For some, the kitchen table is an extra place to eat, especially when it comes to meals like breakfast and lunch. For others, the kitchen table IS the dining table, especially if the home is a bit challenged for space! Often more compact than dining room tables, kitchen tables may also serve as a place to snack, work, or even to sit and chat with the chef while food is prepared nearby.Regardless of the use, kitchen tables may be a bit more informal than dining room tables. And even a tad adventurous! Now is the time to bring on the lacquer, metal AND acrylic. However, the style is totally up to the owner. What’s your kitchen table style? In today’s post, we feature tables and chairs for the kitchen, from matching sets to eclectic blends of modern design elements. Let’s start with the tables. After all, you’ve got to have a place to set the food! We begin with a classic–the Knoll Saarinen Round Dining Table. Designed by Eero Saarinen, this iconic piece was initially unveiled in 1957.
Since then, it has become a modern design favorite. While the table below is shown in white, take note that the item is offered in a variety of finishes for both top and base. Speaking of variety, the Bontempi Casa Cubo Bistro Table in the next pair of images can be featured in white and metal. Compact and perfectly contemporary, this piece is ideal for small spaces. An unconventional choice designed by Ferruccio Laviani, the Kartell Max Table is often used as a desk. Yet the wheels give it a clear advantage as a table–this piece can be stashed against a wall to open up space in the kitchen, then rolled to the middle of the room to accommodate a group of diners. You can’t have a kitchen table without chairs. When it comes to seating options, there is a range of choices at your disposal, as illustrated by the IKEA selections below.A popular style often seen in restaurants, the Delta Side Chair is crafted of aluminum, then given an anodized finish for a sleek matte effect. [from Crate & Barrel]
Imagine a boat with the wind in its sails, streamlined and graceful in the open air. Inspired by sailing ships, the Skagerak Ocean Chair is made of stainless steel and weather-resistant plastic. Aren’t a fan of white? Order the piece in green or black. Are you searching for a chair that is easy to lift, move and stack? Designed by Don Chadwick, the Knoll Spark Side Chair is offered in a range of bright hues so it’s as eye-catching as well as functional. And if you’re in the mood for something ultra-bright, don’t hesitate to check out the Echo chairs below, which catch you off guard with their showstopping color. For our last group of images, we feature tables and chairs that go together like peanut butter and jelly. Who can resist the unbeatable combinations below? In the next picture, we see the MELLTORP/HERMAN table and chair duo. The white melamine table is accented with bright red chairs for a modern, youthful effect. Want a table that appears to take up little space? Make sure it’s see through, like the clear Silverado Round Dining Table, crafted of glass with a chrome-plated iron base.
Below we see the piece displayed with a set of Slim White Chairs. If space is scarce, why not purchase a table that can be folded and stashed when it’s not mealtime? The Slim White Chairs above are now shown with the Flip n Dine Dining Table by Jonas Wahlstrom. The piece’s engineered wooden top shines with a lacquer finish. A steel tube frame adds support. This handy table can seat up to six, but feel free to use it as a compact console when closed, or fold it up and store it out of the way if you prefer. The FUSION table and chair set represents compact dining at its best. Curved chairs fit perfectly around the rounded edges of this brown-black table with chrome-plated legs. Sometimes the best complement to a small kitchen table is a vivid chair. Take the Crown Round Kitchen Dining Table, shown below with ForYou2 Stacking Dining Chairs, both from Domitalia. Acid green is a welcoming contrast to the sleek white tables. If you’re not sure about the strong hue, try mixing white and green chairs to soften the look.
Or why not go with magenta? It’s unexpected, and it pops against a backdrop neutral shades, such as white. Also note how these simple yet powerful chairs are a great fit for the small round table in the next image. [from Domitalia via Stylish Eve]If you want some color but aren’t sure about selecting a chair that is shaded from top to bottom, opt for seating with colorful backing. Below we see a metal and glass table enhanced by four two-tone chairs in a sophisticated combination of red and white. We now revisit the foldable table and chair phenomenon, thanks to the Packet Table and Chairs below, designed by Srdjan Simic from Offi. Affordable and eye-catching, this set is tempting precisely because you can fold it up when you’re done. But these pieces are interesting and compact enough that you may just want to leave them permanently assembled. Time to leave the world of compact tables behind and spotlight a few selections are perfect for larger spaces. Like the Felix Walnut Side Chair, shown with the Span Espresso Gateleg Dining Table, both from Crate & Barrel.
If you admire the design but aren’t sure about the size, keep in mind that the table can be folded to create more space in your kitchen.For modern design lovers who want to channel the past, the French Kitchen Bistro Table is perfectly charming with a Carrera marble top and a steel and aluminum base. Don’t forget that nothing goes better with a cafe-style table than bistro-style chairs, like the Vienna Black Side Chairs below.We now move from bistro to industrial with the District High Dining Table, showcased in the next image. A galvanized iron top gives this piece personality, while industrial-chic Turner Barstools complete the worn, modern look of the vignette. We end with a dramatic selection in white lacquer. A minimalist color combines with eye-catching design. Both table and chairs are polished off with shiny metal legs. [from Decorpad via Apartment Therapy]The image above serves as a reminder that small kitchen tables do not have to be short on style. Dress them up with dramatic vases of tall blooms.