That's an interesting dilemma. I would be inclined to go with the dark grey chairs because: - the chairs will be under the table surface most of the time, so it shouldn't be "too dark" when combined with the dark grey sofa; - the dark grey should tie in well with the sofa; and - the dark grey will provide a nicer contrast with the concrete table surface. Does the store you're purchasing from have a returns policy? If you explained your dilemma, they may allow you to take one of each colour home to see which colour works best in the space. Alternatively, can you go to the store which stocks the table, see what other chairs they have in the showroom and see if there are some light grey and dark grey variations that you can try in the store?

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

Are you combining a good way of sitting with a good design? If yes, arm rests are nice, when a dinner takes longer than 1 hr or so. It helps if there is a cushion available that people want to use where the back of the chair is rounded (and people prefer to sit upright). Under no circumstance should the seat slope backwards. The sitting level should be flat - no slope. The cushion can carry a lot of design and colour suitable to the environment. I love simple chairs .... and it helps not to put too many chairs around the table.... (unless you have a big family), have two chairs against the wall somewhere close. Sit on chairs before you buy them. (And a personal thing: I LOVE different chairs. Never more than a pair of 1 design) - like in the picture with the2 green armchairs and the bench. That is just great and suits different situations and guests. (To siriuskey...... I would sit on the bench)

I have some 60s TV chairs that recline, I love them because they are a bit retro and suit my dodgy back. I had them reupholstered at the very exorbitant cost of $500 each! They are now a fabric I love but, as someone else pointed out, went from squashy and comfortable to hard foam. I'm spending a lot of time sitting in them to soften them up ;) Also one of them had a higher back, which fitted my 6ft partner, but when they came back they were all the same height. My fault as I should have talked it through with the upholsterer. I would do it again but only for furniture I really love, and I'd be very clear about what I wanted. On another note, we had 2 club chairs made for us more than 20 years ago - we love love them and they will be good as new for a long time. It was way better than reupholstering 2 old club chairs.