Whether you eat at it every day or save it for holidays and special occasions, a dining table is a must if you like entertaining. If you are in the market for a new dining table, you may find the selection a little predictable and lacking in personality. When you can’t find a table that speaks to you, you have another option: vintage dining tables. Interior designers love incorporating vintage furniture because they add richness and character to an otherwise utilitarian space. These vintage dining table ideas can give you the inspiration you need to elevate the style of your dining room.
Know Your Type
Dining tables, from oversized banquet hall varieties to small round dining tables, usually fall into one of five categories. Some of these tables have existed since Medieval times, while others are a modern solution to limited space and the need for versatility. See which kind of dining table appeals to you or fits well in your room:
Pedestal table – Often found in round or oval dining table styles, pedestals are comprised of a pillar or two supporting a flat dining surface. The pedestal takes the place of table legs and gives your guests plenty of room underneath the tabletop to stretch out, if the pedestal itself isn’t too wide, that is. Pedestal dining tables can also be rectangular or square in shape and feature a wood or glass top.
Leg table – This type of dining table supports the surface with legs at the four corners for square or rectangular shapes, or at equal points of weight distribution for round or oval tables. Leg tables can be fairly simple, like a shaker-style, or more elaborate with turned or carved leg details. This style may feel a bit more stable than a pedestal table because the edges have better support.
Trestle table – Similar to a pedestal table, this type has a supportive base and top. Like the pedestal, trestle tables are one of the earliest versions of dining furniture. The trestle or beams allow for even weight distribution, resulting in a sturdy, comfortable design.
Drop-leaf table – This space-saving style features a fixed center section and two hinged sections that fold down or “drop” — hence the name. If you only need a chair or two for daily use but would like an option to have seating when friends and family visit, this type of table is a wise choice.
Gate-leg table – Much like a drop-leaf, the gate-leg table works well when space is at a premium. The whole thing folds flat when not in use, so it can double as a console table against a wall or hide away in a closet. When you need it those few times a year, set it up by swinging out the legs to support the hinged tabletop.
Which of these dining room table types sounds like a good fit for your home? Once you’ve made that determination, you can move on to browsing different styles that appeal to you.
Choose Your Style
The fun part of shopping for vintage dining tables is exploring the many styles that define different eras. You may think the default is a traditional or colonial dark-stained solid wood dining table, but you may be surprised at how much variety exists beyond the concept of a classic antique. Check out these trendy and timeless table designs:
Farmhouse – Nothing beats a warm, inviting farmhouse dining table. Most feature a trestle or standard leg style, but what makes these tables stand out is their generous size and weathered top that adds texture to any home.
Minimalist – Looking for a modern style? Minimalist tables can feature glass, metal, wood or any combination of materials to create a sleek dining surface. These plain Janes work well with Scandi design as well, especially in a light or natural wood finish.
Mid-Century Modern – If your parents or grandparents bought their dining room furniture in the late ’50s or early ’60s, you might be lucky enough to have inherited a mid-century modern masterpiece. If not, well, that’s where shopping at Chairish saves the day. Look for walnut or maple wood finishes if you like Danish or Heywood-Wakefield furnishings. For a more mod spin, consider a Saarinen white tulip pedestal table to put some flavor in your dining room.
Industrial – If you love the clean lines of iron table legs or a concrete table top? This style may transform your dining space by creating a focal point in the room. Soften the look with wooden chairs or benches, especially if they feature reclaimed wood.
Take a Seat
Dining tables can be part of a set or not. If you want to create your own dining table look, go for a separate table and get creative with your seating. Buying the dining chairs separately allows you to mix and match them for a bespoke feel rather than something that looks straight off the showroom floor. Consider comfort, how much room you have, and even mixing styles, such as a farmhouse table with industrial metal chairs. Some people like armed chairs at the table heads and armless along the sides, while others combine chairs with a bench or banquette to make room for a few extra folks.
Another thing to consider when shopping for dining room chairs is whether they have cushions or upholstery. Vintage chairs may have great bones but dated fabrics; it may be worth buying them anyway and having new cushions made. Or, if the finish has more weather than you would like, consider painting them either a vibrant color or a soft neutral shade to accompany your vintage dining table.
Find your dream vintage dining table and fantastic chairs when you shop at Chairish. We have a carefully curated collection to give your home the sophistication and character it deserves in the dining room and everywhere else.
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Lead photo Sarah Wittenbraker Design by Sarah Wittenbraker / Photo by Mia Baxter Smail
