If the chairs are of a decent quality, then consider having them reupholstered in an updated pattern and colors.

Your table has a cabriole leg so it would be nice to transfer that detail to the chairs or at least a leg that has a curve to the leg.

Thank you - the last chair is closest to my taste. I really do not want anything that is traditional or "formal" looking. Can I go more modern and have the strong contrast or would that just look totally weird? Hmmm......

I should probably add that I don't want to dump a lot of money into this venture.

Does the rest of your home have modern elements paired with traditional pieces? if so then I think you could carry that into the dining room

I think you perceive your room needs some attention, but changing the chairs is not going to fix the issues.

The light fixture is from 20 years ago and a new one could add some sparkle to the room.

IMO a darker olive green on the walls would enhance the items you currently own.

Where is the art for the walls?

You have space for a potted palm in the corner.

Getting this room to be less brown would be moving in the right direction.

Consider a slipcover for your chairs

You could certainly do something like this, but I'm not seeing much modern in your choice of table or rug. IMO, the dining room could use some art. That might be a place to go more modern. Good photos of favorite people or places nicely framed make for great, affordable art. But you could go wild with a table runner, too.

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Personally, I like pairing traditional and more modern pieces. I have an antique writing desk paired with a Louis Ghost chair. The last option that BeverlyFLAdeziner posted works well, I think. I like the way the table color would be repeated in the legs of the chair. Trust your gut on this one.

I have used ghost chirs many times with very traditional tables . I sometimes put sheep skin on the seats they are fun and many pretty affordable well made ones are avaiable .IMO work with the rug but pretty sure you can do better for the light too. Add a great pice of art and a new look.

I am loving the comments re: ghost chairs. Did not cross my mind. I looked up pictures online and they seem very cool! Since they can be very reasonable as well, will be money left in the budget for lighting, some art, etc. That idea appeals to me the most. I am going to do some research. THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR COMMENTS!!!

More modern can mean different things…the first question is how far are you comfortable heading and think big picture vs only focussing on the table.

Then budget (you mentioned you didn’t want to spend a lot) and you may find buying a dining set is a better option in the long run’s outcome. Doesn’t hurt to look into options and are you open to second hand, as new chairs can add up quickly. Assume you aren’t in a hurry and just check every few days.

Finally, one thing leads to another and you may find the room needs updating to suit (gradually since budget is a concern).

I really like what I now know is termed an "organic modern" look. Before everyone comments that there is nothing about my dining room that says organic modern - I do know that. This dining room was done many years ago with pulling together budget pieces that were satisfying to me at the time. I just want to see if I can steer it in the right direction with a few changes, but perhaps I need to start from the beginning again. For reference, this is my kitchen eating area. Just posted to give an idea of the style that I generally appreciate. I am not changing anything here.

I think keeping your table will make it difficult to achieve the look you are after. Here’s organic modern examples.

Love the bottom one in particular! Yes...thinking the table does need to go. I would love an oak table so these are quite relevant and what I find appealing! Would like to steer away from black chairs only because I have a similar look in my kitchen as I showed in the photo below. Could ghost chairs go with these type tables? They seem budget friendly too. My floors are on the dark side - can you do a light oak table with darker floors? As you can see in my DR photo, there are sconces on the wall. I could just put pictures over them, but I like to take advantage of the fact that I do have electric there. But that creates a whole quandry of what sconces would pair with whatever light fixture I would like - and I do like the two below, particularly the bottom one. Thank you so much for the inspo!!

Take time to look at on line organic modern dining room pictures, as the first step is the overall feel, which will then help you define the details. I wouldn’t worry about an oak table/darker floors as a (new) rug will break things up and you can always add dark wood chairs.

If you want ghost chairs, I think the table needs to be more complementary to the flooring.

Great! I do like the idea of the dark wood chairs and that light fixture is close to something I have saved that I like! Thank you :)

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