That's such a personal decision to make. I've looked at both sets and like them both. If the price were the same on each, would the decision be easier for you to make? The cherry set is a bit more formal and refined, while the MDF set has a more rustic/Tuscan vibe to it -- to me. Does one or the other work better with the furnishings in the rest of your home? Will the round one always be round (no leaf) given the dimansions of your room?

If it were me, given the parameters you've described, I would probably go for the less expensive set. But I like it as an oval, and I don't know that I would make the same call if it had to stay round.

jakabedy: I'd leave the oval as an oval.

We aren't formal people here. I thought they both read casual, with the round one being more so. Casual is our style with clean lines.

Your question regarding the price being the same.....I will refrain from answering that as not to sway another's thoughts. I know it's a personal decision, but I'm so torn between them. So, I'm reaching out.

Thanks.

I LOVE the frugal one (natch :^), the splurge table not so much, so my vote would be the frugal.
Merry Christmas

Debi, I don't know how you feel about CL, but I see gobs of DR sets there and they are usually priced very reasonably! I would look there for a while before buying either set.

"With the economy the way it is, I feel the 5K is alot to spend on something that is NOT a necessity."

That answers it right away. This is how you feel. You would not have posted this concern if it did not already bother you.

Go frugal.

"We can afford to buy either, but I do have a difficult time spending 5K on something that will get minimum use."

Remember, just because you have money sitting in the bank resting, it still does not mean that one can "afford" an item just because they can write out a check on the spot. Think long term. Think goals.

Frugal.

Hoosiergirl beat me to the punch with the recommendation to check CL. I see so many DR sets for sale of all styles and varieties on CL. I'm sure that you could find something that you like.

Having said that, I like both sets and see the beauty in both. I would check around though regarding the 5K set if that is what you land on, you may be able to get better pricing.

In the end if it were me and I knew that it would get minimal use, I don't think I would spend 5K.

hoosiergirl: I've been looking on CL for many, many months. Everything I see is country, 70s high gloss, or antique. I did find one yesterday but it sold right away. It was 30 years old in A+++ shape, but still the styling wasn't quite ME.

The second set looks like $1,700 with 6 chairs and buffet? I like the round/oval table more than the rectangular, but I don't think I'd want MDF furniture. Maybe that's not reasonable, tho' -- you might want to inquire on the furniture forum.

If you don't require 'new', I'd shop vintage, antique store, or craigslist first. If you're lucky, you'll find something close to option 1 for price of option 2. And since it's not a heavily used room, you can take your time finding something.

I really like the less-expensive set better. I like what I sense as a slightly warmer finish, and I like the chairs a tad better. And the table base is not the typical dining table base you see everywhere (at least in people's dining rooms I've been in).

The only concern I have about that set is whether 6 chairs will fit comfortably? The main picture shows the leaf in, no? And 4 chairs. Would 6 be a squeeze?

[I would also choose the less-expensive set because it would leave a LITTLE (!) bit of money in your pocket to decorate the room the way you want it--to really create a mood with draperies, other fabric uses like a table runner, wall sconces maybe, artwork. And when it comes down to it, the food will take center stage once that dinner party starts, and the friendship and good conversation of the folks around the table will also be what people remember!]

Also think about this: Is there something in your house you REALLY want to splurge on a bit more than the table? If you bought one set or the other, what would you have to wait to do down the line, or what could you get in addition to the table?

The second set would be $1,700 as noted by another poster. I should have mentioned that earlier.

Pammy: I made a newspaper template for both sets. It appears the 6 chairs will fit fine w/ the oval, though I don't know if the pedestal legs will get in the way of the chairs sliding in fully when not in use.

If that's the case, Debi, I'd go with the frugal. But that's just me, because I *am* frugal! I've heard that MDF has really improved over what it used to be and if you're not going to use it often, it makes good sense to save your money and buy the less expensive set. I think it's beautiful! But I really don't think you could go wrong either way. I'd just rather spend the difference on a nice vacation or something else for the house if it were me.

I would go for the one you like best and that is the highest quality. My experience has been that cheap is very often expensive.

Are you sure the expensive one does not contain MDF? It only mentioned the top being solid; the frugal one says it has hardwood solids, though not sure if that's a fancy term for MDF.

My own opinion is that the pedestal of the frugal one is a bit large and clumsy looking. The other one is more sleek and refined.

You generally do get what you pay for, and pay for what you get.

I like the LOOKS of the second set better, it's just what I want! :) Growing up, my family had a DR set that was probably MDF, I know it wasn't solid wood because I had to clean under it and could see the bottom, it looked like sawdust glued together. It was very sturdy, and stood up to 3 kids and their friends, so if it's well made, no worries. New MDF can emit formaldehyde and VOCs, which may be of concern to you, I don't know. I would take my chances. Merry Christmas!

Debi 2006, first I must apologize because I am not going to encourage you to buy either set. Of course, if you really want one of them you can ignore everything I say.

I would not spend $5K on a dining room set unless I fell in love with it and decided that I must, must have it in my home, or I have seen it in real life and I am certain that it is worth the price. I have concerns because you have only seen both of these sets online. Looking at the ad for the more expensive set, it seems possible that only the top is "solid cherry". When they use the term "constructed by American Black Cherry wood", I don't know what they mean. I would feel more comfortable about it if they referred to it as 100% solid cherry. Am I being too suspicious? Maybe, but buying furniture online that no one has actually seen is risky. Also, regarding the first set, you can only make use of one extension leaf but will have to buy two? In my opinion, it would make perfect sense to spend $5K on a dining table and chairs if they are going to be a center of activity in your home and if you want to look forward to many years of daily use, but you don't seem to be saying that.

Perhaps you are not ready to make a decision. I don't hear you saying that you "rally love" either set. So I would strongly agree with mjlb, hoosiergirl and deborahnj. Take your time. Go away for a weekend and poke around a few antique shops.

If you must buy one of those sets, get the less expensive one with the round/oval table. A little more casual, and less financial risk.

I like the looks of the second one too.

I like them both, but I would be careful about buying case goods that I hadn't seen in person. I also wouldn't buy chairs that I hadn't sat in.

(Okay, that's not totally true ... I did buy some chairs off ebay once, but they are "extra" chairs, not our main dining chairs.)

It's difficult, because online buying is putting brick-and-mortar stores out of business, and then when will we ever see anything in person? I did order my dining room furniture from North Carolina, after seeing it at a store here, but I regret doing it. That store (and several others) are out of business.

Anyway .... back to the subject, I would try to track the sets down to look at them, and then decide.

Ask yourself how you're going to feel every time you walk through that room with each set in place. Be honest with yourself.

Will you look at that inexpensive set and say to yourself, "This is pretty ENOUGH, but now that it's all dressed for company, it's clear that other set really would have been perfect. I should have gotten it." Or will you be more likely to say, "This doesn't look bad at all, and what a savings!"

As for the expensive set, would you more likely pass it and say, "Look at that gorgeous table! It makes me feel happy every time i pass it. I'm so glad i splurged!" Or would you say, "Gads, what a gross display of naked acquisitiveness. It shames me to my core."

I'm exaggerating for effect, of course, but you know what i mean.

Personally, i either buy used, or i literally wait years before bringing a new piece of what i consider to be high quality furniture into the house. But this is because; A, i'm not in a position to be able to afford more than one major purchase at a time; and B, i never tire of something i love so i want it to literally last a lifetime. If i were inclined to frequently change styles and be more flexible about my furnishings, i'd be more willing to sacrifice quality.

That probably wasn't at all helpful, was it ... :)

I'll add one thing: to me, dining room furniture is forever. I spent several years looking for mine, but now I'm done. I will never buy another set. Mine is pretty traditional, for that reason, and it was pretty expensive, too. We don't use it every day, maybe just every week or two.

That's a personal opinion, however. If I had to choose, I would be more likely to buy a really nice, traditional used set than a similarly priced new set. I tried to do that, in fact, but never found the right thing.

I would check out the reputation of the company first. I found a review of Furniture Form Home on eBay and not only does it sounds FAKE. It sounds like spam translated from another language. It sounds like an ad. "Since we have had the honor in doing business with Furniture From Home and we are looking forward to our next purchase a new livingroom set that we will purchase from Furniture From Home." "We order from no one else!"

The whole thing makes me wonder if "rhumba" was paid to write that? Or 'rhumba' is them themselves.

Here is a blogger touting how great FFH is but, note the notation at the end of the blog post that "This is a sponsored blog post." - Meaning PAID to write the blog touting the FFH.

There are a few bad reviews about this place and any good ones out there sound fake.

Here is another blog raving about the FFH and giving the phone number and everything:
http://www.anantbhatia.blogspot.com/
From blog:
"Your guests would certainly be gaping watching your grand dining table. For any queries and service, call 877-232-0783 toll free. A friendly executive will be at your service. What's more furniturefromhome.com provides free shipping and suggestions. "

Here is a tidbit of info, this is the owner of the company and he answers the phone himself! How's that for personal customer service! LOL. They have no storefront and have only been around since possibly 2004 (no earlier) and definately have been around since 2006. Not that long. Not a good track record for a "find furniture store" in case anything happens and the stuff falls apart or stinks.

Milan Rousset ,121 Via Havre, Newport Beach, CA 92663

Google this address for the company headquarters and use Google street view for a laugh.
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=121+Via+Havre,+Newport+Beach,
+CA+92663&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&
client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=X&oi=geocode_result&resnum=1&ct=
image

I think this FFH is just some guy working out of his home and having the stuff shipped from China and delivered.

I do not trust the wording in the website description of the products. It sounds like tricky wording. I am the type that is overly cautious. I would look into the company more.

Here is a link that might be useful: Furniture from Home Review

With the economy the way it is, I feel the 5K is alot to spend on something that is NOT a necessity.

You say that you can afford it. Do you have any reason to believe that spending the extra money will have any kind of negative effect on your life or finances?

If everyone who is financially sound stops buying things it really will be bad for the economy.

I'm not advocating that people who are at risk of losing their jobs go out and buy things that they can't afford, but it does the economy no good if people who can afford to spend stop because of their fears about the economy.

That said, personally, I would get the less expensive set, unless I really loved the more expensive set. But I'm a cheapskate anyway.

First off, a disclaimer: I've never paid 5K for anything in my life. Everything I own is either antique, vintage or plain old junk, & even the best pieces didn't cost anything like that. My Empire sofa from the 183Os only cost me $850, & even though I had to go without lunch for 3 months to pay for it, it was worth it. Then again, to some people, 'antiques'--no matter how old or how valuable--are still just used furniture, and they don't want any part of them. For those folks, it's new or it's nothing. That kind of thinking doesn't make any sense to me, but oh, well. It's not my house. Maybe people like that have more money than I do.

But here's the thing: whether you're talking old or new furniture, it's not a good idea to buy chairs or sofas--basically, anything you actually sit in--without trying it out first. Sure, some people do just that & nothing terrible happens, but then, some kids play in the street without getting run over. That doesn't mean it's a good idea.

Anyway, I've seen some really well-made & good-looking chairs by major manufacturers that were so uncomfortable that it was torture to sit in them for more than a few minutes. I can't imagine what they'd be like sitting in one of them for a few hours at a leisurely family dinner. Don't go by a few pictures online.

The table is a different matter. When you're talking a big fancy dinner, there's nothing like a broad expanse of polished mahogany to set off your china & crystal. But for one thing, that's not what either of these tables is, and for another, most people protect their table's surface with a tablecloth & heavy protective pad when they're entertaining anyway, so if it were me, and I was determined to have new stuff, I'd go for the best--and mainly, most comfortable--chairs I could find, then buy whatever similarly-finished table is the sturdiest & cheapest, knowing that few people will ever see it. Put the money where it shows. And sits.

Regards,
MAGNAVERDE.

I have been reading this thread and also saw your post on the furniture forum. I have been debating what to say and I've decided...I would not buy either set. I really think you should look for something in a local store (or if you can find something you like used, but that can be tough I know). If you are really willing to spend $5K, I am sure you can find something very nice in a local store that you can see and feel first, you'll be supporting your local economy, and you might be able to get a good deal since I don't think furniture is flying out of the showrooms right now.

If for some reason you can't shop around, I would go for the frugal choice because it is less of an investment in something that you haven't actually seen and is probably a better value. I am also concerned by the information in dilly's post and that the company wouldn't send a wood sample of the more expensive set.

Good luck with your decision.

Thanks everyone. You're all giving me great food for thought. I guess I'm anixous to get the room company ready since it's been a VERY long time since it's been in remodel mode due to other issues that interfered.

I know a huge negative is not being able to look, touch and try out the furniture. That's another reason I'm having trouble moving forward with these Internet sets. Unfortunately, I have not seen anything I like locally, but there is one or two more stores I can check out over the holidays.

I think I need to look more...as I write this it seems clear. I may revisit the frugal set if I can't find anything at the stores. I appears my mind is made up not to get the more expensive set.

MAGNAVERDE: I'm not into antiques or the traditional style of a dining set. Since I like the casual/transitional look, that's what I hope to find.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts/comments. I'll keep you posted with my findings and decision.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL ON THE DECORATING FORUM.

I agree with many of the above posters, especially beach-rose and estreya. And Magnaverde makes (as always) some very relevant points.

If it were me (and it was! Around last autumn, I think), I'd just keep looking on Craigslist and in consignment shops. I'd looked and looked and looked for dining room furniture for months on end. I scoured the shops and department stores and nothing really rocked my world. I wasn't looking for a bargain. I wanted substantial pieces of quality furniture. I had no idea I'd score so well. It took patience and perseverance, but I finally found a wonderful set on CL: rectangular table with 2 18" leaves, six chairs, lots of gorgeous carved work on all pieces, stamped underneath with the name (I forget! Please don't ask me to go under the table to look!) and the year 1937. In impeccable condition for $750. A couple of months later I found a wonderful china cabinet that's a terrific complement to the set for $500.

Yes, CL is full of stuff most of us wouldn't touch, but there is good stuff out there. Hold out for it. And spend the rest of the money you saved on a great rug, a new chandelier, and some art for the walls.

Wow, after reading Dilly's post, I would RUN from that company! I must echo all of the comments about seeing and trying out before you buy a major purchase. There is no way to judge comfort from a picture. I had done some online research when I was looking to buy some dressers. Some things that looked totally fine online were no where near the quality I would spend money on when I saw them in person (and I never buy top of the line!) In person, I found poorly stapled drawers, drawers that you knew wouldn't last a year, "veneers" so thin they were literally like paper, etc. A local dealer would likely be easier to deal with if there were any problems as well. In terms of your question...i like the first set better, but do I like it more than twice as much...no. I hope you love whatever set you ultimately decide on!

Hi Debi,
May I suggest both patience and an expanded range? I would take your time but make a few trips to larger metro areas and visit a variety of furniture dealers including some that specialize in contemporary furnishings or dining furniture. (You could combine the furniture shopping with other activities so that you can more easily justify the trips to yourself!) You might also send an e-mail to some stores with an attachment of a couple of pics of the type of set you find appealing and ask if they have anything similar IN STOCK. If so, ask them to send info and a link to the manufactors website so you can preview and decide if you want to go see it.

Give 'friendly executive Milan' a call on his cell phone. Ask about the recycled wood furniture he advertises.

http://www.ciwmb.ca.gov/RCP/Business.asp?VIEW=2&COMPANYID=4531

If you take a look at the upholstered furniture they offer it looks cheap. It looks like the really lightweight and crappy stuff they sell in the furniture stores right next to those check cashing places.

I found out that they operate as Coast-To-Coast Interiors on eBay. They have a good rating there. (Of course.)

The business called Coast-To-Coast Interiors has the same address and owner name as FFH does. Rousset outsourced the site development offshore to Multisoltech Web Designs in India. Outsourcing is also the business model for the site's hosting and maintenance solution, as well as its mailing systems. Sooooo, it looks like if there are any problems with your online account with them, you are going to be dealing with customer service in India, unless Milan really does answer his phone all the time like promised.

All FFH is, is a referral service. I found that they do not own one single warehouse that they ship out of. Everything "comes direct from manufacturer" and the stuff is mostly made in Malaysia and Indonesia. (Not that that would be bad on its own.) They do not even have their own shippers for that "white glove shipping" that their website promises. They use various shippers and each time it is different. They do not even have a regular shipper under contract with them. This could present problems with customer service. The company mailing address they have posted on their site appears to be just that........a mailing address that looks like an apartment or strip mall. Mailing Address: 1041 W. 18th Street Suite A203 Costa Mesa, Ca. 92627

Like polkadots, I wouldn't buy either of them. I'd go to the nearest reputable solid wood furniture place (unfinished) and pick out a nice oak or maple set. That should fall somewhere between those 2 prices.

I'd never go with MDF, that would be like throwing good money after bad. JMO
Susan

A couple of people have already said what I was thinking...if you are not absolutely crazy about the set, don't buy it. I read once in a very interesting newspaper feature about furnishing a new house when your furniture money has almost run out...........that it's better to get a card table and chairs and throw on a tablecloth to entertain, than to hurriedly spend a big sum of money on something that is not really your style or taste........just to get furniture.
That makes sense to me. And the other thing that makes sense to me is buying something that you can try, touch, and look at in person. If you MUST have brand new, (and I confess, I don't see the importance of that) then, keep checking the stores until they get a set you like that doesn't seem so ridiculously expensive. If you have the nerve for it, try calling some newspaper ads for furniture or just keep scanning Craigslist. That's where the deals are. And if you are going to buy something that doesn't make your heart flutter anyway, why spend $5000 or $1700 or even $700? Find something used for $150 and keep your eyes open for the set you really want later on.

Red

Wow, dilly dally, you are awesome in your research!

I have to modify my opinion and agree with everyone recommending that you only buy in person at a local store for such an important thing.

They have a lot of things in their catalogs that's not on the floor. That style of chair should not be difficult to find. And if you order it from a picture, in a reputable store, you have a much better chance of it being what it says it is. And if it's not, you can send it back I would hope.

One other idea, since you can spend the money, is to get a reputable designer and have him design one and have it made for you. That is what we are doing with a pair of wingback chairs. Those people can do anything, and this particular designer is way up there in price but honestly, the price of the furniture is quite reasonable considering it is going to be real furniture made with real wood in the old-fashioned way, right here in the USA.

Also agree about using the card table temporarily (or a very inexpensive CL or consignment store set -- it may even grow on you with time.)

Have a wonderful Christmas.

One last idea.... You can post a "Looking For..." ad on Craigslist. Put a picture of the style of dining room furniture you like. You may get somebody to respond who has been wanting to get rid of a perfectly good set.

There is plenty of great old stuff on craigslist, but it is harder to find nice casual/transitional stuff there.

You likely are going to have to buy it new. Have you looked at Target?

LATEST UPDATE:

Waking up this morning, I definitely decided to not get either set. Feeling uncomfortable not seeing it with my own eyes is the main reason.

I can't justify spending over $450-$500 on shipping costs to and from if it doesn't work. That would be like burning cash. So, my choice is to buy local and continue to check CL as I have been doing for months.

Thanks all. You have been SUCH A HUGE HELP - AS ALWAYS.

Enjoy the holidays.

I think that's a wise decision! If you're like me, you'll know *the one* when you see it and you will be SO glad that you didn't buy just because you wanted it done! I hope you find it sooner than later, though!

Good call! That was a ton of $ to spend on something you couldn't actually see/feel in person. Buy local and save on shipping. CL might just come through for you! Good luck.

I've learned with CL you have to be patient. I check mine several times a day and now I've got it down to a science. Also, not only do I check my immediate area, I also check areas that are within a 2-3 hour drive from where I live. I notice that the good stuff sells pretty quickly, hence the need to check back often. Good luck!

Debi - I feel you made the right decision. I'm not sure where you live, but maybe take a drive to another city and look there as well for styles. Maybe start out looking at some of the furniture manufacturers websites and find pieces you like from the pictures and then call around to see who might have what you like.

Another option that somebody else mentioned was unfinished furniture. I've done that in the past with great success and even had them finish some pieces. It costs more, but keeps me from having to do it. In my area they tend to have a lot of more transitional pieces. Overall the cost tends to be lower as well.

These are chairs similar to what you're looking at that I got unfinished. I stained and finished my self and added padding and fabric to the seat. It fit my budget and they are solid wood and good quality. My dining table that is more farm type was also unfinished and I paid them to finish it.

Chairs:

{{!gwi}}

{{!gwi}}

Lyfia, that is very impressive!

My only comment is that I try not to buy throw away furniture (the mdf set would be throw away). Beautiful furniture can be used for decades, by yourself, or others. But if you buy crap, then the future owner (the dump) will have to deal with it for decades.

Do you have an amish furniture store in your area? We have a lovely one that will let you buy just about anything they sell in any wood, and they'll finish it as you wish. They're expensive, but you're getting a WOOD product that will loved for years.

Lyfia - WOW...just amazing.

I have an unpainted furniture shop up the street that usually has "country style", all wood furniture. I think after seeing your finished chair, I may go there and see what they have that may work with my style. I haven't been there in a long time, so maybe they've wided their selections.

Thanks for the pic and another avenue to look into.

Hi, Debi

I agree with the other posters that you made the right decision. (And Lyfia's chair transformation is awesome!)

We went through this last year. Looked forever as we wanted to replace some chairs I'd gotten at an auction for cheap. Hubby is VERY particular about his chairs (not enough "padding" on his butt, I guess.) So he had to try out every chair that I was considering.

The chairs that I wanted went on sale for half price because the store was now going to carry them in white instead of black. This was totally unexpected and I would not have considered them at the full price.

My girlfriend lives in Kansas City and got a full DR set that is gorgeous from a yard sale. Sometimes it is just serendipity. And patience!

I agree that's a very good decision. Major furniture pieces are too big a thing to get if you're not sure.

I thought I'd seen your chair at Restoration Hardware, so looked, and here it is. However, it is darker than the one in your pix.

One other idea is that you can get the chairs and the table separately. It need not be purchased as a set.

Here is a link that might be useful: Restoration Hardware

I guess you could say I've "modified my opinion" too, as I agree 100% with your decision to buy only what you can see, touch, and sit in before hand. To be honest, that is what I would do.

My mother's MDF set had an extremely ugly octagonal pedestal, the chairs had hard woven rush seats with ladderbacks. But I'm sure it didn't cost half as much as the "frugal" set you were looking at. I should've paid more attention to the price.

FWIW, I don't have DR furniture myself (or drapes(sigh), yet, but that's another story) in my beautiful DR because I don't want to hog up the space with junk I will just throw out in a few years. I'm looking for a good used set, in the same style that you are. I'll let you know if/when I find it, or have to resort to new.