I do like it, both the style and the wood. I have some Stickley furniture and know it will be something to hand down. That's not to say that your present table isn't beautiful as well. If it were me, it would depend on the price. I know that if it was something I had wanted and then found at the right price, it probably would bug me that I let it go. I also like the chairs. I can easily tell you that the quality is definitely better than PB, the construction etc. It gives you the flexibility that you are looking for . You can make it small or open it up.It sounds like you really want it so go for it.

I love the Stickley. It's the kind of piece that gives you a warm feeling just looking at it. I would love to touch it right now!

The PB table is really nice, but Stickley makes my heart sing.

If it is in the budget, I'd say buy it and sell the PB table on CL.

Let us know what you decide.

Lisa

I love that Stickley table and would get it in a heartbeat, though the leaf storage at the base seems a tad awkward. Do you need to stores the leaves there or can you put them elsewhere--like under a bed?

I had a similar drop leaf table for many years and finally sold it about 2 years ago. The versatility was wonderful since I used it in a couple of apartments as well as our home. There was a period of several years when my two teenagers were young that I had set up the formal dining area as a playroom. I would keep the table dropped down to the minimum and could always find a spot to tuck it away. Then when I wanted to do a formal dinner, perhaps 1-2x/ year, I would stash all the toys away in the garage, bring in the table and leaves and presto I had seating for 10.

It definitely gets my vote and great thing about CL you can always resell the PB table for probably close to what you paid for it.

sounds like it was what you were originally looking for, but you couldn't find it so you got something else. What you have presently is lovely, but you migh ask yourself, "how will I feel in 6 months if I DON'T get it?"

It's lovely, and versatile. Either choice is good.

Thanks all. Val, I was wondering why you sold your drop leaf table? Part of the reason for my post is wondering what the down side of it could be. I did put all three leaves in and the table still seemed solid, although there would have to be some "give" when you add so much to the surface. Probably too much analysis here, but I wonder why they don't make these tables anymore? When you expand them fully, do you give up a lot of stability? Oh, and the leaves were just placed under the table temporarily. They come in a box, and would be stored elsewhere.

After reading my own post over again, I guess it sounds obvious that the Stickley table has a lot going for it. Just the concept; "Stickley vs. PB" is really a bit of a no brainer. The biggest reason to keep the PB table (besides cost) would be the solid, sturdy feel that it has. It also has a nice golden pine finish that is kind of a nice contrast with all the cherry I have in the kitchen already. I've got another photo that shows the whole kitchen a little better:

{{!gwi}}

{{!gwi}}

The PB table has a chunkier, slightly rustic look that I actually like especially with a lot of the SW art and decor I have. The Stickley looks more refined. Bottom line is, it's got a name going for it, it's solid cherry, more of a "one of a kind" piece, and it wins the versatility award for sure.

As far as $$$ goes, net loss for me after selling the PB table would be $850-1000 depending on how lucky I get on CL. For that, I would gain the aforementioned features of the Stickley table plus four additional chairs. I don't really need the chairs as I have 7 of the Windsors already, but they are nice and solid, and again very versatile. So, it's not like a CL find that you have to snap up before someone else does. It's definitely an investment that I need to think through, and I do appreciate your help.

Does it still sound like a no-brainer??

Thanks

Oh my goodness yes. Definitely get the Stickley table if you can. Yes. Yes. Yes.

I say go for it. It sounds like something you have wanted for a while, and have now found. It is a beautiful set. Personally it would drive me crazy if I didn't get it after wanting it for so long!
As far as the price, don't forget that it is a buyers market out there. Make a reasonable offer and see what happens. You may be surprised.
Let us know what you decide!

The Stickley table is beautiful. I wonder as far as versatility if the legs are far enough apart for chairs to slide in. I mention it because I bought a small Hepplewhite table expecting to do this and chairs do not fit between the legs. This may not matter to you at all.

Thanks eandhl. Good point. I didn't measure the exact distance between the legs, but have the top measurement. When it's at its smallest size, it's 24 1/2 inches wide, and the chair legs are 17, so that allows for a 3 1/2 inch leg on each side. It should work, but I'll probably ask them to double check those measurements at the store.

When you have all three leaves in, what happens with that extra and seemingly shorter leg that supports the drop leaf? We have an antique drop leaf with almost-to-the floor-drop leaves. The extra supporting legs are the same length as the other legs even when closed (they slide around so there are two legs together. The table is pretty, but I would check the width between the legs to make sure a chair fits and check out how the ends are supported with all the leaves in place.

Thanks cyn427, again, a great piece of information. Good news, the store checked the measurements and there is room for a chair, no problem. The other issue you mentioned is something I've seen with other drop leaf tables, but this one has a large bracket that supports the leaf, and it is tapered in such a way that one can sit comfortably; plenty of legroom.
SO, of course I bought it! Thanks all for helping with this decision. I have more trouble deciding on something when I don't really need it, just want it!!! I won't get it for a couple of weeks because it's located out of town, but when I do get it I'll post pics.

I am glad you decided on the table. That Stickley table appears to be from the period where they had become a very small shop and were limping along producing good quality furniture in small quantities. After the Craftsman period ended Stickley went through a transitional period where they tried to adapt their current craftsman production to a Colonial Revival style (Which was becoming popular because of the Sesquicentennial) and they produced some real ugly ducklings (Prairie style settees with turned spindles?). Ultimately they settled on making Colonial Revival furniture, pure and simple (such as yours), and thats what they made for decades: there was always a market for it but it was not a hot trend. They almost went out of business until people started collecting arts and crafts furniture in earnest (and this was somewhat celebrity-driven: I believe Barbra Streisand, Steven Spielberg, Diane Keaton, and and others really drove up the prices for the original). EJ Audi bought the company and started producing the craftsman pieces again.

The Pottery Barn table is a nice piece too...I have used it for clients. Since it comes apart, you may be able to use it somewhere else. I have two dining tables myself (and no dining room) My Stickley table is the one that comes apart so it is in the big bedroom as a library table (because I could get it apart and into the that part of the house).

Thanks palimpest, that's great information. I was guessing the table was from the 50's or 60's, but I'll try to find out more about the age when I pick it up. It's kind of fun to have something with an interesting history.

I guess I can now cross off "drop leaf table" from my wish list :)

I really like both tables, but I agree that it's nice to have something that has an interesting history.

What I really love are your chairs! They are not your run of the mill Windsors! I like run of the mill Windsors plenty, but these are so nice. Beautiful!

OOOhh yes- get the stickley- if you pass on it, 5 years from now you might be thinking....why didn't I get that table?