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Dining Room Furniture - Black or Brown

16 years ago

We are currently building & this is my first dining room. I've found a dining room suite that I love, but never seen it in person & the store doesn't have it on display (It's Rooms to Go & the suite name is Lantana). It comes in black or brown. Love them both. But I'm worried I will get tired of the black & get mixed opinions from everyone I ask. What are your opinions? I would like to paint the room a dark sagey color or a rust/red color & will have white wainscotting. Dining room is open to the foyer & living room with arched columns in each entry. Thanks for your input!!

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Comments (9)

monicakm_gw
16 years ago
I looked at the table. Before I did, I was thinking brown. After I saw both, I changed my mind to black especially if you go with the red walls. I'm sure you know that black will show more (dust, nicks, etc). I don't think there is a wrong answer. You'll just have to follow YOUR heart :) My table is black AND brown :) Mine is a 60" round but they make it in rectangle and two different style chairs. LMK if you're interested and I'll send a link to it. It's from Ashley Furniture.
Monica
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tnkcfan
Original Author
16 years ago
I've said for a while now that I wanted some kind of black furniture, but am worried about dust & nicks, etc. The less I have to dust, the better :) I'm worried I won't like it after a few years. I just really love the china cabinet in this particular suit. Then I thought about doing something black & brown like you. Sure, if you don't mind, send me a link to yours. Thanks!
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Nlion - We probably have the same set !! I'm still thinking about having mine re-done in black - but before I do that drastic measure - I am going to try new knobs/pulls. My new home will have oil rubbed bronze hardware and lighting, so I will try to find them in that fininsh. Maybe the will be enough and not using the top part of the hutch will update it enough. I really want my new home to be transitional- so I may have to get new fabric on the chairs, maybe get rid of the two chairs with the arms and buy two fabric chairs. I have a beautiful, very expensive oriental rug that matches the fabric and drapes, but I may have to find another home for that too. I think I should wait and see how everything looks in my new home before I take any drastic steps. Deep down I love my dining room furniture, and it's only used maybe 4 times a year. So I hate to part with it and buy another set. Maybe someone will give us some other advise to update it - easily.
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miles661
16 years ago
Our dining set is black with a mahagony top. I have lots of black pieces though. I guess black may become dated after a while but I don't worry about that- just that I enjoy it. Hope you do too.
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magothyrivergirl
16 years ago
Definitely black! I have had black counter stools w/ backs - used everyday for at least 15 years. They were not terribly expensive, but were made in Italy - bought them from Spiegle before it was so normal to order furniture thru catalogs! :) They do not show anymore dust than other furniture. Scratches are easy to fix ( really camouflage with a sharpie). Decorating is easier with black, in my opinion.
I also bought the dining room set from the previous owners of the house we are in. What was I thinking??????? The chairs are shiny black enamel; while it looks pretty, it does show every spec of dust, but so does the glass top so they match!

I think the Lantana set looks better in the black. It looks ordinary in the brown, and I would want to see the actual finish in person before considering purchasing the brown. Black is a safer purchase.

I am partial to black in decorating and in clothing, so my opinion may not count so much. I love black.
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laurmela
16 years ago
tnkcfan, did you ever order this set? I was looking at the buffet and wondering about it.

Thanks,

Laura
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monicakm_gw
16 years ago
Sorry tnkcfan, I just now saw this. Here are a couple photos. This room is still a work in progress but much further along than these pictures show. Wonder how long I'm going to have to say that? :o In the beginning, I was concerned about buying this table because of the manufacturer (Ashley) But, I couldn't be happier with it. Very heavy and seems to be well built.

Monica
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susan209
16 years ago
Just stunning Monica, I'm loving the whole look of the room and the view out the window. You're doing a great job thus far and I so like the wall color with the flooring.
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ysop1016
16 years ago
Monica,
I have a similar kitchen table and 4 black chairs. The chairs show dust after only a day or so after dusting. Is there any product that repels dust from painted black furniture?
TIA
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mimi_2006
16 years ago
I have that same Ashley Furn table in rectangle. I was afraid I'd tired of black too but I do love it. With a cloth the brown is hidden so mostly it has the feel of black. I don't think you'd tire of it if you are honestly drawn more toward the black. But get the one that hits you and draws your attention first. From looking at the Lantana pics I think I like the black. I like the table in both but the china cabinet really stands out in the black.
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