Antique Farmhouse Kitchen Tables

There are few furniture pieces with more warmth and character than antique farmhouse kitchen tables. In general, an item is considered antique when it is at least 100 years old. This means that these seasoned tables will have many decades of beautiful patina built upon their original finishes.

Antique Kitchen Table Basics

If your home is decorated in a casual style like country farmhouse, rustic contemporary, or country French, then an old style kitchen table would make a wonderful addition. The handcrafted, quality construction of a vintage harvest table has already stood the test of time and will continue to provide years of enjoyment.

The style of an antique farmhouse table is usually very utilitarian in design. Simple, clean lines and sturdy legs are indicative of the look. The most common old table shape is rectangle, but you can also find vintage tables in soft round shapes.

Many of the authentic antique farmhouse kitchen tables come from French and English sources. However, there are also antique tables from the colonial days of America which can be found mainly on the East coast and in the New England area. Typically the best place to find these genuine antique tables is through professional antique dealers, estate sales, auctions, and online sites like eBay. Whether you choose an imported or domestic antique harvest table, look for key construction elements and any documentation that can confirm the piece’s authenticity.

Another twist on antique farmhouse kitchen tables is the creation of new pieces which are made from aged materials like authentic rustic barnwood. Using reclaimed wood from barns, factories, and other old structures is environmentally friendly and is a satisfying way to own a little piece of history. Barnwood in particular will feature terrific weathering from years of exposure to the elements. When harvest kitchen tables are made from reclaimed sources, there are truly no two tables alike. Each one is unique due to markings and pittings that naturally occur as wood ages.

Antique Farmhouse Table Reproductions

The rarity of true antique pieces can make them expensive and hard to find, so many people purchase replicas of original designs as an alternative. Another benefit of buying reproduction antique farmhouse kitchen tables is the ability to customize. These vintage style tables can often be made to your specifications with a custom height, color, and wood species.

Aged paint finishes can also be replicated with base colors that have been layered and then distressed to replicate the effect of a time-worn finish. Gel stains or aging waxes can also recreate the look of an antique farmhouse kitchen table by establishing an instant patina.

Another area where reproductions are useful is when selecting dining chairs for your vintage kitchen table. Chairs which are only made to look old will be more stable and supportive than some of the antique chairs which are available. Consider a combination of chairs and benches for an authentic farmhouse table look.

Resources for Antique Farmhouse Kitchen Tables

Epel and Company Antiques – A broad inventory of European pieces from the seventeenth, eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.

English Antique Imports - Reproductions of old farmhouse tables, built using traditional methods, and meticulously hand finished.

Restoration Hardware – Beautiful, vintage style harvest tables that will enhance any décor.

Old Farm Table Company - Specializes in farm tables made by hand from solid American wood since the late 18th century.

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