I think that the table would look great painted black. It would tie in with the black cabinets in the kitchen, and it would stand out more with the brick. Right now, it just kind of blends in.
Love your space....what did you decide on for the little corner area from your other post?

No, I do not think painting an item black makes it more Modern. I think painting a piece black updates it to look more Contemporary.

To make the dining room look more Modern with that table AI would leave it the natural wood that it is and use Modern chairs similar to the ones at your kitchen counter with it. And then change out the accessories in the room to more Modern ones.

That is a great table for that space. Some lightweight chairs with some chrome on them would tie it all into the kitchen nicely.

What about painting the armchairs black? I think they are what's getting lost. (Sorry...I know I always cause trouble for you Mahlgold!)

I love the natural wood of the table. Have you considered Louis Ghost chairs for it, to pick up on those fabu pendants?

I also love the natural wood of the table. I might wax it with Briwax to enhance it, but I wouldn't paint it.

Look at ho nicely the color of the wood goes with the bricks behind the table, and with the floor. I'd accessorize the table to bring on more color, but if it were mine, I wouldn't paint it.

Check the link below and see similar color in a Restoration Hdwe table, that I know one of the posters here has purchased.

Here is a link that might be useful: similar table color

I like the table the way it is although I might try to deepen the finish a bit more as suggested, with some wax.
I agree that the chairs should be something contemporary, like the Ghost, or perhaps something that carries on the spirit of the counter stools.

I love the idea of the ghost chairs with that table but.....what if you had a stainless steel skin made for the table top? I think that would pull in elements of your gorgeous kitchen.

Also, have you tried to put the table in front of the FP running the opposite direction?

Smiles:)

That table references your island well, don't paint it black! You can make a farmhouse table more modern...we did. Chrome legs really help, or modern shapes. I initially wanted Wegner wishbone chairs, but alas...I couldn't convince DH to part with the cash.

Your table might also look nice in your scheme if you painted the apron and legs a deep charcoal or gunmetal gray, and left the top natural. You could wax it, or not, depending on your preference. A natural farmhouse table can be made to work in a modern scheme with modern chairs, but it works best when the table either is very old, or has simpler legs, like youngdeb's table has. Yours, I think, would benefit from a dark neutral painted base. I'd use a pearl finish, so that it would be neither chalky nor shiny, and I wouldn't distress it at all.
And that's my two cents' worth!

It's hard to tell from your photo, but if it would be comfortable in the space, I might also consider turning the table 90 degrees, so that its long side is parallel to the fireplace wall?

Here are some more looks, beside the ones I posted in your other thread, for a farm house table with Modern white chairs that would tie into the kitchen.

How about just putting short, white slipcovers on the chairs?

I grew up with black wood, it was meant to be oriental back then. :0)My mom painted our antique dinningroom table and chairs black. Looked good! I'm going thru a phase where bold black and white fabrics "do it" for me. :0) But .........NO.....I don't think in this case it will help to gain a more contemporary look. I agree that white slip covers on the chairs will get the look going in the right direction. for you......

I agree with amysrq and others. I love black painted furniture in general...but...in this situation I really love the natural table. I think if you use modern chairs similar to the counter stools or ghost chairs to mimic the globes it would be good looking. I truly believe the 2 armchairs need to be black because they get lost in front of the brick.

Thanks for the comments and the pics! The table has been turned perpendicular to the island. I just haven't taken any new pics!

I think what's been making it more difficult for me is as browynsmom said, the legs on my table are more ornate than many of the farmhouse table.

Think I'll be looking for some white modern chairs(which are fortunately readily available and at attractive pricepoints). Found this one from CB2 that is a definite possibility. I LOVE the ghost chairs, just don't love the pricepoint!!! I think i have too many other unfinished projects around here that need to be taken care of first.

Dilly dally - thanks for posting all those pics. It really helps to see the modern mix. I love the white table with white chairs pic. It looks alot like my table. Maybe I'll consider that direction.

I also found this pic that someone on the kitchen forum posted. I'm thinking about buying the same stainless shelves that I already have in the kitchen, installing them over the fireplace opening and doing some sort of "collage" similar to this. I think it does a good job of mixing old and new and black and white.

Here is a link that might be useful: CB2 Chair

I love your table the way it is. I also agree that the two armchairs get lost in front of the brick and would stand out better if they were painted black. How about some contemporary chairs like this for your table:

Here is a link that might be useful: overstock chairs

Your kitchen looks beautiful, but I wouldn't paint that table, I'd paint the two chairs by the fireplace black as they blend in with the color of the fireplace.

I think it depends on the style of the piece of furniture. I've painted several pieces that are Queen Anne, and nothing is going to make them look modern, 'updated' might be a better word. I would definitely consider painting the table black! ;o)

These say they're by Starck...maybe not a knockoff but just a good price?

Here is a link that might be useful: an idea

Holy Bargain Hunting, Fly! Maybe those chairs are finally within my reach...?

I just emailed them asking if they were "originals" or "knockoffs". Not sure I much care at that price!!! I'll let you all know.

I tried calling them and there was no answer...just voicemail. Strange...

I think if they're saying they're Ghost chairs by Starck, then they have to be "real", licensed in some way... right?

Um....Malhgold-When you get your new chairs, can I have your old ones-I love them!!:) Well, I love your kitchen and the great brick wall,too! The only thing I see that's not working(for me) are the arm chairs. I love the mix of natural/modern/old!!
Sandy

I was looking around their web site and I noticed that some products (like the Arco lamp my DH covets for our LR!) specifically say, "Our reproduction of this classic..." while the Ghost chairs do not.

I think I'm wrong about that... I see other items (Panton chairs, e.g.) that must be knock-offs but don't say "our reproduction". DWR's Panton chair specifically says it's made by Vitra, and that Lexington modern site copied DWR's exact description BUT left out he part about Vitra.

Of course, in the 60's and 70's the same factories in Italy that made the "real" stuff would make and sell to other non-licensed retailers and just not badge it... so that could be the case here. Anyway-- they've got some great prices on beautiful furniture! I;m going to start saving for that Arco lamp for DH next Christmas :)

Lovely table. I agree it is the lines of the piece that give it that modern look--straight lines, lack of ornamentation, minimal details. Pairing the table with some chairs that are similar in style to the counter stools will help give it a more cohesive look between kitchen and DR. That said, I do love the wicker chairs you have presently.

nc sandyfeet - i'm thinking you're in North Carolina??? might be a little far for these chairs, I'm in NJ!!!

I have to be honest, I'm a little skeptical about that website. It just seems a little "fishy" to me, and then when staceyneil said they copied DWR's description exactly. Hmmmm....makes me wonder. Let's see if they email me back with any info.

Here's another site with some great knock-offs...

youngdeb, they've got your wishbones for $250 each ;)

Here is a link that might be useful: Modern classic reproductions

Glad to know the site helped people! Or at least offered an option. The original/knockoff debate is as old as the concept, so everyone will come down on different sides of that, but it honestly wasn't clear to me because they didn't say "Starck-style". Staceyneil, your sleuthing is wonderful :)

I understand the question about painting black. I like the table and I love the kitchen. The pictures seem to show the areas like 2 different rooms that aren't joined together. I happen to just buy a black table that was distressed and I love it. I then went with chairs that have a dark bottom with black legs/bottom. I have a friend/decorator who suggested a painted a couple things black and it did work well. With a table if you did it I would consider a stain vs paint. Good luck. You have a great place.

LOL fly "but it honestly wasn't clear to me" Personally I could see right through them.

As for the CB2 blueprint chairs they remind me too much of the cheap lawn chairs almost everyone had, but us, way back in the eighties. I doubt any of them are still around since they didn't last long. Well other than the "impression" they left "behind". Maybe CB2 should call their chairs imprint instead.

As for your table Malhgold, it reminds me a bit of our old living room tables I updated for our daughter's first apartment. Just used furniture refinisher to remove the finish and then used water based walnut stain (this is part of what helped to achieve the "grain" instead of it soaking in like oil based would have after using any solvent)with a cheap brush that separated easily.
{{!gwi}}
And a bit closer of the new look...
{{!gwi}}

I think black works with every style. It is so grounding. Here is a cherry armoire that I had refinished in black in a more traditional room.

Here is a link that might be useful: Haute Home

Well....still haven't heard back from that website about the ghost chairs. I think I've decided on a white modern chair anyway. Wil probably purchase 4 and could always add 2 ghost chairs on the ends in the future.

justgotabeme - thanks for the laugh!! i've decided against those blueprint chairs. There are enough other white chairs out there to pick from that definitely look more substantial.

also been thinking about just replacing the legs on the pine table to something more squared off. just seems the legs would cost me almost as much as some complete tables. any other ideas? DH is handy. just looking for a chunky squared off leg that would resemble the island leg.

How about these?
You can paint them black and still keep the table top as is!
(oh and if you need a new home for the current table legs, I could find one for them)

Here is a link that might be useful: Van Dyke's

A little different(maybe the price also!), but here's Target's version. ;o)

Here is a link that might be useful: acrylic chair

Lookie lookie.............great price too!

Here is a link that might be useful: pretty!!!!

Below are pictures of a table (oak) I painted black many years ago using too shiny of paint, and left the top too light. I don't think it looks Modern at all in either picture, but I do think making the top richer, and the base finish less shiny makes it look better. These legs are very ornate obviously but I still think they work well in the kitchen which is a very eclectic space full of lines nothing like the curls and waves of the carved legs.

I'd paint yours in a new york second :oP But before you paint the entire thing, try leaving the top wood (but wax it up so it's prettier) and doing just the frame and base maybe??? I think it would look great!

Mahlgold-
I think you mentioned you were from NJ-
I saw these chairs on CL- don't know if you would be interested, but when I saw them I thought of this thread

Here is a link that might be useful: CL chairs

I painted my entire table black and now wish the top had remained wood. Everything feels too dark for me. The top is being sanded back to wood.

Changing the table legs is an excellant idea and would work well with the top. I really love the table as is.