Asked on Nov 02, 2015
Revamping this lovely dining room
by
Charlene
+10
Dining table and hutch: I have this dining room set that I love but I think it needs an update to something more modern. Not sure if I should re-stain it a lighter colour. It's solid wood. Any ideas would be appreciated.
This is the hutch
11 answers
-
DO NOT PAINT! If you don't like the current stain because it's too dark or not your favorite. Staining it a lighter color might just be the thing that works. Other considerations...Change out the glass doors for frosted or plain glass. You can also change the hinges & door pulls to a metal you prefer. Hope this helps.
Kayo Frazier
on Nov 02, 2015
-
Why not take the covers off the chairs and reupholster them in a colorful fabric? I would leave the table and hutch alone.
Jacalyn
on Nov 02, 2015
-
Personally I would stain the furniture in a newer color. There refinishing kits available from start to finish by Min Wax.I would also add new hardware to go with the updated look and remove the covers on the chairs.
Janet Pizaro
on Nov 02, 2015
-
Agree with Jacalyn- the chair covers are dated. I'd address that. Also, I'd take down the small stuff on the walls- leave the mirror and a large piece of art on an opposite wall. You also might think about an update on the chandelier..a little too high. Depending on what you decide for chair color, you might paint it, altho I think something larger would be more modern. If you could consolidate the two plants on the hutch into one plant and put them in the corner on a stand, it's be a more modern look. Just some thoughts...
Ruth
on Nov 02, 2015
-
Take off the chair covers, they crowd the room...chair seats are easy to recover. Take all the small items on the walls and group them together instead of spreading them around. Your problem is you don't have any color! Get a bright, inexpensive Ofelin rug which does not stain...an open pattern with bright colors (see example...this one is $89 at Wayfair...free shipping! (Look at their web site.) This green is so "in" right now! At this price, you can change out every few years! Then add things with these colors around the room (a vase this green color with sticks out of the yard painted orange!) Then use one of the colors in the upholstery of the chairs. The mirror would be better turned to stand tallest ceiling to floor and placed to one side of the buffet t allow for a grouping on one end of the buffet (use 3 items of varying height). Clear out the clutter. (The photo did not show up...
Jeanette S
on Nov 03, 2015
-
Take chair covers off. Get a larger mirror ,full length of hutch.put a tall skinny lamp on both sides of mirror ampnd do away with the plants. In middle a nice serving tray or a larger bowl. On the walls you need larger pictures. Center the light fixture over the table and maybe get different globes . Put a runner down middle of table . If you put modern art on walls your beautiful wood dining room set would look fine. If chairs have cushions cover in a modern color.
Grangerite
on Nov 03, 2015
-
Paint or paper an accent wall; definitely change the chair covers to a nice flowery print; lower chandelier; perhaps add a table runner; cant tell by the picture what is over the mirror but looks out of place; regroup other stuff on the walls or maybe add a new piece of art; perhaps add new hardware on the hutch. Paiint the frame of the mirror in a sparkle silver paint to match the chandelier; remove the plants off the hutch and pick out some centerpiece that would match a color in your chair covers; I would do all these things first before touching the table and hutch. Hope these suggestions help.
Judy Maki
on Nov 03, 2015
-
Thank you everyone for your comments. Chair covers...gone...lol I'm now looking to upgrade the hardware on the hutch and I'm going to change the fabric on the chairs. I appreciate all your advice and will post a pic when I'm done. Can't afford to upgrade the chandelier quite yet but it's a near future project but will start looking at options. Thanks again.
Charlene
on Nov 03, 2015
- See 1 previous
-
OK, so chair covers are gone and you have lowered the chandelier and you now should consider an accent wall (color - light color) and then get an expensive area rug to add more color - check out Ballard Designs when they have sales - you could even use indoor/outdoor. Good luck. Can't wait to see what you come up with!
Suzy kerr
on Nov 03, 2015
-
In the long run, replacing the slipcovers would be easier than refinishing your pretty table and buffet. Besides, I like the contrast of the darker wood against the lighter wood floors. Maybe all you need is to either spray paint the hardware on the buffet to silver to match the light fixture or replace them with something in the silver family. It appears the chairs may be parson chairs, so removing the covers won't open the room as suggested by others. Shortening the skirts or replacing the slipcovers (ideas below) could update them though. I do think adding color in the slip covers would be a great way to update the room. I've added some bold prints in the mix of ideas below.
Z
on Nov 03, 2015
-
Yes, glad you took off the chair covers. The buffet is lovely. Don't think you need to replace the mirror, but definitely take everything off the walls around it. The deco item on the other wall does nothing to enhance so remove it. Am also a fan of area rugs.
Marion Nesbitt
on Nov 04, 2015
Sign Up to Answer
