How can I renew my dining set? I don't have the money to buy a new one

As I see it there is nothing wrong with the furniture for now ,Since there is a subject about money how about updating with accessories and paint.

What a beautiful dining set. I tend to paint everything wooden but I would not want to cover up the gorgeous wood grain on this table top with paint. I would try a gel stain first to darken all the wood, be sure to get info on how to use gel stains. I've had very good results with General Finishes,

I spray painted by maple chairs a flat black...They came out beautiful...I love primitive so I added a simple check pattern material to the seats...total cost...less than 20.00....

Chalk paint, either Amy Howard or Amy Sloan. You can even paint the fabric! No need to sand the wood, that's why it is so great. I have used a polyurethane on top or the wax , both work.

Depending on the style of your house, you could lightly sand it and use a whitewash type of distressed finish for a shabby chic look. I don't think a more modern finish would work with the detail of the cabinet and from the look of your window valance, it seems you will need something tgat can blend with a traditional style. Changing out knobs and using seat cushions for color will add to a change

Just Google :

pictures, chabby chic china cabinets...here is one example but many more

If you are not sure, check to see if any home décor or furnishing stores offer classes on refinishing furniture. I recently found 2 in my area and it helped me to talk with the owners to make sure I had the right tools and ideas.

I think the table looks beautiful the way it is. Such a lovely wood grain but I can understand wanting to update things.

Going with white will not work with your cabinets. Best bet if you have to keep it would be staining as above. I would consider donating them or selling them if possible.

Try finding a simple table at Restore and matching or mismatching chairs. You could keep a few from your set. Paint both medium brown with dark brown highlights. This will pull the brown from your tile work and not introduce a third color into your kitchen.

Depending on the style you'd like to have, color choice would be the first consideration. The set is beautiful as it, but if you must change it, consider chalk paint. Easy peasy with the wow factor! Mix 1 Cup of Hot Water to 1/2 C of Plaster of Paris, add 1 1/2 Cups of Paint. I would recommend lightly sanding any rough edges first, then paint, apply wax or apply wipe on polyurethane for durability on the dining room table surface. Hardware can either be spray painted or replaced (check out Habitat for donated handles). Enjoy your experience and best of luck.

I would take the top part of the big furniture piece, hide (put away) everything it is there...get a big mirror (maybe you already have one somewhere there), or a nice big picture that you love (thrift shops have some good ones until you get that "special" one....move the candles in front of mirror and place a big bowl with fresh fruits.....later you will decide if you paint or not

You don't say if the Buffet is a one piece or Two. Personally I would sand everything all down and paint all white. If the Buffet is two pieces I would separate them and hang the top up on the wall. On Studs of course. Then I would find material with the maroon color in it and recover your chair seats with it.

Min Wax has gel stain. If you paint, choose a timeless color rather than trendy so it will be in style for a long time. Check tutorials and you tube. Read. Read. Read. Be careful of DIY advice until you check and cross check. We tried the DIY chalk paint. Didn't work and then had to go buy the chalk paint ourselves. Kelly Moore has coupons for free quart samples occasionally. Try the chalk paint with one of these first.

You seem to have answered your own question mentioning paint and fabric!!!

It looks big for the space. If you can remove the top of the China and just have the buffet, I think that would help a lot.

It's a lovely dining set. Be careful of painting it if it's in as good a condition as it appears in your photos. Our tastes change over time and you may find you love the look of it as it later on. Before changing the wood you may want to start with updating the chair fabric, using a tablecloth, brightening your accessories, etc. Easy, inexpensive, reversible changes. To "update" a buffet similar to yours with mirror on the back I have used removable-glue stick to tack on pages from an old 20s dictionary in an overlapping manner (book falling apart, but with lots of lovely old illustrations). Have also used wallpaper pieces cut to fit behind the buffet shelves to cover the mirror. Just suggesting you think long and hard before changing the finish of your lovely set, perhaps making reversible changes first to see if that will fit your needs. Best wishes.

We all live with regret. Don't paint you will devalue the set if it is no longer your style I'd say sell it but don't give it away. In a few years you'll want it back display the China more carefully pick a fabric you like cover seats of chairs an make curtains or valance out of it an paint the walls might see your set with new eyes

I think the design on the back of your chairs is lovely. Had you thought of accenting the design? There are so many products and methods out there. Type in refinish furniture and/or painted furniture and you will find hundreds of suggestions right here on Hometalk. I wouldn't be afraid to paint, if that is what you want to do. But, research first and then the prep work is equally important as the product you use. A good finish, in my opinion is due to good prep work. You could always strip it down and restain it in the future. If the set is of value, and you no longer like it, selling is certainly an option. I think the hutch is large, and there are many ways to modernize or change its look. I've seen bookcases lined in the back with panels of foamboard and paper that can be changed when you grow tired of the look. If possible try moving the furniture around, as a fresh arrangement totally changes a room. Try painting either the table or a chair and see if that's the way you want to go. I have stripped many old pieces of paint, so it is possible to go back if you don't like the painted look, but, it is alot of work. Have fun, and go with what makes you happy. Older furniture is often worth more, not less when it has a refreshed look. Unless you are dealing with an antique in which case I would get an appraisal. I have an antique dresser I would never paint, but, it looks lovely next to a dresser that is painted and was nothing but ugly when I started working on it.

http://www.hometalk.com/diy/turning-an-old-decrepit-dresser-into-a-pretty-one-2179575

i agree it beautiful cant see chairs to see fabric but thats so easy to change

You may have a family member who great desires to have your beautiful set! So ask family members IF they are interested in purchasing the set; then go buy a new one! It would be a shame to see such a nice set ruined by changing it's surface. IF ANYTHING...if I were you, I'd put on a table cloth on it, make matching cushions or cushion covers for the chairs & wait several months to see if I really want to change it.

You have a beautiful table & china cabinet. I'd also recommend using gel stain on it and not painting it. You'll definitely want to choose a darker color, something in a warm brown tone. Once you do that, you can update your chairs by putting fabrics on the seats to give a fresh look.