At Antique Tables we always have in stock a good variety of 2 metre to 2.5 metre size antique tables and farmhouse tables around 6 feet to 7 feet in length.
Tavern tables with X Frame stretchers and Windsor chairs were often seen in the ale houses and harvest tables and convent tables were used to furnish village meeting halls. At first the provincial tables were simple and rustic with square camfered legs but when lathe turning was mastered by the local carpenters and joiners, simple round turned leg, bobbin, twists and baluster shapes were also used for decoration. Single and double drawer leaf table designs were introduced in France and Italy along with tapered leg kitchen tables.
French provincial antique tables have remained unchanged and the designs are still simple like they have been for centuries. Some have included bread slides, extension leaves and large drawers to replace the dough tables. H-stretchers and end stretcher bases were added for stability. Thick chunky legs with canted corners, delicate tapering or cabriole legs are all incorporated into their designs.
Most of the early refectory tables were made in oak, ash or elm, but examples of chestnut, walnut, pear, apple, cherry and other fruitwoods are also found, especially in France where French Farmhouse tables were made using all the local woods.
Styles and construction of French Country Furniture were very regional. Elm and beech Normandy tables came from Northern France, chestnut and oak tables in Brittany, walnut banquet and chateau tables to the south and pine in the Alps. We have a huge variety available with us. Check out the website for all the available options.