I want to make some changes as there are water mark on the table

Is that really your only reason for wanting to make changes? If so, those can usually be removed fairly easily without changing everything else.

I really like the furniture. I would like to see it with contemporary or soft modern pieces. I think it's pretty and would not paint it. I am a senior and guess that certain younger voices do not care for it. Accessorize big.

A few years ago when redid the main floor I was quoted nearly $2,000 dollars to refinish the tops only of the dining table and buffet and replace the caning on two chairs. Because we may move in a few years and may not take the set with us, I haven't done it yet....figured it would make more sense to have it done after the move.

So it is an expensive proposition and I would only do it you love the set or it has sentimental value or if it is a more high end set that would be more to replace with the same quality.

The kids get water marks on my dining room table all the time. As soon as they leave, I put a bit of olive oil on them, and wait about 5 minutes, and rub it in, and the watermarks disappear. I dont know if that would work for older water marks though.

well, i'm 61 and it looks like something my mother had purchased in the 80s. so seniors come in all ages and flavors. my tastes def. trend 'younger' than this set.

It's an attractive table. I'd probably leave it as is.

I had a nearly identical table and chair set that was purchased in 1988, so to me, everything about this screams "Late 80s Traditional." There's nothing wrong with that - it just is what it is. If this set is like the one I owned (and most of them are pretty much the same), it's not worth the financial investment of what it would take to properly refinish it. I'd either live with it as it is (honestly, it doesn't look bad with your floor), or I'd sell it and apply the proceeds toward something that I loved.

ETA: I'm 55 next week, and the AARP considers me a senior citizen, so I guess I am one too. ;-)

Well, I'm older than all of you and this set screams Grandma to me. Not in a good way.

Agree with some of the last several posts even though I've followed for a while here... I'm older then IdaClaire by a decent amount of years and I think you might go Craigslist recover some money if there is no sentimental attachment or ties that would wreak havoc in the home and buy new...

LOL. I'm 77 and it's waaay too old fashioned for me, too. You may end up having to donate it if you decide to get rid of it. There is very little market for formal dining room furniture anymore, at least where we live.