The only advice I can give is that people will always put their hands on the top of the back of the chair to pull it out and push it back in, and it will get filthy. I say this from sad experience. So make sure the fabric is very easily cleanable.

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 with Amy, maintaining a similar finish on the chairs will draw your eye to other accents in the room. Although, instead of charcoal I'd consider going with a lighter fabric similar to this @RestorationHardware chair http://www.restorationhardware.com/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod1633005&categoryId=cat1677014. I love the nailhead detail! Then you can use a gorgeous chandelier as your focal point or subtle wall sconces with recessed cans on a dimmer switch for the occasional mood lighting.

My Home Stylist - I really appreciate your feedback. The Noguchi coffee is really nice. I think I'm getting closer to finalising the colours. I've done my research and found these. Do you think they match? Coffee table I did my research and found something similar to the noguchi coffee table but in white (thought it'll suit the white ikea table). It's aFreedom's Stockholm table . Dining Chairs I really love the chairs with timber legs but I've decided that since my apartment will be occasionally rented out I'll stick with a more conservative look. Dark Grey frabic will match my sofa. The steel........ It's similar to one of the photos on houzz. Bar Stool: Now that I have chosen a dark grey/steel leg dining chairs and an oak based coffee table, would a standard white barstool with steel leg still work well with everything else or is it starting to clash? I found some possible but more expensive options if it's starting to clash: