Here's the buffet and hutch

Here's a better pic of the table top finish.

And, finally the chairs. I have two arm chairs and the rest are side chairs.

I think it's worth a redo! If you still don't care for it, then sell.

I don't know, I kinda like the chairs unpainted but reupholstered. But I can't picture them black. Maybe a little too matchy with the black hutch (but not bad if you really like sets!). Is that another matching buffet in the background?

This post was edited by snookums2 on Tue, Jan 1, 13 at 11:45

Thanks! The short piece is a server. Here's another pic. The tall piece is a buffet and hutch.

I thought about leaving the chairs unfinished, too. I wonder if there's a way to upholster the backs? Funny thing is that Restoration Hardware has a dining set that is very similar to this in bare wood. I thought this was so dated... Lol!

It appears to be in really good condition? If I did anything, I would reupholster the chairs & refinish the top in the same color if it's scratched or worn. That alone could update the set. However, if you don't like as is, I can visualize the table completely in black (not sure about the chairs). Anytime I'm uncertain about something, I'll live with it a while & then make a decision.

Do you mean this one?

Here is a link that might be useful: Vintage Farm Tool

This post was edited by snookums2 on Tue, Jan 1, 13 at 12:39

Snook umps look at this one: http://www.restorationhardware.com/catalog/category/products.jsp?link=PrintedVintageBaroque&categoryId=cat1830087

The base of my table has 3 spindles (or whatever they're called), but it's very similar. The chairs are also very similar.

Southern gal - it is in really good condition, which is why I hate to sell it. I just think it's the finish and maybe the chairs. However when I look at the rh link I posted, I think I may be able to update it. It'll be a big job, though. Maybe I can try a chair first...

I think you could give the table a good cleaning, leave its finish as it is, paint the server and china cabinet pieces a rich creamy ivory, paint the chairs in a richer color (which you could repeat inside the top of the china cabinet), reupholster the chairs, and have something much younger and fresher, and yet not matchy.

Welcome Cafep! That's a hard call. Can you show us a picture of your table along with the room it's in? I also have a farm table with green legs, but it has a dark maple and green tile top.

I sure do like the server though!

Somehow got the title wrong. Was wondering why they called it vintage farm, lol. I like the update too!

(Well, that's weird, your link calls it English Baroque, the other one says Vintage Farm Tool). It does look very English!

This post was edited by snookums2 on Tue, Jan 1, 13 at 12:40

It is a hard call. I think the hardware on the hutch is sort of throwing things off, especially the drawer pulls. Is there a chance those could be replaced and you could try something more updated to match the other hardware?

I think the table and chairs looks pretty good except I agree the upholstery could use updating. If this is to be your only table, have you considered a bench for one side? You could paint it black (or order one in black) especially if you need a contrasting color and use it to seat several, especially when you add a leaf to the table, and still have your additional matching chairs. I've seen a lot of sets sold with benches lately.

It depends a lot on your personal style. If an old English style is a good fit for you or if you like more updated styling.

This post was edited by snookums2 on Tue, Jan 1, 13 at 13:30

If you like the color and look of the pieces in the link that rh sent, your set would be a perfect candidate for chalk painting! You could achieve the same look, and your set is in such pristine condition I think it would be worth a try!

Thanks, everyone for the feedback! I like the ideas you've all given, and you've made me feel like refinishing ma be worth a try.

Bronwynsmom, I thought about cream as well. I like painted furniture. I have the black Bradford desk, from pottery barn, in my office. Depending on what my new place will look like, it may be in the next room. Do you think the cream will look okay if the black office furniture is next door?

Oaklyoak - thanks for the welcome! I don't have a picture of the room the table will be in. I'll probably be moving for a new job, and I want something smaller. Right now I have a breakfast table and this table in the real dining area, and i don't need two dining areas, so I want to consolidate. My little green table has seen better days, so I thought I may retire it to the garage for a craft table, and use this instead if I can make it work.

Outside playing - you are so right about the hardware! I think that would help out a lot.

Snookums - my style is eclectic, I suppose, but my furniture has more traditional lines - not country, but relaxed.

Nanny2a - I'm not familiar with chalk painting, but I'll do a search!