Antique French Country Dining Table
When we sold our home several months ago, I sold our dining table and chairs.
Our old dining set was painted white and I loved them for a long time, but I was ready to go in a different direction.
I knew exactly what kind of table I wanted, and decided that once we got settled into our new home, I would start searching for an antique French Country draw leaf dining table.
This table had been on my “wish list” for a couple of years, and the move was the perfect opportunity to try and find one.
Daily visits to the online market place, and checking local estate sales and auctions became routine as I tried to be patient in finding exactly what I wanted.
Months went by without finding anything, but then several weeks ago, I was scrolling through Facebook and saw a post from an antique shop that imports furniture from France.
They had a new container from France arriving and they needed to make room in their showroom for the new arrivals. One of the pieces on sale was this gorgeous antique French oak parquetry dining table!
It was THE TABLE and it was exactly what I had been looking for!
The shop was about two hours away from where we live, so the next morning hubby and I took off and headed in their direction.
As soon as I saw the table in person, I knew it was the one.
This 1900’s French Louis XV style dining table features a beautiful parquetry design on the top, and two extendable leaves that are stored under the tabletop.
I’m normally not a very a patient person, so I’m really happy that I didn’t rush into finding something, and end up with a table that I didn’t really want.
This table is designed to be both beautiful and practical.
Benefiting from the draw leaf extending inserts on each end, it can be converted to accommodate a large group of people. When un-extended, it fits into a relatively smaller space.
It didn’t come with any chairs, so I’m temporarily using the two Louis XV gilt wood chairs on each end, and a couple of slipcovered parsons chairs on the side.
The dining room in our temporary home is very small, and without the leaves extended, it works much better in the tiny space.
However, I love the option of enlarging the table with the extended leaves when we find our permanent home.
This traditional French style dining table is made with space in mind. It has a lovely proportion and will seat 6 -10 people when it’s fully extended.
The carved oak wood has a wonderful time worn patina, and there are stunning carvings on each side of the table apron, as well as on the heavily carved cabriole legs.
This table brings such a sense of history to the room! It was exactly what I was looking for and finding it at a good price made the purchase even sweeter. I’m so glad that I waited to find the right piece.
Now, I’m on the hunt for a set of French dining chairs, so stay tuned!
Cheers, Cindy
Cindy, great find on this lovely table!
Hugs,
Barb 🙂
WOW, that is the most beautiful table I have ever seen! we have a lot of family in France and I’ve seen a lot of nice antiques, but I just love everything about this table. it would also be the perfect size for my current small dining room. Small for everyday, and practical when you have guests. I currently have a 60″ round glass table on top of a antique style pediment, and I loved it in my old house that had a large dining room. here is just too large. I hate to part with it, so I may just find a 45″ round glass top to replace it.
Anyway, thank you for sharing your lovely finds! have a good weekend!
Your table sounds beautiful, Tracey!
Great find Cindy!!! I have a table similar to this, not as ornate and newer. I found it at my fav consignment shop. It was a very good deal as the parquetry top was faded by the sun. When we finally moved it to the new house, I used some hemp oil and it brought the parquet back to life. It’s now our breakfast room table. Yours is a beauty and so happy you found your treasure!!
Thank you, Shirley! I have searched for a table like this for awhile. It works perfectly in the tiny dining room we have now, but will expand to use in a larger space when we find it! Love your new home! Stay well, my friend!
Your table is gorgeous. I also have a refractory table, not French style, but made around 1910. Just love the versatility of having the leaves under the table top and just pull out when needed.
That’s a gorgeous table. So that is the original finish? I really like the way the extensions match the table. I recently got a “really good deal” on an antique table with eight chairs. I have a very eclectic house. I didn’t mind that the Duncan Phyfe style table didn’t match the Queen Anne style chairs. When set up in my dining room, I realized that they are too large. Oh well. I still like it better than the old set. Thanks for sharing your lovely finds. The hunt is fun!
Oh Cindy! You find the best stuff! I thought I loved your former dining room but can’t wait to see how you finish this one. The table is gorgeous! So glad you found just what you wanted.
Thank you, Lee!
Love the new table. We bought one a few years ago on Craigslist very similar with chairs. I upholstered the chairs just like yours with the stencils. I love how they look! Thanks.
Thank you, Linda!
Love the Dining table.looks just perfect.
Thank you, Margie!
Beautiful table!!!!
Thank you, Anne!
Beautiful table. I love the beauty of it as well as the history and the practicality of the self storing leaves. Enjoy.
Thanks, Deb!
That table is gorgeous!!
Thank you, Jennifer!
I have that table and 6 chairs. They are in great condition. Where are you located? I’m willing to sell chairs separately. I can send pics if you’d like. I live south of Nashville TN.
Hi Cheryl! We are in Fairhope, AL. You can send pics of the chairs to cindy@edithandevelynvintage.com.
If anyone can find the perfect French chair… It would be you!! Happy hunting!
Thank you, Margie! I’m on the hunt!