I found this tutorial online that may help you. It would be great if you could find some chairs similar to the style that she re-did, as to me, the ones you're going to see say 'dining chairs'. Maybe when they are pulled away from the table, that image will go away. :-) Good luck!

http://whatsurhomestory.com/paint-cane-chair/

Hi My3dogs, and thank you! I have tried chairs similar to the photo and I didn't like the look since they sit very low; making all of the seating in the room the same height. I'm looking for something with taller backs. I see what you mean about "dining chairs" though.

In addition to how they look, the seat on dining tables is higher than living room seating, so they aren't as comfortable for leisurely sitting.

Another good point....although I think what I have now are two dining chairs and the height has never been an issue; it's primarily the way the back is shaped that makes them uncomfortable.

The room is not large and there are already two upholstered chairs and a sofa there, so I'm trying to add seating without a lot of bulk.

The tutorial my3dogs posted is excellent. Don't take the "easy" way out with spray lacquer -- it can be brittle. Cane flexes a bit, so you need a paint with a bit of give, like latex.

As I read more, I think I will only get the chairs if the finish is ok. Looks like a big job!

Yes, it would be a big job and the proportions of the new chairs don't look correct to me anyway. Do you ever really use those chairs? Sometimes the gift of space in a room is the greatest luxury and look of all.

My only concern would be that the cane could chip or fleck off. It's very flexible material.

I have dining room chairs that are almost exactly like yours. Mine are gorgeous cherry wood and the only difference is my back dips down where yours curves up. I wouldn't paint them, the wood is gorgeous. Mine are sturdy as all get out. The set you posted is cheap on Craigslist because folks don't want "brown" formal furniture anymore. I have seen pictures and decorating shows that have those kind of chairs painted and considered painting mine. I decided if it ain't broke don't fix it. I am going with their beauty and positive aspects in my dining room. There's something cool about formal dining rooms. But if you don't like that look at all, why buy formal dining chairs and try to change them? Buy something informal that is made to look informal instead of trying to put a round peg into a square hole. On the flips side, my wood looks good, but if that set has old worn crappy finish then painting is not that much of a tragedy.

Oh, and P.S. if you don't want the ones without arms, I would take them in a heartbeat, but I don't know where you live, probably too far away. I don't like the look of mismatched chairs and I am two armless chairs short for my set. My DR is too small for the armed chairs and I am thinking about taking off the arms of mine, but if I move I might regret it. Here's a photo of mine. Of course they will be recovered when I get the time. Those shorter modern ones I would paint in the heartbeat, the wood is nothing special. I'm not painting them because I intend to eventually rotate them out. These photos are just ones I posted for ideas on how to redo my dining room. It's not how I envision it right now, it is a work in progress.

Hi pink mountain....lucky you. I've always loved that style. For some reason I see them corresponding with my bergere chair (similar shape) and I just love cane backs. I have a single cane back chair in my LR and I kind of like the idea of repeating that element too. I hope they look nice IRL. I won't get them if they need paint.

Oh, and PS you can order sheets of caning to replace worn backs, rather than having to have someone completely re-weave it. That's how my dad fixed our chairs, and if he can do it anyone can!

They are comfy for sitting, I had them in a formal "sitting room" for a while. I wouldn't call them lounge chairs by any means, but if you have company, they make great extra seating in the living room, etc.

That's their purpose. 95% of the time they are decorative, as the space on either side of the tv cabinet (used to be a dining room buffet) needs something. I like the idea of the cane back repeated on either side as a design element. When we have a full house for holidays, etc., they are used as extra seating.

But, I don't like having chairs that aren't comfortable. So I'm hoping these will be nice for sitting. I can replace/renew the seat cushion if needed and think if I get these I'd replace it with a box cushion like this one.

Oooh, good idea and I just may copy you when I get around to redoing mine!

JJam, I just wanted to say I LOVE your living room space. It looks so welcoming and comfortable.

always1step, thank you so much! You made my day. I'm probably over thinking this addition to the room but I think when I see the chairs, I'll know if it's an improvement or a case of leaving well enough alone. Thanks for helping me see that the space is actually fine as is :)