Love the table, as is or painted. Just about any color would look nice. Very nice home!

Like your idea to paint. Use good primer, kilz is what I like.

Yes, use a good primer regardless of the paint type you choose. I like Zinsser cover stain primer.

I don't know- there is something I like about just leaving it be . Adds a charm;) especially with the rooster watching over it!

I agree with Margo - it's great as is!

No, I agreed with you Ann first;)

I enjoy imperfection but in this instance, you have a wonderful antique piece. I would have the top refinished to coordinate with the base. I can't recommend paint as it will take away the character of the piece and will look similar to any other older table that's been repainted. There's something to be said about history and being willing to bring it back to something that feels special, without going through the exercise of being a "purist".

Hey Laurie, i would paint the table lighter for sure and take down all the articles off the wall replacing them with a medium sized mirror. With the lighter paint and the natural light from the window picking up in the mirror i think you will see quite a difference.

I would re-finish it and get rid of the stuff on the walls. Hang a mirror.

I would definitely NOT paint it, keep as is or refinish, but agree with using a mirror to brighten the space

I like it as is! And I love the rooster.

I think this is one of those corners that you NEED.....BUT the plus is, it looks nice, too! I love it all!

I'd funk that baby up.

Wow thanks so much for the input! It is a working corner so the calendar and stuff have to stay but I am thinking of reducing it all to one piece. A new lampshade (lighter) might help. I will take into consideration leaving although I love the idea of painting.

I wonder if using a good quality primer makes removing the paint in the future easier... In this case with all the detail on the legs, removing paint will be hell for sure.
Thanks again for the input!

BTW I have tried refinishing the top. It is so ruined it is porous and almost powdery. I believe my Mom used it for plants and let the water sit on the surface :( I think it would have to be replaced entirely to ever be stainable or tung oiled.

How about painting the top a color, (for example...red to match your roosters comb). Leave the legs and apron the way they are now....varnished/stained. Then get a piece of glass for the top.....thin glass with polished edges. That glass would protect the top of your table.

Or you can get sheets of veneer.....cut to fit and glue down to the top of your table and stain/varnish to match the legs/apron. You may have to get some wood putty to smooth out the bad places in your table top before gluing on the veneer. Either way, it will look good, IMHO

I like erinsean 's idea. Failing that, I might paint the table the same colour as your kitchen chairs.
I think the roosters great.

I think the table has character, natural wood gives any decor that country charm. I hate paint personally. Paint an accent wall but I love the natural look.

You have such a stunning kitchen, this piece looks a little tired by comparison. I'd paint it...don't look back!

What about a pretty plaid table cloth? Not a huge one as you want the legs to be seen, but just enough to hang down over the edge.

I'd paint it with BM Advanced in a dark red to go with that terrific rooster.

Since you have extensive water damage and the top is disintegrating your options have been dramatically reduced. For you to have a top made in a wood that would receive stain same as the base, you must first know what wood it is. It appears you have walnut but I can't be certain. There's nothing attractive about a marriage when the "couple" is not compatible. Ha, ha! So, I would paint it in some sort of Farrow and Ball manner, and get the top back into a condition that will allow your paint to go on smoothly and adhere. The paint store man will have good suggestions. I wouldn't cover the top with glass, mirror or anything else, as that will just exacerbate the problem. The table has wonderful lines and is a good clean look compared to much of what would be found from the Victorian era. I love the shape and detailing of the apron. Do you happen to know the provenance or is it just a little table that's been hanging around the family for years and years? Also, I don't see this as a machined piece, as I look at the apron and the simplicity of the base, it's apparent it was made with lots of love.

Your kitchen is so clean, crisp and serene. I very much love your color and finish choices. :)

OK. After a goods night rest and a round of yoga, it is all clear to me now what to do. I would find a unique square tray, and glue it to the top of the current damaged top. and breathe...

You could get a piece of glass cut to fit the top and put a piece of fabric under it. That way the table stays authentic but the top is more durable to daily use.

I know this is a little bold, but...for an under rug, why not whatever that red tone is in your rug?

or the sage...