I vote for dining set #2. I think it would be transformed by changing out the fabric seat. The style is more versatile for the other uses you mentioned. And you're right about it being one that you could easily sell later if you decide on going a completely different route when you move.

I would probably choose the oak for comforts sake, but didn't you just get rid of oak?

Check out the tables & chairs at Pier 1 and also Ikea if you're wanting a different look and something to get you thru the next year.

I would keep looking too. You can do better. The first reminds me of patio furniture. Also, does not look comfotable.
The second, I agree with annz, is that you just gave away an oak set. And maybe it's the way it photgraphs, but it looks worn.
The search continues.....

The metal & glass set is from Pier 1. I had the set with a square table in my first apartment! It wasn't uncomfortable, but the chairs were very heavy. I think you need to continue your search ...

I really like the first set, and think it could be charming in a casual dining room. As a matter of fact, I love having 'The Dining Room' be casual. Not 'breakfast room' casual, but warm and relaxing... And the 'patio' look -- while true -- is not, IMO, a problem. (But then, I have a patio sofa in my TV room, so what do I know?)

Comfort IS important however, so if it's not comfortable, don't buy it.

Though for $250, how wrong could you go?

I appreciate all of your thoughts. Yes, the table is oak-- but I thought it wouldnt be so *heavy* in the room because it is lighter and round and much smaller. The old set was large, chunky and dark. Also I thought the pedestal gives more "air room" underneath. I did notice that it looked a bit drab but I assumed the wood was "dirty" more than worn and that changing the seat covers would give it a whole new look-- but wear doesnt exactly bother me. It would on a formal set-- but not so much in a dining room that invites you to sit and read the paper with your coffee.

sweeby, I too don't feel the need to shy away from a non-traditional look. I would actually prefer antique iron or a funky iron pedestal base but I DO like the look of the pier one set (thank you, Chispa). I only wish the chair backs were bowed a little.

What do you think about painting the oak table? (I know, I hear the gasps of the "don't paint wooders"!)I fell in love with the aqua/turquoise another member painted her dining table.

The only other option I found after looking at all the less expensive furniture stores is the halo table at Crate and Barrel. I do like it-- I don't love it. It's also going to be over 1k by the time I get chairs for it.

Thanks for all your thoughts.. you have my head moving too!

Here is a link that might be useful: C&B Halo Dining Table.

You don't mention what style you have in the rest of your living area. However, I think painting the oak table would be a great way to make it more casual and cottage-y in feeling.

If you can live without a dining room table until you move to your next house, I would choose that option. I used a round folding banquet table with a floor-length cloth for a few years until a found a table that I really liked.

My style is pretty eclectic. I guess I'd call it vintage cottage--but not cutesy cottage and not overly floral. The living room that opens to the dining room leather furniture, a soumak that is mostly brown.. bosphorus flax curtains. A lot of my decorator items are earthy colors, iron, wood, pottery mixed with some bright greens and turquoises.

If I did paint the table, I'd give probably rub some brown into it rather than give it a glossy finish. My biggest fear with painting the table is the big bold blast of color in such a small room. I love color but generally use it in splashes.

Perhaps you are right about waiting, Fun--but it's one of three rooms on the first floor and central to the house. I am not loving the idea of walking through an empty room... but I'll regret rushing.

Do you need to use the room as a dining room? Do you have extra furniture that you could use to turn the DR into a sitting room or library?

Another option in your search is consignment shops. I see some really nice stuff in the ones around here.

If you like the shape and feeling of #2, you might like to paint the pedestal and the chairs, and just clean and polish the top - much easier to maintain than paint in an actively used table, I think.

Annz, you read my mind. I've always wanted to do more of a library/breakfast room. I don't really have library quality bookshelves but I have been looking at smaller metal tables at restoration hardware that could work well with that design. I would definitely still need a table..just not sure if the 40" would be too small to be functional.

I had a library/reading room in the same location in my previous (much bigger) house and loved it. I am going to wrap my head around the same here--in the smaller space. Thanks for the well timed suggestion!!