Relevant categories: Dining Tables
(Above photo - Large Refectory Table - French Farmhouse Oak Kitchen Dining Tables )
Refectory tables come in all sizes. Today, we want to focus on the large refectory tables, which are mainly long and wide. But before we delve deep into that, let’s first define a refectory table. It is a long, narrow table that first sprung up in monasteries for use by monks when dining. In such a setting, you would expect many refectory tables. That’s because a single monastery would host a large number of monks. The first refectory tables were made from walnut but as people across Europe began to appreciate them, oak became the main material.
Features of Refectory Tables
(Above photo - Extending Refectory Table - Oak Kitchen Farmhouse Dining Tables ) • Ability to seat a large number of people. Thanks to their massive size, large refectory tables could seat many people, usually up to 10 for smaller ones and 16 for larger tables.
• Drop leaves. Large refectory would at times have drop leaves on both ends. The purpose of the drop leaves was to extend the table surface even further. They were held in place by handy wood slats with each leaf accommodating two extra people.
(Above photo - Oak Dining Table - French Fleur De Lys Refectory Table 9ft 274 CM ) • The most common wood was walnut and oak. When they first sprang up, refectory tables were made from walnut. However, their wider adoption across Europe led designers to start using oak.
• Occasional drawers. Some refectory tables had at least one drawer on one of the ends. Smaller pieces of cutlery would be stored in the drawer to make dining convenient for the users.
Functions of Refectory Tables
(Above photo - Large Extending Refectory Table Farmhouse Dining Table)
Today, a large refectory table could be used for much more than dining. The following are some of the ways you could use a large refectory table.
1. Dining Tables
Large refectory tables are a mainstay in the dining room. In a narrow dining room, a refectory table will help you to put the space to maximum use. It will be possible for you to get space to move chairs around the room. Since it can seat up to 16 people, it is perfect for a large family and can serve the purpose when entertaining visitors.
2. Kitchen Tables
In the home, you need more than just a dining table. At the center of the kitchen, you need a table from which you can prepare food. In that case, the table needs to be much shorter than the standard refectory table. If you only have a kitchen and not a dining room, you can finish your meals right there on the kitchen table.
3. Rustic Interior Décor
With an antique refectory table, you can give any room in your house the rustic look. The tables are usually full of dents and cracks that make your house elegantly special. You may use the table to hold flower vases and other pieces of art.
4. Home Office
One of the quickest ways to set up a home office is to use a large refectory table. The table surface can easily hold a laptop or desktop computer. That’s not forgetting the stationary you need to do your work. If at the workplace, a refectory table can be placed in the boardroom.
We have a wide range of refectory tables from which you can choose. Talk to us today!
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