I did a little more research after checking the link to pafur (thanks to sombreuil_mongrel). First of all, I wouldn't call this style "Chinese Chippendale", though that is a moot point. Also, these are not "antiques" so get that idea out of your head! NO NOT NEVER WERE ANTIQUE!!! Search Google for Chippendale dining room and click Shopping Brand new chairs like this are going for about $200-300 the tables from about 500-1,000. It doesn't matter if the seller paid too much for them, or even what he says he paid. In fact I have never met a seller who was honest about what they paid. So never use the "I paid $$$$ for them" as a basis of what you are willing to pay. It could just be BS, anyway. And what if they paid too much? You shouldn't be responsible for his mistake because he overpaid 20 years ago! So, lets get to my 'used goods' formula. 10 chairs at 300 ea. = $3,000 1 table at $1,000 = $1,000. $1,000 + $3,000 = $4,000+shipping. The seller is probably asking more than retail for brand new today. Considering that stores often have half off sales, the top end of a used price should be at most $2,000, so really, if you look for them on sale, you should find them at that price, so less than $2,000 is the price you should expect to pay for used. If the seller has listed the price at "firm" -forget it. For. Get. It. They are trying to find a fool to buy it at an inflated price, which is usually the case with "firm" priced goods. If you are truly interested in the set, show up with a van and a friend to move the set, so if you and the seller can agree on a price, you can move it then and there. Don't let the friend talk at all, two people talking back and forth to a seller will piss him off. If you have to bring some macho dude, who thinks he can wheel and deal like a Pawn Star and who can't keep his mouth shut, make him sit in the van while you go inside to negotiate, a single person will probably have a better chance and two only work if you play 'good cop" 'bad cop", ie You (the buyer) says to the bad cop "I love it", the macho bad cop says "it won't fit in our house" to you (he never talks directly to the seller, only to you!!!). Teary eyed to the seller, you say, "what can I do, he won't let me buy it, will you accept...", the bad cop always bullies you, never the seller. Look the set over for cracks, teetering, loose chairs, Check every single chair, not just one, especially the chairs tucked away or hard to get at. get on your hands and knees and crawl under to look at the table legs for cracks and repairs, and then press the top of the table to test the table legs, this type of leg is notorious for falling apart, breaking or getting loose and wobbly. If the table is wobbly, or legs show repair, don't walk, but RUN out the door! It isn't worth $100. Next, tell the seller you think you might be able to get this set for $5,000 new. Don't accuse him of cheating or lying to you or not knowing 'what he paid'. If he gets upset and says, "don't you believe I paid $9,000" answer yes, always start every response with the word 'yes' even if what follows is a 'no' answer, "Yes, I believe you, but it seems that prices for this kind of furniture has drooped because most people want modern now." "Yes, $5,000, is a reasonable price, but I can only afford $1,000." etc. After he gets done huffing and puffing, and after you get done crying about how you're a poor single mom, simpering and stroking his ego (you have such beautiful things in your house, you have such exquisite taste, people just don't understand good design anymore, like you do), ask him, "But what will you really take? What's your lowest price?" If it's well enough under $2,000, shake his hand and buy it. If it's over $2,000. Tell him, I only have $1,200, will you take $1,200 cash, right now and we will move it out this instant? (you can leave the money with your friend if you are afraid of taking it inside, but do have the cash money in your purse, not a check and not "I can go to the ATM." Don't 'hold' anything more than $1,200 with you or what you are willing to spend, or, if you're willing to pay more, only hold $1,200 and have your friend hold $200, so if push comes to shove you can ask your friend, "have you got $200 I can borrow so I can pay the man $1,400?" If the seller says he couldn't possibly sell it for $1,400, or "I'd rather give it to .... before I'd sell it for that" Say, "I understand, but if you do change your mind I might still be interested and you can call me because my offer of $1,200 stands." and give him your number. If he says "you can make payments..." or :"can't you borrow the money from..." or "if you get more money.." smile and say, "yes, thank you, but my offer of $1,200 for a dinning room set is the most I can pay right now, so, I am going to keep looking for a set I love as much as this one, if you decide to accept my offer please feel free to give me a call, and if I haven't found another set, I might still be interested in this one." If this doesn't work, you should look for this same type of set brand new. -you might be better off in the long run. This post was edited by Lilylore on Sat, Nov 22, 14 at 16:10

Sand well, clean with TSP and use Aura by Benjamin Moore. The outdoor paint was reccomended by my dealer and I love it. It does take awhile to get hard (couple weeks for a table top) but it's wonderful. I did a buffet with it and let it cure 3 weeks before using it. On Thanksgiving with all the knives and plates dragging on it, the hot pans (yes, we used pot holders but it still got warm), even some turkey dripping spilled, etc. It cleaned up wonderfully the next morning (yes, I left some of the mess overnight) and looks awesome. I used the flat finish as I don't like gloss. It's expensive but I won't use anything else. For a table though I would probably have a piece of glass cut for the top. That's the ultimate in heavy use and I know with my big family it would be wise.

Teacats! Thanks for responding so quickly & for the affirmation & suggestion. Had wondered about a floor lamp in that spot. I think the tree is too small, actually, but didn't think I could do BOTH the tree & lamp...interesting idea. I do have glare issues w/that lamp & the butterfly print, so the floor lamp off to the side would solve that (I think). This summer will be replacing that horrible ceiling fixture in the entrance w/something much nicer! Will also be changing that door at the end of the hall to a paneled door as this plain one looks like it belongs on a tool shed or something! Thanks again! Also, love your handle! Stinky-Gardener

Wow, everybody! Thank you all so much for your feedback! I wondered if anyone would respond, & you all gave such thoughtful, encouraging suggestions! Wooderlander & valzone, the picures are so pretty! Ideefixe, you made me laugh w/ "Who wouldn't want a dining room painted "Dead Samon?" I feel encouraged by your comments regarding trends, & how they cycle. Will try to get a picture posted later this evening for those who would be interested. Thanks to all who replied! Stinky-G