Whether you’re looking to upgrade your dining room before the winter creeps in or need a bigger table to accommodate additional guests this holiday season, a farmhouse / antique dining table is a sustainable option to enhancing your dining space. French farmhouse tables are built to last, and always ooze with character. We rarely turn down an opportunity to purchase farmhouse tables during our buying trips in France, and we usually find them in house clearances, auctions and through our large and reliable network of antique dealers.
Hosting a large group of people? Looking for a statement piece for your kitchen or dining room? Want to add characterful furniture in your home without it costing the earth? There are many reasons to invest in an antique dining table and over the past few years, we’ve seen an ever-growing desire to purchase more sustainable dining furniture that also offers the flexibility of accommodating multiple guests.
There are different aspects to consider when purchasing an antique dining table, such as the required size for your room, the style and colour/tone to match with other components in your space and the budget.
The first step is to measure the space, allowing a minimum of 90cm (~ 3ft) distance between the wall / other furniture and the table. Anything below that threshold will make the table look too big and the space crammed.
The size of the table that will fit in your room will give you a rough idea of how many people it can seat. The rule of thumb is 60cm width per person, to sit comfortably. Height-wise, French tables average 75cm in height, and the rule here is to be able to fit your knees comfortably under the apron of the table. However, if required, we can heighten the table to your suit your needs.
If you’re looking for a rustic table, you might go for oak or walnut; heavy / hardwood with deep, grey-ish tones, or pine or poplar for a lighter tone (which also happens to be lighter in weight too!)
If you prefer a more refined table, you might go towards smoother patinas, with woods such as fruitwood or mahogany.
That said, choosing the look and feel of your dining table is a very subjective process, and should consider your vision of the dining space, your allocated space, your seating arrangement, as well as your budget.
Most tables we source are in near perfect condition, however we always make sure they are free of woodworm, sturdy, and we give them a good clean and a polish to ensure a nice, neat finish.
If you have any queries about the maintenance of your table, we're happy to discuss and advise accordingly.
Our pricing for antique dining tables is based on the age, the quality of the wood, the stability of the structure, and if any restoration work has been carried out. However, French dining tables are built to last which make them a worthwhile investment, that can be enjoyed for many decades to come.
We offer a wide range of dining tables, in different shapes, sizes and types of wood – all carefully sourced by ourselves in France.
See more farmhouse & dining tables here >
We have more tables in storage, so if you can’t find what you’re looking for, please contact us with your required style and dimensions.
Before purchasing a new dining table, make sure it can fit through the doorway, or at least a window! Some tables can come apart but it might not always be the case with antique tables. We’ve carried farmhouse tables through windows, tight doorways and up / down stairs many times in the last 30 years, so we’re happy to advise if necessary.
Since we started The French House, over 25 year ago, we have made countless trips to France, sourcing the hard to find, restoring the ‘past its best’ and keeping our prices low and stock current with trends.
Here’s a few of our favourite ‘must-haves’ and advice on recreating this French style in your home.
