Serve Up an Elegant Dining Room for Less Than $1,000

Spencer gets to work creating the custom-upholstered bench for the window area. Because the fabric has a linear pattern, which can be tricky, Spencer covers the end caps for the arms of the piece separately, inserting them after the rest of the piece is covered. He also creates the seat cushion separately by attaching foam, batting and fabric to a piece of MDF board. Dave makes triangular tables to go on either side of the bench. Together the pieces will create a comfortable seating area that fits the window's shape.

Dave spruces up a thrift-store table and chairs set by correcting drips the previous owner left behind in an attempt to refinish them. He uses the mildest solvent he can to get the job done — kerosene in this case — to diminish the appearance of the drips.

The team gives the space privacy using rattan shades that match the ones in the adjoining living room. Decorative drapes are added for a formal feel and are bordered at the bottom with the same fabric used on the dining-chair seats.