I love a good Parsons - check out Ballard Designs, they often have them -- print could be fun, white denim is also very forgiving (I have it on several slipcovered pieces and it washes up so well)

If you want a more modern feel, some items should be removed. You mentioned many are sentimental/said you might tackle these later. Maybe try removing everything (other than the table and chest), so you have a blank slate to build from that feels coordinated. I often find one change leads to another and be sure to consider adjoining spaces. Suggest a larger rug (one way or the other), rethink how top of chest is accessorized, and where/what is on the walls.

Then decide if you still want to change the chairs. Given good chairs can cost a lot, maybe look on Marketplace, buy some fabric you love and have slipcovers made.

I'm not sure why you think you want a more modern feel. I look at your decor -- the print of the girl, the ceramic jug on the bookshelf and the "love" sign and I see a lot of country cottage. Why not embrace it? The table is really great, BTW.

You could do something like this for new chairs:

Chairs

Thanks everyone. la_la Girl A Parson's chair was my first thought because it is so versatile and if I decided to add a country pattern or whatever fabric it will suit the chair. I will have a look at Ballard Designs. I like your idea Maureen of finding a set of chairs I like used and reupholstering them. I was thinking upholstered as a way to add pattern in a mostly wood room. Maureen you make another good point and that is to remove everything and start rebuilding the room. That way I can get a fresh eye on it. I am not stuck on the rug as it is a cheapy washable one that just helps contain dog hair. I could embrace it like Sigrid suggested. The table was given to me by my MIL and I love it and it suited our last house so well being over 120 year old stone farmhouse on 100 acres and this house is a 1980's ranch. I feel like I need to add a bit of modern to help the table feel like it belongs. Some pattern and some much needed comfort as those wood chairs are not comfortable at all and they are in pretty rough shape. I think my next step is to clear out that room and get a fresh feel for it.

That really is a beautiful table! A fully slipcovered Parsons chair would work very nicely.

https://www.ballarddesigns.com/parsons-chair-slipcover-only---suzanne-kasler-signature-13oz-linen/furniture/dining-kitchen/dining-chairs/14832?listIndex=2&uniqueId=14832&isNewProduct=false

This chair with a short kick-pleat skirt is also nice:

https://www.ballarddesigns.com/betsy-dining-chair/furniture/dining-kitchen/dining-chairs/717243?listIndex=13&uniqueId=717243&isNewProduct=false

This cane-back chair in washed walnut is pretty:

https://www.ballarddesigns.com/gilmore-caned-dining-chair-with-sandberg-parchment-seat/furniture/dining-kitchen/dining-chairs/685664?listIndex=8&uniqueId=685664&isNewProduct=false

You also might consider chairs with a bit of turning on the legs:

https://www.ballarddesigns.com/casa-florentina-square-back-louis-xvi-side-chair/furniture/dining-kitchen/dining-chairs/712723?listIndex=25&uniqueId=712723&isNewProduct=false

Here are some inspiration photos that combine old and new as well as mismatched chairs. Maureen's idea of removing everything is a good one--too many little bits and pieces if you actually do want a more updated look.

Craftsman Dining Room · More Info

Slipcovers on existing old chairs:

Fresh Interior · More Info

Kitchen and Family Room with Double Sided Fireplace · More Info

Traditional Dining Room · More Info

Orrick Dining Room · More Info

Thank you Diana Beir Designs for the chair suggestions by Ballard. I never would have thought a skirted chair. The Betsy with the short skirt and button back caught my eye. That style suits my aesthetic. HouseGal200 thank you for those suggestions. I am glad to get some confirmation that my initial idea was not crazy now that I know what style the table and chairs are. Elcieg I appreciate you dating that table. That table has character and soul. It has history from my late husbands family. The pine cupboard I refinished. It was built as a tool cabinet. It even has hard worn tool scratches on the side. The most interesting is the jug. Fond memories. It is made up of many broken pieces that my DH and I glued together like a jigsaw puzzle. We spent a day digging up all the pieces from a buried garbage pile on his parents farm. All but one piece was found. It looks to have exploded as there is an area of charring on it. After loosing him to cancer last year it certainly makes me smile thinking of the fun we had that day in our archeological dig.

I'm sorry for the loss of your husband, but you certainly didn't lose your memories or stories. If you're very selective about what you choose to keep in this lovely room--the jug, the great table, and one or two other items--you'll always have those memories. Take photos of the pieces you decide not to keep in the room and put them in a little photo book you can leave in the cabinet. You don't need all the actual physical items to trigger the memories. Come back and show us your dining room when you're done!

I like the space as is and IMO parsons chairs will overwhelm the space The nice open looking chairs are perfect I think a bigger rug woudl be good and a some new seat cushions .

I agree that the Betsy chair with the short skirt is such an interesting one.

Good luck with your choice and post photos when you're done!

Changing the chairs for more comfort, adding a larger rug, placing the special jug on its own on the cupboard are ways to bring pleasure, while not taking away your fond memories. Moving some things to other places in your home can give them a new life/appreciate more - chair in a bedroom or at a desk (you may find you want to keep two as extras in dining room) and try clock in a place you’ll see/hear it. Regarding the corner piece, could add peel and stick wallpaper (complementing chair fabric) and add some antique dishes/glasses.