Although some great vintage pieces can be sanded and repainted to really fine new life that you can enjoy.. I think it's probably the shape and style that you don't like rather than finish or colour.. there also doesn't seem to be much wrong with it which would mean it necessarily needs to be 'changed' ..so I agree with Jen P, the best thing you can do is sell to someone who can enjoy them for what they are and buy something more useful to you in memory of your inheritance :) something just aren't meant to be.

The Persian rug is lovely. We have several (sitting room, study, hall, bedroom ..... they're a bit addictive), with fabric using a couple of the colours in each for stuff like cushions, curtains etc. with neutral walls. I agree with minnie about the patterns. To get the right colour combinations, at a reasonable price, you could find a company that does a range with the colour or colours you're looking for and then look for remnants on ebay, to get them at bargain prices. That's worked well for us. Stuff like this:http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Schumacher-Curtain-Fabric-PASHA-PAISLEY-2m-POMEGRANATE-100-WOOL-/322509242456?hash=item4b170c8058:g:DwsAAOSw42JZAwWm And if you're looking for another rug to complement the one you've got, www.carpetu2.co.uk has a massive range on-line, at better prices than I've been able to find here. They're actually in Greece, but don't charge for shipping, which is very fast.

I have something closer to the Wycome set - although fabric (washable) padded seats and a bench. However I love the luxurious look of the Maddox chairs. I think probably the Wycombe is more functional on a regular use kind of table, however the Maddox would be great for dinner parties where you might spend an entire evening at the dining table!

How would you style your dining room, with a dining bench or would you prefer to have just chairs.