SFGate

olldbobbi I haven't seen track lighting like that in a long time!! Makes you wonder what the heck we were thinking when those were popular. Pendant lighting is always good, or a chandelier over the dining table.

I'm a big fan of bottom-up window shades, you could try those, they let light in but maintain privacy: [houzz=
]

Caroline Vergara very nice ! ilike

Iris What kind of pendants match here and also how many? The biggest problem with this room as that the lighting is just terrible. I am afraid that one chandelier won't be enough lighting. also, the placement of the chandelier (and the pendants for that matter) is an issue because of the arch in the ceiling.

olldbobbi irisassouline, you could go with drum pendants, but I think you're right. That is a lot of dark ceiling. I've looked at several Houzz photos with wood ceilings and they seem to favor recessed lighting, and each light should be set 6' from another. [houzz=Addition/Remodel of Historic House in Palo Alto]
[houzz=Nordquist]
[houzz=River Road House_Living]

Iris @Bobbi P thank you so much! That definitely helps. As a follow-up question, though, if we were to convert the room into a dining room, would the recessed lighting be enough? Do you think we still would need a chandelier over the table?

Dar Eckert I love the ceiling and would add pot lights for additional lighting as in the above example. Simple drapes in white are modern looking. I would also paint the walls white and add a jewel of a rug under the table to bring color into the room. I saw this table & thought of your room. Also add a colorful painting on the wall and you're about done.

Iris Dar Eckert - I love your ideas, but there are two problems: (1) my husband will never agree to paint the walls and (2) the dog will destroy the table (although I do love it!). He has already done a number on our other wood furniture, including the couches and coffe table in the pictures. I am actually searching online now for a glass dining table or a table with no wood at the base because of this problem. It is difficult to find this type of table because i need one that can seat 12 (we regularly have dinners with 10 people at the table and I need a table large enough to accomodate them, plus any extras). If you know of anything that might fit the bill, would appreciate your inout on that too.
Iris

gluestick I like the lighting ideas others have suggested. As for a table, why not something with a metal or stone base?

olldbobbi irisassouline, if you put your recessed lights on a dimmer switch, you can control the amount of light you need or want, it's the best way to go.

Iris @gluestick - where did you find that table?
@Bobbi P - I like that idea

juliet a concrete/stone table that has a smooth top (could even create mosaic pattern &cover w polyeurethane to dry like glass surface); recessed lighting instead of current track lighting design- choose areas of the room thatd need the most light by using natural sunlight through surrounding glass at dusk, & see which areas carry the unwanted shadows. By using recessed (fixtures in ceiling as in examples above), it would be possible to create a finished look with desired chandelier or a simple row of 3 pendant lights spread evenly above the table (there are thousands of types available).
The room may benefit from a fabric divider (using picture wire, fabric attached to clips for easy slide & pull tie-back; or pulley system, even) to seperate an area that doesnt blend well. Could also add a glam, intimate "private party" feel to dining area.
i say lighting that matches flush w the ceiling (w dimmer switch) in far areas & a stand-out fixture for above table. Could always find a wood table you like & spray paint legs using "Stone-Fleck" spray paint (avg $8 per can- handful of colors to choose from; avg $6 per can of protectant topcoat- i dont advise skipping or skimping on that step).

gluestick @irisassouline http://www.harrisrubin.com

michigammemom You might also consider a modern take on your outdated track lighting. I like the look of these halogens on wire cable.