishing the door becuase I think the white is a little too casual for the rest of the room.

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get rid of the chair cushions and add a nice tablecloth. I was also thinking a chandelier

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This depends on how much you want to spend but i would change the door to a french door. Then I would get more formal furniture and add some wainscotting, a nice chandelier and some decorative accents! hope that helps!

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To me, it seems the color doesn't go with the country style table. If that makes any sense
Maybe for a less expensive fix, you can do a chair rail and 2 shades of color.

Good luck, be sure to post the changes you do

Re: dining room question (pic)

thanks for all the suggestions. I"m definitely going to try a few. I will update with pics as soon as i get some of it done.

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by the way, the door looks like an original (antique).... is it? If it is, I would avoid replacing it.... it's quite charming

Re: UPDATED: dining room question (pic)

updated with new curtains

Re: UPDATED: dining room question (pic)

Maybe different lighting fixture would also make it more formal

Re: UPDATED: dining room question (pic)

those curtains look very pretty with that rug! i like!!

Re: UPDATED: dining room question (pic)

A chandelier would be the first step for sure, and some decorative accessories on the wall such as a mirror/sconces, etc. I find the cushions on the chairs make it seem less formal (but I know they will not be comfy without the cushions).

Also i would lower the curtain rod if you can, so the curtains just about touch the floor. That helps to make a room seem more formal. And if you have mini blinds on the door, it would look more decorative/formal if you put up a nice roman shade over the door's window and maybe you can even add that same roman shade to your windows, underneath your curtain (but it must be complimentary to your curtains). I think that would really help dress up the room.

I certainly don't think you need to get rid of that table to accomplish what you are trying to accomplish (formal and casual all at once).

And as MarriedinPortjeff said above, I would change the wall color to something richer looking (me personally, I would go for a nice tan/beige/creme color). And it is true that a country decor (table) is harder to formalize.

Message edited 11/26/2007 1:42:15 AM.

Re: UPDATED: dining room question (pic)

returned yesterday's curtains...felt they were too dark. Found these lighter ones...they have a stripe too. I like these much better.

Re: UPDATED: dining room question (pic)

Wow, I think you could totally pull off a little more formality with some small changes. As the other posters said, a mirror on the wall will open the area and make it appear more open. Actually raising the height of your curtain rod with longer panels gives the apperance of longer windows also giving the illusion of more openess/space. A more formal lighting fixture(chandelier) might help. A rich/satin table runner with a large vase of flowers or varying height candlesticks also will formalize it. Also for the holidays some sparkly placemats or chargers would be a nice touch.Also you could try slip covers on chairs if you think they are too informal but I think with the other touches it will be enough. Good luck, can't wait to see pics.