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!)

Hi anzella, loving the new table and chairs, because you live in North QLD I wouldn't worry about a rug under the table, apart from you climate I find rugs under tables can become very annoying . If however you do decide to have one down the track, Sisal Rugs are great for your climate, you can even make your own to whatever size by buying the sisal and edging it yourself or getting a carpet place to overlock the edges. Some years ago I made two very large rugs and edged them with a wide black tape, I stitched them by hand, loved them in the dining and joining living room.What a shame you can't have the hanging lamp in the picture over your table, not sure if it would fit between your ceiling fans. cheers https://www.dealsdirect.com.au/product.aspx?saleID=1774c795-993e-4615-afbc-f53a2e1dcab3&productID=ojiuDsjunkG1Vz9n7zBrLQ&sc=7&c=12&mkwid=siJYklREw_dc&pcrid=189771976719&pkw=&pmt=&product=ojiuDsjunkG1Vz9n7zBrLQ_6xX6Gc4vLkKMpQtba7S3jw&gclid=CjwKEAjwoLfHBRD_jLW93remyAQSJABIygGp4cKCQmlURqkE4IbUxZFOwwVQKSQHTM9Fx7Xllv1FvRoCWqrw_wcB

I love the first one! The cement one looks too industrial for my taste.

Hi Adrienne Both chairs that you have chosen appear to be quite good, I would prefer the black one. I suppose it depends on the amount of available space that you have for a dining room, its multi-use and where it is viewed from the rest of the house. The other item that you might like to consider is the ability to get up especially if you are aging and after a heavy meal. Thus a chair with side arms might be helpfull.