OK... final grasp at a straw - your set of chairs for when they are not visiting, and when extended family come over, bring out fold out chairs with washable slipcovers? I know how difficult it is when you want to have a room that you like but you are having to adapt it for just for the one-off occasions and not as you would like it ideally. Perhaps that might work so you get what you want (most of the time!)

I agree totally Melinda - why buy mass-produced imports (which very likely won't stand the test of time, or you'll tire of) when you can have unique chairs custom-made to your taste? Find a pro who specialises in custom-makeovers of vintage chairs (like me!). If you check out my site you'll see the sort of thing I do. You can either source the chairs yourself from vintage shops, Gumtree or recycling centres ( Canberras Greenshed is a beauty) or businesses like mine can help you. Attached are a few pics of a job just completed - a Parker furniture suite purchased from my local FB Buy/Sell/Swap page for a song and fully refurbished incl. timber finishing and new upholstery. Buying quality Australian-made furniture is a great investment, and even if you eventually tire of it, it has a resale value (unlike the mass produced stuff). Also - have you considered mis-matched dining chairs? A great way to combine vintage finds when you can't get a whole set you like. The trick to making it look intentional rather than accidental is to refurbish them all with at least one repeating element, such as the upholstery, or the timber finish.There's a recent article on HOUZZ showing some great examples). This solution will take longer than buying ready-made from a shop, but the best things in life take time. Good luck!

did granny also leave damask table cloths which would lighten the look instantly and, although i was very shocked at first, my sister in law PAINTED the antique chairs left to them and added some country style fabric seats and now uses the chairs with a modern table and it looks fabulous and is a daily reminder of dear old granny and i think she'd agree that you should mix and match what you like in your own home

Not sure how it comes up in vinyl planks but i chose spotted gum ( Quickstep Readyflor) and am thrilled with the look. The large range of colours through the floors means it suits a range of timbers and furnishing colours. Good luck with your choosing