Choosing the right antique dining table for your home

November 08, 2022

The French House York - Choosing the right dining table for your home

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 offer tons of 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 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. 

 

Find the right table size 

    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.

     

    Find the right style, wood and colour 

      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, 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.

       

      Your budget

        Our pricing for antique dining tables is based on its 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 timber – all sourced in France.

        (Click on the images to find out more about each table)

         

        Length: 120cm – 170cm

                                           The French House York - Farmhouse table with breadboard        Cast iron base table
                                           The French House York - Large table de vendange        Fruitwood farmhouse table

         

        Length: 170cm – 200cm

                                            The French House York - Macassar Table        Scandinavian pine table
                                            The French House York - Wide cherrywood table        The French House York - Oak dining table        

         

        Length: over 200cm

                                            The French House York - Oak farmhouse table        Large fruitwood table
                                            Rounded end table         The French House York - 19th century oak table

        See more farmhouse & dining tables here >

        If you want the option to extend your table, we have recently acquired a couple of extending tables:

        Walnut extending table         2-leaf extending table 
        (Right: this table is sold. Please contact us if you're looking for a similar table)

        Set of oak table and chairs

         
        Looking for a table just for the kiddos?

        This stunning set of oak table and chairs – which was originally a sculptor’s table - would comfortably accommodate 3-4 children around it.
           
        Its 3-leg base makes it super sturdy and the chairs are surprisingly comfortable.

         

         



        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.

        Last but not least, a quick tip… 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 th last 30 years, so we’re happy to advise if necessary.

         





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