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funkyart_gw

Thoughts on CL table

17 years ago

This table is on my local CL-- as noted, it needs to be refinished/repaired but that doesn't concern me as much as the size. It is 48" x 28". A nice width but very low. What kind of chairs would I use?

It isnt really the style I was looking for in the DR but it is definitely my style and I could definitely make it work for me-- if I can deal with the low height.

Thoughts?

Here is a link that might be useful: CL table

Comments (21)

  • 17 years ago

    I would use parsons chairs to give it an updated look. Nice table, and would be pretty refinished. My dd and I just refinished an old bedroom set for her.

  • 17 years ago

    I had a low table that I used as a dining table. I don't have it anymore, but think it was probably 28". It always felt low and odd to me. Like a kiddy table or something. Everyone's different and I guess your height would play into it, but I wouldn't do it again.

    On the other hand, it was a completely different style of table than that one and also looked odd too. Perhaps different chairs would have felt more comfortable. Mine are 18".

  • 17 years ago

    funkyart,that's a neat old table. Not sure I'd pay that much unless it's already stripped. It's hard to tell in the picture. I like sidewindette idea of parsons chairs if you going for an updated look. Nothin' better.
    If you want something that goes with the era of the table I like something like the ones linked below. They're not CL priced though they are beautiful.

    Here is a link that might be useful: Solid Oak dining chairs.

  • 17 years ago

    Mm . . .I think you could do better. I think the height would be frustrating, and I'm only 5' 1"!

  • 17 years ago

    Woah, I'm spacey today because of lack of sleep. Two inches short could make a big difference for a dining table. Now if you were using it in the center of a large entryway, that would be different. I'd pass.

  • 17 years ago

    I, too, think they're asking a lot for it. I'd only pay $50 for it in the condition it's in. Wouldn't want to risk any more than that and there's also a lot of work to be done on it. For $100, I think they should have at least done the basics on repairing it -- showing a sound purchase -- and leaving the finish itself up to the buyer.

  • 17 years ago

    I would also pass on a table with an apron that is that low. You will always have issues finding the right chairs.

    I know very little about furniture, but that piece also looks warped, as if there is water damage.

    I'd pass.

  • 17 years ago

    Yeah, you all confirmed my concerns. I was concerned about the warped apron and the height... and while I am not super tall, I am 5'6 and I assume that at some point in the future, I will have a taller man who I'd like to sit at my table. ;)

    I don't think $100 is too much for a table with a style I like. I have only seen a few tables on CL that I would even give a second glance-- so if it would work, I'd pay the price. I am not looking for a $50 table, I am looking for a alternative to paying $2000-$3000. You all helped me to realize this isn't a reasonable alternative.

    I DO like those chairs, Just. In fact I have a birds eye maple chair very similar. That IS exactly what I was picturing with it. Thank you for your extra time to look them up.

    Thanks for your thoughts-- I am off to try the 1st dibs Saturday sale next.

  • 17 years ago

    Both tops of my dining room and breakfast room tables measure 28-29 inches from floor to table top and that seems
    normal to me. But I think the price is pretty high for the condition it looks to be in. Maybe they would agree to the lower price mentioned here if they don't find anyone to pay their asking price.
    Dorothy

  • 17 years ago

    Hey Funky,

    Sorry I've beem MIA (dental paralysis, IYKWIM).

    I just got an Arhaus catalogue and they're showing a new copper top table. It's gorgeous and its lines are like the architect's table you were looking at, many moons ago, and has a cool beveled edge. Alas, it's $3,300.

    Already searched 1st Dibs. Slim pickings today.

  • 17 years ago

    It does have style, but I wouldn't go that low for a dining room table. I had a farm table that was standard height but had a very low apron, and my 6'1 husband couldn't sit comfortably because the apron got in the way of his legs. Perhaps you could add castors if you decided to get a shorter table.

  • 17 years ago

    You are very welcome funkyart. It was my pleasure. I hope you find your dream table soon. I'msure it'll come along when you least expect it to.

  • 17 years ago

    Hey there, Parma-- the copper table sounds cool. Of course, I have a number of options in that price range, darn it. I did/do like that architects table though! I'll check it out. The good news is that it looks as though I will be employed for awhile-- the caution continues, though, as it is not yet clear if I will take a pay cut.

    Juddgirl, casters are a good idea. I will keep that in mind for another table-- as I often run into 29" tables.

    Thanks again for all the input--I hope I didnt come across as snotty when talking about the price. I just wanted to be clear that there isnt a lot on our local (and even neighboring) CL and I am looking for the right table at the right price more than I am looking for a particular price.

  • 17 years ago

    Me, I think you can do better and get something in the correct height and better condition. But that's me!

  • 17 years ago

    What kind of table are you looking for? Something a little less formal than this? Do you want more of a farmhouse look?

    {{!gwi}}

  • 17 years ago

    Just, I know you are right. I do want to hold out for my dream table-- or one that will let me build a dream room around it. There are a number of styles that will work for me-- so it's a matter of patience. Patience is my struggle though LOL.

    Juddgirl I wanted to let you know that your chandie is back on PB's site. Mine is not, darn it.

    Susan - I agree. I have passed on this table.

  • 17 years ago

    Funky, jsyk, my price comment wasn't about bargains. The table's potential looks pretty iffy in terms of the damage. I'm not sure you'd get a good looking table out of that with the type of damage it has. I'd certainly pay what something is worth to me also, work needed or not.

    (It was also a comment on the owner asking waaay too much for something in such poor condition. Water damage is tough to repair. Now if they'd repaired and left only the finishing part undone, so people could see it actually has some value, that would be another story.)

  • 17 years ago

    Squirrel, I understand where you were coming from but if the table is beyond repair then no price would make it worthwhile. I am no furniture maker, but I suspected the biggest issue with the table is damage due to dry heat. It is very common in this area. Still, whatever the reason, it clearly needs a repair. I recognized that when I considered working it into my plan for the room.

    I often see posts with a variation on "it's lovely, but I would ask [$10, $25, $50, $100] less". Always based on a photo or two.. and some other criteria that escapes me. The value of something used-- antique or not-- is very much dependent on the availability of that item (supply) and how much it will work for the buyer (demand). I don't have time to scour the second hand stores or even to check CL daily. I am also trying to avoid spending $2000-$3000 for "the perfect table". If I opted to pay $500 for a table + repairs, that's still a bargain for me given my situation. At the same time, $50 for a table that is so low that no one older than 10 can sit at it comfortably is no bargain as I'd end up not using it or replacing it. That is my point. (Though, I should say that I would have had no problem negotiating a price I was happy with if it had gone to the point of actually seeing the table in person. The input here would have allowed me to recognize how well (or not) it would work for me.)

    I feel like a goon sometimes on this board-- I don't have the time to look for all the perfect pieces others have and I don't always have the vision or experience to recognize a good fit or a bad option.. and yet, I'd still love to have a warm and lovely home. Especially now, when I have so many stresses in my life, I'd love to come home to a house that is lovely and beautiful (and CLEAN-- but that is another topic).

  • 17 years ago

    I'm a little late to this party. I know you decided not to get it and I also think you'll find something better sooner or later. It sounded low to me but then I measured my table. . . 29". Hmmm, what height are tables normally? :)

    Don't feel like a goon! From the pictures I've seen of your home it's very nice and homey! I know it's different when we live there and see the stuff everyday but just wanted to say I think you're home looks great!

    Did you end up having good luck with your job the other week?

    As often as I check CL (which is basically daily) I'll keep an eye for tables for ya.

  • 17 years ago

    Shee, you are such a sweetheart. I appreciate it-- both your willingness to keep an eye on CL and for your compliments. Let me be very clear LOL-- there are rooms you have never seen photos of and there's reason for that! LOL. I know we all have rooms like that but I feel like mine are worse-- and that there are more of them.

    The DR is hard for me because I want a statement table (though I recognize the one above is not what I would call a statement table). I have a table that is functional so I do have the luxury of waiting-- but I think I am channeling all my stress energy into completing the DR. Funny, it would be better if I channeled my stress into CLEANING the house. :/

    The job is still in a weird place-- I can't share details but things are moving along, just not finalized. There is a chance that I will be embarking on a job search but I don't think I will be unexpectedly out of a job. I can expect to be VERY busy for the next 6 months or so regardless of what happens. Sorry, I know that is vague.

    Shee, how are things with you guys and the state budget issues? These are crazy times, eh?

  • 17 years ago

    Funkyart, I'm glad that you passed on this one. I made the mistake of buying a set of antique duncan phyfe style chairs many years ago that were adorably cute, but too small. I mean, really! How tiny WERE people 80 years ago?? Fortunately, after over a year piddling with them and looking for a table, I finally gave up and put them in a yard sale. I spent a couple of hours recovering the seats in a piece of fabric I had on hand first, and managed to triple my money on them. So I had no egg on my face when all was said and done. But boy, did I take some ribbing every time friends came over and saw them lined up in my LR waiting for their table!!

    And I like the way you worded things about used furniture. The whole point for many of us is to get something we can use, enjoy, and perhaps even be excited about, without having to spend hundreds or thousands at a furniture store. I buy some things vintage, some antique, and some merely used, with no pedigree. But if I like it, it fits my space, and I can afford it........then, it's a deal!
    I have a friend who spent roughly double the most I've ever spent on an antique buffet. I actually found it for her in an antique store. I was thrilled to find just what she needed for her DR renovation, she was thrilled to finally have one antique piece and at substantially less than she would have paid brand new. Now, if I had been looking for my own house, I would have passed on it because it was way more than I can afford. But for her, it was a wonderful deal.

    Red