Hey there! It’s been a while since I shared a proper progress update on our dining room. I’ve posted bits and pieces along the way, but today I wanted to gather everything in one place and show what’s changed since we moved in.
We still have a few ideas for future updates, but I’m thrilled with how much more comfortable the room feels now. Let’s look back at where we started and highlight the changes we’ve made so far.
The room had great natural light and a lovely view, but it didn’t feel quite right initially. The window and light were off center, the doorway to the kitchen was small and unremarkable, and the floors had a glossy orange tone from a previous finish. The floors have mellowed since, but we’ll likely refinish them at some point.
Since this isn’t a large formal dining room, we embraced a cozier breakfast-room vibe that better suits our house.
We still plan to install taller baseboards, but one major change was adding a planked wood wall on the right side to introduce more architectural interest and conceal an unused doorbell.
The entire room is painted Simply White by Benjamin Moore. We tested other neutrals, but Simply White worked best with the room’s architectural details and natural light.
Because our table didn’t sit comfortably in the center without crowding the room, we moved it under the window to create a banquette-like layout. Placing the table there immediately made the space feel brighter and more inviting.
For the banquette, we found an upholstered pinstriped dining bench that fits perfectly beneath the window sill and seats several people comfortably. It’s firm enough to sit up straight at the table, yet still cozy.
The bench we chose measures 72 inches and comes in many fabric options; we selected a navy vintage ticking stripe that complements the room.
We installed cordless, lined woven shades to tame the bright afternoons. When fully raised, they don’t cover the window, and when lowered they reduce glare while adding texture. The shades are mounted outside the window on a sturdy bracket system, which made installation straightforward.
To add softness and personality, we combined the woven shades with a long black curtain rod and patterned curtain panels. Panels make the window feel more substantial and are easy to swap if we want a different look later.
We kept to a modest budget by mixing pieces we already owned with the new bench. Our oval table has been with us for years and holds many family memories. It’s a bit rickety and may be replaced one day, but we love the shape and flexibility of adding or removing leaves.
The low-backed rattan chairs from our previous dining room still work well on one side of the table, and the vintage cane end chairs—on loan from my daughter—add charm. Our parsons chairs remain in another room for now.
Another update is the ombre beaded light fixture that brings a coastal, island-inspired touch to the room. To avoid costly rewiring and keep the install flexible, we hung the fixture from a ceiling hook and looped the cord for a relaxed, casual look.
The banquette anchors one side of the room while a buffet cabinet balances the planked wall. A seagrass rug helps ground the seating area and ties the textures together.
One of the most transformative changes was rounding the kitchen doorway into an arch. Many readers shared their thoughts while we debated this, and the consensus nudged us toward the curve. We didn’t have room to enlarge the opening or remove the wall during the kitchen remodel, but softening the doorway with an arch made a huge difference from both sides.
We kept the dining room side of the arch simple without additional trim so it blends with other openings in the house. The rounded shape adds character and complements the other curved doorway in the kitchen, creating a pleasing repetition.
Overall, these simple changes have had a big impact. The room feels brighter, cozier, and more purposeful. We’ll continue to tweak and update over time, but for now it feels “done enough” to enjoy.
Do you decorate in phases? My house is always evolving, and I love when a room finally feels finished enough to call it done for the moment—even if more changes come later.
Room sources:
Bristol bench (navy vintage ticking stripe) – upholstered bench in multiple fabric and size options
Blue and white dishes – classic dinnerware collection available from several retailers
Seagrass rug to anchor the seating area
Ombre beaded light fixture in a coastal-inspired style; similar fixtures available in multiple sizes
Glass door cabinet in a neutral antique taupe finish
Rattan and cane chairs (vintage or reproduction styles available)
Gray and white striped pillow covers for added pattern
Rattan shelf sourced from a flea market
Framed art prints in botanical and animal themes
Navy curtain panels to frame the window
Wall color: Simply White by Benjamin Moore
Woven shades in a natural abaca finish provide texture and light control
