We have a reputation for original vintage dining chairs, and we are slowly building a decent range of vintage dining tables to go with our chairs. We scour Europe for original vintage tables that have a history, presence, and real character, but that are still practical for everyday use. We tend to find that our customers are searching by size and function so we have divided up our offer roughly by the size of the tables.
Read MoreOften the statement table in a kitchen/conservatory type space, we usually carry a good range of larger scale ‘farmhouse type’ dining tables. Most of these come from French, Belgian or Dutch farmhouses often with large scale rooms, as such the table are often of wonderful size and proportion.
Farmhouse tables were usually handmade by the local carpenter using estate timber and after generations of daily use they can have exceptional colour and character.
We usually have a good range of smaller tables, perfect as kitchen tables or just for smaller spaces. We often source these tables from café’s and restaurants, and we love tables with cast bases, or just simple classic bistro tables.
Sourcing great statement dining tables is actually really hard, we look for scale, proportion and design and then we have to really just love it. We know that they are often the centre piece of any home or kitchen and as such, are part of the family. One of our favourite tables is the classic T55 rectangular table by Tolix.
Nothing adds drama to a room like a large statement dining table, but it’s not just about size, it’s all in the proportions, the proportions of the top, the length and the width. The size and scale of the legs versus the overall size and shape of the table is crucial, a table either has the right look or it doesn’t. Get the proportions wrong and a table will be just too heavy in any room.
This goes hand in hand with proportion. It can be a simple pine table but if the proportions are right and the design is spot on it’s going to be a great table. The design is a combination of the actual size and proportion, the scale and shape of the leg relative to the table and above all the materials used.
This is the secret ingredient that pulls it all together, it’s all about putting all the above into the recipe and then does the table simply exude character, it has to have soul, to show the scars of its life and to look and be truly original. A great original vintage dining table will be the centre piece of the room, the next piece in the jigsaw is choosing the right chairs that work with the table, that’s the really fun part.
We carry a wide range of larger scale ‘farmhouse type’ dining tables as well as other styles, sizes and materials. We love vintage cast metal bases, Tolix tables, classic French café/bistro tables, and have a love for classic 50’s school lab tables.
We love to hear from fellow vintage fans. Telephone +44 (0)1256 760 044, or paul@merchantandfound.com.