Ooooh, I love copper topped tables. That's what I was looking at for my breakfast area but the price was prohibitive.

Without prettying up the color names, blue and orange are nice together. You could still go with the grey/blue range and the copper would look fantastic. Any of the richer neutrals would work, too.

Thought of one caveat.

Make sure you see a sample of the copper before you paint. Depending on its patina, you might want to know what range of verdigris will appear.

Thanks, Parma-- too funny, I thought you would be disappointed that was considering copper.

I definitely will save the paint for last... but I could definitely see a blue or turquoise in there.

I am running into budget constraints too. My budget is lower now than when I first started looking-- and I have fallen for a table that is about twice what I want to spend.

I think an iron base would work too but I absolutely love this mesquite pedestal table.

Here is a link that might be useful: mesquite pedestal table

Arhaus has these copper tops. I like the base on the one you picked.

GTG...Bulls start in one minute. Go Bulls!

Here is a link that might be useful: arhaus

That is one beautiful table! I don't see Scandinavian at all (but can understand you wanting to do both, as I'm always mixing my love for both Old World and Cottage Country!), but it would be stunning in a dining room.

What type of chairs would you use?

Just noticed you said Gustavian, not Scandinavian. Oh well, I still love the table!

I am not sure what kind of chairs I would use-- I have seen the copper tables paired with chunky wood chairs, leather or tapestry.. I would likely lean towards a fabric chair. However, part of my deal with myself is that I will use my current chairs for awhile unless I get a rockin deal on a table. I currently have woven bamboo and woven fiber chairs (mismatched but similar) that work well with most woods.

I have been open to many options and all over the place with my dining room plans-- my main goal is for the room to be comfortable and bring some of the garden inside.

If I do get a copper table-- I will leave behind the gustavian idea (though as Parma has said, I could keep the colors) and probably also leave my plan to get vietri pottery.

In the end, I will get the first table that inspires me at a price I can justify.

(Gooooo Bulls!)

I didn't even know they made copper top tables. Wow, I learn stuff here all the time!

I really like both the ones in those links!

Of course, let us know if you get one!

Well, speaking from the vantage point of having had a hammered-copper-topped coffee table that was dined upon at least once a day :-) for about 3 1/2 years, they're a wee bit of a PITA. Mine did develop a nice "old penny" patina pretty quickly (which is good, because I've had to strip the patina about once a year because it got so uneven) but a single drop of anything acidic would eat the patina right off the surface in a matter of seconds and leave these weird pinky-copper spots. Very annoying when you're having spaghetti, what with its tendency to splatter! I waxed it one time but the wax layer was quite delicate and scratched off easily, allowing various substances to come in contact with the copper again. I also goofed once and set down a dish of hot food without a potholder or trivet, which discolored the copper. I love the table but it was just kind of annoying. Luckily I don't mind it looking rather banged-up. I only ever got a couple of tiny spots of verdigris, in places where DH dripped something and neither one of us saw it quickly, which is good because I don't much care for those green encrustations. In my eyes it's corrosion, pure and simple, not patination.

I really, really hate glass tops (hate the clanking noise every time you set something down on them and the dust and fingerprints) but it might be a reasonable thing to consider if they don't bother you.

And hey, some of us are cheering for the Celtics over here, and we're down to the wire! :-)

Here is a thought. If you can find a base you like - and you are a bit of do-it-yourself-er; I have a small operation I found on the internet that does copper tops, etc. for home decorators, and folks like us. Wendy Brunner offers a variety of finishes, and offers the instructions on how to attach the copper top you order, very friendly and helpful - I was very pleased with my panels I orderd for a TV console - like you, I found a buffet online, and decided I had to have one. And her price, by the way, was better than other vendors I found, and was 1/2 of what a local store wanted to charge me for the copper if they made the piece themselves. Here is the website below....

terry, needing to drill the holes in the copper so I can attach the panels to the console with clavos nails

Here is a link that might be useful: Copper panels/table tops

Ach.. what I had read re: maintenance made it sound like it I wouldnt have to polish it after ever splash of sauce. This table will be used by kids as well as adults. I don't want a table that I will stress about-- and I expect everything in my house to be used without stress.

I dont have issue with glass top-- but I wouldnt put one over a copper table.

Thank you for the link bigdtc--I will keep that in mind if I have a need for another copper piece... but johnmari has swiftly talked me out of the table.

When I saw the table on the link one of my thoughts are why don't you have a table top professionally faux painted? The hair salon where I go has a faux hair washing stand that looks very much like the table top. Even now, I have to keep reminding myself that it is not copper. And new clients remark on it. It even has a couple of verdigris "drips" down the side. It has been there for years.
An expert painter did it and I am sure it was not 3K.

hmm.. what an interesting idea, Cooper. I used to shudder when I thought of faux painting but I have recently seen some GORGEOUS faux.. next time you get your hair done, you'll have to sneak a shot of the washing stand!

I am content to wait for the right table to wow me-- as noted, I am open to going in a number of directions with the room--hopefully that gives me an advantage.

I will try to remember! An experts faux finish is so much more than a DIYer even a good one. This person is an artist- I am sure he does this to help pay the rent! It is an affordable alternative to the real deal copper. I just remembered, that someone I think circus peanut DIYed countertops out of copper sheeting- you could probably even get a metal shop to do cover a table of your choice in it! How hard can that be? gee I'ma genius!

Hey funkyart, I have hammered copper tables (coffee table and two end tables.) I really like the texture they have - something different. These are a few pics of two of them. I really like the one you picked but it is a bit spendy. I think the ones I bought were from Bernhardt and were on clearance about five years ago.

Good luck.

Great room, Kelly! The copper tables are perfect .. the color and textures work beautifully.

I wouldnt imagine you are eating on them-- but how are you finding the maintenance?

I would always use placemats when kids are here-- but I can be clumsy/messy too. I really dont need one more thing to require my time to keep it clean or looking nice. I am not keeping up with the things I have now.

I do love the table I linked-- but I wont be spending that much. I have every intention of watching sales, CL and ebay for the right table at the right time.

No maintenance. I wipe them down with a damp rag. I don't believe they are true copper because there is no patina coming through after five years (which is fine with me.) I just liked the idea of not having wood or glass.

Hope your pups are doing well. (I always think of that pic with your dogs and the kids on the porch.)

Wow that's pretty, Parma!

I have to admit when I saw the title of this thread, it brought back to memory my parents' old 50s dinette set. The double-tube legs and the table's edge were copper. That went with the copper pull-down fixture above the table. The funny part is I can't remember the color of the top and the chairs... I think probably because they were beige. My parents loved beige everything and it took many years before I could look beige in the face. Anyway, the copper was cool.

Ahh.. I suppose it could be another metal that has been colored or maybe it is copper with a finish? THAT is the kind of maintenance I could handle :)

Pups are hanging in. My elderly dog refused to eat on Saturday but was happy to eat on Sunday (whew).. and Grace (the one with an adrenal tumor) has escalating food drive and general anxiety. I came home the other day to find my antique oak dining table on its side (it is not delicate by any means). She had seen a plastic bag on the table and thought it had food in it (it was empty). My nonwork hours are very focused on them-- but my older dog, especially, still has a lot of joy. I take that as a good sign. :)

I must say-- I was foolish enough to watch Marley and Me this weekend. It wiped me out. I knew better.. but I felt the need to watch it.

Thanks for asking

I just saw Marley and Me on Saturday. Cried like a baby. I read the book so I thought I would take it better.

I came home the other day to find my antique oak dining table on its side (it is not delicate by any means). She had seen a plastic bag on the table and thought it had food in it (it was empty).

Cute story. I bet we all could have a chapter or two of a Marley book.

Unless you get a top that's lacquered in some way, you will have to deal with patina as a matter of life with copper. It changes with every use, and each spot just adds to the whole. Not for everyone, but it does have its fans. :-)

Here's a recent pic of my copper countertop at about 9 months of use:
{{!gwi}}

Here is a link that might be useful: my DIY copper countertops

I have a copper topped table as our main dining table in the kitchen. I have three boys aged 6 and under, so I doubt there could be any more abuse put on this table! I wipe it with soapy water on a paper towel, and sometimes I use my regular kitchen spray when it's particularly crusty (probably a no-no, but I've seen no change in the patina!) Mine has a acid washed finish that I don't really love (it's a little more rustic than I prefer), but it's incredibly durable!

That table top is GORGEOUS and just the look I pictured in my head. Do you mind sharing where you got it?

I am so confused though-- I definitely don't want a drop of water or sauce to make an obvious spot or ring. I would be happy with a rustic patina but I don't want rings and spills to jump out at you when you loook at the table (as drips and spills are part of the deal in my house). What is the difference -- why does your table require nothing more than a wipe?

I still don't want to spend 3k on my dining table when I have so many other projects to do.. but I do so love the look.

I don't suppose you live anywhere near Ruidoso?! This was on my craigslist tonight...

Here is a link that might be useful: Mission style table w/copper finish

darn it, no.. I am in PA

The more I see those of you with copper dining tables-- the more I want one.

I am going to keep my eye out for one in my price range... much as I love the mesquite pedestal, I am not willing to spend that much of my budget on a table right now.

Anyone else with a copper dining table?

We got ours in San Antonio- someone who brings them over from Mexico. At one point, you could purchase the same sort of thing on Ebay.

Thanks for the info-- and for all the photos and links you all have provided! I have seen some copper table tops on ebay-- but the ones I have seen were copper over MDF or particle board. They do fit my budget, but I'd prefer to find a solid wood version. I like the Arhaus table and it is closer to my budget but I think the base style is a little too contemporary for my home and the other pieces I am working around.

I have found a table with copper top and paintd barnwood pedestal. I have requested a price in the hopes that it will be within my budget. If not, I will continue to wait and watch.

There is nothing wrong with my current table-- other than I never loved it and I am tired of it. I am motivated for change but not enough so to increase the budget I have allotted for this room.

I just received the quote for the table below and it can definitely fit into my budget. It is also available with a wood top but I still feel a draw towards the organic look of the copper.

The shop owner promises that the copper will require only a light application of wax every few months. I am going to take a day or two to decide but I am very excited by the possibilities.

Here is the table I am considering. It is similar to the Arhaus table but with a larger and more rustic base:

I wsa excited to come home and see what you all thought of my choice .. but with no responses I am not sure if everyone is burned out on the topic or if you are all cringing at my choice. It will come under 2k for 48" or 52" so while within budget it is still a substantial purchase.
I'd welcome all your thoughts on the table... including whether or not a table like this is out of place on the east coast.

Sounds like a great price to me, having priced out copper trimmed pieces, and I like the larger base - no, it isn't out of place, simple classic lines with a unique touch fit anywhere! I have a Southwestern style home, and that piece looks signature, not Southwestern to me. Is this a local shop owner? If you found them online, love to have the link....

terry

Hi, Terry.. thanks for the feedback and validation! No, it's not local. It is a company in MI--they make some pieces in their own workshop and others are manufactured/imported.

I was really impressed with the level of service I received for my simple inquiry. I have no fears ordering from them (shipping was pretty reasonable too). Hope you find something you like as well :)

I like the tables with iron bases as well-- but heavy pedestal keeps drawing me in.

Here is a link that might be useful: woodland creek furniture

Hi funkyart -
I'm not cringing! I think it's wonderful. Great choice. it's

I think it is fabulous! Well worth the bit of maintenance. I like a pedestal base - much easier for moving chairs around.

Thanks, mcps and kitchenkelly! Like Terry said, I am not so much going for a southwest look as a unique look. Other rooms of my house have subtle old european touches-- not so much old world.. not so much paris flea market.. just scattered older european influences. I am hoping the table fits into that look as I could imagine a similar table in a small cafe in spain or italy.

I do like that the copper is recycled and wood is reclaimed. That just adds to my attraction.

Thanks again!