The Demise of the Kitchen Table

Have you noticed the lack of kitchen table sets at furniture stores lately?  It seems that the entire section is now dominated by counter stools, "gathering" tables or pub sets.  As I was walking through the numerous showrooms in High Point, NC last week, and looking for new kitchen set for myself, I was struck by the lack of choices for even a simple kitchen set.  The Peters-Revington Showroom seemed like a great place to get an answer to my question: Where have all the kitchen tables gone?

Stan Andrews, a furniture manufacturer's rep who's lines can be found locally at Steinhafels, Colders & American, was my "go to" guy for the answer.  Stan stated that most new construction builders are "conservative" on space being planned for actually seating in kitchens, with the focus for sit-down meals being given in dining rooms.  The trend for kitchens is a focus on "outlandish" accessories (high end applicances, faucets, counter-tops & cabinets), down-sized seating areas with a focus on counter seating at islands or "bars".  Kitchens are for "gathering" and preparation rather than eating.

 ***This was made evident by the new counter height Deacons Bench & Milking Stools featured in the Southern Living Collection-Blue Ridge Retreat.***

Other manufacturers seemed to back up Stan's statements with the only thing being defined as "kitchen" being variations of stools,  Any tables were found in the Dining Room section & sized appropriately (i.e. seating for 6 or more) so finding a table that would fit in a 10x10 or smaller space to seat 2-4 was hard to find.  While there were some options (Gat Creek), most were in the Country style & not fitting for placement in other "style" homes.  This is great for new construction, however, many of us live in homes that:

• Don't have a formal dining room
• Have a breakfast nook
• Don't have a large kitchen/island
• Live in small condos/apartments

I applaud the trend for using space more efficiently in new construction, however, to neglect the need for smaller seating groupings is one I hope was just for this market.  There will always be a need for dining/kitchen sets that seat 2-4 people without having to purchase a counter-height table that makes you feel like you're at a bar waiting for the waitress to bring you your food & drink.