It looks better in these photos. It looks very nice. I don't think you need to do anything about the wood.

It looks very nice. I would keep it as a set with the double pedestal table. Try using the RAF mahogany stain first. Instructions will say to wipe on, wipe off, but try letting the wiped on solution set for a period of time prior to wiping on, repeat application a few times to see if you can get a darkening effect. Also, apply the RAF with 0000 steel wool, rubbing in the direction of the grain.

As for repolacing the china cabinet, try to search your CL for a Hepplewhite buffet.

I like #2, stylewise. Can't tell quality from here but everything looks good.

Oh, I have a table very much like that rectangle one and the feet make chair tucking challenging for some visitors...the oval is probably much moee user friendly!

As far as gel stain--if you just want to darken the table a bit and still want to see the grain--gel stain will work fine and you should not have any durability problems. It's only if you are looking to make it a solid, much darker color that you would have the scratching problem--I may have mislead you with my comments on the other thread.

I used gel stain in 2 different instances--(1)on 2 kitchen chairs and (2)on my dining room table and hutch.

When I used gel stain to darken some kitchen chairs--it worked just fine to make them a few shades darker while still seeing the grain. There is no way that the finish would scratch off (unless it was majorly abused). In that application I wiped the stain off after applying. It was easy to do as the chairs were already stained in such a way that the stain was heavier and darker around the edges, so I didnt have to worry about an even application. I did not sand-I just went right over the existing finish. These were brand new end chairs that were a bit light for my existing table and chairs. I was very happy wtih the end result.

But when I used gel stain on my dining room set--and changed it to an almost black, no grain look--that is where the finish chips very easily and you can see the original finish where it has chipped. In that application, I did not wipe the stain off. And in that case, it was much too hard to use the gel stain to get a uniform all dark look on my chairs.

#2, since I prefer rectangular tables and pedestal bases.

#2 is my vote!

I like the oval table! The chair backs echo the oval and it looks like a set to me, where the rectangular table just looks *ok*

I got up this morning and am still on the fence. The Queen Anne seems to be sturdier...I think I will go buy some RAF and do a chair or two on the CL set and maybe throw some fabric on a set to see if that helps with decision-making.

I like the set that you bought together. It is really lovely. I have seen recommendations for refinishers, but IMO the first thing you might want to do is use Old English. It is super easy to use and is a furniture polish.

I, too, have an oval table and know it's sometimes hard to find tablecloths. That said, I prefer the look in a smallish room. It just seems more visually appealing to me.

I prefer the CL set together, as I think the oval table feels too small for the heft of the shield chairs. I also think the campaign style of the china cabinet works better with the CL set.

I love the set(kept as a set)! I'm so glad you bought it!

#2. I think you will find the pedestal table is much easier when it comes to seating extra people around the table-no legs to worry about.

Good find. Congratulations!

I like #2 also. It looks great in your space! Congrats!

This might be helpful.

http://ths.gardenweb.com//forums/load/decor/msg1220541826216.html

I like #3, which is surprising to me since I usually like rectangular tables. But there's something about the mix that works. I don't think it looks mismatched--I think it looks elegant and purposeful. What a beautiful dining set!

Love the CL set (#2)! I think the new chairs are very interesting and I love rectangular tables. Or maybe I should tell you I don't like the CL set so you can send them to me! While I like the Queen Ann set, I think this new set is so much more interesting and unique.

I like the "new" set. If you are seating lots of people, rectangle is easier to seat at.

It looks as if the chairs don't fit completely under the rectangular table. I like them better with the oval table - it looks less crowded. Plus the curve in the chair goes so well with the curvier table leg.

I really like #2 kept together as a set. The wood on the table looks extra special. I would not mess with it at all.
This would be a no-brainer for me. That CL set is lovely!

I Like #3 - "matchy, matchy" is what Nate Berkus calls furniture that is matched. He likes a room where there is nothing that "matches" another piece of furniture. I do too for the most part. Sometimes it's not practical but in your case, I think the reason #3 is more "striking" and elegant is that it isn't a precise match.
#2 looks "dated" to me - like it belongs in an estate sale and not in a good way, in a way that indicates "it has seen its day".
Though it may be that the china cabinet is enhancing the "dated" look. Sorry to mention Nate Berkus (on TV) so much but I like his style and he gives a tip to use a "chest of drawers" with nice arrangement on top as a replacement for a china cabinet. I think I agree on that one too. If you have a lot of china to store, not sure where that goes though. Always must be practical too of course but thought I'd mention the tip.

Thanks for all your comments/ideas. I had to put the CL set in my storage room, as if I use it I will need to RAF it and change the seats. I put my old set back in the DR and am still stumped. I might also try changing the fabric on the seats and perhaps curtains and see what that looks like.

Hopefully I'll get this done sooner than later and report back.....but I do love those shield back chairs.....

i think your formal curtains and chandy better go with the queen ann set... i think changing out the seat covers will do alot for your chairs....or getting a rug to go under the table would change up the look alot too-tho i don't know how well another rug would lie under the table....

can't tell just looking at pics, but your qa set looks to be better quality furniture... and the sheild back chairs do not look particularly comfortable to me....are they??

I put back the QA set in the DR, and you know....it just looks better in real life than the CL set. Perhaps it's the oval table or the darker wood.

I think I'll try the RAF on the CL set, or try gel stain to darken it, try it again in the space, and it doesn't work, I will sell it. I'll also recover the Queen Anne DR chairs in a fabric with texture and colour, maybe a stripe.

At least I didn't spend a whole bunch of $$. I And my DH didn't "freak out" when I told him the CL set might not work, I think he gets that sometimes you just have to try things. Thank you for all your opinions and comments, they really help.

And one day, I might be able to incorporateI shield back chairs...which I love for some reason!

fillagirl: As the CL set has 8 chairs, I would suggest if you do decide to keep the QA set and resell the CL set, you sell it with only 6 chairs (and I bet you will get same price on it) and keep 2 chairs for yourself and put in your LR. Then feel free to experiment away on the 2 shieldbacks, either painted a fun color, gel stain, RAF, or whatever; then add a striking or funky fabric and give them a whole new look. While I would not do an entire dining set that way, I definitely see the draw of doing a set of chairs and making them a focal point in another room. I'm just wondering if it'd be better to keep the two armchairs or the two sidechairs, but either could work and would not take away the value of the existing CL set as it will still have 6 chairs.

A couple years ago I scored a shield back set on cl...here's how I recovered the chairs (made a huge difference) in case you are interested.

If you like the chairs, why not keep them and sell the others with the cl table? Or try to sell at a price similar to what you paid and see if someone would take them as a set. I really think they work well with the oval table.

I have shieldback chairs with a green damask fabric. The fabric on the CL ones is what is holding it back.
I like the color of the CL wood so much better, kept as it is.
The QA set screams 90s to me. Around here, that look got so overworked.