My chart is minwax.

I haven't heard of Benjamin Moore having stain for furniture

thank you smm! I'll take a look at minwax. I have no idea on BM stains:)

A lighter stain would be best, as the table you have now looks great and the light colors really show off the wood of the table top. So the same would be said for your new table. If you can't go with a lighter stain, then you will have to decide how much you want to highlight the wood of your new table. I use tablecoths on my dining tables so table stain and wood grain is not that big of an issue for me. But YMMV. If you don't care about wood grain, then you can have it painted. However, with everything else being a shade of cream/white, I think a white painted table and white painted chairs will just make everything in your kitchen/dining area look bland and nothing will stand out, unless you go for something really bold on the chair upholstery. Also, I do think it is a mistake to use two different styles of upholstered chairs on a table. No logical reason for it, and the contrast will not be great enough to look like it was purposeful. I think the whole point of mixing chair styles is to add variety, a focal point. At least that's how it seems in ll the pictures I have seen of that look. I am not a fan of mixed dining chairs, but again, just my taste, not necessarily based on anything other than I don't see the need for it. YMMV.

Oh I agree about keeping all chairs same. I like the look in a formal dining room that is a stand alone room. Not in an open concept space like yours.

Thank you for the feedback. My concerns are being validated.

My husband thinks I'm being crazy, but this this is an investment for me and don't want to botch it.

I'm going to call tomorrow and see if I can cancel those 2 upholstered chairs.

I wasn't sure about them and should've held off. Not sure if order can be changed, but nothing has been customized yet. We shall see...

I'll inquire about lighter stain as well...

Even if you can't return/exchange the host chairs, it'll be fine. You have beautiful taste! Enjoy your new dining set :)

For a warm white on chairs, any suggestions?

We have cloud white now. Wondering about this vs Simply White or Cotton Balls.

(Have White Dove on some night stands and a little too gray for me)

Simply white is a warm white

Can you take the chairs and then return if you don't like the look, or are they custom?

I wish... but custom.

Am going to try to get out of those 2 chairs. Or at least delay.

Just want to push a restart button now:)

Don't second guess yourself if you can't. A lot of this is splitting hairs and personal taste. If you like the look, there's nothing inherently wrong with your choices. Plus, with just photos here we can't see the whole picture. It's just going to be different and you have understandable anxiety. You have a lovely home with a unique and gorgeous color scheme. Trust your gut.

Thanks pinkmountain:

I do need to go with my gut for sure.

Just nervous with the cost and the risk of not being happy with it.(or liking what I had better,lol) I'm sure it will all work out. I have my chance to customize and now I'm at a loss. Busy with work. Busy with holidays. Busy with sick parent. And this. Just the timing I guess. I was supposed to be out shopping for tile for a bathroom reno starting in the new year, not buying new furniture. My husband calls it 'project creep'.

In the big scheme of things, don't know why I'm stressing so much over this.

Need perspective. More important things to worry about:)

Well, in that case, try as hard as you can to ask the company to wait until you have more time to make a decision. Lots of times vendors push you to decide quickly so they can make their sales quota or whatever, but you as the consumer need to realize you are in the driver's seat and can always wait. Just take it one step at a time and tell hubs that you're feeling stressed and you just need to take it slow. I know my SO often gets impatient with me and just says, "Will you make up your mind!" but I have never regretted taking a little more time to mull things over and be sure. As I tell my SO and also my coworker (who is probably a clone of my SO sent down from heaven to amuse the angels), I CAN make up my mind, I just need a little more time than maybe is the norm. Also, don't be afraid to think outside the box and work to get just exactly what you like. I did that with our bathroom re-do, it took longer than SO would have liked (he was doing the work) and we almost killed each other (joking) but it turned out great.

Yes, exactly as pink said. Hold off until you are ready. Get sample boards made and see how they work in your space.

Go lighter than floor

Just tell them you want a light stain. I don't understand why you can't pick a custom color on custom furniture.

I LOVE your house. always have. I think dark is just not going to go with the current feel you have. My 2 cents. :( unless you are really going for a different look.

I would get it unfinished and ask for a discount so you can apply that money towards getting it stained color you want. How about if u buy a light stain and hand it to them!

Oh, I wish I could hit re-wind. I need to take it. Bought and ordered to size. (which I'm also scared a little too big...)

I can't cancel. So my options are dark (agree, don't think I want), paint it cream (or any Ben. Moor colour)...or smm5525...great idea. Just tell them give it to me unfinished and I'll have someone else do it. For the pricem you'd think I could have more options. Feeling a tad discouraged.

My own table a little beat up...just should have had it re-finished!!

If you plan to use a rug under the table, that will open options for the stain. Similar color to floor should be ok.

I would do the table in a dark stain over all the others you are considering because it will stand the test of time. That gray stain is too trendy to me and the painted table is going to be subject to chipping.

I wouldn't paint it or go too light. I think you would regret a light stain over time and over a rug you won't mind the contrast, especially with the white chairs. The relief will be beautiful.

SMM, yes Ben Moore makes stains. We used a BM stain mix on our hardwood 17 years ago. Has held up beautifully.

I see - sorry I missed that. I would paint it then. anyway to match it to the chairs? I don't think I would mess with getting someone else to stain it. if there were a problem it would be he said she said on who was at fault (my two cents :) )

To me dark would just be all you see in the room. again - if you are looking to change up your intention for the room maybe, but you have such a peaceful and lovely setting right now and I think that is because you stuck with cream, ivory etc. I am all about intentions this year with decorating in my new place to keep my on track and from buying pretty things that I like, but veer me off course with the direction I am trying to head. so far so good, I think, i have bought nothing :) lol.

In your reference photo of the table, it is surrounded by white from the carpeting and no chairs in front of it therefore it really stands out. You'll have it on a wood floor so their won't be that much contrast . Plus, you'll have the white chairs surrounding it and with a light colored runner or decorative items on the table I think it will reveal just enough contrast to make it all work. I think it will look great.

Your curtain rod is dark and it adds a nice contrast to your white window trim and drapes. Same with the table.

Maple can be difficult to stain. It can get blotchy. That's probably why they only offer dark shades.

I like contrast, so I would be fine with a darker table. I would then get a sea grass rug to go under it. If you decide you really don't like it, you can have the base painted down the road.

It's a very nice room, nice choices!

I also think the dark stain is fine. Use a white or creme runner with some texture, a natural wood bowl (or glass) for a centerpiece and it will be stunning. Add some dark accents throughout your room, like some dark tree branches in a vase, or pillows, etc., and it's going to be gorgeous! I'd consider a rug too, in which case the dark stain is a no brainer. Your instincts were right to go with the stain and the design of that table is gorgeous.

Can you post the stain options?

I just want to compliment you on your beautiful creamy white and warm living room. SO pretty! And the new light fixture...love love love!

In the LR photo, in the upper right corner, is that a clock? It looks like a white framed clock with lights for the numbers?

Thank you all for your help!

I need a Christmas miracle to make a decision:)

Monica~Maybe you're looking at the shell shadow boxes?

Heres that wall from another angle:

On the table, Ethan Allan has a similar one that I saw at one time in cream. Below is a pic of it done in 2 tone... Cream base with stained top.

Could you see something like this?

My only concern with a rug is the size I'd need to fit the length of the table and the fact that I don't have much space width-wise so I'm not sure if it would work.

I don't want it to extend over to the counter stools. Need a new house...that'll fix all of this:)

That table is nice.

That's a great way to solve the table color dilemma, go two tone. Best of both worlds and the grain is on top where you can see it and enjoy it.

Yes, the two tone idea looks great. They should be able to do that. And you keep the wood where you can see it most readily.

Sick of my indecision yet,lol! I am!

A friend of mine tells me to paint it saying I won't be happy with espresso top.

Painted table? Not the exact one I'm getting, but close enough for an idea..

I'm still toying with suggesting to them that I take it unfinished and get someone else to do in lighter stain. What a pain. I have until end of the weekend to finalize. Eek. (Again:))

The chairs have been started in BM White Dove so I guess I would need tondo the same colour with the table.

(The one below us much creamier than White Dove)

No for painted. It'll just get dirty. I'd go with a medium tone stain. No espresso

I wouldn't paint it, either. It doesn't look as rich to me painted. Too cottage-y. Can they send you a sample of the stains on your actual type of wood? Like how they do with cabinet doors?

I'm expected to get back to them tomorrow with my decision. Still not ready for this!

I'd been told they only do dark stains (or paint) due to the nature of maple and how it can appear blotchy. Well...our hardwood floors are maple, blotchy ( darker in areas) and I'm ok with it.

I reallt don't wanted dark heavy look...

IF I can get them to do it, what do you think of the colour on the round table?

or, do you prefer the mid tone one, and go with BM White dove base to match chairs?

I really do like the driftwood colour stained tables ( not too gray, but no idea how this would be achieved. ) Again, if they refuse, I could try to have done elsewhere but certainly not preferred choice....

In hindsight, I would've shopped for this type of table in the 1st place:)

Could they do a clear finish?

I stopped in another local store that does solid wood tables with 16 stain choices or custom stains. Choice of finishes as well... smooth, rough sawn etc

They will also refinish so as crazy as it is, if I can't get the color I want to wear I'm buying it I'm just going to ask for a bit of discount and take it unfinished. Refinishing at this other place will cost around 1000 but worth it if I get what I want. DH might not be too impressed but he told me to do whatever needed to be done.

Here are 3 recommendations they gave me today that would work with the floor and our decor:

1) driftwood (warm greyish brown)

2) golden oak stain

3) toasted wheat ( light, but not as washed out as it looks in this pic

He also said could paint base to contrast against our flooring.

Driftwood ( on maple)

Golden 0ak ( on maple)

3) toasted wheat ( maple)

3 very different looks. With or without base painted BM White Dove...

Thoughts on what works best with rest of kitchen/ living room?

( and new light fixture)

Thanks so much... again:)

Take the lightest of the 6 options they offer and be done with it. The chairs will contrast with it and it won't be too dark. Even better if you are putting a rug under it.

If you hate it in 6 months when things are calmer, then take it in to be refinished.

I would go with the lightest of the stains they offer and stain whole thing, no paint

Ok, a little embarassed that I'm back on this, but yes, I'm baaaack:)....

I've dragged this out as much as I can and finally made the trek today to see the furniture guy...

I explained that I was stuck. My hardwood floors throwing me off as don't have the room for a rug underneath. ( I don't have the width space wise)

I indicated their stain offerings were all too dark and wasn't convinced I wanted to paint it. Then inquired about taking it unfinished so I could have it refinished elsewhere. Great news is he said no worries...just bring in a sample of whatever stain I want and they'll match it. Yay!!!

Now, I have still have to decide within next 2 days. They really need to fret this done beginning on Monday.

I ran into a decorator at another store and she overheard conversation and said go with driftwood finish.

A few more shade options:

1) a warmer version of driftwood

2) Reddish brown

3) This ones reclaimed wood, but perhaps could get a lighter similar shade. Great for coastal look

4) Lastly, closer to floor colour, but perhaps too close/ still too dark

Keep in mind the new chairs are painted BM White Dove with light coloured linen upholstery.

Any other recommendations now that I can go with any stain shade or BM paint?

Opinions? ( apart from telling me to go away )

Many, many thanks again!!

I love reclaimed wood. Maybe start a new thread?

If it were me, I think I'd choose either the light driftwood in photo 1 or the warmer tone driftwood. Glad your furniture guy is very flexible.

I like warmer toned driftwood. No greys

Well...just arrived home 15 min ago after being back at furniture place...

He admitted he had some concerns with being able to do the color and finish I want. I'd stopped in yesterday at the place that did our floor refinishing. They said they could do the table.

As much of a pain as it is, we're taking delivery of the table unfinished and will have it done by either our flooring guys, or another refinished vs tge furniture manufacturer. Going to cost more, but at this point, my husband said just do it. I want a very natural finish.

Another inspiration pic:

Sorry for putting you all through this:)

Might see another thread on this re-surface....

We'll get out furniture in @ 2 was and then I'll try to sort out the table.

Again, thanks for all of the feedback!