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Can I make this DR set work?

13 years ago

I have been looking for a small dining set for the dining space adjacent to my kitchen. It's a small, boxy area that is surrounded by windows on two sides. From the start I've been envisioning a round table.. the problem is, most of what I am seeing are the ubiquitous round country oak tables.. either heavy and dark or just your garden variety oak table.

Other background: I plan to use an upholstered built-in bench or settee to soften the space and to create a spot to read, compute or chat. I'd love for the area to be comfortable, casual and cozy. Also, the adjoining kitchen is very dated-- from the 60s. I plan to remodel the kitchen in the next year and a half but it is small and will likely be very simple and streamlined. As it stands now, the furnishings in the rest of the house will be traditional/european cottage.

I do like the table but am not so much a fan of the chairs. I've been communicating with the seller who has dropped the price by more than 1/2 to $300. I am seriously considering going for it.. but I wonder if I am just tired of the search. I know I could make the table work.. and I could paint one of the chairs to use at my desk. Or, I suppose I could recover/paint them and keep them with the table but I am concerned the design is just a little too fussy .. and hmm.. cheap? If I painted them, I'd go either black or a funky green-- like BM Wasabi.

Honest opinions.. am I getting desperate? Do I need to step away from CL and get some air?

Comments (16)

  • 13 years ago

    For that price, I would go for it if you really like the table. Then, sell the chairs. Depending on your area, you could get $200+/- for the chairs. I sold six chairs that weren't quite as pretty as those for $200, I think. It may have been more. Good luck!

  • 13 years ago

    It is pretty distinctive Chippendale Revival, and I think unless you are going to embrace it, no.

    The glass on the table is worth more than $300 in my neck of the woods, so if you like the table I would buy the set and sell the chairs.

  • 13 years ago

    I like it, and here's why.

    The chairs fit under the table, and they are upholstered. These types of chairs are typically VERY comfortable, sturdy, but not too heavy to move around. So the function is outstanding.

    They are classic looking in a 200+ year old way, making the acceptable to use in a wide range of ways and time period styles. They could be covered in Ikea style full slipcovers and look one way. be painted black or green with a geometric fabric on the seats and look completely different, or go with chalky paint and large floral for another totally different look.

    The table is a good size, and doesn't have that icky clunky oak pedestal. The table base could be treated in a bronze leaf finish and used as a stand alone foyer table and be very chic.

    I think it is a versatile grouping and doesn't seem overpriced.

    Now, if you gag at the sight of this style, then of course it's not for you. But if you think it can work, I think it could too.

  • 13 years ago

    If the chairs are comfortable, I'd say to get the set. You could upholster them in a fun print or get slipcovers.

    Here is a link that might be useful: painted chairs

  • 13 years ago

    I don't hate the style.. I am just not sure that it works for the space I'd use it in. Sure, nothing is going to look great next to the out-of-date 60s kitchen but I am concerned this will emphasize the difference.

    I am certain that changing the fabric will allow me to make the chairs look less fussy .. but is that enough to make them work in a comfy coffee and book kind of space? I feel like I have so much going that I just can't visualize anything anymore.

    Here's another photo.. and I don't know if this makes a difference to what you think is a fair price, but the set is from the Philippines.

  • 13 years ago

    I am almost 85% sure I am going to pass on this. I do think it's very beautiful and the perfect size for the room but I fear it's a little too fussy for what is essentially a dining nook.

    While I was trying to decide whether to go for the table above, I received a call back from someone I'd contacted more than a week ago. He had been out of town and his table was still available. It's not striking and it is oak but it doesn't have the syrupy finish that "new" oak sometimes has and it doesn't have hunkin big pedestal. It's not craftsman era but the style is kind of a rustic craftsman look. It is still in the "ubiquitous oak table" bucket but it's real wood, cheap, adaptable and it doesn't offend me.

    haha.. such a lack of enthusiasm in my description. Maybe that should tell me something. It's true, the second table is nothing special and I don't love it but it will do the job until I remodel the kitchen and it definitely won't battle with anything else in the surrounding rooms.

    I am going to sleep on it and decide in the morning.

  • 13 years ago

    Hmmm, I think the table is perfect for a smaller space, the glass will make the room visually bigger. However, I'd paint the chairs in something that would coordinate with the sitting room space you were asking about on another thread. Perhaps a dull teal from the toile. I think it could look quite striking, and upholster them in fabric that has similar colors as the other room.

  • 13 years ago

    I know you mentioned passing on the first table and I just wanted chime in and say I think that's a good idea. The chairs are really formal looking.

    The second one sounds like it will work better. You should post a picture when you get a chance.

  • 13 years ago

    Hmm, $300? Maybe I should try to sell my round glass kitchen table when it's replaced in our remodel coming up. That $300 would buy my new kitchen some nice accessories...might be worth the effort of figuring out how this CL thing works!

  • 13 years ago

    gmp, sorry, I wasnt clear in my initial post. This would BE the breakfast nook (that you are remembering as a sitting room). Yes, I plan to add a built-in bench/window seat or a settee/love seat when the kitchen is redone. I imagine this space as a place for 2 to eat.. and for me to sit with the laptop or a cookbook or the phone.. whatever. I could see those chairs in a deep teal.. but not sure I can picture them, even in teal, with a window seat or settee.

    I guess my thinking is that the chairs are too formal for "window seat" comfy dining/reading space.. and they are definitely too formal for the 60's ranch style kitchen (but then none of my furniture goes with a 60s ranch style kitchen.) Even when I update the kitchen, it will be pretty simple in design because of its size.

    Thanks, Shee. I've added the photo below. I hesitated to do so before because it just isnt nearly as nice a table lol. I do think it will work better with the whole coffee/reading concept though.

    OK. Now that I look at it again here (and larger).. I realize that I need to keep looking. It's freakin raw wood. I am so burned out on this whole thing. I've lost all sense of what I want and like. I'll end up with a card table if I don't get it together.

  • 13 years ago

    I'd rather use a card table for a few months than rush to buy something I don't really like or doesn't fit the space well. Why the rush?

  • 13 years ago

    If the home is fairly small, I'd keep the colors in the public rooms similar, and keep the styles similar as well. You were using lace drapes, toile and painted paneling in the sitting room with the fireplace, so I would continue with the cottage feel throughout. That table with the glass top could work with a variety of chairs or a settee, and will not be visually heavy in a small space. Chairs without arms would probably be better in a small space, and I notice those ones have arms. As other posters have said, you may be able to buy the set then sell the chairs for $150-200.

  • 13 years ago

    oh oh oh sorry,Gmp! It was a confusion in terminology. Yes, you are right. That is still the plan-- and yes, muted cool colors.

    Chispa, the only rush is that I gave my old dining table to my nephew when he moved to his first home. I thought for sure I would find a new table but I am not liking what I see in the stores (that will fit the space) and not finding anything on CL. I need to dig deep and find some patience :)

    I need something that is 48"-- 54" max. I just haven't seen anything that I like in that size. I really like this table made by a local company but I'd want to change the legs and I'd need new chairs-- which makes it much more than I wanted to spend.

    I really think I need to put this aside for a few days and regain some perspective. Sorry that I carried you all along for my crazy ride. :(

  • 13 years ago

    Gma, I agree.. chairs without arms would work better. I do have some that I could use. Selling the chairs makes the table very inexpensive.. but I still feel like I am grasping and desperate.

    I really do feel like the crazy lady lol.. I apologize. You've all been so helpful.

  • 13 years ago

    I don't think the chairs work at all. When I see them, I think "formal dining room."

    Even so, for $300 I'd go for it because the purchase would serve two purposes: I think the table could work in almost any setting (what does the table base look like?) and also, you'd at least have a place to eat for the next year and a half. After you've decided on the specifics of your kitchen remodel, you can find chairs to fit into the scheme.

    If you were to buy the set (I think you really should do it), I wouldn't paint the office chair because you wouldn't be able to sell them as a set.

    We'd decided to finally replace our current set of chairs. We started looking around a couple of days ago. Believe me, I really feel your pain. I saw a set that I didn't mind too much (talk about tepid enthusiasm), and the sale price for four was over $1,200. They'd be made to order, the wood was good (solid cherry), they were very well made (in the U.S.) and very well finished (also, you can choose your stain). Unfortunately, despite some modern lines, they had an overall country look we don't like. It seemed insane to spend that kind of money on furniture we didn't love. In the end, we've decided to have the seats on our set recovered, and to paint the chairs. When we bought them (used, from a neighbor), we were told they were hand-made in Texas. I rather doubt that, but they are simple enough, the wood plain enough, and the chairs themselves probably of so little value that painting them could conceivably increase their value when we eventually try to sell them. In contrast, the chairs you are thinking of painting surely would be severely devalued by a paint job. Just my opinion though.

  • 13 years ago

    Lynxe.. thank you for your response. It helps so much more than you know to just know that others have had the same struggle in finding a dining set. I actually have the same concerns that you did about having a table custom made locally- I LOVE their work but everything does have a touch (or more) of country or colonial look... and a set for four will run from 3k up. I think I can do better.

    Anyhow, I have come down off the ledge.. and I plan to wait 2 days before I look again (right!? ha!). My bf talked me down last night (but only after laughing at my heightened sense of agitation!) He's out of state but we walked through google images together and looked at a large number of antique and vintage tables and styles. That was very helpful-- especially because we both gravitate towards the same styles and finishes. I have clear vision now (which happens to be my original vision). I just need to stick with it and not let my impatience get the better of me.

    Funny though--when I shared that my mother had suggested that I use my patio table until I find what I want (accompanied by my eye roll), he said "WHY NOT!?" "Sure.. and I'll put adirondack chairs in the living room-- and use a cooler for a coffee table!" I needed that laugh.. seriously, I am usually pretty laid back but I let this get me all wound up. Time to chill!

    Thanks again-- and good luck with painting your chairs!!