Love the second set of chairs, even with the existing fabric. If you wanted a more formal feel, I agree that you might change out the buffalo plaid. Would love to see an oval table with those chairs, to compliment the curve of the rolled back.

Is there any way that the large display cabinet could move down the wall (toward the camera end) or into another spot? It doesn't really seem like a dining room piece, and it kind of dominates the space and keeps the table from being centered.

I vote for #2! Number one is fun, but frankly I think the style of #2 is more special and eye-catching in every way, and looks more pulled together with the rest of the elements. Plus the quality and comfort are not a minor issue. I wouldn't change the fabric--it's gorgeous, and lots of different colors would look great with it.

On second thought, choose number one and I'll take #2 off your hands.

I also prefer #2, and speaking from experience I would keep the most comfortable chairs!

Definitely #2! Keep the fabric -

Another vote for #2! Beautiful space! What kind of flooring is that?

#2! You have a beautiful view and I'd be happy to sit around in those chairs for hours!

#2 and yes, keep the fabric.

It is so refreshing to see not the run of the mill chairs.
I'm sure it is the fabric that is helping it to stand out.

I love the chairs and the table.

You can make a knock out dining with that check.
Have you seen the large picture of the little boy and girl
by the tall plant stand with the broken vase on the floor.
Its mostly blk & wht.

Its not an oil painting but I don't buy into the "it should only be oil paintings" rule.

I go with what speakes to me.

I can see that large pic in that DR.
But what do I know , I'm from Ky lol

The chairs on #2 look more comfy and pretty to me, but I like the oval shape for a table as in #1. No help at all, huh? lol

#2 for sure, but I also think the cabinet needs to move - can it come farther from the table on the opposing wall? It does seem to dwarf the table and chairs.

#2 is far better and better proportioned and more in scale with the room and armoire. The other set just gets lost in there. (Of course half the room height is missing for the second shot! but the pieces look more substantial.)

They look very nice together : )

I vote for #2 - very lovely set and I love the chairs. I do agree that the table needs to be be centered at the light. I guess the tall piece would make it tight on that side? Can it shift to another spot in the space or possbily switch it with another piece you have?

#2 - Love the style of chairs, and LOVE the fabric!!!

wow-100% consensus. This surely makes my decision easier. The table is going to be replaced so it's just a stand-in right now.

I did not realize how tall the china cabinet is until I see it in picture. In person it doesn't seem that big. That cabinet is the bane of my existence! I saw it at Z gallerie and instantly fell in love w/ it. The very next day it popped up in craigslist in the next town. I sent my DH to go fetch it, sight unseen -- he's still mad at me to this day because that cabinet weighed a ton!! Maybe after he has forgiven me I can move it somewhere else :-)

Wow, what a nice problem to have. I love the chairs in #2 and wouldn't trade the fabric for anything. I also wonder if the cabinet could move somewhere else; further up the wall, or maybe in a LR?? Don't know if it's feasible but I could also see a round table in your space. You wouldn't have room for a buffet but it would be so striking, and would help provide some balance, especially since your space appears long and narrow. I changed out my rectangular table for a small oval (almost round) and it's incredible what it did for the room. Either way it will be a knockout with those chairs.

bella - I actually like your cabinet and think the scale is appropriate for that room . Your ceilings appear really high and anything shorter would look like dollhouse furniture. Although it looks alittle tight with the dining room table / chairs, it looks very balanced under the 3 windows and across from the arched doorway. I see why you wanted it and it sounds like it was meant to be.
Your chandelier - off center of the table, looks centered in the room. If you hang it a little higher , maybe more in line with your arched window, I think it would look better and would not be an issue with the table. It is hard to tell from the angle in the photo. You have a lovely room.

#2 and I love the existing fabric!

I like the second set as well. And I really do love the lines of the chair. I personally would change the fabric, but it depends on the decorating style you will be using in that room.