Thursday, April 5, 2012

Question ...

Alright bloggy friends. I'm in the middle of switching my fall/winter dining room look to a softer, lighter look for spring and summer. You might remember that what feels like decades ago my dining room looked like this:


It wasn't terrible, but the table had a lower tressle that made it incredibly difficult for hosting anymore than 4 people at that table. I believe that they call them "Breakfast Tables" which makes sense, I mean how many people do you usually host at breakfast? Anyway - it wasn't working for us. So, I opted to store it, along with the chairs, and get something new:


Well, old - actually. I got this great antique Early American Empire table, along with chairs I spent days gilding for the dining room. Not only did it make the dining room look so much bigger on the days we didn't need to seat more than 5 or 6; the table has 5 leaves, meaning I could  seat 16 comfortably. I say could because I realistically, I don't think 16 people would fit in my dining room.

I did all of this in the fall - so the brown burlap tablecloth from Ballard Designs, and my chocolate drapery were perfect choices. Now that we're moving toward Spring, I want something lighter - and with a new round table, that means a new skirt.

So here's the question - and please leave your answer in the comment section below. If it were up to you, would you go with option one, or option two?

OPTION ONE:
The Triple Skirted Table








Option Two
The Pleated Skirted Table



Wish I could find more examples of this ...

So, there you have it - one or two? What do you think?

Don't forget the Cross Bottle Guy giveaway on Art By Karena. The opportunity is drawing near, and if you wait you might miss out on your chance to start your collection with a little gift from me.

36 comments:

  1. Option one, if you only have one layer of carpet. Option 2 if you are layering your carpet.

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  2. OH- I love them both- I think Option 1 has a less formal feel...but I love the elegance of Option 2. You can't go wrong with either look! xo Diana

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  3. Definitely option one! Would give you more possibilities to play 'around'. With a single cloth, several layers, and...and...
    With burlap, old linen, with same laces on top, different natural colors and....and...and even a ruffled one in between.

    Good luck, Happy Easter,
    and greetings from the Périgord,
    karin

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  4. option 2 is a cleaner more refined look that won't weigh you and the dining room down this summer!
    Eve

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  5. I agree with the first comment re: the carpets. I really love the last photo of the triple tiered skirts, with that delicate top layer...SO pretty!

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  6. Option #2. I don't think the room needs all those layers with the rugs layered.

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  7. With only these two options, I'd pick #2 because it feels lighter. But for spring and summer, I prefer no tablecloth - let the wood shine!

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  8. I would choose #2...it is lighter and airier. The layers might clash with your rug layers. Have you considered no table covering?

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  9. I like option #2. I might crisscross a couple of runners on top of the cloth. Does that put me halfway between 1 an 2? ~ Maureen

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  10. option 2 is more Spring like and less heavy feeling. All the layers seem to drag the feel of the room down and probably would be better for a Fall/Winter

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  11. two for sure and one when the top one needs to be freshened up!

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  12. I like the lightness of option two but I am sure which ever one you choose will be lovely!

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  13. I'd say option 2. it's a lighter look with your furniture. can't wait to see your choice! donna

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  14. I agree with Heather. For the hot summer months just leave the table bare or maybe just a small square topper. All the layers look hot and heavy and I'm not a fan of the gather/pleated tablecloth at all.

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  15. I love option 1, but I am a more is more kind of girl. I love mixing fabric colors, textures, and patterns and using simple ivory china (Lenox Montclair) and a mix and match of inherited silver (Berain, Luxembourg, Canterbury, William and Mary).

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  16. Well clearly I am in the minority here but after seeing both options, I would have to go with Option #1 using lighter, pastel colors and fresh flowers. Option #2 looks like it belongs on a make-up vanity or bathroom v. dining room. Sorry, that's just me and my $0.02!

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  17. Artie I love option #1, love all those layers! I would use light fabrics for a light airy look! Can't wait to see what you decide!

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  18. Option 2, #1 is kind of messy looking.

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  19. Hello Artie! I think, if I had to choose between the two...I would go with #2...but...you know me...I like options...and I might like to see no tablecloth and maybe just a table square...slightly askew...and a great vignette for spring/summer.
    ***Tami

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  20. You have featured two of my favorite designers in these picks. In Option One, John Saladino -- my all-time favorite -- is responsible for the last image. It is in his beautiful villa in California called Villa diLemma (He has a sense of humor). In Option Two, you featured Pamela Pearce of Houston in the first image. While Pamela's is very graceful and pretty, I must go with John Saladino, a wonderful artist, designer and classicist. You can have so many different looks by changing the top two cloths for different occasions and china patterns. Also, Artie, I think you would be inspired by his book about the transformation of his home, called "Villa."

    For starters, I think the new/old round table and chairs already lighten up the room. I know whatever look you pick, it will be fabulous.

    All the best...Victoria

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  21. option 1....I love the layers!!!

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  22. Option #1 for sure.....option #2 looks like a dressing table in a bedroom....and I don't think I would use 3 clothes....2 would be nice....a solid and a print...

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  23. Option two is going to enlarge your table. Gathers tend to add weight, size and volume.. I'd go with the layered pieces and maybe remove a layer of rugs.. You asked , te he he.. Either is great.. but i love one! happy springs. Happy Easter. Many blessings.. xo marlis

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  24. Definitely option 2 - more of a warm weather look.

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  25. option 2. love this cleaner look

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  26. Option 2. I totally love that look. A little cleaner, more straight-forward but still very luxe!

    Enjoy your Easter weekend!

    Keri

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  27. Option 2!! Pamela Pierce's pleated table cloth is one of my all time fav's!

    Can't wait to see what you come up with!

    AB

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  28. Number 1 namely because you have more options in choosing and mixing weight, texture,trim, pattern and colour.
    Secondly, I don't see a pleated skirt but "I spy my little eye"; a g-a-t-h-e-r-e-d one. :)
    -Brenda-

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  29. Between the two, I like Option 2. What about if you just have one tablecloth in a lighter colour similar to what you have now, which I love. I just think the 3 cloths can look a bit messy.

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  30. Artie, a tough choice because I love both looks. I would go with option 2 because you can always layer over it for a change!

    Thank you again for Sponsoring such an amazing Giveaway on my site!

    xoxo
    Karena
    Art by Karena

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  31. My first thought was that option 1 is shown in large areas with a long focus and your room is much smaller. I feel the closer area needs a less fussy look. Then I read everyone's comments and thought that option 2 would be more fun to play around with. Lighter colored fabric and either option would be great. You have great taste, go with your own instincts.

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  32. oH i THINK YOU GOTTA GO WITH OPTION 2...OPTION 1 HAS BEEN DONE AND DONE AND DONE A MILLION TIMES...love the newer look of the lush plush fresh option number 2...phyllis

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  33. I love both options, each for a different reason. Now you have me facing my OWN decision!!! Whatever YOU decide, I know it will be WONDERFUL!!!

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