Thanks for all your advice. I'm so glad that I didn't just rush in and start this. From the sounds of it, I WOULD HAVE ruined them . . . :^0 . . . OMGosh! I need to run all this by DH. He's been encouraging me to call up and order a set I like that I saw in Phoenix Home & Garden magazine spread. I can't imagine ordering anything that big and expensive sight unseen, though. Hmmmmmm, there may be a weekend trip to Scottsdale in the offing ;^) In the mean time, I need to decide whether I want to paint the set a brown first and them give the Gel Stain a go or just leave it as is until I get a new set. BTW, I haven't looked into having it professionally stripped and redone. I probably should. I can't imagine a red or blue table in our dining room, though. I'll have to think about that one.

thanks tibbrix, the copper one is only 7lbs, so i don't think it will support the weight of glass, but the twig one is 45lbs, so perfect, but its only 22" high, too short...ugh!!! i might just order that copper one, as i need an end table and love that one!! search continues..... thanks again! how's the B/S going?? it is so awesome that u are doing it yourself!!!! Kudos to you, pat urself on the back from me!! keep us posted!! r u getting snow, snowing here, boohoo!!!

Hi krf10 , Pretty badass with that leopard (?) rug! The place looks pretty well put together, nice job. As for dining table - do something different, stark. Polished brass base with a dark wood top. Everything else is muted, and the pieces you have are working up to a statemtent under the chandelier. Go for it. If you need help with actual selections, we give every project a 15 minute evaluation for free, just hit us up. -f

I am not sure what is or isn't on houzz although frankly I am not always impressed by the designs on houzz because most of them are very "safe" and boring. That said if you google glass dining room tables there are plenty of those including some very contemporary ones. I will say that wrought iron reads patio furniture to me personally but without seeing the actual base who knows. I had considered a glass top when I remodeled and redecorated because it was practial as you just wipe it clean and for the most part don't have to worry about protecting it. Ultimately I decided against based somewhat on aesthetics but also because there wasn't a way for the glass to be aesthetically anchored to the base.