Beautiful choice. I hope you know your wood craftsman. That is a lot of money.

The fact that it's being made in Maple solids is nice - you can do a trendy finish on it, and then when the trend swings back to warmer tones, have it refinished. The shapes used in the table are pretty classic - they should adapt nicely.

Wow.$1,000 for a coffee table? I would not advise that Ever! This particular piece looks like ones you can get from an unfinished furniture store. A piece of wood with standard legs you can buy at a craft store. So keep looking. With two little kids I recommend an ottoman with storage.

I think your plan sounds good. I like the table too.

I agree.... It's a timeless and beautiful. If you love it, go for it. And yes I agree $1k is a lot of money but well worth it for a well-made, handcrafted custom piece.

Love the table, I would do it! Will last you a lifetime and it's a classic and as others stated you can always re-do in future for different styles and to keep current.

If you love the table, you'll likely love it for sometime. Vintage can look good and I think what makes it to "vintage" is usually made of better materials. But the finish may be a little trendy and the table itself will work with certain types of furniture- but among those types I can see it working with some very classic forms.

Shop second hand stores. With little kids, this table will be soon covered in Cheerios and crayons.

My experience is that I tire of a style no matter how timeless. Some aspect of it will not appeal to you in the future- and yes you can always refinish but would likely pay as much as for a new table. I have read a lot of people on Houzz who are trying to work with an item that just does not work, but they can't make themselves replace it because it was so expensive. I'd feel I was being "held hostage" by the high price.

In short, I would not spend investment-size money on furniture. And honestly, I don't want any furniture in my home that I would be really upset if it was damaged by whatever or whoever.

1000.00 dollars is a lot of money for a coffee table, for me. Few coffee tables are stylish enough to last a lifetime. But it all depends on your budget and how you feel about it. Have you thought of a large leather ottoman. Would be comfy and fun for the twins.

Negating price, the second picture just looks a little clunky. The original table has better proportion.

Oops sorry, I asked about chairs thinking we were discussing a dining table. I'll delete my stupid question:)

I am impressed that you are considering using a local carpenter, and solid woods for this table project. If it's something that you truly love - the investment will be worth it - and the quality will shine through. $1000 for a coffee table may seem to be high to some, but the workmanship and lumber alone will justify your expense. If you look at the cost of solid Maple, especially the thickness needed for the balusters, and consider the fact that your carpenter will be creating these to your proportions, and finishing to your specifications, the man hours are considerable. You will be able to specify the type of finish for the top of your piece, to be able to clean crayon and cheerios. One thing to think about, though, is - if you are going to go to the expense of having this table made - is it truly one you love? Make sure you have looked at different manufacturers, antiques, friend's, in magazines etc.

Are you talking $1000 for a coffee table or a dining room table? I would not pay that much for a coffee table....but would a dining room table especially if it is hand crafted.

Well, I will admit that I spent that much on a not dissimilar coffee table 15 years ago. It has made it through various moves and taken an unfair amount of bashing over the years (from kids and even more so from unruly adults). It still looks great, I still love it, and others admire it.

Yes, it is a lot of money, but it is cheaper than buying replacements and the fact it is handmade will be noticeable and bring you a lot of joy... When your twins are throwing themselves across it, that is :)