Kitchen Table

Dy asked me about our bench at the table. And as I was trying to explain it I realized I needed a picture of the eating area. So if you do not want to hear how much I Love my table bench scroll on down for some great pics of the girls.

I searched for about a year to find the bench for our table. What we own is a family, hand-me-down dining room table. Not a strong sturdy family kitchen table, but the type that is more often put away in a room somewhere and only used on special occassions. It has taken its beatings from my family as it claims its place as the center of most of our activities.

The good and bad thing about this table is that it is large (and can become larger). But we have tried a couple of other tables in our space and nothing really fits, manly because it is not supposed to be the "eating area." Previous owners had 'remuddled' the house putting a door to the backyard right in the middle of the small eating area. Pretty much eliminating any table layouts there.

So we have our table here:


This is a short wall space which houses the washer/dryer/pantry (see closed closet door on left) and on the right side you enter our kitchen (otherwise known as the closet with a stove). Behind me taking the picture is our open family room (everything room) space.

In order to allow for an odd floor type and slight elevation change between the "kitchen" area and the family room we had to keep the table pushed up against the wall. This still allowed for four of us to sit around the remaining three sides, but was a pain when guests would be over. Chairs do not really fit back there as the able has to be moved out so far that it begins to overlap the family room. We were also concerned that eventually 5 people, plus the occassional guest would need to fit there.

So, I settled on a bench. We have only had it for about three weeks but it is wonderful. The girls love to sit on it and eat as it actually sits higher than the chairs. The table does not have to be pulled out very far for the girls to use it as they are young and can climb in. We can also push the table back over the bench if we find we need extra floor space or want to use the table as a buffet. It also works for school work as I can separate the girls if needed. We could now fit up to 7 people comfortably without having to extend the table and borrow chairs from the neighbors. More than that our guests should hope it is warm outside because that is where we will be eating.

Eventually I hope to replace our table with a nice, sturdy farm table. One that can take a beating. But we will continue to use the bench until the girls are much older.

Peace,

Amy