My dining room needs an update, ideas please!

Debbiela
by Debbiela
This dining room is in need of a makeover. Send me ideas please, Thank you so very much!
  42 answers
  • Nielson Interiors Nielson Interiors on Dec 08, 2016

    There's a lot of same toned wood in this space that's keeping it from popping. And you're right, there's some updating to do too.

    If you want to do it bit by bit:

    Pull down the nick nacks

    Use black high heat spray paint and spray the fireplace shield/metal front black

    If that paneled wall is fake wood, consider pulling it down or giving it a coat of of a warm white paint. If it is REAL wood, just keep as is.

    Paint the mantel wood a warm white. Top with white candles in tall, clear glass cylinders and a box wood wreath

    Get the TV up off the cart and onto a wall (remove cart)

    Consider painting the curio if it's not an heirloom, if it is, clear off the very top and the open shelf area. Place a horizontal plant holder on the shelf area - maybe a barnwood looking piece with succulents in it.

    Gray wash the table and replace the dining chairs or have them painted either gray or warm white.

    I can't tell the spacing from the fireplace to the table, but if there's room, a couple of small chairs facing the fireplace would be cozy - club chairs or slipper chairs. (solid color chairs, toss pillows on them, a blanket over the arm of one of them)

    • See 2 previous
    • Shannon Shannon on Dec 31, 2016

      I love the brick on the fireplace and would leave it as is, but black for the metal around the fireplace.....or brown bronze

  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Dec 08, 2016

    I would consider whitewashing the fireplace first.From blouse through paint websites such as Behr.com and Sherwin Williams for color inspirations for the walls,trim ,beams tables etc.

  • Barb Barb on Dec 09, 2016

    I would paint the brick a light grey. Then the paneled wall a slightly darker grey or white. Get rid of the tv and cart. Take all of the clutter off of the mantle. A nice large picture or mirror would be nice. I would do the beams in a drift wood finish. I'm all about painting furniture. Everything in my home is painted to lighten up the space, but you have be thorough and follow instructions or you will have a mess. It has to be tasteful. I am myself, in the middle of doing shiplap on 2 walls in our living room. I am 70 and did it all by myself. So proud! There are so many how-to videos out there for anything you may want to attempt. Check out PINTEREST & YOUTUBE and above all have fun with it.

  • Debbiela Debbiela on Dec 09, 2016

    Wonderful and I love your ideas , I can just imagine how beautiful your recommendations will be. Thanks and I'll definitely use your suggestions.

  • Kim Salmi Kim Salmi on Dec 09, 2016

    First I have to say you have a lovely space to be creative with ....a fireplace( I'm jealous Lol ) and lots of light .....two big pluses in my book : ) ....I agree though with painting the wood paneling .to offset the woodtones but having lived with an all white bedroom ( walls,ceiling, ) .at one point ..I admit it got tiresome and easily dingy looking quickly despite a rust carpet and a pretty southwest theme otherwise ..it was a choice because it was neutral but I soon regretted it ..too much of a good thing I suppose.....perhaps a golden yellow to keep it bright and sunny ? ..it would be nice and warm and cosy looking with .that awesome old brick ..I'd also suggest a pretty print tablecloth and / ,or centerpiece for the table ...or perhaps a hanging light fixture for some color and interest as well as an area rug .....but again you have a nice floor plan in place already ...I'm sure it will come out looking great in the end whatever you choose

    • Debbiela Debbiela on Dec 09, 2016

      Thank you for your ideas! Pretty table and center piece will be a big plus and adding area rug and light fixture will definitely help

      thanks !

  • Susan Franks Susan Franks on Dec 10, 2016

    Please do not do anything with the brick. The mantle is way to high and not big enough. By placing a faux barn beam lower on the fireplace wall it will become a real presence in the room. The nic nacks have to go. Also having the fire screen and fire tools black would make them stand out. Please take the tv out of the dining room. Thank you. I love your table and chairs. If the table can be made smaller I would do that and have a different coloured tablecloth or I might even paint the table and chairs. Placing the smaller size table a little closer to the fireplace would make a big difference. It looks like you have panelling. It is very easy to prime and paint to break up all the same shade of brown. I would choose a soft mossy green or any soft shade, just not brown. These are a few of my ideas. Interested to see what you come up with.

    • See 3 previous
    • Janis Hill Janis Hill on Dec 12, 2016

      If the paneling is real wood it is probably pretty old and to replace it with wood of the same quality is usually cost prohibitive.


      The 1960-1970's wood paneling was inexpensive and that is the reason so many houses had it.


      Rather than paint irreplaceable real wood I would paint the table and chairs to provide contrast in the room.


      The mantle would look better with a reclaimed wooden beam hung a few inches lower and a large mirror or piece of artwork hung over it.


      Paint the brass with heat proof black paint to get some contrast.


      Remove the TV and replace with a large green plant.


      If it's in your budget replace the carpet.


  • Lily Schlender Lily Schlender on Dec 11, 2016

    Make it a family room? Face the fireplace with seating and keep the tv. Put a smaller table bethind the couch and use the room for dual purpose. Remove the china cabinet. Prime and paint the paneling. Use previous idea to lower mantel and make it longer? Dont put the tv above the mantel, keep it eye level to the right of the fire. Your neck will appreciate it. Paint the brass matte black fireplace rated paint. Enjoy whatever you decide. Post the after pics too!

  • PattyV PattyV on Dec 11, 2016

    You didn't mention what the cost factor is for this project. The picture you included looks like it is off zillow. Are you buying or selling? If you are buying, and want to maintain as a dining room, I would suggest getting rid of all the color variances. If you are looking for a relatively quick change, I would whitewash the brick and paint the paneling white (googling instructions for durability). Spray paint the fireplace surround with a fire resistance black (or charcoal colored) paint, remove the existing mantle and replace with a chunky one made of reclaimed wood. I would move the mantel lower, start the mantle at the end of the brick wall to the left of the surround and add that same distance to the right. So, in order words, if the left of the surround is 2 ft to the end, add 2 ft. to the right of the surround to balance out the look. I would then add some type of rustic wall art to right of the fireplace again to balance out the look. Updating the light fixture would help. If you are selling and don't want to do any of the above, I would remove the TV and all items from the mantle, walls and on the table top portion of the hutch. Place simple decoration (such as candles of varying height) on the mantle and if possible, remove the extra leaf on the table. Without a photo of the other side of the room, it is difficult to properly access what the room actually looks like.


  • Debbiela Debbiela on Dec 11, 2016

    wonderful ! Yes we are buying this home and can't move in until April so I am getting ideas and suggestions for an update .

    • PattyV PattyV on Dec 13, 2016

      congrats on the new house and how exciting to have a whole new environment. In that case, I would definitely consider removing the carpet and put in wood/lament flooring - particularly if you intend on keeping in a dining area. If you have the budget to replace the walls, I would do so since drywall is more fire resistant that paneling. I have paneled walls in some of the rooms of my house. In the main living areas, we replaced the paneling with drywall but left the paneling in the spare bedrooms. I simply painted and both bedrooms have rustic decor and look great with the white/cream colored walls. Perhaps doing a step at a time will determine what looks right. I would suggest first determining what you are going to do with that one wall (drywall or paint). I would then install a beefer mantel. How does the brick wall seem now? If you still don't like it, white wash. Then I would address the beams in the ceiling. I think if everything is white, the beams should beam okay left in a stain. however, in the picture the stain looks like cherry, perhaps a stain that matches the mantle will tie everything together. I don't know if you intend on leaving it as a dining room but if you do, I would suggest moving the light so it will be over the dining table and having a rustic light installed. Or, if you intend on having it as a room other than a dining room, I would suggest randomly installing canned lighting so a light fixture does not compete with the beams. Good luck with your decorating.

  • Catherine Bridges Catherine Bridges on Dec 11, 2016

    I just seen someone take 3 tones of biege and one brown and layer them on a faux brick wall that I think would be perfedt for your room them I would leave all furniture alone but accessories with these same tones. Here is a photo-good luck

  • Catherine Bridges Catherine Bridges on Dec 11, 2016

    one more thing-the paneling is beautiful but to close in color to your furniture so I would paint the paneling a light creamy biege or stain darker. Right now they are not complementing each other.

    • See 1 previous
    • Jcraw Jcraw on Dec 12, 2016

      I would be tempted to make the mantle shelf longer by at least a foot. You can use the same brackets. Perhaps the mantle could be the same color as the hearth. I like the idea of painting the paneling. I would do that before tackling the brick, because you might find just a cleaning of the brick would be sufficient.

      If not, the clever tv folk in Texas use a sort of sponge-painting effect on brick exteriors. I regret I don't remember what it's called, but looks great.

      Think about a patterned area rug to soften the room, adding color and texture.

      There are great indoor/outdoor rugs that would hold up to chairs sliding and spilled milk.

  • Zonski Zonski on Dec 12, 2016

    Hello,

    great cosy place you have.

    It seems you could "enlarge" your room which is extra lengthy (beams and furniture are all lengthwise). Please, definitely keep the brick wall, with the beam idea over the fireplace mentioned by Susan from Canada.

    Paint the wood panelled walls in a "marron glacé" tone, on 1/3rd of the wall, so as to create a cosy area by the fire where you would add a small couch or sofa with 1 or 2 small armchairs either in bright colors (pink, yellow or green, or any "english" pop pepsy color) or in brown/beige tones, a small rug with a DIY coffee table.

    Then paint the "dining room" area 2 or 3 shades lighter than the lounge area, make your table smaller (even if you have to DIY) and place it perpendicular to the wall, where you could still put your dresser (painted in bright colors, i can well picture a bright indian pink, so that it remains in the tone of your brick wall), on the wall parallel to the brick one.

    If your beams are faux-beams, it could be a good idea to get rid of them and paint the ceiling in white but with a spot of marron glacé to match the colors of your walls.

    If not, then keep them and paint in between using the white "mit" marron glacé, in motions perpendicular to the right hand wall on your picture, so as to add more volume to the entire room.

    In a nutshell, keep your walls and ceiling in colors relatively neutral and do a makeover on the furniture only.

    Whatever you decide, it'll be great, because it'll be yours, no matter what people (including me) tell you.

  • Cathy Cathy on Dec 12, 2016

    I have a weird brick corner in my dining room, but I chose to leave it there and found a color that played off one of the brick colors--It was called Tile---like a terracotta pot---to paint my walls and I really love how it ties the brick into the room. I would definitely paint the wood paneling with something that compliments the brick--don't fight the brick, embrace it. An iron work light fixture would look good with that fireplace.

  • Lynne Webb Lynne Webb on Dec 12, 2016

    Too much stuff on the mantle. The mantel is what it is. It's too small and too high for an entire wall of brick. Consider painting it and the wall the same color; a soft cream. However proceed with caution. A prospective buyer might love what appears to be used brick.

    Get rid of that TV!

    Definitely paint the paneling, again, a soft cream. If you don't eat there on a regular basis, and sometimes we don't use our dining rooms every day, make it rather formal but inviting. You've got your walls lined with stuff. Get whatever's on top of your sideboard off. Invest in some picture books and copy what you admire. No prints on the tablecloth or, better yet, no tablecloth at all. Simple, simple decor. Perhaps a bowl and a set of candlesticks. By d-cluttering, you'll make the room look larger and let a prospective buyers use their own imagination. I just went through this ordeal and had to step back and look at every room as if I was seeing it through a buyers eyes. A buyer didn't care about the cute pictures on the walls in the 'granddaughter's' room. It looked like junk to them.

    Make every room as open to a buyers imagination as you can.

    If you are moving, as I suspect, you can duplicate the things that are close to your heart.

  • Catherine Bridges Catherine Bridges on Dec 12, 2016

    Either or depending on what the other accents you will be adding into the room. The beige will make the room not only look bigger but warmer. Grey will make it a little cooler and sophisticated. I think after I white washed the brick regardless of the color I did the paneling I would incorporated that color along with the mantle and beams color in small amounts on the bricks by using small spong the size of a brick and randomly putting dabs of those colors on it then - to pull the room together. Good luck!

  • Room is boring, all the same color family. Inexpensive way is to buy a bright patterned table cloth or table runner (which I prefer) and buy accessories for the mantle and hutch, in the same colors, but not too many pieces. If you have money to spend other people have posted some good but more pricey ideas. Maybe some corals, turquoise, and cobalt blue, as accents. Also pictures and wall hangings should be eye level, not high up on the wall. They look a little high to me, but maybe it is the low ceiling. If the paneling can be painted, it would make the fireplace wall and the hutch stand out, now they just seem to blend together. A Cream or other light color would probably work. Hard to advise without seeing the room. Good Luck.

  • Debbiela Debbiela on Dec 12, 2016

    D- Cluttering is a must, as also painting the paneling, and brick., I plan on removing that TV and lowering that mantle or better yet replacing it with barn like beam -dark color on the white wash brick. Clean , fresh, and rustic look is what I am aiming for. I'll start this project in the spring as we will be moving in April, and then will post after pictures.

    • See 1 previous
    • Debbiela Debbiela on Dec 13, 2016

      very good point, I will hold off painting it for a bit, and concentrate more on painting the wood paeling first. Thanks or idea.

  • Paula Marie Hyde Paula Marie Hyde on Dec 12, 2016

    I know you want to paint the brick...but it's such a great feature in your room...me personally...I'd leave it exposed as it is. But that's my taste of course. I agree with painting the paneling...it'll really lighten up the room.

  • Linda Keser Linda Keser on Dec 12, 2016

    I love the items and features of your dining room, but everything except the floor is dark.


    Fewer light colored items on the mantel. And paint the paneling a light color, white, cream, or a light non-neutral color that you like. (This will make your beautiful cabinet, can't think of the right word, stand out.) If you can afford it, a larger chandelier would be nice.

  • Eve Eve on Dec 12, 2016

    I think you need some plants. Nothing brings a room to life like plants. I think table runners can enliven a table but not everyone likes them. I use to buy cheap bouquet of fresh flowers from grocery store each week when I bought groceries. I finally bought a great center piece for table but I miss the fresh flowers each week.

  • Miriam Illions Miriam Illions on Dec 12, 2016

    You're getting lots of great ideas here! Just wanted to add that I actually LOVE your dining room. :)

  • Ginger the farm gal Ginger the farm gal on Dec 12, 2016

    I think the brick wall would look great off white and add shelves on the long side, could also mount the screen there, along with some lighting, add back and seat cushions same color to chairs, and a rug under the table.If you don't like the white idea, you could paint the bricks black and the wall behind the hutch white and add acc.to match with a bold rug with bright colors like black red orange or yellow. Blessings to you and your.

  • Debbiela Debbiela on Dec 12, 2016

    Thank you for your advice that sounds lovely

    blessings to you and your family too

    • Saranette Saranette on Dec 13, 2016

      Remove: TV, most items from the mantle, the light fixture. Lower the mantle, paint it cream color, spray paint the fireplace screen black. Paint the paneling the same cream color Install recessed lighting on dimmers throughout the room so you can change the lighting to set a certain mood. Reducing clutter and brightening the space is the best way, in my opinion

  • Kat964884 Kat964884 on Dec 12, 2016

    I agree less is more and the brass on the fireplace can be sprayed out with Fireproof paint maybe in Black the furniture I would paint dark on the top and white on the legs just time to update lovely big room

  • Debbiela Debbiela on Dec 12, 2016

    Thanks those are great ideas

  • Elizabeth Roy Elizabeth Roy on Dec 12, 2016

    I would paint the paneling a creamy color, remove the TV and change the floor. I love natural brick so I wouldn't do anything to it. Maybe some sort of cabinet or shelves on the right side of the fireplace. It's a very pretty room.

  • Eroque022810 Eroque022810 on Dec 13, 2016

    Wow there is a lot in there so don't do that. Is it meant to be a dining room or den? Regardless REMOVE paneling don't paint over it ,it still is a feature due to texture. I would paint bricks in gloss finish I would darken the beams and if the floor was wood I would have it redone like beams. I would change light out into chandler. Depending on your dining table that you have now, directs rest of room if you will be keeping it. If it is the light color I would refinish it to a deeper stain,chairs as well. Obviously you are are removing TV or won't be putting one up so put up art work or a beautiful mirror on a deeper mantel. Since fire place not centered I would place a tall greenery there since it looks like room gets great light. Nothing hanging from ceiling but something tree like. That's it for that wall so eye doesn't go crazy looking at a gallery of family photos and just over look the featured wall. Paint in between beams in off white. The walls your favorite color it can be dark because windows across the wall. Just make sure to let go and express yourself. Company doesn't live there nor do they pay mortgage! Smile every time you go into that room and depending what it faces if you can leave without drapes try it out. Please buy solid color no flower's. Chances are that the wall behind paneling will be damaged so be ready to replace drywall. Have fun go slow.

  • Eroque022810 Eroque022810 on Dec 13, 2016

    Lower the mantel it looks ridiculous at that height.know not to low because fireplace is low. You could add trim around it to give it substance make it feel grand since that's the feature wall.

  • Eroque022810 Eroque022810 on Dec 13, 2016

    It appears to be a bay window if so retain it but don't put anything on it unless you have a large sculpted piece. You want rustic look so I awesome you have furniture in that style, it doesn't have to have checked or flowers nor quilts to achieve that look. Bring it in with art work or nature. Floor looks carpeted, remove carpet that's just gross. No dining room should have carpet, crumbs and food can fall on it not to mention drinks. If you don't have wood floors underneath than stick to a low ply light colored, like sand, color so it can disappear but vaccum at least 2 times a week if you will be eating everyday in there. So you walk into room floor disappears focus is on fireplace wall which is your feature in that room and that's what people focus on then everything else. I wish you could write comment under the picture so you can refer to I as needed.

    • Debbiela Debbiela on Dec 13, 2016

      this Dining room has a dark colored tile floor, the carpet starts as your entering the family room,

      This project will not begin until April, so I am collecting as many ideas as I can. Thanks for the comment.

  • Thelma Whoberry Thelma Whoberry on Dec 13, 2016

    What a great space and agree it could use updating. Wood flooring with large rug to define areas. I'd definitely paint brick wall staying neutral. Either light cream or linen. Offset 3 floating shelves on right side to compliment short mantel. Remove paneling and give entire room fresh paint.

    Chairs would be great chalk painted Bauhaus Buff or Old Workd White. Need only paint table legs. Same as chairs, black or color you select for walls. There are so many different Chandeliers would definitely consider one or two depending on length of room. Have fun with this project. You will love the transformation!


  • Barbara Barbara on Dec 13, 2016

    Definitely need a bigger mantle. Replace or paint out the fireplace screen. Antique the hutch. Leave the wood on the walls. tile around the Fireplace and distress the bricks. tile the lower part of the seat that is brick.

    Use and area rug. Lose the TV. Hang some large prints on the walls. Paint the chairs and table legs to compliment the hutch. Darken the beams. It doesn't have to cost a fortune work with a much as you have. Wishing you the best of luck with your project.

  • Debbiela Debbiela on Dec 13, 2016

    great ideas ! Thank you

  • Debbiela Debbiela on Dec 13, 2016

    thank you , yes we plan on leaving it as a dinning room. Your ideas are great and I'll post after pictures once completed. We plan on starting this project in May

  • Nancy Nancy on Dec 30, 2016

    Budget friendly choices can include. Build a new mantel all the way across the wall. Make sure its the right height and width. Since you have ceiling beams, look for matching wood tone for mantel. Paint just your fireplace brass surround black. No need to paint your brick or paneling. Work with them. Better to refresh your dining set and cupboard with paint. Check out painted black or cream colored rustic painted furniture ideas. Polish your tile floor to a nice gloss and get a new area rug . Look at good quality outdoor area rugs. Choose a lower chandelier. Lastly, choose your artwork and mantel accessories carefully. So often opinions persist to paint out everything. That is sometimes not feasible financially. Depending on your budget, there certainly is more that you can do. I am not sure that is what you asked for.

  • Nancy Nancy on Dec 30, 2016

    Wood top table, black bottom, black chairs and cupboard a possible option.

  • Nancy Nancy on Dec 30, 2016

    All wood table with black chairs on sisal rug. Two tone buffet. Large wall clock. Longer chandelier.

  • Debbiela Debbiela on Dec 30, 2016

    Beautiful !! I love all your ideas and will definitely use them ! i can picture it now and thanks for the pictures it makes it all come together

    here is the dining room I am thinking plus a matching buffet table too


  • Shawna Truman Shawna Truman on Dec 30, 2016

    Paint that brick wall or at least rub on a pale brick stain to update the brick. Replace the mantel with a nice thick and much longer wood slab mantel. Place the mantel about 1 foot above the fireplace opening. Stay natural wood color on the mante too. Be sure the color coordinates with the carpet color. Another way to update would be to clear out the clutter on all the flat surfaces and simplify the decoration with one theme and a lot less pieces in and around that area. Then pick another light fixture for over the table. Make it a simpler fixture that really balances with the size of the table. Rule of thumb is the fixture should be 1/2 to 2/3 the size of the table top and hang it so the bottom of the fixture is 6' from the floor. Good luck !!

  • Debbiela Debbiela on Dec 31, 2016

    Great idea ! Thanks

  • Shannon Shannon on Dec 31, 2016

    I love the brick, but would add some wood around it (be sure to keep the right spacing for fire safety). I'll post my fireplace as an example of what I mean for the wood. With yours I would not go to the ceiling, but rather just to the mantle. And keep your mantle a bit lower than it currently is. A wreath or simple art above it and a big basket of wood logs to the side. The only picture I could find on my phone shows my fireplace still waiting for a center tile and without the mantle decorated (was just setting things of different color up there), but you get the idea

  • Connie Connie on Dec 31, 2016

    Some very nice ideas. I had wood paneling on one end of my living room and got rid of it, now my walls look great. If you like paneling keep it but I personally feel it dates a room.