Do you have a mahogany Duncan Phyfe? If so the last thing I would do is paint it. Which version ...flat top or federal and what year?

At anyrate it all plays nicely till you get to the oak chairs. I suggest finding a set of more classic upholstered dining chairs and a larger rug. The rug should be large enough to fit under all the legs of the chairs.

I think the barstools are fine. Your dining chairs seems much too casual for the grand and beautiful dining table and look more suited for a casual breakfast room. I would replace the chairs - maybe upholstered Parson type chairs.

Let the table be the focus piece. Everything else should be up to date unless it's a veritable antique. Too much old style decor looks like an antique/vintage store.

Your table is beautiful! I agree that you need new chairs. I like lmckuin's idea of the upholstered Parson type chairs. I love that rug with the table, by the way.

Thanks for the input. The Duncan Phyfe piece is very similar to the first photo in lucido's comment - "flat front" perhaps? It is from the mid 1950's.

I love the idea of adding some upholstered chairs/ bar stools since the room is pretty heavy with dark wood - hardwood floors, stained woodwork, cherry cabinets...

Would it help to stain the oak chairs darker instead of totally replacing? Or even painting them black like the island?

I forgot to mention that we have three grandkids with another on the way who are at our house a lot. I need chairs that I can enjoy but live with!

What a gorgeous table. What would it hurt to try painting the chairs? Black is an option to tie them to the sideboard. I think I would try something with a little more oomph like the red in the fruit on the sideboard. Then get solid black or matching yellow from the sideboard for the cushions. Another option is to get a larger rug and match the chairs to it.

Farmhouse kitchens are traditionally made up of disparately styled items, and I think you are right in looking at colour changes to help draw things together. If you keep the chairs, use a flat or chalk black over a red brick tinted base, sand back in areas to expose both colours, and wax. I think the barstools are fine, but would place bright seat cushions over the rush, in keeping with the farmhouse look. The lovely rug is not functioning well, but the colours are worth keeping hold of - if you are feeling cheeky, mismatched seat cushions for each of the dining seats could liven things with the same colourway. Add a few similar bright shots to your mother's piece to draw it in to the mix. Fussily, I think all your chairs should be at the table, and would remove floor greenery. Happy Houzzing.

Would this type of chair work? Thanks for all your help!

Those are French Rose Mahogany dining chairs, so awesome. They look really easy to recover too. If you never recovered a chair it's very easy to do. They would be incredible in your space! I would suggest covering them in french ticking linen.

Go to Google and select "images" then type in french ticking linen.

Can you take a larger image of the dining area?

So now...Lighting. What is over the table?

The chairs are pretty study just not very substantial size wise. I do love the lines and details. I would still love to use the Duncan Pyfe china cabinet against the wall just want to make sure it doesn't look too mismatched!
Light fixture is wrought iron candelabra which matches the fixture over the island.
Thanks!

I'm not seeing the scale of them at the table which is what you are referring to. If you feel they are to diminutive...keep looking. The chairs should feel connected in size to the table not just style.

Perfect choice on your lighting.

Another thought in your shopping travels is upholstered parsons chairs for the ends to add more weight and give some comfort or even wingbacks.

As far as the china cabinet...get that beauty out of the basement. It appears there is plenty of room next to the sideboard. You are going to have a bit of mismatching and in a french country style room it's expected and even encouraged.

I love the French ticking fabric! Any suggestions on lighting?

I really like the upholstered parsons chairs on the ends as opposed to the whole group. That would balance the grouping. The old piece is coming out of the basement this month!

Thanks again!

I would paint your chairs black, with a slightly imperfect finish. This could give them an antique appearance, to blend with your cherry furniture and the dark tones in your rug.

[houzz=]

Your lighting is great as it is. I would not touch it. I would consider altering the decor on the sideboard and adding a large centerpiece though. Just as the weight of the chairs is important the items in the room need to have the same feel.

I just looked through your images and the sideboard and china cabinet will not fit on that wall together is there another wall in the dining area the sideboard can go?

The holidays are here now and even if you don't celebrate there are winter natural centerpieces you can easily create. For your table maybe 2 feet long by about 16" wide. For the sideboard something like the cloved oranges or lemons on tiered dish. They give off a wonderful sent too. Firefly lights make everything seem warmer and more magical too.

Bigger bolder items in the rooms will make them feel larger and more defined.