Ch-ch-ch-changes in the Dining Room
The dining room has been slowly getting better and better over the years. I enjoy my collection of baskets, the oriental rug and the fabric I used to reupholster my great grandmother’s chairs. I also love the antique lingerie chest that I bought from a friend and the 19th Century bench that my father gave me.
The newest addition was the dining room table that I inherited from another great grandmother.
It was a beautiful table, but unfortunately before it came to me it spent many years in my grandfather’s photography studio where it suffered a lot of damage.
The plan had been to refinish it myself, but as the years have gone by I have had to admit to myself that I am not going to be able to do it anytime soon. Since the table was free for us and is a high quality table, I think that it makes sense to pay to have it refinished.
The only problem is the size of the table. It is an extra wide table in a narrow little room. This creates problems when anyone wants to go into the kitchen while anyone is sitting on the north side of the table. There were only twenty four inches between the wall and the table on that side. There were twenty six on the other side, but the table could not move closer to the wall because of the bench.
I was certain that we could find a table that would fit better for a reasonable price on Craigslist. Douglas was adamant that he did not want to change the table. We were at a quandary. I was particularly torn because I have an emotional attachment to this table, and I know how beautiful it will be once it is refinished.
Finally, I had an epiphany. If the bench were not there, the table could be moved, but where would we put the bench?
Ta-da! Dilemma solved. Moving the bench to the wall at the head of the table allows us to move the table closer to the far wall. We were able to gain an additional two and a half inches. Obviously, it is still a close fit, but I think that I can live with it this way.
I also appreciate that the room is more symmetrical this way. Symmetry is not always something that I strive for, but I like it here.
Obviously the lingerie chest and the corn plant had to move. I pride myself on keeping a clean house, but I seemed to have missed this wall for a while.
So, where are the chest and the plant? They did not go far. I am not sure that this is where they will stay, but I do not think that it looks badly.
What do you think of the changes?
Happy Homemaking!
I am a teacher, traveler, artist, writer, homemaker and a whole lot more. In January 2009, I bought the Cape of Dreams. It was the second house that I had ever owned, but it was the first that I bought by myself. I now live in the house with my husband Douglas, our dog Kahlua, and Crème de Menthe, the cat. Because, what life is complete without a little Kahlua and Cream? I love arts and crafts of all kinds, and I refinish furniture as well. We are slowly redoing our entire house. You can read about my projects on my blog www.CapeofDreams.com
Brilliant solution! So what’s your verdict on getting the table refinished now that you’ve made it fit better?
I want to live with it for a little while before we spend that much money, but I have a feeling that we are going to refinish it.
I love the more balanced dining-room a lot more actually and it must be nice sitting on the old bench by the window.
I was surprised by how much more I liked it once I moved everything around. To be honest, I have not had a chance to sit there yet! I need to make some time to chill.
new perspective, good change, the best was figuring out how to keep the table
Thanks, Tess. I am glad that my idea worked.
Love the changes! So glad you kept the table! Also adore your “new” piece in the living room. So worth the effort to keep “old” things.
The older I get, the more I appreciate the age of things. 😉
I love it! I wanted that bench but I’m glad you got it, it looks great there and I can’t wait to see the refinished table! Thanks for sharing. Love you!
You can come visit it any time you want. I love you too!
I think it looks great and a much better use of the space you have. I am new to your blog and from the U.K so loving to read about your way of life over the pond x
Welcome to the Cape of Dreams and thanks for leaving a comment. It means a lot to me. Meeting people from around the world has been the best part about having this blog.
As I was reading about your quandary I thought, “Move the bench!” It looks much more open now. That’s a really special table–I agree it’s worth refinishing. And I like those chairs in red, too!
I do not know why I did not think of it sooner. Actually, I had thought of moving it to another room, but I did not want to do that. I am glad I finally figured out the right place for it. Next time I will ask for ideas on the blog!
Great table, especially the angled corners. Rearranging furniture — what fun! I love your vintage collection. Jo @ Let’s Face the Music
Thanks, Jo. These pieces have special meaning for me since they came from family.
Definitely refinish the table. It’s a precious thing to have. I would love to have something inherited from a great grandma! Love your stories.
Thanks, Marta. I do love the table and we will most likely end up refinishing it.