Choose the Perfect Farmhouse Kitchen Table for Your Family Meals
When it comes to furniture that brings people together, few pieces are more vital than the kitchen table. For families, the kitchen table often becomes the heart of the home where memorable meals and meaningful conversations happen. If you're hoping to create a warm, welcoming kitchen for your family to gather around, a farmhouse style kitchen table is an excellent choice.
Farmhouse kitchen tables exude coziness and community with their timeworn, rustic aesthetic. Choosing the right farmhouse kitchen table set for your family's needs will ensure you create a space that nurtures lasting bonds and happy moments. As you browse the many beautiful farmhouse table options available, keep the following factors in mind to select the perfect set for your family meals and lifestyle.
Determine the Right Size
One of the most important considerations when purchasing a farmhouse kitchen table is determining the appropriate size for your family and available space. Measure the area where you plan to place the table and visualize how movement and seating capacity will work.
For a family of four, a six or seven-foot farmhouse table typically offers ample seating and workspace. Eight-foot farmhouse tables comfortably accommodate larger families or if you plan to host frequent dinner parties. For extended families, holidays or times when you need additional seating, some farmhouse table sets include an extra leaf that can be inserted into the table to expand it.
It's better to err on the side of a slightly bigger table if you have the room. You can always add decor elements like plants or benches around a generously sized table to fill the space. Just be sure to leave enough room for pulling out chairs and easy circulation from the kitchen to dining area.
Select a Durable and Beautiful Material
One element that makes farmhouse kitchen tables so beloved is the beautiful aged wood often used to construct them. Opting for a solid wood table made from oak, maple, pine or other natural woods will ensure your table can withstand years of use.
Look for wood that is kiln dried with a moisture content below 6% to prevent warping. Harder wood like oak is incredibly durable, while softer pine wood gives a more rustic feel. The wood can be left unfinished, stained, whitewashed, or painted depending on the look you prefer. Try a weathered gray-colored stain or off-white rub-through paint for a timeworn farmhouse aesthetic.
For a fully reclaimed appearance, many tables use wood sourced from old barns, factories or homes. Reclaimed wood offers rich patina and vintage character no new wood can replicate. Just be sure to ask about any defects and check stability.
Some farmhouse kitchen tables also feature a glass top. This could be ideal if you want to protect a beautiful reclaimed wood surface while still displaying its dynamic grain. Keep in mind glass tops do require more careful cleaning.
Choose Between a Round vs. Rectangular Shape
Farmhouse kitchen tables come in both round and rectangular shapes to fit different needs. Round tables promote intimate conversation and work better in small kitchens where a rectangular table might feel cramped. They also only need a small amount of space behind chairs to pull out from the table.
For larger families, rectangular tables maximize seating capacity and surface area. Bench seating also pairs more naturally with a rectangular table. However, you will need adequate room around the perimeter for guests to sit down and stand up.
Evaluate the layout of your kitchen and dining space when choosing between shapes. Check for any tight corners or narrow areas a round table could potentially fill better. Rectangular tables also come in square shapes for spaces where room length and width are equal.
Add Complementary Seating
The chairs and benches that surround your farmhouse table should match the welcoming style and comfort of the table itself. Look for seating with turned legs, ladderbacks, and decorative carvings or nailhead accents that complement your table base.
For cushioned seating, choose durable slipcover fabrics or leather in natural hues like tan or cream. Comfort features like curved backs and padded seats will ensure your family enjoys lingering around the table even after meals end.
Benches are another traditional farmhouse seating option that save space and allow more guests at the table. Bench seats only need room on one side to pull out for access. Keep in mind they do not offer the flexibility of individual chairs when you need to rearrange seating.
A few stools around the perimeter of the table provide handy additional places to pull up for casual family meals. Stools can also be tucked under the table when not in use.
Consider Built-in Storage Options
One way to keep your farmhouse kitchen table clear and clutter-free is to choose a set that incorporates storage solutions. Look for farmhouse kitchen tables with large drawers or cabinets built into the apron or base.
This hidden storage can house tablecloths, placemats, dinnerware sets and other essentials. Having these items right in the table keeps them organized and easily accessible for setting the table. Just be sure to avoid overloading the drawers or weighting them down unevenly.
Some farmhouse kitchen tables also have a bottom display shelf perfect for displaying pretty baskets, trays or ceramic pieces when not in use. Just check measurements to make sure you have enough clearance for seating.
Select a Washing Method to Maintain Appearance
Certain materials and finishes used in farmhouse kitchen tables will require specialized care. It's important to develop proper cleaning habits early on to keep your table looking pristine.
Unfinished and reclaimed wood surfaces should be cleaned using mild soap and water. Oil, wax or varnish finishes help protect the wood from moisture damage and staining over years of use. Avoid letting spills sit and promptly dry wet tabletops.
For painted finishes, use a gentle cleaner and dry the surface immediately with a soft cloth. Avoid abrasive scrubbers. Periodically apply new coats of food-safe sealer to renew protection.
Glass table tops can be cleaned using window cleaners or a mix of mild soap and water. Dry thoroughly with a lint-free cloth to avoid streaks. Avoid placing hot pans directly on glass tops.
Style Your Farmhouse Table for Family Meals
The beauty of a farmhouse kitchen table lies in its welcoming, rustic simplicity. When styling your table for family meals, maintain this timeworn warmth with natural textures and elements.
Rough-hewn wood boards, galvanized metal buckets and baskets filled with fresh fruits or wildflowers make charming rustic centerpieces. Play with different tabletop vignettes by season using gourds and mini pumpkins in the fall and fresh herbs and greenery during summer.
Mix up your table linens by layering burlap runners over classic checkered cloths or using tea-stained lace over warm wood. Add interest with handmade pottery plates and vintage silverware.
Aim for an artfully unplanned feel with charming imperfections. The memories made around your family farmhouse table are what matter most.
Create a Welcoming Ambiance Around the Table
Beyond the table itself, consider the surrounding space when designing your farmhouse kitchen. Paint colors, lighting and wall accents all impact the ambiance where your family gathers.
For a cozy farmhouse kitchen, stick to a light and airy color palette with neutrals like cloud white, warm ivory or pale blue-gray on the walls. Add character by displaying collected antiques, framed family photos or vintage advertising prints.
Ensure your kitchen and dining area are well-lit so your farmhouse table stays safely functional. Install a pendant light or sconces above the table for focused task lighting. Extra fixtures like chandeliers or lantern-style pendants illuminate the full space.
Placing your farmhouse table in front of a charming window creates pleasant natural light during daytime meals. For more seating, built-in or freestanding benches below the windows boost both function and character.
Finding the perfect farmhouse kitchen table set means taking time to carefully assess your family's lifestyle needs. Seek out durable materials, ample proportions and smart storage solutions in a style that complements your home's cozy farmhouse spirit.
By keeping practical factors and personal style preferences in mind, you're sure to choose a farmhouse kitchen table that nurtures family bonding for years to come. Gather your loved ones close and start creating lasting memories around the farmhouse table you call home.