I think your parents are lucky to have such a kind and thoughtful daughter!

Laura, like you (and Pal), I would take the set for what it is and just live it more casually than you may be used to thinking. If you think of a runner, I would not so en eyelet trimmed one. Look instead at Rough Linen and get something that is both elegant and a bit rustic. They have table cloths too. Look at their website for ideas -- you might find other pieces, but look at how Tricia layers tablecloths or cloth and runner. It's a casual formal that might give you a starting point.

Something else you might consider -- using paper placemats or table runners for a bit of whimsy. Kitchen Papers is one brand -- they have some of the placemats at Sur la Table. I bought the chalkboard paper runner there, but it was on clearance.

I like the idea of books, serving pieces and/or seasonal decorating pieces in the china cabinet if you don't want to display china or crystal -- treating it like a closed bookshelf in a living room.

Keep looking on the rugs. I haven't seen a rug here that I would use -- it needs to be a bit classic and a bit different. An outdoor rug is just trying too hard -- at least the ones I have seen here or am thinking about. WHat would you think of something like this one:

https://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Safavieh-Adirondack-Vintage-Damask-Silver-Ivory-Rug-8-x-10/10216195/product.html?refccid=BIFUEF2R3AQY7CCHGBJXLPJNHQ&searchidx=44&keywords=&refinement=

You are kind to keep this as if you love it. This concept has been hashed out and rehashed here. I find it curious, the idea your parents back in the day chose furniture they loved--free can clear. But now you don't have that freedom. I witness many superior-ly built pieces of furniture not loved by those who inherit. IMHO they choose cheap and faddish over solid and timeless, but that is not fair for me or anyone to oppose on another, what they keep in their homes. By and large Americans have TOO MUCH STUFF, and some of it is inherited "treasures" that should be LET GO.

lascatx i'm with you on linen..linen and lace..i saw it somewhere but can't remember now where

I'll check this Rough Linen

I love linen plus velvet combo, but I saw it once, purchased two amazing hand towels, and can't find it since:)

i'm not content with rugs either

so..i wouldn't get stuck on rug then. i'd continue with everything else and the right rug would reveal itself to me at some point or other

maybe will be easier too since the room will already have its face and will, you know, stomp its foot and ask for that rug..:)

now by choosing the rug we kinda define the room. sisal will be one mood, tribal wil be another mood, geometry-yet another..so on so forth

maybe it doesn't want to be fully defined just yet.

arcy you said something very interesting. about freedom..

which led me think..

there is exactly same amount of freedom in accepting. as in rejecting. or at least there could be. it's your free will. you have a choice, you make a choice. if your choice is limiting you yet you still choose it because you decide so-it's freedom..:) rarely gets freeer than that..

I believe if it felt like an opposition-we'd see a different thread, not a brainstrorming kind of thread.

Yeah I do not feel like it's being shoved down my throat. It was offered to me, I was touched by the gesture because they love this set and I was happy to accept it, but I realized it's not really in keeping with my style in the rest of the house so I'm going to need some tips on how to make it work. Lots of great ideas in this thread!

Made a trip to Home Goods yesterday evening and bought several white accessory pieces that I'm excited about that are very farmhouse style (a pitcher, a few serving dishes, a little animal figure). Right now I'm thinking those will go in the china cabinet along with some books and maybe a few other odds and ends.

I'm also thinking I'll hold off on a rug for the moment. The right one will come along.

I'm totally ignoring the advice against the eyelet runner though; I absolutely adore it! I will find some natural fiber casual placemats though.

Décor and accessorizing can make a big impact and I would look to create more of a cozy library feel. Accessorize the cabinet with modern pottery (see below) and you could remove the piece on top and the doors or the grills. Consider adding bookcases on another wall. Add a casual rug and although you mentioned you liked the chandelier, I would highly suggest changing and maybe you could use yours in another room or hallway. Think about lovely linen drapery (see below). Consider the room's use as an office (I use mine and love the space), for long weekend breakfasts, homework, etc. and you're parents I'm sure would be pleased to see the set transformed for modern day usage. Don't be afraid to mix it up and think outside the box. Look at lots of pictures for an overall sense of rooms as well as how they are accessorized.

A dining room/library is one of my favorite things.

IN LOVE with that first photo, @Maureen. Thank you! And your phrasing of using a dining room as an office/homework space gave me goosebumps of excitement. That is exactly the kind of thing that I'm after; a space that doesn't just used at Thanksgiving and the holidays but is a year round "Option B" gathering space/usable place after the tv room. Feeling very inspired at the moment!

So excited to hear...we gave up our formal dining room and have never looked back. I'm actually at my dining table right now, looking out French doors - so much better use of space. Good luck and keep your choices light and airy.

Question for the crowd (holy moly this thread got so much more attention than I ever dreamt; thank you to everyone for your many ideas!)

If I took the mirror back out of the back of the china cabinet, 1) how easy is that to do? I assume they're meant to be replaceable as they're breakable obviously, and 2) in looking for inspiration of fabric backing in china cabinets, it seems like everyone who does this also paints the cabinet. As I've mentioned, painting is definitely off limits to me (I'm all for painting a ruined/water damaged piece; I've done that myself! But not only would my mom faint if I painted it, but I am not a fan of painting natural wood). Would it look strange to have the dark mahogany but then a fabric backing? Would you also do something with the clear glass shelves or leave those clear glass?

@Maureen, french doors off the dining room would be a long term dream, since it would require also adding a second deck because of the house height from the yard. I'm lucky enough that the house has french doors out of the living room to the deck, but man I love french doors in dining rooms. Maybe someday!

You may be able to cover a thin board with fabric without having to remove the mirror. It depends on how much room is between the glass shelves and the doors.

@suzyq53, I will look into it. I don't think there is much space but I could be wrong. I'd save the mirror even if I took it off, but I think that the mirror back is part of what makes the piece seem so formal to me. Even if I could get just a solid color back there, I think I'd feel it's more approachable/casual

Sorry wasn't suggesting French doors for your room...only to say that a room can be wasted (as well as a view)...if too formal and never used. I would wait to accessorize the cabinet before you decide what to do with the back panel. I would also leave the glass shelving and depending on your accessories, you could remove one shelf for higher items and less of a unified look.

@Maureen, oh I was just daydreaming! I didn't think you were suggesting that major of a reno!

With the back panel, I love this look and I've got white accessories that would go really well with this sort of thing. No painting of course, but I think this style of fabric would be too contrasting/out of sync with the mahogany?

Grand Design · More Info

Also saw this: maybe something more along the line of a simple beige/neutral/natural fabric?

ca91a13379c1e0a22be19ec688051c05.jpg 640×962 pixels | Chalkpainted furniture | · More Info

Laura, it's wonderful that you appreciate their willingness to give you something they treasure. Someone posted a picture of chairs with white and blue fabric. While you might not like blue, I think your choice of gray is out of sync with the color of the wood. Try some other colors to balance the strong reddish tone, and consider mixing some other styles, maybe a take on Nordic with a strong graphic element, or an Indian (subcontinent) luxurious exoticism. You will need to exploit the Chippendale strength by balancing it with other strong flavors.

Peal and stick wallpaper? I want to do blue trellis pattern in my pantry.

My husband is going to be soooo thrilled that you just gave me the idea of wallpaper in the pantry haha!

Slipcovers?

I'm happy with the recovering I did :) It's a super durable fabric while still be soft and comfy. Slipcovers read as too old lady farmhouse rather than modern farmhouse to my eyes.

Alright I think I found a great inspiration photo: this blogger took the doors off a really similar cabinet and put foam board that she stenciled over the mirror back. I probably wouldn't do that particular pattern, but it's good to see what a lighter backing would look like against the richer mahogany tone

What about this over the mirrors? You wouldn't have to remove the mirror and you could always remove the paper later with no damage.

https://www.lowes.com/search?searchTerm=wallpaper+peel+and+stick

Leave the glass shelves.

@sherry_7bAL, I'm a little hesistant only because I wonder whether it would truly come off easily after say 5 years! I know I'd have an easier time convincing my mom I wasn't doing anything permanent with a foam board approach. Though the peel and stick would undoubtedly be way easier.

If you use the foam board, it probably would be easier and could be wrapped with fabric. I like the mirrors though. They won't look as formal when you don't arrange it in a formal style.

My china hutch used to be arranged with the china and crystal in a very formal style. Plates were upright and cups, saucers crystal, ect. were spaced very even. I took every thing out and rearranged for two weeks! I ended up with a kitchen cabinet look I love. All the china is in the bottom and the glasses are up top, but all of one type is together. The platter and bowls are up top, but more like you would keep them in a kitchen cabinet. I like it so much better and it is easier to get to. I find I am using them more and not saving for just a holiday.

agree with Sherry..your perception of mirror will change when the shelves will be full of things dear to you, and styled to your liking and easy of use.

slip covers are "too old lady" farmhouse --- okaaaay.

@Nosoccermom Slipcovers just really aren't my thing. Sorry. They still read as an old lady thing even in that photo to my eyes, because that's just how I'm used to seeing them. I also see no point in covering up detailed woodwork when the chairs are in good shape.

I filled the one I inherited with my collections

I don't like slipcovers because:

1. I would have to wash after every meal.

2. The cat would claw them.

3. The dog would eat them.

Come to think of it, I probably wouldn't have to wash much, because they would get destroyed!

@Sherry_7bAL: Yup. Two cats and a dog here! I just plan on everything being destroyed. I find textured fabric like the kind I put on the chairs (which is actually really similar to my couch fabric actually) holds up the longest, but even its lifespan is ultimately limited haha.

Laura, I am in a VERY similar situation to you. I have hated my mom's dining room set since the day she got it when I was in jr. high. I knew I would inherit much of my mom's furniture and I always said that I would have no qualms about getting rid of her queen anne style dining room set with a huge rococo revival china cabinet. I would prefer something in the mission style as would my SO. However, my mom died and I did inherit the set along with her dining room, and I am keeping it, at least for the foreseeable future. Here are a few thoughts:

1. If it aint broke don't fix it. How much consumption do we really need, how great is the problem and how much difference will the solution really make in terms of happiness? If the set is nice looking and in good shape, think of how much utility you can get from this free item and how many other wonderful things you can do with the money you save. The fun times and relaxation and great meals are what will make the dining room special, not the furniture style.
2. As you get older and older, you may find yourself feeling very nostalgic about the times you spent at that table with family and friends, and the style of the table will be associated with those memories.
3. I've had very causual meals in formal dining rooms and very formal meals in casually decorated rooms. The key to making the room casual is finding things you feel comfortable using. I'm very old school in my dining room, I use old china that once may have been the cat's meow but now is "well loved." That's the "shabby chic" school of thought and it is a style that can work.
4. Nothing says you can't go eclectic with your dining room and mix it up with casual curtains, casual lighting, and redoing the chairs maybe slip covering them. I love chair slip covers! Many looks possible. I am thinking of buying a sewing machine just so I can make some. We eat many meals in the dining room now on mom's old set. I have a series of tablecloths and table decorations and napkins, placemats, etc. that give the table different feels and looks. It's fun, not formal, so to me that says, "casual." I like to call my stye "boho granny" because I want everyone to feel cozy at my house the way you do at granny's, and I think they do, but with a splash of panache. I mix it up with art and pattern and accessories. I love the well worn, well used and loved look in a room and in furniture. That' what I see in your set. Lots of good ideas here and also can be found online and in Houzz's photo files.
5. P.S. A tablecloth covers a multitude of sins. As does filling in the beast of a china cabinet with things you love.
6. Navy is a good blue to match with mahogany/cherry. Teal works well too. Charcoal yes, light grey not so much. Like some have said, large furniture pieces can take living large and bold accessories if you are selective. Have fun with it.

I wouldn't modify the wood pieces. Although not a Joanna Gaines rustic shabby chic look, using traditional furniture paired with modern art, rugs and dramatic wall color is a good way to make it seem less formal and stuffy.

I love the idea of a combined office/hw/library/DR! Also, had a thought, that if you added upholstered chairs to the ends of the table, it would be in keeping with the library idea, and you could use a fun print to modernize it a bit. Something like this for example....

Maybe you could put an upholstered chair on each end in a close or same fabric as the seat cushions and add a natural fiber rug. I couldn't find the exact right chair but you get the idea. It would cut down on the busy and bring in some cozy.

Not sure that china cabinet will fit in your dining room...

My initial reaction is to embrace it all, assuming it fits, and live with it for a while before trying to change any of it, but by accessorizing in the more casual way you are considering, with books, the white pieces, etc. The mirrors with tiny lights could provide an awesome holiday effect. Pennydesign said what I was thinking:

This is a beautiful set...

Why not just let it be what it is?

I feel as if (oftentimes) people tend to be somewhat reluctant to admit that they like something other than what the masses like....

Love it. Keep it. Don't try to force it to behave in a way that it won't.

Plants always add a relaxed feel to any space. A dwarf fruit tree like a lemon or avocado can leave you with a sophisticated but clean and relaxed atmosphere.

Bestyears I love the window treatments in the dining room link you provided. Combines two ideas I am thinking about for my DR--toile curtains and rattan shades! I don't know if I have room to pull off both though, but cool food for thought.

I'm glad you're not painting it. I also don't think I would remove the doors. For me that starts to head in the direction of the pic comparison Pal posted. If you do cover the mirror with foam core, I would stay solid. Maybe the same color as the wall or something a level darker or lighter. I think it looks best as is and would add dishes. I think the photos Roarah and Maureen posted are nice.

I'm curious to see it in your room because it looks like it's going to be a tight fit. I hope it's not if you're going to keep it.

Wow! 101 comments. Looking forward to seeing pics of the furniture in the room. I guess we all wish we had the same set (I know I do)! You have got a lot of really good ideas. Even if there are some you don't like, it still lets you filter the ones that are what you are looking for. I believe that you have fine tuned exactly what you want, by reading everything posted. I think that is the best strength of garden web..

For what it's worth, a white tablecloth with lace eyelets will not help make a formal table less formal. X^D I think I'd look for something linen, or even a tablecloth that captures a more modern feel.

Eleni Metallic Banded Cotton Table Runner · More Info

Natural Linen Tablecloth Lara, 53x72 · More Info

Mod Stripe Tablecloth - Eco Modern Washable, True Blue, 60in x 120in · More Info

Look at the photos that go with this runner:

Runner Natural Linen Rustic, 18"x98" · More Info

You might also be able to remove that frou frou thing at the top of the china cabinet (carefully in case you ever want to put it back to sell it). I am toying with removing the arms on my dining room set end chairs since my dining room is so tight and they stick out a bit too much. My SO is a carpenter and he said it could be done without ruining the chairs. Same with your china cabinet. That would make it look lots plainer fast. You could also switch out the pulls to something plainer. With that and a tablecloth on your table and the reupholstered chairs, and accessories with simple lines, I think it would be a great look! Keep us posted. I wish I was ready to go with my dining room re-do but I am still unpacking and moving in, just not there yet logistically, sigh.

Didn't read all the posts but my first inclination was also to go Colonial Williamsburg meets Joanna Gaines. Simple wrought iron candelabra with hand dipped candles. Your pottery barn runner is perfect. Rustic stoneware works too.

I agree about taking the top of the cabinet off making a big difference. I too would change the pulls on the unit. But as mentioned perhaps keep them for a future sale but chances are the buyer may also prefer the simpler handles you changed them to. :)

Just saying you will get pennies on the dollar for these heirlooms in the real market, emotions aside and down the road, so that doesn't really factor in.

There is something wonderful that happens when pieces of our pasts interfere with our future plans about decorating. What happens is the house becomes a home. The essence of all of the gatherings around that table get to be yours now....and you get to add to them.

I would put a well, WELL used oriental rug. Your light is perfect. Put some black and white family photos with some of the style of frames that you love. ADD your own touch to this room and it will turn out to be a great room that people will WANT to be in.

.

You could use some of that eyelet fabric over the mirrors on the 2 center quadrants from top to bottom and let the far left and far right mirrors unveiled. They make something called ticky tack, that teachers use to hold posters and things on walls(no nails). I wonder if that wouldn't work on your favorite eyelet pattern?, and not damage the wood/fabric/mirrors? A friend took pieces of an old heirloom lace piece and did that in her miniature curio cabinet she inherited over the back mirror lined surface.. She now uses the cabinet to hold all of her essential oil(many mini bottles)collection. If you like the country style dishware, the eyelet in the tea color(or you can tea stain some yourself) might look very pretty inside the darkwood and contrast with your white dishes? And tone down the shiny of the mirror? There is this product, that might be perfect for such an application: https://www.amazon.com/Sticky-Reusable-Gallery-Quality-Adhesive/dp/B01GEGXP0K/ref=asc_df_B01GEGXP0K/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=198062181806&hvpos=1o4&hvnetw=g&hvrand=7000896296704938960&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9027311&hvtargid=pla-323734168208&psc=1