I went to a couple of local stores today, just randomly chosen because they looked like they would carry formal dining furniture (Walter E. Smithe, Thomasville, and Drexel Heritage). As I expected no one had oak (except for mission which stylistically will not go with my china cabinet). So I looked for woods that were the right reddish brown color, which turned out to be, for the most part, mahogany. What I saw in all of these stores seemed to be really nice quality but I did experience sticker shock. (More from the price of the chairs than the tables: is $300 and up per chair normal? ArghÂ) I realize I havenÂt shopped for much furniture; when our kids were small utility ruled, and most of my good pieces are family antiques that I refinished myself. Subtracting the styles that wouldnÂt go and ones with distressing (I donÂt like distressing, at least not on a formal dining table), that left really only 2 tables found in 4 stores, one by Henredon and one by Thomasville. All of the stores said they had few styles on display but could order anything from the manufacturer. However ordering was what I didnÂt want to do, since I want to see the wood and workmanship close up. If I have to order anyway I might as well do it online. I have read about people on these forums ordering online but I have been concerned about getting something that is not the quality I am imagining. Are there any brands or vendors in particular I should look for, so I will not be disappointed? Thanks for any advice you can offer.

I purchased a black table at Ikea. I didn't want to spend a lot on a table because it's not something that is used often. I wanted something inexpensive that I could mix with other pieces from other places. The table has no leaves in it in the photo below and I have 6 chairs. The black chairs are very wide. If you had smaller chairs you might get away with 3 on each side with no leaves but eating might be tight. When both leaves are open you can fit 10. I sat 12 adults for Christmas Eve using those chairs and then smaller black folding chairs (also from Ikea) and it was fine. For the money I think it was a great buy. http://src=

What is the "vibe" you are going for? My chairs would look great with your table, but they're simple leather with contrasting stitching. But my place is definitely contemporary/modern. (Obviously, there's a huge difference between the antique chairs tibbrix posted and the modern chairs Lars posted).

I found some that had a similar look, but not this particular table. You can pretty easily find glass-top tables with the scrollwork base. The element I was not able to find was the hammered bits at the base and supporting the top. Depending on what elements appeal to you about this table, you may be able to find something similar that meets your needs. Try googling some combination of table/scrollwork/glass top/iron/wrought iron/hammered.