A Dining Table for a Jersey Kitchen
Once upon a time a lady called Lucy bought a 6 seat version of our Contemporary Refectory Table together with two Zen Benches. A few years on, we have discovered that her dining table is still very much centre stage in her stunning kitchen on the island of Jersey.
High roof lights and windows allow light to flood this beautiful open plan kitchen space. Lucys’ choice of a limited colour palette creates a classic simplicity. Neptune have provided the Chichester kitchen cabinets in the colour Cobble which sing out against the cool white walls and floor tiles. This simplicity is the perfect backdrop for the warm tones of the oak dining table. To add a touch of luxury, The Zen Bench and chairs are adorned with white faux fur. Each design element combines to beautiful effect.
Image source : Instagram @lovetearsandteepees
A Classic Oak Table Design
A contemporary version of a classic refectory design, this oak table is one of our most popular designs. It has very slightly angled legs with a stretcher joining each set of legs at the base. The softly curved arches give the design a unique and contemporary twist. Lucy has a 6 seat version, with two Zen Benches – one with a back, one without. But this table can me made to any standard or bespoke size – from petite to large and imposing. We have made many variations of this table over the years, including those with a glass or dekton top.
A Handmade Oak Table and Benches
Like all our tables, this design is constructed using traditional techniques. Each part of the base is joined using mortice and tenon joints are hammered home and secured with traditional pegging. The Zen Benches are constructed in the same way and can be made to fit either the length, or to slide in between the legs of the table.
Our Contemporary Refectory Table comes in three standard sizes, but we can also make it to a specific size just for you. If you are unsure about what size table you might need then do visit our Sizing Advice page for tips on where to start. Contact Us or call us on +33 (0)2 43 09 63 70 with any questions you may have. We will be delighted to hear from you.
Dining Table Finishes
We have several wood finishes available for our tables, but to achieve the look that Lucy has, we would suggest using one of three options:
- Danish oil is one of the most natural finishes you could opt for. It warms the tones of the oak whilst offering good protection. You will need to top the finish up from time to time. But this is very easy to do. Coasters and mats are advised.
- By contrast, a matt lacquer with a non-yellowing element will offer a really pale, unfinished look for your table. It will also offer excellent protection from spills and stains. So if you don’t want a warm tone to your table and don’t want to have to re-apply a finish – this is the one for you.
- There is a third, little thought of option – which is to have NO FINISH at all \😮/. This is in fact what Lucy has now. She has been brave enough to sand back her old finish and then allow her table to build up a patina that only time can give. With three children, this is a brave choice, but it has really paid off. Her table has that antique scrubbed look. In the words of one of our customers, it has the look of the table “like Grandma used to have”. Go for it!
THE CONTEMPORARY OAK REFECTORY TABLE
A solid French oak dining table with slightly angled legs and beautiful curved arches.
