There is something missing in your kitchen, no? You come to work every day, get your coffee and think that this would be cozier. Well, I know what it is like. I spent years trying out various kitchen arrangements before I can say to you; nothing impresses a space more than having the right rustic kitchen table.
Don forget sterile modern-looking stuff that should be in a showroom. We mean tables that have a personality, a history and plenty of character that will make your coffee in the morning taste even better. You have to take my word on this–I have done said mistakes several times over on the way, and I am here to rescue you of the horror that is furniture shopping.
The Farmhouse Classic: Weathered Wood Wonder
Let us begin with the most obvious one that never faded. Weathered wood farmhouse tables are a good way to add immediate farmhouse charm to any kitchen. I recall entering the kitchen of my friend, Sarah and feeling instantly as though I had entered a country cottage.
The imperfection of weathered wood is its gorgeousness. All them small dents, scrapes, and fades? They are not flaws, reason to talk about. Markings should be a story and honestly, is that not what we should have inside our abodes?
Here are the things that make these tables unique: • Natural artist touch that gives it the extra charm • The sturdy construction to stand the test of daily family use • Timeless style that will not look out-dated in five years of time • Easy up-keep ( a little wear adds the character)
Pro tip: You do not have to worry about maintaining perfection. The initial nick you cut into it will sting, but then, you will find out that it is simply a contribution to the personality.
Reclaimed Barn Wood: History on Your Table
Here is a secret which I will tell you. My favorite rustic is reclaimed barn wood tables. It is a magic to have breakfast in wood, which used to house livestock or hay. It is sort of like having a piece of American history in your kitchen.
My first reclaimed wooden table was an entry that local artisan had reclaimed after going to a 19 th -century barn. What wood could tell! Not only that, but you also create a favor to the environment by recycling old material by using it again.
| Wood Age | Character Level | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| 50-100 years | High | $$$ |
| 100+ years | Maximum | $$$$ |
The reason reclaimed barn wood is so perfect: • Each plank is one of a kind, with grain patterns and color that can never be duplicated by anything you buy • The wood has already stood the test of time, resisting decades of weathering • You will be using furniture that has actual historic value • It is not only sustainable but also sustainable: It is environmentally friendly (earning you favor with the earth-hugging crowd)
Just be warned— really.one-of-a-kind salvages can land you with a big price tag. IMHO though, id much rather sting on the real deal then fair to buy fake..distressed furniture.
Live Edge Magic: Nature’s Own Design
Have you ever looked at a live edge table and thought, how do they have the natural beauty of trees in that perfectly! These works maintain the initial edge of the trunk of the tree, all its curves and organic forms. It is as though you are hacking a piece of a forest and taking it home to your kitchen.
Okay, to be truthful I saw live edge furniture and it felt unfinished to me. Was I ever wrong! As soon as a person notices the way the natural grain of the wood runs down the ends of the piece, they see that it is machine-cut edges that are the strange aspect.
What is so special about live edge tables: • Its irregular shape can never be repeated • Shows wood grain in all of its glory • Unique piece that starts conversation and guests will always take notice of it • Can fit any style of house, whether rustic or modern decor works with it
It is all about finding a good size for your space. These tables can make or break you so measure twice and cut once. Trust me I learned that one the hard way when my first live edge table almost didn’t make it through the door 🙂
Industrial Rustic: Metal Meets Wood Charm
That is where we get into some interesting territory. Industrial rustic tables are made out of aging timber on the top along with metal legs or a metal base which gives it a tough surface but still classy. Imagine an old industrial building/comfortable farmhouse.
This would be particularly good in a current house where you would like a little rustic coziness but not a fully country cottage. Structural interest is created with the metal base, and things are kept warm and inviting with the wood top.
Fits best: • High-ceilinged urban lofts • Modern-farmhouse design aesthetics • Homes containing mixed textures and materials • Anyone who likes contrast in his or her design
I have also found these tables to photograph really well and that may be a consideration depending on whether or not you are a sharing kind of person on social media like home photos. Just saying.
Trestle Table Tradition: Old World Craftsmanship
Trestle bars remind me of medieaval times (in good way). These beautiful piece has the horizontal surface surface that is supported by two legs that are tied together by stretchers. The design has been about for centuries because, really, it works.
These tables are astonishingly stable thanks to the stretcher system- great for families who actually use their kitchen table to hold items, and not just to look nice. A trestle would work just as well carrying homework projects, taking apart the games at games nights.
Highlights of construction: • X-shaped or A-shaped leg supports to be as stable as possible • As little hardware as possible, to demonstrate woodworking expertise • Be easy to assemble/disassemble when relocating (a medieval design innovation that still makes sense) • The frame (and thus the frame legs) work well to support bench seating when the table is used as a desk
Butcher Block Beauty: Functional and Gorgeous
Now we have butcher block tables- workhorses of rustic kitchen tables. These wood surfaces, originally intended to be used by real butchers, (hence the name), are thick enough to take whatever your family can throw at them.
I am fond of how butcher block takes on age. Butcher block looks so beautiful after years of use as compared to other surfaces where wear is perceived as damage. Its character is composed of every knife mark and water ring.
Why butcher block was a good idea • Absurdly resilient construction techniques • Surface is food-safe with proper care • Can be refurbished in case it becomes damaged • Old fashioned- timeless aesthetic which never goes out of style
FYI, it is fairly easy to care of, a little oiling once-in-a-while and no water left to rest on the top. That is, not too difficult, is it?
Distressed Paint Finish: Shabby Chic Meets Rustic
Kitchen tables with distressed kitchen paint are the right kind of things because it gives that kind of aged, been in the family forever, aesthetic. The trick is the distressing it just right–not enough and it is make-believe, too much and it is in fact furniture abuse.
I have watched individuals in distressful effort to perform DIY distressing… with mixed success. The results of some pieces appear to be naturally aged but some look like they were a victim of a natural disaster. Do not feel comfortable with a paint job? Feel like purchasing a professionally distressed item may be a good bet.
Functions of distressing that work: • Adding layers of paint with carefully sanded areas • Milk paint finishes to make them look like they are aged • Wax resistance that gives it the natural sign of wear • Hardware placements to make a fake wear point
Round Rustic Tables: Cozy Conversation Starters
Round rustic tables are the last topic. Sitting around a round table is somehow inherently cosy there are no politics of whoever is sitting at the head of the table with everyone being at the same level and the conversation flows so much better.
Round tables are particularly effective in smaller kitchens in you need to get the maximum seating in the minimum space without sharp corners occupying space. They are also great in families with small children (no risk of corner injuries to fret about).
Round table benefits: • Easier flow of conversation between people seated at the table • Saves space in a small kitchen• Eliminates corner injuries (parents will like this) • Service is simpler to wipe around than rectangular tables
There is just one disadvantage. The tricky part with not-so-simple rectangular tables is that you can run into problem solving (pun intended) the chair dilemma. But the cozy-factor is well worth the minor aggravation.
Making Your Choice: What Works for Your Space
Having gone through all these ideas you are probably going to wonder what rustic kitchen table goes best in your home. My 2 cents: it is the right table to keep, not the one that looks good on your decor, it is adapted to your life.
Think over the way you use your kitchen table. Family dinners? Take a good strong farmhouse or trestle table. Cosy dinner in two? Such a round table could be ideal. Require a dining also serves as a work place? Use butcher block all the way.
You should avoid being swayed by fads- rustic tables are purchases you want to last you decades. Buy what you actually need rather than what will look cool on Pinterest (though obviously the bonus waking up and realizing that you actually have something that works and is Pinterestable is a win).
Your country cottage table ought to be a place that you are at home. It is the place where memories are created, people talk and life is served during dinners. Make a reasonable selection and you are guaranteed of a piece that gives warmth and character to your kitchen many years to come.
Are you ready to go shopping? Here are some tips: make sure you measure twice before you create your space, think about your needs regarding your lifestyle and never fear investing in quality. Next year you will be glad you did it every morning at coffee.