Home Sweet Home Projects: Dining Table & Chairs

Recently, the hubs and I were discussing the fact that we need a new dining table. We will be hosting our first “Thanksmas” at our house this year and our table just doesn’t provide adequate space for such an occasion. I’ve looked at some in stores and online. The criteria: long but not super wide, dark stain, white legs, possibility for a bench, color, cute chairs. I just couldn’t find one table with the perfect chairs I love. 

Then it hit me; I’m never going to find exactly what I want. So, my mind goes to my good ol’ standby “If you can’t find it, make it”. I ran the thought past the hubs and he told me to show him what I want….but what did I want.

I had a list of criteria but already had trouble fulfilling it. What was I missing? Why couldn’t it just come altogether in neat package?! AHA! That’s the problem. It’s not going to come altogether.  To get the vision I had in my mind, we were going to have to mix things up a bit. 

1. First things First – {The Table}

We’re going to make our table long enough to seat three chairs on each side and one at each end. But since we don’t need that many seats on a daily basis we are only getting 4 chairs and making a bench. The table will be pushed against the wall with the bench underneath for daily uses, when we need the space we’ll simply pull out the table and grab a couple of spare chairs.

I found these two beauties online. I love the simple lines and the two tone color scheme. I’m gonna rough the boards up a bit before we stain it. I want the top to look a little used and worn. The legs are going to be white but I will dry brush a little of the stain over them to give it a little character. The bench will be made just like the table, just on a smaller-more-bench-like scale.

2. {The runner}

While searching for tables I ran across the perfect runner; a burlap table runner. I love the use of the green fabric in the center of the runner. I decided to go with a brown satin material for my center. I’m excited to see how it turns out.

3. {The Chairs}

I really love the idea of colorful chairs. The hubs isn’t big on the idea but he’s willing to be flexible. This is where I get to let my personal style show. I want square seated chair so I can easily add and upholster a cushion to the chair. I like really tall backs on chairs, the more ornate in design the better. We’re still searching for chairs but the above images are my inspirations. The colors will be based on the fabric below, which I plan to use for the cushion.

4. {The Plates}

I think everyone should have few random plates in their lives. I like the idea of having plates the same colors as the chairs and set up some colorful place settings for the table. We don’t necessarily have to eat off of them, they can just be fore decoration. I’m still searching for the perfect plates…I may end up just painting some myself. For now, I’m using the image above as my plate inspiration.

I’ll try to post throughout this project as we finished different steps.  I would like to go ahead and thank my husband for all the hard work he is going to put into this with me. Also, for always going along with my crazy plans even if they are a little outside of his comfort zone. This is going to be a lot of fun and I cannot wait to see it all come together making my vision a reality.