They are both so very similar in shape and size I would just pick the one that you really love. In the second picture, the lamp shade seems to be the same shape as the picture...that might be a bit matchy matchy? But it's still a beautiful lamp.

buy or rent a giant off white rug to cover most of the floor in the lounge and dining areas or try laying down sheets to see how different plain colours might look...problem with ripping up the carpet you may find hidden problems that need fixing

I think the tiles and the fact that the colour appears like yellowed oil paint is what makes it look 'old'. I also wonder is that window any different to other windows, if you do anything with that window how will it coordinate with the rest? Good advice about the possible hazard of lead paint, and asbestos in putty.

Hi again everyone and thanks again for all your suggestions re my chairs. So to update....7 months later I finally have my chairs back (between the polisher and the upholsterer it took much longer than anticipated). I ended up choosing a textured blue velvet, not a navy but a mottled royal blue similar to my little painted bookshelf. Im glad I did as the frames turned out darker and much more orange tinted than I wanted so thankfully the blue fabric tones the orange down somewhat (the polisher was supposed to do a test patch first for us to see...but annoyingly didnt and just went ahead and finished them before we'd confirmed the timber colour was okay to proceed with) Bur overall Im pleased with the result as I didnt want to be TOO safe and thankfully the textured fabric does not look like a solid plain colour - I ended up ruling out any patterned fabric as although I did get some patterned fabric samples I felt they just didnt really work with the rest of the patterns or decor in this area, or do justice to the chairs, and I find the blue chairs with the blue cabinet create an interesting little colourful 'nook' (especially when teamed with my old persian rug) in an otherwise very neutral coloured, large airy space that compliments and brings together the splashes of blue and the similar coloured full-room sized persian rug in the opposite part of this open plan living/dining room. Also my vintage Liberty fabric cushions which I was adamant on using compliment the colour perfectly, so thats a win! But thanks again everyone for all the helpful comments