no idea on how.... but I say go dark! (but I love dark...)

I think it'd be a nice compliment to your white cabs etc...

I think it should be similar to the mantle or the china cabinet, or both (if possible).

I'm another vote for dark. I, too, think it would offer a great contrast to white cabinets and I just like dark better. Disclaimer - I have white cabinets and a dark farm table!

That looks very similar to my old farmhouse table. I loved it, but it didn't go in my current home so I sold it on CL. Anyhow just to give you an idea of how the dark table with black chairs would look, I'll post a pic.

Another vote for the dark finish.

Love that dark finish!! You did an awesome job on the table...way to go!

Adrienne - just to clarify, the table is temporarily parked in our living room because this is what our dining room looks like at the moment! ;o)

I also like the dark stain: and, where did you see those chairs? I like that style a lot and think they will look great with your table.

I've seen a living room decorated just like that! But it was last year and I don't miss it!

Go dark. Recently was reading about finishes. Shellac. Would you believe that's what I should have used on a cabinet I had?? Who knew.

Love the dark, and it will show off the grain to its best advantage.

I remember reading online one time about a technique used to emulate the old Mission finish on antique furniture. I think you mixed the stain into the oil based clear finish. I no longer have the bookmark, but maybe do an internet search for something like that.

There are also instructions on the Waterlox site for mixing stain into the first coat of Waterlox, then adding more clear coats. This would make a good, tough finish for a family table.

The Mission finish often included fuming the wood with alcohol or whatever, creating that classic gray-dark look.

Here, if you want to go dark, I would seriously consider experimenting with aniline dyes. Much easier to bring it down as dark as you want, and more importantly, get good depth without overdoing the stain.

worldmom.. the table is just beautiful. I like the darker finish.

Another thought...since you have black chairs, you could paint the legs black and give the top a nice walnut stain.
It's definitely a gorgeous table!!! Congratulations to your beautiful family. :)

I like the dark finish too, but with all those kids is it going to get scratched? Will you care? It might be easier to have a natural finish, but then, again, your dad could leave you a touch up kit. :)

I'll pile on with "dark" -- like the trim around the door flanking your beautifully-decorated kitchen. I have the same interior decorator ;)

As close to natural is my vote. That table is stunning! Lucky girl, great dad.

I too have seen a living room decorated like that. The
narrow ailes, a natural rustic feel of cardboard boxes,
wood gingerly piled to accent the changes in trim color
and the glorious red hue mixed with black and white.
Truly out of House Beautiful or Architectural digest.
I think it is called American Family Roller Coaster Ride.
: )
~boxer

My vote is the same dark color you have on your window
wood trim.

BUT, if you are changing all your trim to white
I would go for a lighter color on your table like this.

Or what MARCOLO said. She gives great advice. I am not sure
if this color is exactly what she meant but this is something
that triggered my brain.

As for the chairs.... I grew up with the spindle back chairs
and my complaint was whenever we had extra people at the
table it was very crowded because of the shape of the chair.
It does not lend itself to being pushed together.
HOwever, if you love this look as my grandmother did,
I would go for it.
~boxer

So sorry,
I re-read the post you already have the chairs. I am
so sorry I even commented. I just remember grandmais house
and fighting to sit close to her.
smiles
~boxer

I like the idea of black legs to go with the chairs, maybe antiqued a bit and kind of a medium tone for the top. Sounds like you might need to do some experimenting. You could even wipe on a milk paint.

Here's my very old tavern table with black legs.

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

I am sure no matter what you choose it will be beautiful. I am very impressed with your work, you should be very proud. It is a perfect addition to your home.

Beautiful no matter what the finish is.

Oh, prill, I WANT your table and chairs and pie safe and rug...PUUULLEEZZ? If you ever want to store it somewhere, I'll come and get it.

Natural is okay, dark is fine, but your table is too pretty to "weather".

What a beautiful table and it will always be so special to you and your family! I vote for dark and love the idea of black legs and trestle to go with the chairs. I have no idea what products to use, unfortunately. Looking forward to seeing what you decide and more pics (hint, hint)!

White oak is actually quite a bit harder than the English pine of the Restoration table. That country pine furniture is made from reclaimed old pine and is finished with Briwax. Initially it is thinned for penetration and additional coats can be warmed to help soak in. Briwax comes in different shades for light to dark. Care is easy for a rustic "in use" look. Just rewax. Another option for a bit more endurance is multiple coats of tung oil without any additions. Let each coat dry before putting on another. May take five days, which is why this process is not seen commercially without an additive for hardening. But pure is best. Finish with a coat of Renaissance wax. Read the reviews. You've already put in the work, so enjoy it.

Here is a link that might be useful: Renaissance wax

Thanks Pinch_Me. I love the table too. I just moved it to the LR to use as a desk because of some ice dam flooding in the DR. I really like it there, so I may leave it. I have a weakness for pie safes and collect them. Bad habit. So, when I need storage, I'll let you know. Also, Happy birthday to your kitchen.

Sorry to hijack the thread... I like Dan's idea about the tung oil and wax.