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Antique Table as Kitchen Island

14 years ago

Has anyone used an antique table as a kitchen island? If so, do you have pics? Would you do it again?

I'm currently contemplating this in our soon-to-be-remodeled kitchen. I figure it can't hurt to try it, and if it ends up that we don't have enough storage or don't like it, I can always replace it with a couple of cabinet bases and a top.

I was thinking of maybe putting a butcher block on top of this, maybe casters, a towel bar, and some baskets and my Kitchen Aid mixer on the shelf underneath.

The size is about 31" by 5' long. The length is as long as we can go, and the skinny width means I have a bit more clearance all the way around, which we definitely need in our small space.

Thoughts? Thanks!

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Comments (16)

User
14 years ago
I think it's a neat idea though I don't know as I'd call the above antique looking. At least not to me. Will you keep it white? If you use casters make sure they are locking casters.
Also make sure the cost of this isn't more than what you could make one yourself. It looks as though it's made from two bys and one bys. Which reminds me if they don't measure as full sizes, as in a full two inches, then it's not an antique.
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hilltop_gw
14 years ago
I agree with justgotabme, it looks rustic rather than antique. What will your cabinets, countertop & flooring be like?
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kimberlyrkb
Original Author
14 years ago
You're right Just, probably not true antique, and I could probably make something like this fairly easily. I am not necessarily set on this one specifically, but I think I like the concept.

Good point on the locking casters. Thanks!
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kimberlyrkb
Original Author
14 years ago
Cabinets will be painted cream, not sure yet what countertops and the floors will be wood (not sure yet what color/kind).
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User
14 years ago
Kimberly, I always think "can I make this cheaper?" before I buy something. Call me cheap, but that's just the way I am. Ofcourse you have to think about "will I make this" too. LOL
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bac717
14 years ago
A few other things to consider are the height of the table and a source of electricity. Table height is generally 30", but counter height is usually 36". If you want to use your mixer or any other small appliances, like a blender, at the island, you'll have to move the island close enough to your counter to reach an outlet. I do like the look of a table as an island, tho.
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homebodymom
14 years ago
My kitchen island is an old table with a barn wood top. I love it! I found it at an antique festival. It is one of the most functional pieces in my home and also one of my favorite finds. The barn wood top is old and stained, the back side is entirely covered with old tin ceiling tiles, and the front is 2 shelves of open storage. I can pull hot items out of the stove and put them them right on top of it and never worry! I can't imagine where I stored everything this piece holds for me before I bought it! By the way, I have honey colored maple cabinets and a matching hutch and this piece is green with a dark barn wood top. The fact that it doesn't match makes it even better as far as I am concerned!
Your table has great potential. I have a pretty good idea of what you might be going forand the storage your table offers will be great. Go for it- it will be worth it!!!
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bestyears
14 years ago
Hi Kimberly,
We did a similar thing with an old piece I got on CL. We put feet on it to bring it up to the right height, and added butcherblock to the top. I really love it!
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ttodd
14 years ago
I desperately want to do something similar someday!
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kimberlyrkb
Original Author
14 years ago
Gorgeous island, bestyears! I love that. And homebodymom, yours sounds very pretty, too.

I frequent lots of antique and junk stores as well as festivals, so I think I'll keep looking. While I think the table I'm looking at has great potential, I'm not 100% certain it's what I'm looking for.

Thanks for the comments!
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jlj48
14 years ago
Love yours Best years. Homebodymom - can you post a photo of yours?
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homebodymom
14 years ago
bestyears- your island is beautiful!!! I love how you finished it. Craigslist comes thru again!!!

Joanie38- I have been looking for the USB cable for my camera for 2 weeks now. I hope they sell a "universal" cable that I can buy at walmart....... will post pics asap.
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kjmama
14 years ago
We found a wonderful old wedding chest, about 1.5x1.5 maybe 2x2? It works great to set milk on from fridge, hold something while transferring to another work area. It is charming and works as a pantry too. I love it. It fits perfectly in our space. It is not as tall as the rest of the counters, which would be nice. It is not my main work space. Sorry you can't see the detail, but has lovely carving on the front. We have about 2.5 feet around it.
{{!gwi}}From 264 Adams Place Drive
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furletcity
14 years ago
I love the idea!!My island is along the lines of bestyears. It's a two-piece antique hutch that was joined with an old bookcase to form a short wide "H".We also topped ours with butcher block.You have a great idea. If that table doesn't work out, I'm sure you'll find something that's perfect!

This is the top of the hutch with an added base to correct the height.

The back of the bookcase forms the middle span of the "H".

The bottom of the hutch.

The front of the bookcase provides some storage.
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Oakley
14 years ago
Beautiful islands! I hope others adds pictures. I'm looking for something small to put in the center of my kitchen, similar to Kjmama's. I want a daker color to off set the white cabinets.

Kimberly, I really like the table! It's a "farm" style to me, which is my favorite style in a kitchen. If it's a good price, I'd buy it! You can easily paint or distress it.
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User
14 years ago
Great islands here. I'm so wanting to find some things to make into an island. I'd have to sell it since I have a great, but basic style island already.
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