Relevant categories: Dining Tables
At Canonbury Antiques we have a large range of wonderful extending refectory tables in oak. If you are after that cosy farmhouse look then these are definitely the table for you and they will definitely occupy centre stage in the kitchen at the heart of the home.
The great thing about having an extending table is that it offers the flexibility to make the table bigger so you can host large scale dinner parties or functions. Typically our range of extending refectory tables work of a leaf system whereby the table is made bigger by pulling out the extra leaf from the end of the table. The leaf can be stored under the end of the table and fits snuggly under the table. On average the table leaf will measure 24 inches (60CM) - so with one at either end of the table that's an extra four feet (120CM), quite a bit of extra room to seat 4-6 extra guests (depending on how intimate you want to be).
We're finding that a lot of our clients even prefer an extending refectory table over our more formal dining options (Victorian and Regency dining tables) as the solid oak makes them very durable and able to withstand the daily knocks (and spills) of regular use and family life, particuarly when there is children involved. Of course when looking for a kitchen dining set we have various sets of suitable chairs to match our range of oak refectory tables. Some of our favourites include the trusty Windsor chair, ladderback chairs, spindlebacks, Gothic, Elizabethan and Mary Tudor chairs. Many of these tables are on view in our Canonbury Antiques Hertfordshire showroom so please get in touch for an appointment to try them out for size. Nothing beats sitting around the table with the chairs to see how they look and feel for comfort.
(Above photo: You can see the extra leaf at the end on this refectory table )
The classic refectory table has a long history and we have an extensive range. They were first used by monks in the Medieval times to sit and eat around, perhaps also supping the occassional pint of Trappist ale at when on a break from monastic life. Refectory tables were also used as a dining table in schools and educational facilities. Their solid and durable nature makes them very sturdy and solid. Of course if you are trying to achieve that rustic English farmhouse cottage look that is so popular at the moment then these are the ideal accessory. We have had one of these tables in our family home for as long as I remember. Even things like spills and knocks only add to their magic as the patina of the table takes on a character of its own and makes each table individual.
(Above photo: Gorgeous extending Spanish table with two benches in oak to match )
The classic extending refectory table will have a very solid plank as the table top resting on the hand turned legs connected by the solid stretcher. These tables came from Germany, France, Spain and the UK all with various design traits and differences. One of our favourite versions comes from France with hand carved bulbous legs. As these tables are so sturdy and last for generations they make a great investment and can even be handed down to future generations making them a great investment.
(Above photo: Very long oak table, perfect for that large dinner party )
Of course many of these tables are on view in our Hertfordshire antiques showroom which is only 25 minutes north of London. We also specialise in classic dining furniture, Continental antiques, art deco, bronzes, architectural antiques, porcelain, antique desks and everything to do with the world of interiors. We offer special discounts to interior designers and the trade so let us know what you require for you project and we can help out. We can ship these extending refectory tables to anywhere in the world and all of the UK so please also get in touch with a shipping quote.
Please enjoy some videos from the Canonbury Antiques YouTube channel showcasing highlights from our range of refectory tables:
Oak Extending Refectory Table ...
Extending French Refectory Tab...
Extending Refectory Table - Oa...
Large Victorian Oak Wakes Oval...
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