Style Your Kitchen With a Cozy Farmhouse Table Set
The farmhouse style is having a major moment in home decor and for good reason. Farmhouse tables exude cozy, vintage charm that can infuse personality into any kitchen or dining space. A round farmhouse table paired with complementary chairs creates an intimate gathering place for family meals and casual entertaining.
In this post, we'll walk through everything you need to know to choose and style the perfect farmhouse table set. From understanding vintage origins to shopping affordably to DIY refinishing, you'll learn how to pull off this look and enjoy all the benefits of a circular farmhouse table.
What is a Farmhouse Table?
A farmhouse table is defined by several signature features that evoke a rustic, timeworn style. The tabletop is usually wide and often round or oval in shape. The base consists of turned, tapered, or chunky legs.
Farmhouse tables are commonly crafted from woods like pine, oak, maple, and walnut. Distressing techniques involve sanding and chiseling to mimic signs of natural aging. This creates an antique appearance of nicks, dents, stains, and wormholes that add character.
The farmhouse aesthetic stems from vintage French country decor. Look for elegantly curved aprons, decorative carvings, and soft white and robin's egg blue hues on authentic antique pieces.
Benefits of a Round Farmhouse Table
The circular table shape saves precious square footage in cozy kitchens and dining areas. Without any sharp corners to work around, round tables can fit in tight spaces while still seating 4-6 people comfortably.
A circular surface also promotes lively conversation since no one is stuck at the head of the table. The intimate shape encourages connection.
Round farmhouse tables are also extremely versatile when it comes to pairing with different chair styles. From upholstered slipper chairs to backless benches, you have endless options to customize your seating.
How to Choose the Right Size
When determining the ideal farmhouse table dimensions, first look at the floor plan of your space. Measure to make sure there's enough room to accommodate the table diameter plus ample clearance.
Remember to account for the extra room needed when pulling chairs away from the table. Leave at least 36 inches behind each chair so diners can get in and out without bumping walls or cabinets.
For 4 people, a 48-inch round table is usually sufficient. Bump up to 60 inches for a 6 person table. Larger families may prefer a 72-inch table, although this may limit mobility in smaller spaces.
Top Places to Shop on a Budget
While authentic antique farmhouse tables can be pricey, there are plenty of ways to get the look without breaking your budget:
- Big box stores like IKEA and Target offer new mass-produced farmhouse style tables at wallet-friendly prices.
- Check Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, thrift stores, and garage sales for quality secondhand finds.
- Online retailers like Wayfair have a huge selection of circular farmhouse kitchen and dining sets for under $500.
Spotting Quality in Vintage Farmhouse Tables
When shopping vintage, keep an eye out for these indicators of a well-constructed solid wood table:
- Tight joints without seams or cracks.
- Smooth sanded distressing as opposed to splintering.
- No evidence of repairs like mismatched wood filler.
- Minimal wobbling from properly aligned legs.
Avoid tables with peeling laminate, water rings, or damage like deep gouges, splits in the wood, or infestations. While surface level issues can be remedied through refinishing, structural damage is costly to fix.
Styling Your Farmhouse Table
An easy way to play up the character of a farmhouse table is to layer rustic table linens. Mix and match burlap runners, cotton throws, or antique lace cloths for eclectic texture.
Draw the eye upward with a dramatic chandelier or pendant light centered above the table. For flowers, use a mason jar or milk can vase filled with daisies, baby's breath, or wildflowers.
For a centerpiece, arrange artful stacks of coffee table books interspersed with potted succulents in a galvanized tin pail. Candles in amber colored glass jars also add flattering ambiance.
DIY Refinishing Techniques
Breathing new life into a secondhand farmhouse table is rewarding and budget-friendly. Here are step-by-step instructions:
- Sand the existing finish using 60-80 grit paper until stripped to raw wood.
- Wipe clean of any dirt or dust.
- Stain using a wood conditioner first for even absorption. Apply stain in direction of wood grain.
- Seal with 3-4 coats of water-based polyurethane, sanding lightly between coats.
- Allow 1 week drying time before use.
For a bold look, opt for paint instead of stain. Sand the table before priming, then apply two coats of milk or chalk paint in your color choice. Protect with a polycrylic sealer.
Pulling Off the Look in Small Spaces
Maximize limited square footage with these tips for petite kitchens and dining areas:
- A pedestal base opens up visual space around a smaller 48" round table.
- Bench seating takes up less room than chairs when pushed in.
- A half circle banquette maximizes seating in a corner.
Place the table next to windows to keep sightlines open. A glass top and transparent acrylic chairs maintain an airy aesthetic.
Setting the Mood With Decor
Complete your farmhouse dining space with decor that enhances the rustic ambiance:
- Display etched stemware and stoneware on open shelving.
- Flank the table with a vintage sideboard and buffet.
- Hang a classic pendant light low above the table's center.
- Layer antique or vintage style area rugs underfoot.
Visit flea markets, thrift stores, even grandma's attic to curate unique decor. Mix in modern touches like black framed botanical prints for contrast.
Creating a cozy farmhouse dining nook is about more than just the table. But choosing the right circular table to anchor the space lays the foundation.
Keep scale and clearance in mind to select a round farmhouse table suited for your home's dimensions. Source it affordably from budget retailers, resale sites, or consignment shops. Then have fun styling your vintage find with lighting, linens, and decor that bring the rustic charm to life.