Is there any way to reduce the size of my dining table?

Question

We bought -- and have lived with -- a dining table (and chairs) that is much too large for our dining area. Of course, we don't have problems unless we have guests and must use four chairs.

The table has a round, solid wood top that is anchored on a wrought iron/wood pedestal-type base. There is much metal scrollwork on the table base, as well as on the chairs, especially the legs. When we bought these furnishings for our new home, we didn't allow for the overhang of the breakfast bar or the space needed to open the french doors leading outside.

All serious answers will be greatly appreciated!

Having a yard sale is out of the question. The items are only two years old and rather expensive so we're not likely to be able to recoup enough money to purchase another set!

Answer 1

The design of your dining room suite sounds such that if you change anything about it, you will ruin the integrity of the entire set. Your only choice is either slice a section from the middle or shave a circular section from the outside. Either one has to done by a professional who really knows what he he doing, and will probably be as costly as buying a new suite. Are you at all the handyman? Can you reset the french doors to open outward instead of in? Can you redesign or even eliminate your breakfast bar?. As beautiful as your dining suite sounds, it might be better to store it, (in case you eventually move to a larger home), and purchase a smaller one.

Answer 2

You need to check phonebook or a local contractor to find a GOOD furniture or cabinet maker. They are more detailed and artistacly inclined to do fine woodwork. A regular carpenter is usally but not always better at rough work. A quality wood craftsman is an artist in his or her own right and will take care and pride with your table plus they have the specalized tools. Furniture makers and cabinet makers are a breed of there own.
Expect to pay a premium price.

Answer 3

Try rearranging the rooms. You could make another room into the "dining room" and put the big table in there. Then you could just get a smaller table in the old dining room or make it an extension of your living room with more seating.

Answer 4

Yes, it reduces the value. I would only do it if I planned on living there for a very long time. I would do it for my own enjoyment. I find it hard to believe that your house measures only 900 square feet and has 3 bedrooms. They must be tiny. Are you adding the square footage of the basement living space into your figure? If you have to sell your space, very few people will even bother to look at a 2 bedroom house. Who would want that? You are limiting yourself.

Answer 5

If the base itself is not too large --- remove the wood top, and replace it wioth a smaller one -- then you can store the original one and re-install it if you ever need the larger table again - or you can dispose of the original one.

If the base itself is too large - replace the table.

If you replace the table - as someone else suggested - you could yard-sale it: -OR- you could disassemble and recycle. Sounds like the wrought iron pedistal base could make a nice plant stand.

Answer 6

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Answer 7

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Answer 8

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Answer 9

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Answer 10

sounds like you need to have a yard sale, sell that table and buy one that is suitable for the area you have available for a table!