Dining chairs for antique pine farmhouse table

16 years ago

I have picked out an antique pine farmhouse table that I've only seen once and am waiting until house is finished before we pick it up. I am looking for dining chairs, but not sure what I want. I know what I don't want - Windsor chairs, or the plain ladderback, even though I know that's what usually goes with this type table. I want something comfortable, with the host and hostess chairs being upholstered perhaps? Haven't found anything yet that comes close. Suggestions welcome! Thanks.

Comments (7)

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iCustomSofa
16 years ago
Buy the chairs that go with the table then take them to a upholster to upholster the seat, he may have to cut an inch or so off the bottoms of the legs because of the higher seat.
wodka
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks, rmanbike. That's the problem. The store where I bought the table specializes in the farm tables, but their selection of chairs is limited, more of a fishing/log cabin look. I probably should have thought about it before I bought the table, but I just fell in love with the table right away.
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Thanks so much for all the great ideas and opinions. Here is a little more info. It's actually all one piece and not a top and bottom and there were never doors on it. There is a label somewhere that says "True Grand Rapids-Cabinet Making Certified" although they advertised it as being in excellent condition it's definitely not. I like the examples that were posted and my family room has a side table and coffee table that are distressed off white (Broyhill Attic Heirloom series) but the wall behind it will be a tan color when the drywall is finished in a week or two, the floor it will sit on will be honey oak and the chairs around the table are black. My table actually matches the color of the piece now but I always have a table cloth on it these days (I've got 4 kids). I've kicked around the idea of going barn red but either black, off white, or red, I'm just not sure the formal piece will look right going rustic although some of the examples above have that same formal look and they painted up very nice. I'll try to post pictures of the surroundings tomorrow. Thanks again for the ideas and opinions.
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I like the dark too, but think you should do a natural finish. To me this means stain it how you want, waterlox it or something else that will wear and can be easily repaired, or that can just wear and get some patina. My sister and sister in law just bought beautiful tables that have a fancy finish, and on the first use there were tears when something spilled or a child's fairy wand scratched it. There was really no great way to repair it because it was a hard finish at the surface and that was damaged. For your table, you want it to be well loved (I have one like this too, I posted it on your last post on this topic) and it will get scratches and spills and it should be a great place to gather and hang out vs. a "keep away from the precious table" kind of piece. So, look for something that soaks into the wood -- I used this product 15 years ago by Minwax (they don't make it anymore) that had a stain and a sealer all in one. Every couple of years I take a cloth and wipe on another coat and the table is rich looking again -- I don't bother to sand out the scratches and stuff --- but could. It doesn't require a furniture refinisher. Also, my sister who bought a fancy table and had the fairy wand incident found a website called the furniture butler. They have lots of waxes and finishes that can do wonders.... even repairing her situation. Good luck, can't wait to see it! It is already beautiful! Here is a link that might be useful: the furniture butler
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Worldmom-beautiful family! You and your dh look like teenagers, still! I love the story about your table. We are following in your footsteps-needing a larger table (our 11th is due in August). I really like the RH tables, too, but they are out of my budget! :) Hopefully my dh will have time to build our table sometime in the midst of this remodel. Right now, we have the table that my FIL made that my dh grew up eating at. We almost fit at it still... Have you looked at finishing your table with Monocoat, like RH mentions? We used it on our walnut floor in the kitchen, and it is holding up very well-amazingly well considering the use and abuse it gets from our large famiy! I didn't think their clear oil did much for white oak, but they have many colors, too. We used chocolate on our floor. Enjoy your new table! I'm sure you will have many happy meals at it with your family!
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So update on the table. My wonderful step dad who also happens to be a carpenter by trade, offered to build us a new tabletop however we want it! He plans on shipping it in two parts since he lives half way across the country but I'm ecstatic! He's currently finishing recreating this beautiful West Elm shelf for us: West Elm Round Wooden Shelf I believe, I will go ahead and paint the bottom white and allow the new wood top to take over the rest. I just wanted to extend my appreciation again to everyone whom replied. I hope that it is able to help others too!
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dcollie
16 years ago
Windsor chairs are FAR stronger than Ladderbacks. A properly made Windsor (bore and wedge construction) will last for generations. Most think windsor chairs more comfortable as well, if they have the correct scooped seat.
backsweat
16 years ago
Check out Nichols and Stone. You can google them and check their website, though the website doesn't do justice for the quality and color/distress options of their chairs. We got a table from the same type of outfit and chairs elsewhere. Kids, so we went with benches on the sides and Nichols/Stone chairs on the ends. Good luck
brenda_md
16 years ago
Wodka,

Just a word of caution in purchasing chairs for your antique table. We purchased an antique table some 20 odd years ago when we built our house (also had to wait for the house to be completed before pickup). Our friends who are avid antique collectors warned us that truly antique tables generally are shorter than our modern tables and to be careful of chair height when we purchased them. We found antique chairs to go with the table and they also set lower than modern chairs. Our table and chairs are from the 1850's.

The table had one leg shorter than the others so we had to put a coaster under it. Then we decided to put coasters under all legs (requiring an extra one under the short leg) to give a little extra height. This was perfect. We would not be able to add chair pads as you would not be able to sit comfortably with your legs under the table. If your table does not have an apron as mine does, you may not be as impacted. Just be aware when you purchase your chairs and enjoy your table!

Here is a link that might be useful:
kmealy
16 years ago
Browse here for a number of chair options.

I'm partial to Windsors, myself.

Here is a link that might be useful: List of chair types
wodka
Original Author
16 years ago
Thank you all for your excellent suggestions. We will be picking our table up soon and I think I'm just going to see how it looks in the dining room and play with all of your ideas before I purchase the chairs. When I get moved in and figure out how to take pictures, I'll have to post some pictures. Again, thanks so much.

Dining chairs for antique pine farmhouse table

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Dining chairs for antique pine farmhouse table

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