Shabby and Chic Tables

Shabby and Chic Tables

Popular for their comfortable-but-put-together look, shabby chic kitchen and dining rooms are here to stay.

The shabby chic style is a paradox in itself. How can it be shabby and chic? The key is to use rustic furniture and finishings but keeping the color palette limited - otherwise it’s just, well, shabby.

Messina Estates II rectangular table 7 piece set with arm chairs by Liberty Furniture {source}

The signature color for shabby chic is white. You can’t go wrong with a white base, say a table, and then add pops of mints, sherbets or any Easter egg hue. Or, mix it up and make the table pop.

Caribbean Coast Table Set by Canadel Furniture {source}

Though paired with contemporary chairs, this blue table would feel at home in a shabby chic kitchen. 

Ohana antique white and cherry 5-piece round set by Homelegance {source}

This subtly distressed table set accents the shabby in a shabby chic design, but is still traditional enough that it could fit into any traditional design style if you tire of the shabby and seek more chic.

For more inspiration, check out our shabby chic pinboard.

Modern kitchen tables pop (with color)

Modern style is known for clean lines, minimal decoration and a neutral color palette. This allows for fun pops of color without overwhelming the space. Many kitchen designers choose to add this color through an accent wall or a section of cabinetry. Consider an easy, less permanent way to have fun with color: your kitchen table or chairs.

Sun Flower Counter Height kitchen table set by Canadel Furniture {source}

High Style Turquoise and Black kitchen set by Canadel Furniture {source}

High Style Peppercorn and Red kitchen set by Canadel Furniture {source}

Get more ideas on our Modern Kitchen Pinterest board.

Go Old World with a New Tuscan Kitchen Table or Dining Furniture

The warm hues, curved scrollwork and centuries-old feeling of the Tuscan style bring us in and invite us to sit and stay awhile. A Tuscan kitchen seems to say “slow down” and appreciate the details. The right kitchen table or dining furniture can bring that Tuscan Old World style into your home.

Classic Home Balustrade Dining Table, Universal Furniture {source}

Cristiano kitchen table set, Standard Furniture {source}

Casa Verona Dining Table, Universal Furniture {source}

For more Tuscan inspiration, take a look at our Tuscan Kitchen pinboard.

Furniture Styles

Mango Hardy Dining Furniture

It seems furniture demand has evolved in recent years, as it always does and always will. Here in Columbus, Ohio furniture has moved more contemporary in the last decade and the country look isn’t as strong. There are still people who like the arrow-back chairs with a turned pedestal, but they are so much the minority that most stores have moved on to a more modern look. Yet, we find that there is a hybrid demand. Sets like the Hardy Dining Collection Mango, where you see contemporary style combined with Shaker looks. It’s more transitional and functional than going completely modern or completely country. The straight lines have taken the place of the bow-back colonial chair, yet this furniture still fits for most homes in our region.

Bassett Furniture Columbus Ohio

Bassett Custom Dining

I grew up in Columbus, Ohio. One thing I like about being in a city in the mid-west is the fact that there is a lot of diversity in furnishing designs. I've recently fallen in love with Bassett Furniture. For one, it is made in America. Yeah, let's see you find "Made in the USA" on a table or chairs from any other manufacture. Another thing I like about the Bassett Custom Dining program is that they ship in 30 days. So, the consumer gets a high-quality product, customized in about a month. That's pretty amazing. Their table and chair sets range from about $1,000 - $2,000, depending on the size of table and how many chairs you want. So, if you are looking for something country, transitional or even contemporary for your kitchen or dining room, you may want to check out Bassett.

Chromcraft Dinettes

Chromcraft Dinette Zip Ship Core

There is still a demand for dining caster chairs, but they have many names such as:

• Chairs on Rollers
• Castered Chairs or Castor Chairs
• Coasters
• Coaster Chairs
• Tilt-swivel
• Chairs on Wheels

Though they are known by many names, the fact remains that some people need the comfort and will search anywhere to find the right set.  Chromcraft Furniture is one of a few factories who still make this type of chair.  If you're having a hard time locating a dealer, just check out Kitchen Tables and More/Dinette Gallery who ships all over the Continental 48.

Canadel Furniture

One of the finest lines in kitchen and dining furniture is Canadel Furniture
.  While it costs more than the average set, the quality is hard to beat.  Why are they one of the best?

1. Catalyzed Lacquer Finish-  The finish is literally baked on the furniture.  This helps prevent chips and dents, but mainly will help you avoid water rings or water marks left by a wet glass and staining.
2. Solid Birch or Oak- The wood used by Canadel is top quality Birch which gives a beautiful and rich look or if you prefer the deep grain the Oak option is very nice.(Correction: Canadel now solely offers Birch as a wood species option.) Plus birch is considered a “hard wood” which adds to the longevity.
3. Custom Choices- Canadel has over 70 finishes and over 55 fabrics to chose from.  Chose your table size and shape, then you can actually chose the leg or pedestal style for the table and the leg style for most chairs.  Then you can chose the edge(profile) of your table. Distressed or matte finish.  All that then you can even get Coran or Zodiaq.
4. Solid Construction-  Table: Solid wood including sliding tracks, blocked corners, undersides of tables are completely sealed with ultraviolet seal coat and reinforced with anti-warp boards to prevent warping due to humidity.  Chairs: Blocked to prevent twisting and cracking, chair joints are glued and nailed(or screwed), legs are individually adjusted to eliminate rocking, backs of chairs are steam-bent to prevent cracks and are nailed and glued for strength and durability.

Yeah, they’re top-notch.  So, where do you purchase such a fine piece of furniture? (Made entirely in North America)  Several high-end retailers sell Canadel, but Kitchen Tables and More Furniture in Columbus, Ohio guarantees the lowest price in Central Ohio… just sayin'.

Canadel, Canadel, Canadel

Canadel Furniture Kitchen Dining Set

One of the finest lines in kitchen and dining furniture is Canadel Dining Furniture
.  While it costs more than the average set, the quality is hard to beat.  Why are they one of the best?

1. Catalyzed Lacquer Finish-  The finish is literally baked on the furniture.  This helps prevent chips and dents, but mainly will help you avoid water rings or water marks left by a wet glass and staining.
2. Solid Birch or Oak- The wood used by Canadel is top quality Birch which gives a beautiful and rich look or if you prefer the deep grain the Oak option is very nice. Plus birch is considered a "hard wood" which adds to the longevity.
3. Custom Choices- Canadel has over 70 finishes and over 55 fabrics to chose from.  Chose your table size and shape, then you can actually chose the leg or pedestal style for the table and the leg style for most chairs.  Then you can chose the edge(profile) of your table. Distressed or matte finish.  All that then you can even get Coran or Zodiaq.
4. Solid Construction-  Table: Solid wood including sliding tracks, blocked corners, undersides of tables are completely sealed with ultraviolet seal coat and reinforced with anti-warp boards to prevent warping due to humidity.  Chairs: Blocked to prevent twisting and cracking, chair joints are glued and nailed(or screwed), legs are individually adjusted to eliminate rocking, backs of chairs are steam-bent to prevent cracks and are nailed and glued for strength and durability. 

Yeah, they're top-notch.  So, where do you purchase such a fine piece of furniture? (Made entirely in North America)  Several high-end retailers sell Canadel, but Kitchen Tables and More in Columbus, Ohio guarantees the lowest price in Central Ohio... just sayin :)

Kitchen Tables That Don't Match...Intentionally

napoleon dining set

When shopping for wood kitchen tables, many folks think that they have to match the wood/laminate floor.  Adding variety by contrasting the wood tones provides a rich depth that would get lost if you match the wood finishes exactly.

Storing Your Table's Leaf

Here is a video describing storing the leaf of your kitchen tables or dining room tables as discussed in my previous post Storing Your Leaf.

Changes

Major changes are coming to this blog about dinettes and kitchen tables. All of you who want more of my pretty face, well, you'll get more of it soon:) I hope to begin vlogging by the end of the week about furniture tips and featured furniture items. Now I'm off to get a camera.

Furniture Needs

How do you know what you need when picking out dinette sets, barstools, or entertainment centers? One thing is for sure, asking too many opinions can just confuse you. I've seen many instances where someone will poll every friend they have only to never make a decision. My suggestion, ask a few people who have good taste, then go with what you want. After all, you will be the one looking at your purchase every day:)

Kitchen Tables That Give... Legs vs Pedestal

When shopping for kitchen tables or dining room sets you may notice a little wobble with tables that have a pedestal. A leg table will give you more stability on the corners, but will reduce the ability to put chairs at the corner when you have guests. A pedestal table will feel like it has give at the edges, but you will be able to seat more people around it. Of course you do lose a little leg room with a pedestal, but it also provides a foot rest for the kids.

Kitchen Tables and Dinettes

Have the use of dinettes and kitchen tables shifted in recent years? Traditionally, dinettes were used for eating meals and homework. In my home we use the kitchen table to sort the mail, use the laptop, read the newspaper, pay the bills and of course have dinner. Today's dinettes get a lot of use, and thus the importance of picking out kitchen table sets that will hold up under the daily grind in your kitchen. Here is an example of an inexpensive sold wood dinette.

Keep Those Legs Tight... Not Too Tight

I still remember putting together my first dinette as a kid. Growing up in a family business which sold dinettes, pretty much required me to learn this skill early on. Well I think it was a Ligo dinette, but my mistake was getting excited with the wrench. I overtightened the screw on one of the dinettes legs, when POP!, I split the wood. I learned the hard way that day, that you should only make it snug not super tight. Also, when you notice tables with legs that start to wobble, that means it needs a little tightening. This usually occurs during autumn when the wood begins to dry out.

The White Ring of Death

So you sit back after balancing your checkbook at the kitchen table, then you set your hot cup of coffee down for a few moments. The next day you notice a strange white ring on your table that can't be wiped off. Hello heat mark. It can occur from a hot drink, pizza box, or a pot. Mr. Know-it-all will tell you, "Shoulda used a coaster, I always do." No kidding? Well now how do you get rid of it? There are quite a few products out there that help. One that I've used with great success is Jasco White Ring Remover. It is usually sold at your local hardware store, and last I checked, they don't have a company website. It supposedly works on water marks too, although most new dinettes have a catalyzed or other finish that helps prevent that. Good luck!

Super Comfy Chairs

When you think of a tilt and swivel chair with casters, you may think of this. There are, however, a few other options if you're looking for a dinette with wheels. Here are a few things to consider when making this purchase. First, a chair that swivels will hit the edge of the table. That is why it is very rare to find a glass table with a swivel chair. Second, a chair with wheels should not be located next to stair. (This shouldn't need more explanation) Third, these chairs are usually very comfortable, so be ready to spend more time with your family in the kitchen.

Knots Landing... On My Table

I'm sure that you've noticed a time or two that the face of a cabinet shows few knots, and some table tops show the same. I remember from my days on the sales floor (2000 - 2004) that some customers wondered why their table had more knots (or less knots) than those on the showroom floor. The same question arose from customers interested in high-end granite table sets. The answer is simple. God made it that way. That's not sarcasm, that's reality. When stone is cut from a mountain in India that piece of stone is going to have different character than the one cut from the next mountain over. The same goes with a wood table. Each tree is a little different and the character is to be enjoyed as a part of creation. So if you are ready buy a real wood table or a granite dinette, be prepared to enjoy years of nature right there in your home.

What are dinettes anyway?

One thing I've found in recent years is that the word "dinette" is not used as often. Many young people think it's a room next to the kitchen or a 50's style restaurant table. The word "dinette" can be used to describe those things, but it is traditionally used to describe the table and chairs you would have in your kitchen area. Basically (dinette = kitchen table + chairs). Make sense? Many people over the age of 30 will find this a little redundant, but it's interesting how certain words change or are lost from generation to generation. Anyway, I'm rambling on, hop on over to Kitchen Tables and More and shop/learn how many "dinettes" are available.

Making Room For Round

Need help fitting a round kitchen table in a tight space? Well the solution is actually simple. Rotate the kitchen table so the chairs fit into the corner of the room. Enjoy my lovely layout of the dinette above!