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Any thoughts on counter height dining tables?
I am still on the search for a dining table. I am thinking about going with a "counter height" table. Does anyone have any negative experience with going counter height?
The "nook" where the table will go, is fairly close to the kitchen counters, so I thought doing something counter height may look best.
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Re: Any thoughts on counter height dining tables?
Something like this?
http://www.mackenziedow.com/Product.aspx?productid=220
Made in West Virginia, has a unique feature where it has (4) folding segments to make the round table into a square. Done in solid cherry
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Re: Any thoughts on counter height dining tables?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
drcollie
Kind of. Looking for a bit bigger.. Can you PM me a price on this one, with solid top?
http://www.mackenziedow.com/Product.aspx?productid=36
Any other nice table manufracturer you sell? I am not dead set on round/pedestal, or counter height. I just want a nice, high quality table, maybe in a more "transitional" style.
The 2 companies I am looking at now are Canadel, and Saloom, but if I could find something from you, I would be A-OK with that. Might as well fill up an entire shipping container, no? lol
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Re: Any thoughts on counter height dining tables?
That larger one is standard table height, not a bar stool height. They tend to get wobbly if made to counter height size.
I'll PM prices in the morning when I get back to the store..
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Re: Any thoughts on counter height dining tables?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
drcollie
That larger one is standard table height, not a bar stool height. They tend to get wobbly if made to counter height size.
I'll PM prices in the morning when I get back to the store..
Yea, dining height is fine too.. I am not dead set on anything. I was just considering the counter height, and curious if people find them annoying or not.
Ill keep an eye out for it. :)
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Re: Any thoughts on counter height dining tables?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
AZJoe
Yea, dining height is fine too.. I am not dead set on anything. I was just considering the counter height, and curious if people find them annoying or not.
Ill keep an eye out for it. :)
Getting on and off counter stools may be an issue, if you are shorter... I'm not short, but personally, I'd find that a pain...
I don't mind sitting on a bar stool at a bar... but, sitting on a barstool at a high table for dinner is kind of a pain. (realizing that barstools are higher than counter stools). If you can't put your feet on the floor to shift your chair back, when getting up.... that's an issue.
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Re: Any thoughts on counter height dining tables?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
bubbaonline
Getting on and off counter stools may be an issue, if you are shorter... I'm not short, but personally, I'd find that a pain...
I don't mind sitting on a bar stool at a bar... but, sitting on a barstool at a high table for dinner is kind of a pain. (realizing that barstools are higher than counter stools). If you can't put your feet on the floor to shift your chair back, when getting up.... that's an issue.
Thanks for the insight. I do like the look of counter height, but maybe would be better off with a standard height.
Right now I suppose it just comes down to finding the right table. I really didn't think it would be this difficult to find something I like.
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Re: Any thoughts on counter height dining tables?
The counter top tables are really popular now with young people. A daughter has one in her living area behind her couch...great for watching football when there's a larger crowd..some on sofa and some on the bar stools behind sofa.
For everyday use, if children, babies, or older people are ever going to be in the picture, counter top tables are a no-go.
A regular height table in a kitchen is great for when you're mixing something in a bowl....lets you extend your arms instead of having the bowl at waist height on the regular counter. I'm always mixing or rolling out on the table.
The edge of our regular height kitchen table is only three feet from the end of the island. We use a round table with 4 arm chairs. (Arm chairs are a little harder to negotiate around the table but really great for getting out of as you get older and for relaxing after a meal.) We catty-cornered the chairs so that they do not line up with the island. Looks good.
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Re: Any thoughts on counter height dining tables?
For a regular dining area, I prefer a regular height table and chairs. Now if you are going to be using it more in a bar type area/rec room the extra height would probably work in that area.
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Re: Any thoughts on counter height dining tables?
Well it is just my wife and I here, and we ALWAYS eat at the island. The table is more for when we have people over, however it isn't in a dedicated "dining room" and is more casual. There is view of the TV/living room from where the dining table will go, so I am sure people will sit there, and eat/drink/watch TV when I have get to-gethers.
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Re: Any thoughts on counter height dining tables?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
AZJoe
Well it is just my wife and I here, and we ALWAYS eat at the island. The table is more for when we have people over, however it isn't in a dedicated "dining room" and is more casual. There is view of the TV/living room from where the dining table will go, so I am sure people will sit there, and eat/drink/watch TV when I have get to-gethers.
Sounds like a counter height would work for you, guess you just need to make sure your comfortable with the it for longer periods of time.
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Re: Any thoughts on counter height dining tables?
I have decided against the counter height. I am going to go with a "Boat shaped" table from Saloom. 42 x 66 or 86 with 1 20" self storing leaf. Just going to do 4 side chairs for now.
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Re: Any thoughts on counter height dining tables?
I have boat/bow shape table from Canadel and we really like it, and Saloom was another brand we really liked the tables from. It's a regular leg table not pedestal so the leaf isn't self storing but lately we have been using it with the leaf in. The size we picked was 42x64x84(w leaf) and six chairs with wood seats.
Glad you found a table!
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Re: Any thoughts on counter height dining tables?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Briant73
I have boat/bow shape table from Canadel and we really like it, and Saloom was another brand we really liked the tables from. It's a regular leg table not pedestal so the leaf isn't self storing but lately we have been using it with the leaf in. The size we picked was 42x64x84(w leaf) and six chairs with wood seats.
Glad you found a table!
I had originally picked a canadel, but after further research, settled on the saloom. From what I read both are really good quality.
I went with this pedestal, in boat shape.
http://www.saloom.com/images/stories...ry-wood-cs.jpg
This chair, with no arm.
http://www.saloom.com/images/stories...s/55-chair.jpg
I really would have liked to get 6 chairs, but I need to recoup from my move, and large H&M purchase first..lol My space is not overly big, so 99.9% of the time the table will sit there with no leaf, and the 4 chairs are sufficient. When we have company, I will add the leaf. Even on normal get to-gethers, with my 3 bar stools, I have enough seating since it is usually 7-8 of us max.
Next on the agenda is 3 H&M stools, and 2 more chairs :)
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Re: Any thoughts on counter height dining tables?
Very nice, the chairs seem to flow right with the curving of the pedestal. What edge did you elect to go with? I really liked the edge that cuts in (swept?).
BTW I'm curious what differences did you notice between Canadel and Saloom? I remember that Canadel uses birch where I think Saloom uses maple/cherry but couldn't find much else to go on.
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Re: Any thoughts on counter height dining tables?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Briant73
Very nice, the chairs seem to flow right with the curving of the pedestal. What edge did you elect to go with? I really liked the edge that cuts in (swept?).
BTW I'm curious what differences did you notice between Canadel and Saloom? I remember that Canadel uses birch where I think Saloom uses maple/cherry but couldn't find much else to go on.
I did the swept edge. I am really a big fan of that edge as well.
From my research people felt Saloom was a notch above Canadel in both material, and build quality. More then one person said when they are side by side, there is a CLEAR difference.
I had found a few postings from people who sold both, and it seemed pretty consistent across the board. I also called a few dealers of both, and all had the same opinions.
I had also read quite a few posts about people complaining about the Canadel chairs being top heavy, and tipping with a coat over them, a kid keeling on them, etc. I am not sure if that issue has been addressed, but I did run across it.
I had actually ordered a Canadel counter table Sunday, $3400 with 4 chairs. After some digging Sunday night, and finding the above, I called first thing Monday and told them to cancel the order. I ended up finding the Saloom from an out of state dealer for $2700 delivered/set-up, with 4 chairs. It was $3200 for 6 chairs.
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Re: Any thoughts on counter height dining tables?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
AZJoe
I did the swept edge. I am really a big fan of that edge as well.
From my research people felt Saloom was a notch above Canadel in both material, and build quality. More then one person said when they are side by side, there is a CLEAR difference.
I had found a few postings from people who sold both, and it seemed pretty consistent across the board. I also called a few dealers of both, and all had the same opinions.
I had also read quite a few posts about people complaining about the Canadel chairs being top heavy, and tipping with a coat over them, a kid keeling on them, etc. I am not sure if that issue has been addressed, but I did run across it.
I had actually ordered a Canadel counter table Sunday, $3400 with 4 chairs. After some digging Sunday night, and finding the above, I called first thing Monday and told them to cancel the order. I ended up finding the Saloom from an out of state dealer for $2700 delivered/set-up, with 4 chairs. It was $3200 for 6 chairs.
Yes we got the swept edge on our Canadel boat shape and really like it. The dealer we went to actually after finding out that was the edge we wanted gave us very good suggestions for leg/chair options to go with that edge. Now the dealer I bought from sold both brands and he seemed to prefer Canadel but we had already made our mind up due to chair comfort and the deal we were getting from him which was much better than anything we found in town.
Canadel chairs tipping over easily - I also saw those posts so I made sure to check when browsing the showrooms and didn't notice anything too bad with it. The chairs we chose, I can start tipping them where the front legs are a few inches off the ground and soon as I let go the front legs go right back to the ground and I can feel them pulling back down when putting pressure on it so I have no issues with it.
As to quality - I'll keep that in mind next time we go table shopping. Overall I'm very happy with our Canadel set but it's nice to know Saloom is well regarded. When shopping for a table we didn't notice a ton of difference in them but I am a novice when it comes to spotting differences so maybe I missed things that an expert could point out. I will say we had an issue with the table top after delivery where where we noticed with the leaf the table closed together the seams were very tight and good, but when we took the leaf out and tried to close it there was a noticeable gap on one side where if one side was tight, the other side was not and you could actually look through the gap and see the floor. I told the dealer and they got me in touch with their service person who because I wasn't local to the dealership asked me if I could check a few things and send some photos so they knew what to bring out when coming to fix the issue. I took photos, getting a good one of the gap showing the floor and sent an email with all my findings and nothing for two weeks. I decided two weeks was enough time to let them get back to me so I called the dealer and found out the dealer had already contacted Canadel, who was getting a new table top ready for delivery in a few more weeks. A few weeks later they call to setup delivery, come out and install the new tabletop and take the old one with them. Now the new tabletop without the leaf closed up just right, and with the Leaf installed it wasn't as good as without the leaf but it's nowhere near as out of sorts as the first one was so I let the other half decide and she felt it was good so I signed off on it.
I want to say the dealer met and exceeded all my expectations for price, delivery and service.
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Re: Any thoughts on counter height dining tables?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Briant73
Yes we got the swept edge on our Canadel boat shape and really like it. The dealer we went to actually after finding out that was the edge we wanted gave us very good suggestions for leg/chair options to go with that edge. Now the dealer I bought from sold both brands and he seemed to prefer Canadel but we had already made our mind up due to chair comfort and the deal we were getting from him which was much better than anything we found in town.
Canadel chairs tipping over easily - I also saw those posts so I made sure to check when browsing the showrooms and didn't notice anything too bad with it. The chairs we chose, I can start tipping them where the front legs are a few inches off the ground and soon as I let go the front legs go right back to the ground and I can feel them pulling back down when putting pressure on it so I have no issues with it.
As to quality - I'll keep that in mind next time we go table shopping. Overall I'm very happy with our Canadel set but it's nice to know Saloom is well regarded. When shopping for a table we didn't notice a ton of difference in them but I am a novice when it comes to spotting differences so maybe I missed things that an expert could point out. I will say we had an issue with the table top after delivery where where we noticed with the leaf the table closed together the seams were very tight and good, but when we took the leaf out and tried to close it there was a noticeable gap on one side where if one side was tight, the other side was not and you could actually look through the gap and see the floor. I told the dealer and they got me in touch with their service person who because I wasn't local to the dealership asked me if I could check a few things and send some photos so they knew what to bring out when coming to fix the issue. I took photos, getting a good one of the gap showing the floor and sent an email with all my findings and nothing for two weeks. I decided two weeks was enough time to let them get back to me so I called the dealer and found out the dealer had already contacted Canadel, who was getting a new table top ready for delivery in a few more weeks. A few weeks later they call to setup delivery, come out and install the new tabletop and take the old one with them. Now the new tabletop without the leaf closed up just right, and with the Leaf installed installed it's not perfect but it's nowhere near as out of sorts as the first one was so I let the other half decide and she felt it was good so I signed off on it.
I want to say the dealer met and exceeded all my expectations for price, delivery and service.
Sounds like that is some awesome service.. Do you mind sharing your dealer, and price? You can PM me if you like? I am just curious..:)
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Re: Any thoughts on counter height dining tables?
I sent you a PM with more details but the dealer was Fish Furniture in Cleveland, Ohio. I also bought my Durham bedroom furniture from them with no issues. Thankfully I was close enough to be in their "local" delivery area even though they aren't what I would consider local being 80 miles away. Even being 80 miles away it was worth it to visit their showroom because they had a good amount of furniture to browse from.
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Re: Any thoughts on counter height dining tables?
That's a nice looking set... Killer price for Saloom.
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Re: Any thoughts on counter height dining tables?
I wanted to update this. I got a call last week that the table was in, which caught me by surprise as we weren't expecting it for another month or so. They dropped it off yesterday. All in all I am happy with it. The table seems to be very solid, as do the chairs. No wobble, or anything like that. Build quality over all seems good, however I am by no means an expert. There are a couple places where I notice some variation in the stain(light areas), but I am unsure if this is normal, or something that needs to be addressed. It also seems to be on once chair and not the table.
Here are some pics. The color/white balance is all jacked up since it was nighttime and the lights really take a toll on that sort of thing. The fabric on the chairs is like a micro suede, that is a creamy/sandy color.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...ezivr6/5-1.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...ezivr6/4-1.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...ezivr6/3-2.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...ezivr6/2-2.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...ezivr6/1-3.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b148/Imprezivr6/6.jpg
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Re: Any thoughts on counter height dining tables?
Looks good to me and I like the pedestal. I can tell the camera variation with light/color balance in the photos but couldn't see the stain variations. As for the stain variations I noticed that on my Canadel chairs also, though that doesn't mean it's normal by any rate. Also though yours may be less/more so than mine I don't know. I like the table and fabric you picked!
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Re: Any thoughts on counter height dining tables?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Briant73
Looks good to me and I like the pedestal. I can tell the camera variation with light/color balance in the photos but couldn't see the stain variations. As for the stain variations I noticed that on my Canadel chairs also, though that doesn't mean it's normal by any rate. Also though yours may be less/more so than mine I don't know. I like the table and fabric you picked!
Thanks! I may take 2 chairs outside in the ambient light, and get some detail shots. It is really just on one chair, so it may just be how the wood accepts the stain, but I am not sure as I don't really know much about furniture at this point.
Once my sectional gets here, we can begin to add some accents, and accessories. I can't wait until this is all over..haha
I can have the store come out and look at it, and if it is indeed not right, maybe they will sell me the chair at a reduced cost, and I will add 2 more.
IIRC the table is 42 x 66 and extends to 86" with one 20" leaf, that self stores.
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Re: Any thoughts on counter height dining tables?
I like the set also but cant see any variations.
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Re: Any thoughts on counter height dining tables?
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Originally Posted by
mfabian
I like the set also but cant see any variations.
It is really only on that chair towards the rear wall(straight ahead). On the verticle slats if you look close at the following pic, you might be able to make it out.. Also on the support running horizontal that the bottom of those slats between them, seems to be a little light.
Don't get me wrong, it is nothing that is "OH NO!" but it is something I am curious about.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b148/Imprezivr6/6.jpg
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Re: Any thoughts on counter height dining tables?
My new set has more of an amber stain, a lot less red than yours... And, it is a "semi-distressed" finish... and, all wood, including the seats...
If I had to rate the stain variation, I'd put it at a 6 or 7 out of 10... Just a very organic, hand-crafted look, is the best way I can describe it.. rub marks on the corners, etc...
Probably having fabric seats on your set accentuates that effect in contrast to the wood... We like ours this way..
Oh yeah.... got a new rug for underneath.... I'll have to take new pictures
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Re: Any thoughts on counter height dining tables?
Wood is a natural product, and can - and will take stains differently depending on the sap in the piece used, or sometimes its a bit of glue left behind and that will lighted a finish. Aniline stains will show pitch and dye variances much more so than pigmented stains (same as in leather). The only want to have 100 % consistency in a finish is to paint it on. Most modern factory made pieces do use opaque finishes to cover up wood variances, and that's what I think you have on those pieces, but they don't try to color it completely, just 80% or so.
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Re: Any thoughts on counter height dining tables?
We currently did a remodel on our loft space in downtown Indianapolis. When it came to the kitchen and dining room, we were also trying to decide if we wanted a counter height table which would give a streamlined look or to go with a regular height table. We decided on the counter height table. We are looking at Family Leisure bar stools. Does anyone have any recommendations on bar stools? There seems to be so much variety these days that it makes it hard to choose.
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Re: Any thoughts on counter height dining tables?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
bubbaonline
My new set has more of an amber stain, a lot less red than yours... And, it is a "semi-distressed" finish... and, all wood, including the seats...
If I had to rate the stain variation, I'd put it at a 6 or 7 out of 10... Just a very organic, hand-crafted look, is the best way I can describe it.. rub marks on the corners, etc...
Probably having fabric seats on your set accentuates that effect in contrast to the wood... We like ours this way..
Oh yeah.... got a new rug for underneath.... I'll have to take new pictures
Post pics of the rug when you can! I still need to figure that out, as well as one for the living room.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
drcollie
Wood is a natural product, and can - and will take stains differently depending on the sap in the piece used, or sometimes its a bit of glue left behind and that will lighted a finish. Aniline stains will show pitch and dye variances much more so than pigmented stains (same as in leather). The only want to have 100 % consistency in a finish is to paint it on. Most modern factory made pieces do use opaque finishes to cover up wood variances, and that's what I think you have on those pieces, but they don't try to color it completely, just 80% or so.
The top you can see the grain very clearly, and it looks really nice. I wish I could get a detailed pic of it, but I don't get a lot of natural light there.
Here is the chair in question.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...6/IMG_9902.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...6/IMG_9901.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...6/IMG_9904.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...6/IMG_9903.jpg
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Re: Any thoughts on counter height dining tables?
That's just a little 'fire' in the wood as we call it. Adds interest. Plain is so boring......
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Re: Any thoughts on counter height dining tables?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
drcollie
Most modern factory made pieces do use opaque finishes to cover up wood variances, and that's what I think you have on those pieces, but they don't try to color it completely, just 80% or so.
The trend toward finishes that are so dark and thick that you can't see the wood, in my opinion, is driven in no small part by manufacturers using wood that a customer wouldn't actually want to see - and spinning it as fashion. (But I'm cynical. ;))
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Re: Any thoughts on counter height dining tables?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
drcollie
That's just a little 'fire' in the wood as we call it. Adds interest. Plain is so boring......
Yea, the more I look at it the more I like it.
I tried to get one of the top the other night but wasn't having much luck with my lighting.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...6/IMG_9899.jpg
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Re: Any thoughts on counter height dining tables?
Yeah... this last picture is a good one.... very similar to the variation on ours (ours might be a little more varied, but stain is lighter, too). Ours is birch..
Our table is almost identical to yours, in style... .. we went with a transitional style rug... Nothing special.. machine made wool. $1100 for 8 X 11.. But, pretty big step up from the $250 Lowe's special we had..... and, much more flattering to the table.
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Re: Any thoughts on counter height dining tables?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
bubbaonline
Yeah... this last picture is a good one.... very similar to the variation on ours (ours might be a little more varied, but stain is lighter, too). Ours is birch..
Our table is almost identical to yours, in style... .. we went with a transitional style rug... Nothing special.. machine made wool. $1100 for 8 X 11.. But, pretty big step up from the $250 Lowe's special we had..... and, much more flattering to the table.
This is maple. Over all I am very pleased with it, and you can tell it is a pretty quality piece. I need to find something to put on it now, as we never use it.
I kind of wish I got the 2 extra chairs at the same time, but I will add them once things calm down a bit. I am basically refurnishing a whole house at once. I still need to buy wall decor/accessories, and some counter stools.
Id be interested to see the rug when you get a chance, as I am totally lost/clueless on them. What finish is your table? Satin?
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5 Attachment(s)
Re: Any thoughts on counter height dining tables?
Working on it..
It's traditional elements, with the effect of being pieced together.. like a quilt.. We just painted the room green, and it matches perfectly.... along with complementing the furniture and wood floors (I think).
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Re: Any thoughts on counter height dining tables?
Ahh that is really cool! Thanks for posting them. It is different for sure.
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Re: Any thoughts on counter height dining tables?
Finish on the table? Beats me... It's not very slick... I'd say the variation we have is more due to the different grain of birch vs. maple... These two tables could have been separated at birth... lol..
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Re: Any thoughts on counter height dining tables?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
AZJoe
Ahh that is really cool! Thanks for posting them. It is different for sure.
If you had told me that I would pick that out... wouldn't have believed you.. I'm more of a traditional oriental style when it comes to rugs... They even had a mission-inspired rug that I liked... with a traditional border and field in the center... But, the colors were great on this one... and, once we laid it down, then put the table on it, it just really worked..
With the table and chairs being on the transitional side... and, shaker cabinets in the adjoining kitchen, it works pretty well.. It works more as a carpet for the breakfast room, than a focal point.. I wouldn't stick it in front of the couch!
We went to a specialty rug store.... they have synthetics starting at $700, up to heirloom rugs that are pushing six figures... The guy that helped us came recommended, and he was really great... Was willing to pay maybe twice what we did.... but, didn't have to... Plus, I'm already dropping food on it...
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Re: Any thoughts on counter height dining tables?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
bubbaonline
Finish on the table? Beats me... It's not very slick... I'd say the variation we have is more due to the different grain of birch vs. maple... These two tables could have been separated at birth... lol..
Oh, I was just curious if you had selected a certain finish. I ended up opting for satin. There was a matte but it was so dull, and the gloss was too shiny.
Yea they are pretty similar legs/pedestal aside. Is yours one piece or leaf?
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Re: Any thoughts on counter height dining tables?
That really is a lovely setup.