Hello. Can anyone advise me what the cost a seller should expect to receive for a 30 year old Stanley dining set (table, 2 captain chairs and 4 side ones), serving trolley and hutch and buffet that was originally bought for $6000 in 1980. It is poplar wood with the exception of the table top which is veneer. The seat cushions were redone in the 30 years and other than some pulls on them are fine and there is a superficial scratch on the table surface. I ask as the seller wants $1000 but it is yellowed so I would need to refinish and / or re-paint it. I got a quote for this and the guy (who has 62 years experience) said to just get it re-stained over the yellow as it would be only about $3700-4000 including pick up, delivery of it back to my home and tax. Now coupled with the $1000 the seller wants, this would be about $5000. A new Stanley set seems to be about $9000-12000 depending on style, etc. I just was searching for opinions on those knowledgeable in used furniture if this seller wanting $1000 is too high? I know she loves the set and it is good quality but that does not change the fact it is 30 years old and does need to be refinished and / or painted. is this a good buy at $1000 with all the work it needs still?

Hello. Can anyone advise me what the cost a seller should expect to receive for a 30 year old Stanley dining set (table, 2 captain chairs and 4 side ones), serving trolley and hutch and buffet that was originally bought for $6000 in 1980. It is poplar wood with the exception of the table top which is veneer. The seat cushions were redone in the 30 years and other than some pulls on them are fine and there is a superficial scratch on the table surface. I ask as the seller wants $1000 but it is yellowed so I would need to refinish and / or re-paint it. I got a quote for this and the guy (who has 62 years experience) said to just get it re-stained over the yellow as it would be only about $3700-4000 including pick up, delivery of it back to my home and tax. Now coupled with the $1000 the seller wants, this would be about $5000. A new Stanley set seems to be about $9000-12000 depending on style, etc. I just was searching for opinions on those knowledgeable in used furniture if this seller wanting $1000 is too high? I know she loves the set and it is good quality but that does not change the fact it is 30 years old and does need to be refinished and / or painted. is this a good buy at $1000 with all the work it needs still?

Thank you for your replies. kew 2006: I moved the living room furniture in front of the wall unit in several different configurations. Unfortunately, it just looks awful. It is way too crowded and impractical with furniture blocking the wall unit. So I guess the issue is function vs. aesthetics. If I get the DR set, the wall unit has got to go. But since I need the storage space, I would probably buy a wall of Ikea bookcases and put them in a bedroom. Is the new DR worth the trouble?

I hear ya D2G, we all have plenty of those missed opportunities in our homes. I know I have tons! It certainly doesn't make your home any less beautiful! However, I would not draw attention to it with a FP screen, except maybe one of those fold over types Flo mentioned-they tend to stand higher. I also wouldn't buy anything else for the mantle. You don't need to match the art, and you have so many lovely things. I would sooner see your beautiful clock and candelabras, though not "perfect," because they are a piece of your story.