In my humble opinion, they're far too nice to paint. If painted, they'd look like any old pine or oak wood thing from a cheap furniture store. (Sorry, I'm not trying to be harsh). As is, they appear to be made of really beautiful wood and have lovely proportions.

OMG, I totally agree with folk (and I paint everything). They are far too nice to paint. I would sell them to someone who appreciates them as is before I would paint them. Looks like pretty good quality as far as I can see. This look is hot right now paired with the right decor. Lucky you! Sorry about your grandma :(

I'm with the consensus so far, they're lovely but I can see them with the black also. Of course once you paint them you are forever open to chips and scuffs whereas the wood itself is pretty great looking. I gave a set just like it to my son and his wife and she paints everything but she never painted that set. She uses runners and plants to add color.

Another one here who has no qualms painting wood, but those look like really exceptional chairs and from what I can tell the finish is in great shape. I would leave them.

I am lol about the no paint...I am usually opposed to painting wood things also so I don't what possessed me to consider it. I think my grandmother would kill me for painting it too;) I told my mom today I was thinking about painting it and I think she cringed a little haha. The set is in pretty good condition so I am not totally sold on the idea of painting and I do worry a little about nicks etc. thanks for the input!

Those look like a very nice set as they are. Live with it for awhile before painting. Please.

ML. (who paints a lot of stuff)

Those look like my grandmother's chairs that she has had for decades. If I ended up with hers, I would hate to paint them, as they would remind me of her as they are...

With that said, if you think you'd prefer black in the long term and love them more that way, I don't see the harm in it...

Lucky you, beautiful chairs. I love painted furniture but wouldn't touch those. They have a beautiful patina.

Ditto - there are few things I consider too precious to paint, but I wouldn't paint those chairs.

However, you didn't show the table. A full set, table and chairs, might feel *too much* to me. Maybe the table isn't as wonderful and could be painted. Or maybe use the table elsewhere (or sell) and find a different table to paint - that way the room won't feel overwhelming with the same stain everywhere

maybe if you're looking for some sort of update to the look, call around about getting the rush seats redone in black??

I've seen Hans Wegman chairs that have a black seat in some sort of natural fiber.

I like the idea of painting the table legs black.

depends on how attached you are to the set. It is probably more valuable to someone else as is, if you're trying to sell it.

I would paint most anything (look out, pups!). But the color of that wood is so clear and rich and lovely, and the condition is wonderful.

I say don't paint.

Leave them be. And don't sell them either! You have a set of high quality and beautiful heirloom pieces there.

You can always add a table runner with color, and buy some thin cushions to match, only if you wanted a bit of change.

I can't wait to see the tables with the chairs around it!

I love refurbishing with paint, but I would not paint those chairs!

it looks like it's a pretty unanimous opinion to leave the chairs alone lol! At first I thought they needed some sort of updating, but you know, the more I look at them, the more I agree with you all...they are really nice just the way they are!

The finish is not the color I would have chosen, so I think that's why I was leaning towards painting them, but they are in really nice condition and the color is growing on me.

I had to laugh when I realized that my grandmother must have bought the table and chairs separately...I had wanted to put the side chairs two on each side of the table and the arm chairs at the ends, but the arm chairs do not fit under the table top when pushed in! They stick way out and look ridiculous haha...so like my grandmother to have bought them separeatly and not known the chairs woudln't fit...gave me nice memory of her and her silliness :)

I will post a picture of everything all together once we move the old hutch out of the kitchen and get the new corner hutch in place....everything is a mess right now.

Of course, when I started painting the new corner hutch, it made the existing wallpaper look awful in comparison, so now I have decided I MUST strip the wallpaper and repaint the room! My DH just walked away when I told him lol! So, I will be looking for more advice on paint colors....something green so get your suggestions ready!

Oh, oh! NOW you've done it! First the table, then the wallpaper, then paint in the rooms that surround this room, then new furniture, then new flooring.....Heaven help us! Have fun with all of your projects!

folkvictorian...you nailed it! haha...paint choices are also in the works for the adjacent living room, which leads to the hallway next to it and the stairway leading upstairs and of course the trimwork. Two bathrooms are already underway for remodeling as we speak....I think DH may leave me ;)

just wanted to post a picture of the table and chairs together....the arm chairs don't fit under the table top and stick out too far, so I put one in each corner.

{{!gwi}}

I originally would have agreed with your painting idea, but would have been outnumbered. I have some old chairs and have also thought about painting, but they weren't from my family. Have also thought about putting a "runner" over the back of the chairs for a change and to break up all the wood.

I've been admiring maple ladderback chairs and tables on craigslist lately. There is something so homey about them. Yours are lovely as is!

LOVE the chairs. I dont LOVE the table with them though. For some reason, I feel like the table looks dated. I would sell the table and pair the chairs with something else.

I wouldn't paint the chairs but I would refinish them with a much darker stain (along with the table legs) and refinish the table top in a medium brown stain (with no reddish hue).

I am for refinishing in a darker finish!
NO paint either!