How about slip overs iover your current chairs a light durable fabric?

It depends on how the men in your family like to seat themselves, but this could be a fun solution - particularly the colours for a coastal area (and the covers are removable so you can change them out). This is IKEA so a simple but sturdy solution...

nice table and you're right , nothing dainty will do .i'd find some wonderful slipcovers. replace 2 of the chairs with a deacons bench painted in a the light grey,cream or white.

Did you ever consider parson chairs?

Love the table. Would you consider painted chairs? Stanley Furniture has a great coastal living collection. Maybe a light teal or sea glass green chair with your great table. Or if you are not attached to the ones you have consider painting them and changing the seat covers to a peaceful coordinating fabric. I am sorry because I think we are all hearing the paint it answer all the time. But it works for a fresh approach without spending the money of new chairs. For durability you can have them professionally lacquered. I recently did the same. Then add a sisal rug and you have a new beach look.

I have been looking and looking at those Stanley chairs, wasn't sure about them from a style standpoint. Defiinitely painted chairs are a viable option, and actually think the lacquer idea might be intriguing, tho don't think my husband (a woodworker, but not a chair builder!) would ever let me do that to those chairs:) My son also suggested a bench and I agree it would look great, but we are getting on in years now, and think our friends appreciate back support:)
I am not really planning on keeping any of the other furnishings you see in the picture, tho I may paint the buffet and change the hardware - need the storage, it is solid wood and really can't replace the quality. Thanks!

I love the Stanley collection. There are some companies in the NE that have other chairs, you would need a larger scaled chair. I understand your husbands feelings we have a number of finished craftsman in our family. I have painted a few older pieces especially if they were not solid. Your table has so much decorative design I would stick to chairs that do not compete. You want to draw attention to the table.

Barbara, I do think parsons chairs would probably look the best - have held off because of the formality, but maybe in a fun fabric I could be happy! Thanks very much

browse this sight at dining rooms/deacons bench and you'll see several examples of benches with backs used with dining tables. a built in banquet for 2 or 3 seats is another option.

Yes, it is all about the fabric. They are more formal if skirted, so maybe no skirt.

You might search office furniture sites. They tend to have some nice looking visitors' chairs for the executive office, that would make good, sturdy dining chairs.

These chairs balance the table quite well. Have you thought about rubbing them back, good primer coat and then a gloss enamel spray in a colour that will match the theme of your new home. Some great new fabric in an aged linen or funk it up with written print. Would be a very cheap alternative to new...think outside the box and maybe give them a new life :)

Peta, thanks for your comment. Yes, we felt lucky when we found these chairs at a flea market many years ago, but think I am ready for a change...and my husband would never let me paint them:)
Thanks to all for your helpful comments, I really appreciate them!