I think a pendant would be great, actually with the size of the table, two pendants. Check out this one from CB2. You can get a few for your budget.

http://www.cb2.com/family.aspx?c=120&f=4773&q=pendant&fromLocation=Search&DIMID=400001&SearchPage=1

A long narrow pendant would work - but a pair of round ones might be more versatile and interesting.

I don't know where your power source is - doesn't appear to be a light box in the ceiling - but why not consider a pair of simple drum-shaped lightfixtures swagged over the table? You could even create your own with Drum Lampshades and cord kits from the hardware store for way less than $300.

First, your dining area is REALLY nice!!!

I think both linear AND circular would look great with this table.

How about something like these:

http://www.potterybarn.com/products/p10849/index.cfm?pkey=cpendants

http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Elegant-Matte-Black-4-light-Iron-Chandelier/3433423/product.html

http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Round-6-light-Chandelier/3433427/product.html

http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Iron-5-light-Chandelier/3373036/product.html

A Nelson Lamp always fits! Whatever it is, hang it low for maximum effect.

SPUTNIK!!!!!!!

By the way, your table set is gorgeous.

Check out Design Public for the Gus Design Group lamp among other pendant lamps:

http://www.designpublic.com/shop/lighting/pendant-lamps?num_items=99

Where did you get the beautiful dining set?

Do you plan to keep the pendant lamp showing in the other room? If so, then look for a table pedant that will harmonize with it in style or shape or color.

Myself, I like all the hanging lamps and sconces in a house to match, or at least to be in tune with one another, and not change drastically from room to room. Perhaps this is a failure of style sense...

I'm with Quince. You can't go wrong with a nelson pendant lamp.

Try an IQ Light. It's well under $300 and can be configured in a variety of ways. Here's our example, in an open space with only a slightly higher ceiling than yours:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/visualingual/2437958945/in/set-72157594505190197/

Oh wow thanks everyone for all your helpful input and compliments!

bepsf- There probably is a light box in the ceiling, the existing "dining room light" is actually to the right of the window panels in the second pic. I didn't think to include it in the pic because it was such a random spot right where the kitchen starts. That's where the previous owners set their dining spot I guess. So we need to get an electrician to drill new holes over our table...

Eleni- We got the dining set off of Craigslist from a very lovely family who had outgrown it. There are tons of dining tables/ sets on CL; just have to spend the time to find the gems!

m_j_s- I don't intend to keep the pendant lamp showing in the other room, which is the entry to the house. I agree with you I'd like to keep all lighting sources the same style throughout the house; I just need to figure out what that style is! P.S. If you saw the rest of the lamps throughout the house you would laugh; or tear your hair out.

Thanks again everyone!=)

I bought three of these great vine pendant lamps from Viva Terra recently (which they no longer sell). If you're interested, let's talk cuz I'm putting them up for sale. Would look perfect over your dining table.

http://www.ecosalon.com/title/Bring_the_Rainforest_Indoors_with_the_Vine_Hanging_Lamp

There are some truly gorgeous pendant lights that work perfectly with high ceilings at http://www.alluminare.com.

snowiye, do you happen to have pictures of the room after you did it in ozark shadows? my boyfriend and i are looking for a good silvery gray for the bedroom, and he's voting ozark shadows, i'm voting revere pewter. i'd really love to see ozark in a room.