I have a similar set and like it a lot. It is difficult to judge the actual color from pictures as the flash can change things a lot. In any case, I would suggest using Howards Restore-A-Finish on the wood followed by Feed 'n Wax and then recovering the chairs and adding more foam and batting. The shieldbacks are a more delicate design and not something I'd recommend for daily use. Do check the joints in all the chairs, particularly the arm chairs. It is difficult to find a set with 8 chairs

I am not a frequent poster, but am a frequent lurker (I don't post often because I don't believe I have the talent/expertise that so many others have).

I hope I didn't come off as sounding rude by asking for help "asap".....I wanted to indicate that time was of the essence and I apologize if that put anyone off. Thanks.

At the risk of being flamed by furniture experts....is this a set that is a candidate for gel staining? So many people have used the gel stain products to darken furniture/cabinets that are already stained.

It's just an idea. If it totally ruins the value of the set, I apologize for throwing the idea out there. Just brainstorming here.

And I like the set, btw

fillagirl-

I like the set, but to me it looks pretty similar to the Queen Anne set you have. You don't say why you are looking for a new set, if it's to get a new look for your DR, I'm not sure that set will accomplish that as dramatically as say, a Danish Modern one would. If you just like the looks of it, want a change, like the price and the chairs are sturdy, go for it.

FWIW, I think the CL one is less limiting than the QA one you currently have in terms of decorating styles, other pieces, accents, accessories and art.

Good luck-

sandyponder

i personally like your current set better...

the table is faded. wonder how the overall finish is. i would definitely check the quality/sturdiness of the chairs...

It's a bigger table and more chairs, so if you need more seating it would fit the bill. But if not and it is just a change for the sake of change, I'm not sure it's worth the effort.

What you have right now is quite nice. You could spice up what you have by covering the seat cushions.

Re the craigslist table: It would be a lot of work to gel stain eight chairs and a table. And generally there is a protective finish on tabletops that may affect how a stain penetrates.

Part of my reason for changing is that sometimes the Queen Anne set feels "old lady-ish" or stuffy. I'm thinking of changing my decor to be more "transitional" and think this might fit the bill.

Is the set classic or am I giving it too much "credit"?

When I saw your message last night, I nearly posted that I liked your current set better, but didn't want to be a negative-Nelly, so I kept quiet. Now, reading others' comments, I still think your current set is better than the Craigslist set, and could be freshened up with a gorgeous dramatic print on the seat cushions. I would ask, like Sandyponder, why do you want the change?
Dee

To me, the new set feels very similar to what you have. The CL one does not feel more current or classic to me. However, I am not a furniture expert at all. Unless the CL is really cheap and you like it a lot better, I would keep looking.

As far as a gel stain redo: I did redo my dining set with gel stain. It was a lot of work. And the finish is not all that durable--it scratches very easily. Gel staining the chairs was way too much work (I did one), so I spray painted the chairs. It all looks much better than what I had, but if I had the money, I would have just bought a new set as my set is def an "old lady" set.

good luck deciding!

Your request for an ASAP opinion didn't offend me. I just didn't know what to say. I prefer the style of the CL pieces to your Queen Anne set, but your current set looks to be in good condition. If you are trying to move to a transitional look, then I think the CL set isn't the best choice because it's just as traditional as your Queen Anne. However, if you've fallen in love with the style of the CL set and the price is right, then buy it if the set is in good condition or easily repaired.

P.S. If you are willing to tip over into funky, you could paint your current set in a bright lacquer and change the seat fabric.

I like your current set better and think that if you say you think it looks old ladyish, it might be something else in the room that gives you that feeling.
I would look at putting a more fun pair of drapes. Maybe something like Pipdog did with her orange curtains but not necessarily orange.

I don't know if it's my monitor or what, but something seems "off" to me. It seems like it's either an assembled set or the original finish was removed from the table. The table seems to have a lighter and duller finish than the chairs. Shouldn't the table leaves match the table better than that? I'm thinking the table was refinished but the leaves and chairs weren't. 'Guess you have to look at it in person to know for sure or call and ask.

Of course this table for my spare, you can not put a mirror as a table as modern classical decoration.

Here is a link that might be useful: decoration

I think part of the attraction is the shield back chair.. here is a photo of the type I really love, but I live in a very small centre and it's very rare that anything like this comes up on CL....I'm thinking that this DR set might be the closest I'll get in this market and the price seems reasonable ($500 for table & 8 chairs)

fillagirl: I understand the attraction of the shieldback chairs, at the same time I find some of your comments contradictory. The CL set is in vintage mahogany. It is a very traditional classic design in the Duncan Phyfe style. I also prefer this style over Queen Anne and have incorporated several other Duncan Phyfe pieces throughout my home.

Regarding the specifics of the set you are looking at, I would NOT gel stain it as that will alter the original finish. The reason that some of the leaves are darker is that they were most likely stored away in a closet or under a bed and the mahogany faded a bit from the sun. My leaves are the same way. You can safely use Restore-A-Finish in a mahogany stain on this piece. I have done several pieces with RAF from this time period (1940's-1950's) with excellent results. There are several old posts on the topic which you may find if you do a search on Restore-A-Finish or RAF. It is not like sanding, stripping, etc. off an original finish, just enhancing the beauty and luster of the original finish as well as filling in any scratches, removing water rings, etc.

This is what my DR set looked like when I first bought it:

{{!gwi}}

This is what it looks like now.

{{!gwi}}

I have done RAF on the chairs and replaced the chair cushions. I have not touched the table as yet. My leaves are also darker but when I use the leaves I always use a tablecloth so it does not bother me.

However, if you are interested in a transitional look, this is not the set for you. I agree with lyban on her suggestion to update the drapes as to me, that what makes your DR look dated. Your chandelier is also very formal and could be another area you could consider changing. The DR set you have right now looks very good quality, probably has sturdier chairs, but has a "generic" look with the white cushions. There is a lot you can do simply by updating the cushions, drapes, adding a table runner, etc. If you've not redone cushions before, it is quite a simple DIY task with fabric, batting and a staple gun. The reason I am cautioning you to think about it very carefully is that while I see several Duncan Phyfe DR sets on CL for the price range you mentioned, I think yours is worth more and may be difficult to get a similar one like it should you be dissatisfied with the CL one. In my case, I didn't already have a dining set, but if I had one like yours I think I would first start with the chair cushions and other changes to the DR first.

Can't believe I just saw something from Eddie Ross about this kind of chair. It was from awhile ago, but for some reason it just popped back up. (They are painted, so beware)

Just a cool "From Goodwill to Glam" example

Here is a link that might be useful: Eddie Ross

valinsv, your set is gorgeous, thanks for posting. I think I remember seeing it on this forum a while back. And thank you for posting about RAF, I have tried it on a coffee table to get some white rings off and it did work. And it looks like it did a great job on your chairs.

I am going to see it tonight and try to make a decision. Maybe I just need to update my "old" set.....I will keep you posted. I'm not one to paint wood, so I will keep it natural, but thanks for the ideas and the links!

And yes, I hear you about the DR drapes; last year I had custom LR & DR drapes and spent a bit of $$....but I guess I am open to changing them out....so much to do, so little time.

fillagirl,

I, too, have one of those Queen Anne sets and therefore I think the CL one is a nice change and for a great price! It also looks less common to me. I really like it.

Go with your gut instinct!

I like your current set much better. It's beautiful.

fillagirl, I don't know about the chairs, but the table base looks identical to mine, and we have been told the top cannot be refinished. Make sure you look carefully! good luck!!

I personally like the CL set better. It's more unique.

I think it's personal preference, and it sounds like you're tired of the Queen Anne. I don't care for Queen Anne in general, so I'd go for it if it's in good condition. But that's JMO, and I don't mean to hurt anyone's feelings that has Queen Anne furniture! It's just my preference...