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Need help figuring out a dining table for my Small Dining Room

10 years ago

I could really use some help deciding on a dining room table.

I'm thinking a 4 seat table with a leaf option to have 6+ would be ideal as it's just my husband and I, right now. As seen in the photo, we have a bar height table but we want a regular height table. One side of the dining room is open to the living room area. We also have a wet bar on one side that we love. :)

Helpful notes:

The dining room measurements are 10'7" X 8'9"
Our favorite style is mid century modern.
We also like some transitional and contemporary aspects thrown in.
When family comes over, we typically need to seat anywhere from 4-6

(You should see what we have to do for Thanksgiving dinners... last year there were 14 people)

I'm open to any and all suggestions. Round/oval/rectangular.... color....size...glass/no glass... etc.

My Current Dining Room · More Info

My Current Dining Room · More Info

My Current Dining Room · More Info

My Current Dining Room · More Info

My Current Dining Room · More Info

Featured Answer

cearbhaill (zone 6b Eastern Kentucky)

10 years ago

Drop leaf tables are perfect for this use. I have a mid-century modern drop leaf (with a regular leaf, too) that is tiny (maybe 32") when both ends are dropped but eight feet long with the removable leaf in and both ends raised. It is so versatile- one end up, two ends up, leaf in w/both ends down, etc.- it belonged to my Grandmother and I have no idea of the manufacturer, but drop leaf tables are plentiful in used furniture stores and private resales.

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Comments (9)

Kimberly
Original Author
10 years ago
Cearbhaill, interesting idea. I didn't even think of a drop leaf style table.. I'll definitely need to look that up.
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Paula
10 years ago
I have about that size dining room with walkways on all sides. In my previous house, I had a 48" square dining table that I used when we moved in. I bought a 48" round table, it was amazing the difference it made. There are only 3 of us so I just keep 3 chairs around the table on a daily basis.

You could do a drop leaf. I am not sure it you could find one in a style that would go with your house. I have 2 drop leafs that I use around the house and bring out when I need more tables for company but they are both Duncan Phyfe antiques. Another option would be a round with a leaf or two that expands for family. You'll be amazed how a round fits the space better. Something about cutting off those sharp corners make it easier to maneuver through the rooms.
writersblock (9b/10a)
10 years ago
I am not sure it you could find one in a style that would go with your house.

You shouldn't have a problem, although MCM might be expensive now that it's trendy. But they sure made a lot of drop leaf tables in modern style during that period. My mom had one.
User
10 years ago
Banquette under the window? That's pretty dead space now, and with a banquette and bookcases you'd have the extra seating.

A peninsula table coming out from the wall to the right in the first picture?

Don 't worry about seating more than 6 to 8 in that room. If you have more, it's time to break out the folding tables.

Self-storing leaves!
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/70116262/
Kimberly thanked User
Annegriet
10 years ago
West Elm had some lovely smaller tables. Good luck!
Kimberly thanked Annegriet
Lavender Lass
10 years ago
You're fortunate that there's no wall on one side....so expanding the table should not be a problem.

I prefer round tables (or oval) but mid-century might be more rectangular? Not really my decade for style....but I would definitely get rounded corners on any table! Especially in a smaller space :)
Kimberly thanked Lavender Lass
Kimberly
Original Author
10 years ago
Thank you all for your help, I now have a new dining table! I will post a photo later.

My husband found an amazing deal yesterday for a 1968 formica dining table with a leaf insert made by Walter Wabash. It looks like it was kept in storage for decades, it's immaculate. It's 48" with the leaf extending it to 60". It has rounded corners.

Unfortunately, it did not come with chairs so that is going to be my next hunt! Ikea has some cheap chairs that would fit our style but I don't plan on taking a trip there anytime soon....I'm waiting for the one here in Las Vegas to open (Summer 2016).

My husband is checking online for different chairs, but I will gladly accept any ideas.
Lavender Lass
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
Your table sounds great! Have you checked Craigslist? They have exactly those chairs in our area (eastern Washington) or even Ebay?

This is not MCM, but a 42" round table that if it had a leaf....would go
to about 60" long. Thought I'd show off our new floor! LOL
Vinyl tiles, easy to install and keep clean :)

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