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.

Crescent- Absolutly- The set is by Canadel. Go to Dinette Set LTD (521 Bustleton Pike Feasterville, PA-- Phone 215-322-4260) Owners name is Russell. He is FABULOUS! I had bought a table there years ago and once again he proved that my 50 minute drive was well worth it-- He was WELL below the competitors. He is a family owned business. From the outside the store doesn't look like much but inside he's got a great selection and he is super helpful. If you are going i would suggest booking an appt time with him so you get his full attension. He was so helpful with us. We even ordered stools that are Oil Rubbed Bronze look and it did have some wood on the top. I was very conserned b/c i didn't like the wood color. He said if i paid for the stain ($40)--- he would order it from Canadel and send it tot he stool company and they would use that stain on the stools... how cool is that. Great customer service!! Good luck and THANK YOU EVERYONE-- we revised the order today and we are going with the dark brown chairs (that have trully grown on me as something different--) I think i chose the other one b/c it was "safe" lol.... and i've been risky up to now so why change that!! lol (ie granite, caesarstone, and 2 different colored cabients) lots of risk- i was looking for the easy way out!

I wouldn't paint that table either but you could still paint the chairs. Just don't paint the seats so they can tie in with the table some. Seriously? You won't find chairs that are better made out there and they work well with the table. Comfort is another consideration, as many of the newer styled farmer chairs just aren't that comfortable to sit in, not the like the older chairs are. That said, a few years ago, I refurbished our little dining table that I just couldn't bear to part with and then bought new chairs for it. The chairs are made from parawood, and we don't use them often, but they have held up well.

I also got tired of dirty cushions, but love a cushion to sit on. I covered my chairs with upholstery vinyl from the fabric store. Easy to clean off after the grand-kids go home. I also have a kitchen table in my sun room and used canvas to cover the chairs and that is also easy to clean stains off of with some carpet cleaner.