The French Farm Table

Instant Ambiance
If you long to create a Country French Ambiance
in your home there is one piece of furniture that can
make your decorating job much easier. An Antique
French Farm Table, aka, trestle table, harvest table,
and Refectory table.

Some of our fondest memories will be created
during the Holiday Season as we gather around
the table and partake of the feast. Ever wonder
why most of life's most special moments take
place while we are eating? Must be our
European roots.
The one thing I absolutely adore about the
Country French Lifestyle is that it revolves
around the table. And.. more times than not
it happens to be a Refectory table. The Refectory
table came about in the 16th Century, so named
due to it's use in Monasteries, where the eating
room was known as a Refectory.
Most in Europe were made from hard woods
such as Walnut and Oak. These woods would
withstand abuse.


Most are made from separate planks that have been
joined together, resting atop chanfreiné (beveled)
legs. The art of joining happens to be one of the
highest art forms of cabinet makers. Many farm
tables also have what is called a breadboard top


This is when the end planks go a different direction which
adds stability to the joined boards.
Many have the typical H stretcher (the French call it the
stretcher for the chat) (cat).


It is also very common to find a deep drawer in either
or both ends of the table. So the story goes, these
were used to store the monks monogrammed napkins
after each meal. Laundry was only done once a week
so it was necessary for them to re-use their napkins.
These deep drawers would necessitate deep friezes
(aprons) which can be a draw back. Hence the use of
benches at the table.
If you are considering a Farm table don't be discouraged
by the height. If you prefer to cross your legs at the table,
it is relatively simple to have your table's legs built up
by a good woodworker. I have an excellent person in
Louisville and he charges $200-$300.
They also have many uses with a little imagination!
They make beautiful bathroom vanities topped with
ironstone vessel sinks and straw baskets underneath.
Islands and work tables in the kitchen.
Desks for your home office.
Saw the legs down and you have a beautiful coffee
table.
However you choose to use it, a French Farm Table is
a good investment and patina is something you
can't reproduce.
If you are looking for a 19th century farm table, I
carry a wide variety at my shop,
European Antique Market.
I have French, Spanish and Zinc topped. All are in
the $3,000-$3,800 price range.


Spanish


Whatever table you may be gathering
around this Holiday season with friends
and family, I wish for you Wonderful Moments
and
Bon Appetit !