Make Your Kitchen Pop With Mid Century Modern Tables

Mid century modern style brings a sense of retro nostalgia to contemporary kitchens. With their organic shapes and clean lines, mid century modern tables add warmth and inviting style to kitchen dining areas. The subtle curves and tapered legs of these iconic tables contrast beautifully with the hard edges of most modern kitchen cabinets and appliances.

What is Mid Century Modern Style?

Mid century modern style originated in the post-World War II era, from the 1940s to the 1960s. Scandinavian design was especially influential, with its focus on functionality, craftsmanship, and natural materials like wood, stone, and leather.

Designers like Charles and Ray Eames, Arne Jacobsen, and Hans Wegner exemplified mid century sensibilities. Their furniture combined clean lines, gentle organic contours, and high quality craftsmanship. Natural and unfinished woods like teak, oak and walnut were favored.

Mid Century Kitchen Tables

Mid century modern kitchen tables embody these mid century ideals. Rectangular, oval, and round tabletop shapes were common. The legs were often tapered and splayed out at the bottom, with a low profile that didn't dominate the design.

Table edges featured subtle contours instead of hard angles. Ornamentation was minimal, with a focus on bringing out the inherent beauty of the wood grain itself. The warmth of the natural materials created an inviting, casual atmosphere perfect for lively family meals.

Why Choose a Mid Century Modern Kitchen Table?

After falling out of fashion for a few decades, mid century style is back in a big way. The nostalgic retro feel blends seamlessly with both vintage and contemporary kitchen designs. Mid century tables lend relaxed warmth to sleek, modern kitchens in an open floor plan.

The tapered legs tuck discretely under cabinets and islands. A round mid century table can soften the layout and provide a welcoming hub. A long, rectangular table is great for large gatherings with built-in bench seating.

Mid century tables suit all budgets too. You can find high quality reproductions and authentic vintage pieces across a wide price range. With some creative decorating, a mid century table makes the perfect centerpiece for your kitchen.

Where to Find Mid Century Kitchen Tables

Vintage and antique stores are great places to find original mid century tables. Online marketplaces like Chairish, 1stDibs, and Etsy also have a terrific selection of vintage mid century furniture.

For new tables, check out modern furniture stores like West Elm and Crate & Barrel. Many smaller custom workshops also handcraft mid century inspired tables from reclaimed wood, often using traditional joinery techniques.

What to Look for When Shopping

When shopping for a mid century kitchen table, keep an eye out for these markers of quality and authenticity:

• Real wood like teak, walnut and oak with visible natural grain
• Tapered legs and subtle organic shapes
• Minimal ornamentation and hardware
• Vintage charm like patina and maker's marks
• Solid craftsmanship and structural integrity
• Size and shape to complement your kitchen layout

How to Style Your Mid Century Kitchen Table

Once you've found the perfect mid century kitchen table, it's time to style it. Complementing chairs, tabletop decor, and lighting all work together to create a cohesive dining area.

Choose Complementing Chairs

Iconic mid century chairs like Eames molded plywood or Bertoia side chairs are natural companions. For an eclectic twist, mix in other vintage finds from flea markets. Built-in bench seating lined with colorful cushions is another option.

Select Tabletop Decor

When it comes to tabletop decor, keep things simple. Plain white dinnerware lets the warm wood tones shine. Add in glassware with clean lines and flatware with minimal ornamentation. A table runner or napkins in bright, cheerful colors inject personality.

A modest vase with a small bouquet or some trailing ivy makes for an elegant centerpiece. Candles are another classic touch that enhance the moody, retro atmosphere.

Create Ambiance with Lighting

Lighting casts the right mid century modern mood. Pendant lights dangling over the table keep things bright and inviting. Under cabinet lights provide task lighting for cooking at the counters. Strategically placed background lighting warms up the space. And of course, candles lend their flattering glow. Dimmer switches enable you to set just the right ambiance for breakfast, dinner parties or late night meals.

Tips for Maintaining Your Mid Century Table

To keep your mid century kitchen table looking its best for many years, follow these care tips:

• Avoid placing in direct sunlight, which can cause wood to dry out and fade
• Use coasters under hot plates and cups
• Dust regularly with a soft lint-free cloth
• Clean spills promptly to prevent staining
• Apply beeswax wood polish every few months
• Consider refinishing periodically to restore luster
• Fix wobbles and repair damage right away

With its timeless charm and relaxed vibe, a mid century modern kitchen table infuses your cooking and dining space with vintage character. The subtle curves soften hard edges, while the warm wood tones lend an inviting spirit.

A mid century table crafted from natural wood flows beautifully in modern open concept kitchens. Gathering around its smooth surface for meals brings family and friends together. Find your perfect mid century table to make your kitchen truly pop!