Q: Wondering if anyone can recommend an alternative to Design Within Reach's bridge extension table? At around $2700 it is very much outside my current budget of $1000. Mainly looking at the shape and aesthetic of the dining table; we also like the fact that it can seat 8. The extension is a plus but we can do without it. We have seen the Shanghai by CB2 and feel that the wood veneer isn't of good quality but that seems to be the only one that we have found under $1000. Any suggestions?
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http://www.cb2.com/dining-tables/dining/shanghai-dining-table/s272968
Go vintage. Go to antique malls that have a lot of MCM and constantly search Craigslist (Use an app on your phone or tablet. That way you can just search "dining table" and see thumbnails as you browse. Using the actual site is tedious). Also, Estatesales.net is a great resource.
If you like the above table, I'd imagine you would like a lot of the old Heywood Wakefield sets and there are many other designers from the era with similar lines. A Heywood Wakefield set with chairs at market value is around $1300. (And most of the time when you find a set, they aren't priced at market.)
LOL I was looking at the photo and thought "that's just like the CB2 table" and didn't finish reading your post before I included the link. One thought, since the shanghai is only $700, you could buy a sheet of something like solid yellow formica and adhere it over the table surface. Or have the whole table painted. Bleh. sometimes I really wish AT had a 'delete' option.
I second the suggestion to go vintage. I scored a beautiful teak oval table for about $600 that included two leaves. Fully extended, it seats 10 comfortably, 12 crowded around. It's stunning. Something similar at one of the Scandinavian furniture stores was more than $3000.
I recently saw this table at Target of all places, it has a similar vibe. Of course it won't even come close to touching the quality or design of the DWR table but who can beat a price tag of $229?
http://www.target.com/p/kennedy-oval-dining-table-espresso/-/A-14193282#?lnk=sc_qi_detaillink
You get what you pay for. Wait a few months, keep saving. Maybe your budget will better meet your quality demands then.
FWIW, I own several pieces of furniture from CB2 and they have held up amazingly well. You may be wrong about the quality of the veneer.
I recommend this site. The quality is good and you'll find a variety of tables that will probably work without breaking the bank. Good luck!
http://www.vintagedanishmodern.com/cgi/s-mart.cgi?command=listitems&type=search&search=9324
Agree with others who said to look into vintage. Especially MCM or Danish style would be so similar to your picture. My own vintage solid walnut MCM table came with 2 leaves so could seat 8-10 easily, and it is oval with straight tapered legs. I've seen several similar tables on my local Craigslist through the years, never over $500 and all solid wood.
Buy used!
I have a refinished vintage oval table for sale - it's high quality and in great shape.
I was thinking of swapping it out but haven't posted it yet.
any chance you're in NYC?
Doubt you are in Dallas, but if you happen to be this just came up on Craigslist http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/fuo/3552324499.html
What a great site. I'm glad I clicked through!
This is a great table if you're looking for an extension (or want to reap from their benefits without it being a priority). I repeat - you get what you pay for, so if this is the table you love, save and/or open a DWR card and benefit from 6-mo interest free payments. It will last you years and years...
Wish I could say the same for that CB2 thing (assuming it looked like quality)...
if you decide to go vintage and live in MA check out my blog, www.crocodiletears.info, lots of table sets - most people are looking for smaller tables, so you should have a good luck!
Adrian Pearsall's dining table 2179-t. Right now the only one on ebay is also with the original chairs, which I am not a fan of and is $2750. But think if you keep your eyes peeled could get one for less and pair it with a lighter chair, like the Koefoeds Lis. This table easily sits six thought catalogue shows it with just four. Some of the Danish tables expand and have a cool inset for storing silverware when you slide the table open and close for expansion. But they look heavier to me. Like the glass of the Pearsall. Looks light. Try to get the original glass as it is oval and also 60's shape.
There is one on CL is Pittsburgh for 1500. Maybe you could make them an offer and get it closer to your budget.
http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/fuo/3544742892.html
And one in Raleigh for 1100$. :)
Here's Lignet Roset table plus chairs for just $900 on LA's CL
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/fuo/3563603791.html.