I think that a dining table should have comfortable chairs. Benches are the worst! No back support, you are sharing with other people so you can't pull the chair to your comfortable distance from the table. PLEASE consider a set with comfortable chairs, or purchase them separately. Many furniture stores sell them chairs separate from the table, find a table you like and then find chairs that go with it. Make sure there is room for the chairs under the table if the table has a drop underneath. Dining should be a comfortable experience, not a torture chamber, even if it is just for the kids! I am with Kswl on every point, including the black for the color.

Ok I'm convinced to a 60" round, hopefully with drop in leafs for extra seating. I spoke with the table maker today and he's on vaca until Saturday so we'll touch base early next week and finalize plan/start the actual build. After all the recommendations I'm thinking too that I'll only purchase 6 of the chairs and use my existing wooden ones for extras. We aren't big entertainers and would mostly have just another couple to host but this will provide a slightly more cost effective solution for when we do entertain more. @maggieq & @cyn427 @jjam - thanks for the chair info! Yikes about the experience with the Hudson chairs, esp for how pricey they are! I've heard such mixed reviews about the overall quality of RH, either wonderful or awful, but I've been coveting the Martine for so long that I'm cautiously willing to give them a try... And hope at worst I could have them brought to a re-upholsterer for future modification over buying fresh set at that time. Thanks again everyone, this has been Hugely helpful! :-)

Do you like those tables made out of formica or whatever type of molded plastic they use? There are both round and rectangular versions. Also tables with formica tops and metal bottoms. My aunt had a black and white kitchen with red accents, very modern, and she had both types of tables, one small end table made out of molded plastic, and then a formica/metal one for the eating area with rattan and metal chairs. Not the low end stuff, it was high end. Google "molded plastic dining room tables" and you will find some good "image" examples. The formica versions are mostly not-loved antiques, although my friend picked up a high end faux wood table and black vinyl upholstered chairs dining set on the curb in a formerly stylish Pittsburgh neighborhood. They've had it now for almost 20 years in a variety of homes, has held up well in style and material. It's kinda danish modern style.

Beverly – I hear you and respect your opinion. That is the long term goal but reupholstering the chairs was an easier fix and believe me the previous fabric needed to be replaced….it was a good first step. Hoping to stain paint both pieces eventually but I have just too many projects going on at the moment.