The Ultimate Guide to Rustic Dining Tables

Dining Table and Bench with Steel Square Frame Legs

What is a Rustic Dining Table?

Handmade rustic dining tables use traditional, natural materials such as wood to create an authentic, vintage feel. Whilst more contemporary styles of dining tables favour clean lines and uniform designs, rustic table tops preserve the natural textures and imperfections of the wood. The results are timeless, versatile pieces of furniture which make a stylish addition to any room.

Characteristics of Rustic Dining Tables

Wood

Rustic dining tables often make use of premium hardwoods such as oak, walnut and ash.These hardwoods offer exceptional durability, especially oak which can withstand the risk of dents and spills which comes with the bustling environment of a family home. Walnut is a popular choice for its distinctive colour spectrum, spanning from light brown to rich, dark chocolate hues, whilst ash tends to feature a notably lighter hue which can undergo staining without compromising the texture of the wood.

Live Edge Dining Table with Steel Legs and Bench

Live Edges

In woodwork, live edges are those which have not been worked on either by hand tools or machinery. The result is an unfinished, exposed edge which retains the natural beauty of the tree, incorporating it into the overall design of the piece. The use of live edges in rustic dining tables enhances the look by underlining the table’s simplicity and connection to nature.

Natural Imperfections

Rustic tables often have rough, distressed, or weathered finishes that showcase the natural imperfections and character of the wood. This can include knots, open grain and uneven surfaces. The natural wood grain of rustic dining tables is also a prominent feature. It adds warmth and texture to the table's appearance, and the grain patterns vary from table to table, meaning no two pieces are the same.

Reclaimed Wood

Reclaimed wood is a popular source of timber for handmade rustic dining tables due to the unique characteristics of each plank, obtained through years of previous use. Features such as cracks, scuffs, old nail holes, saw marks and hammer indents are celebrated in reclaimed wood furniture, and only add to the rustic ambience.

Extra Chunky Dining Table and Bench with Timber Frame Legs

Solid & Chunky

Many rustic dining tables have chunky, substantial legs and bases that contribute to their sturdy and grounded appearance. These tables are built to last, with strong joinery and solid construction methods. They are designed to withstand the wear and tear of daily use, allowing them to be passed down through generations if looked after properly.

 

How to Choose the Perfect Rustic Dining Table

Round Table with Pedestal Prism Steel Legs

Space

Measure the available space in your dining area, including the room's dimensions and any potential constraints like walls, doorways, and other furniture. This will of course have an impact on the dimensions of your rustic dining table, but it will also impact the shape of table you should choose. Rustic dining tables come in various shapes, such as rectangular, square, round, and oval. Choose a shape that fits both your space and your aesthetic preferences - round tables tend to take up less space, making them ideal for smaller areas.

Budget

Set a budget for your dining table purchase. Keep in mind that solid wood and high-quality rustic tables can be an investment, but they tend to be durable and long-lasting. Don’t forget the old age saying - buy it cheap, buy it twice!

Size

Decide how many people you want the table to comfortably seat. This will help you determine the size of the table you need. We recommend you allow at least 24 inches of table width per person to ensure comfortable seating and easy access. If you occasionally need extra seating, consider a table with extension leaves. This allows you to adjust the table size as needed without having a large dining table taking up precious space when not in use.

Design

Determine the specific style of rustic table you prefer. Rustic designs can range from farmhouse to cottage to industrial. For a true rustic look, consider solid reclaimed wood options like oak, pine, ash or walnut with natural imperfections and variations that add to the rustic charm. Consider details such as the table’s legs and finish as these will also have an impact on the style of the table.

Styling Your Rustic Dining Table

Live Edge Dining Table with Steel Legs

Pairing with Chairs

• Consider a reclaimed wood bench to match your hardwood table for a rustic farmhouse style perfect for hosting large families
• Velvet dining chairs can provide a luxurious touch to your rustic dining table
• Chunky, solid wood dining chairs will complement the table, whilst more intricately designed Queen Anne or splat back wooden chairs will provide contrast
• Mix-and-match dining chairs can add more rustic ambience to your dining room whether you choose to mix colours, fabrics or shapes. Benches in particular can be mixed with any other chairs for a fun yet cohesive dining experience
• Upcycled dining chairs provide a similar charm to the reclaimed wood dining table as each piece is unique

Decor

• Fill repurposed glass jars or wooden crates as centrepieces - simply fill them with either fresh or dried flowers, or autumnal fruits and vegetables such as apples and pumpkins. You can also use vintage pitchers or tin watering cans as vases.
• Consider using a table runner made from a natural fabric such as burlap instead of a tablecloth, keeping the rustic wood table top exposed
• Use unscented pillar candles or tea lights for a cosy ambience
• Other elements such as old books, birdcages, or antique lanterns can be placed around the area for added character
• Place a large, worn or shaggy rug under your dining table to provide another layer of character, choosing earthy tones such as browns, creams and oranges
• Faux fur rugs and throws can be placed upon dining chairs and benches for both comfort and style

Table settings

• Opt for earthenware or stoneware plates and bowls in earthy tones or with rustic patterns
• Vintage or mismatched cutlery and glassware provide elegance without losing the down-to-earth charm of rustic decor
• Linen or cotton placemats have a soft, romantic impact whilst wooden or slate placemats are more rural and woodsy
• Napkins in muted colours like beige and taupe can be tied with twine for a simple but effective place setting
• Tie name cards to pinecones, twigs or wildflowers for something unique
• Add woven or leather coasters to protect the table while adding a rustic flair

Cleaning & Maintaining Your Rustic Dining Table

Gently wash your rustic wooden dining table with warm soapy water. If necessary, take a wood cleaner and cloth and wipe the furniture down, removing any dirt or markings. Avoid using any harsh chemicals as these can damage the wood. 

We finish all our handmade wooden furniture in a hard wax oil layer before it leaves our workshop, and we recommend reapplying this every 6 months to ensure the quality and finish of your rustic wood dining table is maintained. 

The hard wax oil creates a water-resistant protective layer to the furniture, ensuring that any spillages can be easily wiped away with a lightly dampened cloth, and is available in 5 colours to perfectly match the original stain on your bespoke furniture. The tint in the oil enhances the wood's natural grain and is the perfect way to add colour to your wooden furniture, as well as protect the reclaimed wood from sun and water damage.

Why Choose a Rustic Solid Wood Dining Table from The Bespoke Carpentry Co?

Each handmade rustic table created by The Bespoke Carpentry Co. undergoes meticulous craftsmanship using premium UK-sourced reclaimed wood. Bursting with character and diversity, every item is one-of-a-kind. As our furniture is made-to-order, we have the flexibility to tailor it precisely to your preferences including size, shape, style, finish, material and more.

Our extensive range of available finishes allows you to pair your new furniture with your existing pieces. You can opt for striking contrasts with light ash and dark walnut, evoke a more traditional ambiance with the warm tones of oak, or embrace a contemporary aesthetic with a white wash. 

To get started, browse our range of handmade rustic dining tables online, give us a call on 01305 849386 or fill out our online contact form.