How can I decorate this room to make an antique set fit in?

I have to say that I LOVE your antique dining set! I think that mixing the old style with new is a great idea. I like the idea of adding a more modern rug, as well as art and lighting components. You could also consider reupholstering the chairs to a fabric that matches a little more closely with your modern style. I think that a table covering and runner for the cabinet would help, too.

Mary: Go crazy! Paint it all turquoise! (or some other fun/modern color!)

You sound like you are headed in the right direction! It's a great set. I would go for table linens/runners that pick up a color from the rug you pick. Maybe a color that ties in with the rest of your home? I don't know your personal taste, but, for example a large swirling design or geometric painting on the wall. A centerpiece on the table or buffet that picks up that shape, maybe in a metallic. Update the hardware. A subtle, pretty area rug. On my phone, your walls look like a green, so subtle earth tones with shades of green would appeal to me. I think when I find that one piece that really draws me in, I can build from there, whether it's the rug or the painting, when you see it, you will find your direction. It's also easy to add pops of color with your table linens. Good luck!

Mary

You could paint it, you could shabby chic it or you could sell it and buy something you really like. You could cover the seats with a style that you like better and use decor to bring that modern style you like.

You are so blessed! Keep this set, as I guarantee it is better made than anything produced today. Go for the eclectic look and add in the modern elements you desire, rug, table linens, centerpiece, wall art, drapes or curtains. Once the accessories are in place, it will look fabulous and well curated over time, which makes for an inviting dining experience for your family and friends.

Paint the walls to add some hint of color. I large antique looking wall clock (they are huge) would look good on the wall. Go to amazon.com and look at what they have to offer. Huge selection. We got one ourselves and have received many compliments on it.

I'd hang big, traditional looking art. What about a colorful rug to match th eart?

What a beautiful set of dining furniture you have. I'd suggest finding a modern upholstery fabric with colors you love contained within it and use to reupholster the chairs. Then bring in your modern vibe with your accessories or new ones. The juxtaposition of the classic furniture with modern pieces will work out just great. Black in a few places/accessories will modernize the look and be very sophisticated looking. A rectangle area rug beneath the table and chairs will add a lot of style too. You can do it!

Have you considered slipcovers for the chairs that do not have arms and recovering the seats of the arm chairs to match? If you use a solid, textured fabric for the slipcovers, it would give a simple clean line to the chairs and give the set a modern edge. The covers can be removed and you have your original set back at any time. In the pic below, the chairs are upholstered rather than slip-covered, but the idea is the same. Definitely a runner on the table and use large chunky candle holders or hurricane candle holders, bold ceramic pieces or colored glass vases-no flowers needed if the glass is beautiful on its own. Notice the centerpiece on the table.

One of the first things I would do is put a beautiful mirror over buffet. With all the wood, which is beautiful, I would make sure you have lots of items that reflect light. Crystal chandelier, sconces, crystal style centerpiece. And so on. You want to balance the dark pieces. Also use the top of buffet to add a beautiful blue and white collection. You see people using runners and scarves, but I hate that. The whole purpose of having antique dining set is to show it off. Now just glam her up!!

Absolutely love the dining set. Do not paint it, just clean it up with some Formby's or Thompsons. I think the room needs color. A nice area rug with blues or greens would look great. I would go to Kirklands or Homegoods and check out their art. Hang something with the colors of the rug that you purchase. You can also add some pretty glass pieces on the buffet and of course put a nice centerpiece on the table. Went back to look at the pictures, I think some nice lamps on the buffet would be perfect.

Do not paint the furniture beautiful as is I would add just a table runner pick color from rug. Then a glass vase of beautiful fresh flowers from the florist in center of table. Keep everything simple and elegant