The ubiquitous farmhouse table has been evolving since the 19th century when it used to serve many purposes. It was used as a sorting table for farm-grown produce, as a handy kitchen work counter and most importantly, as a place where the family gathered at the end of the day for their meal.

This long, rough-hewn table was also known as a ‘Harvest Table’ and is an antique from the colonial times. In its earlier days, it was made by the farmers themselves from locally available, inexpensive wood. Its design was equally simple too; it consisted of wooden slabs fixed onto a trestle that could seat a large number of people. Even today, these farmhouse tables hold a lot of value for their sturdy construction and an aged patina.

These tables evoke memories of a bygone era when things were simpler and dinners were drawn-out family affairs interlaced with tall tales and wholesome meals. However, with development and greater affluence, the farmhouse table has also evolved. It now comes with a polished patina and smoother design and is reserved for special occasions when friends and family gather during festivities and holidays.

This particular type of table is well-suited to today’s informal lifestyles with its rustic, chic design that introduces an element of simplicity and warmth brought on by its natural woody textures. Its clean and classic lines mean that it can fit into almost any style of home – contemporary or traditional.

If your heart is set on a farmhouse style dining table, then here are a few things you will need to keep in mind:

• Farmhouse tables are not for the faint-hearted. They are pretty heavy and take up space and are more suitable for villa homes. What’s more, you can even design your own farmhouse dining table to suit your spaces. The modern dining table is no longer a thick slab of wood placed on basic supports; it is now slimmer, but still made of quality wood with attractive graining.
• The bases vary and can be made according to your choice. They can be trestle or turned leg as per tradition, or you could give it a twist and have the table with a round pedestal base, tavern base, stretcher base or even an upscale double pedestal trestle table. The freedom to design is yours!