714 Farmhouse Extension dining table, banquette table, farm table with leaves

714 Farmhouse Extension dining table, banquette table,  farm table with leaves

Here's one we designed, built, and finished for a couple in California with a small house and an eating nook.  It is a 56 inch long table which accepts (4) 5-inch wide leaves.  The leaves are placed in the ends here, on top of pull-out arms, and these fit together in tongue-and-groove fashion, as you can see between the breadboards and main top.

714 Farmhouse Extension dining table, banquette table,  farm table with leaves

This is what it looks like without leaves.  56 in long x 38 wide is a strange looking size, but the piece was built for function, and once it was placed in its proper context, I was surprised at how natural it looked.  A perfect solution for someone who likes the simple look of straight tapered legs.

714 Farmhouse Extension dining table, banquette table,  farm table with leaves

The end view, showing a very large side overhang.  This shape is essential for a built-in banquette, especially one built in an L configuration.  It is impossible to get a traditional four legged table (with normal sized overhangs) to work next to a banquette, due to the necessity of sliding the body in and out of a bench seat.  This is why pedestal and trestle forms are typically used in that scenario.  When we scooted the legs inward, we didn't know how it would look.  There's a precedent for this sort of shape in Shaker design, but the aprons are usually quite a lot wider, which we wanted to avoid due to the potential of knee-banging.  In the end, I was surprised at how much I liked this form.

714 Farmhouse Extension dining table, banquette table,  farm table with leaves

A view of the entire top, showing all four leaves in place.  This is solid alder, and we have colored and distressed the piece so that it looks old.  The husband lived in England and knew what authentic tables were supposed to look like.

714 Farmhouse Extension dining table, banquette table,  farm table with leaves

A closer view of one corner of the top, showing texture and color.  The target sample for this piece was a small bit of carving which had been collecting dust in my workshop.  The finish was all worn off and the little piece looked dry and very old.  It is tricky to get a fully coated penetrating finish to read like an old dried up bit of millwork, but we did the best we could.

714 Farmhouse Extension dining table, banquette table,  farm table with leaves

The resulting color became one of my favorite new looks.

714 Farmhouse Extension dining table, banquette table,  farm table with leaves

Showing a 3/4 view here

714 Farmhouse Extension dining table, banquette table,  farm table with leaves

And here it is, placed in its proper context next to the built in bench.  Harry approves and has apparently claimed it as his.  Isn't this a nice spot?  Light and bright and cozy all at the same time.  

714 Farmhouse Extension dining table, banquette table,  farm table with leaves

If your cat would prefer such a table as this, here is a link to pricing for this length / width.  Please get in contact with us for other sizes or designs.  We are happy to talk with you about what works in your home.