Live edge tables add just a little bit of outdoors to the inside of almost any house. They can be so organic, raw, and natural that they’d make perfect, true focal pieces inside either a dining or a kitchen. Sometimes though it can be such a hard time to make a live edge work well inside the dining when matched right with the decor and dining chairs. In this guide, we’ll walk through some creative, practical tips on how to pair your live edge dining table or kitchen table with chairs and decor that will highlight its natural beauty and elevate your space.
1. The Choice of Perfect Chairs for Your Live Edge Table
Finding chairs for a live edge dining table or even a live edge kitchen table really requires finding a balance between contrast and cohesion. Here are some approaches you can try to find just the right match:
a. Against Sleek Metal or Industrial Chair
You could create stunning contrast when putting industrial or metal chairs against a dining room table made from a live edge. Industrial chairs-often metallic, distressed-pair up very well with the rustic look that brings out a great feel in live-edge furniture. This can fit perfectly into a plan, especially when the homeowner has a goal to introduce some contemporary, industrial flavor without eliminating the warmness brought into the room by the use of live edge furniture.
Best for: Modern industrial or urban environments
b. Acquaintance with Sofa Chairs
Upholstered chairs bring a cozier, more inviting dining experience. They are soft, cushioned-looking chairs that make an excellent contrast to the natural ruggedness of a live edge table. Leather or fabric chairs, in a neutral shade such as beige, gray, or tan, add warmth without drawing attention away from the beauty of the table.
Best For: Transitional or contemporary spaces looking for extra comfort.
c. Simple with the Minimalist Wooden Chairs
Simple wooden chairs are a great choice should you want the table to have its day in the sunlight. Keep lines clean with neutral wood tones that shall not overpower the live edge. Alternatively, you might want to opt for subtly textured or detailed chairs and thus echo the character of the wood.
Best For: Scandinavian, minimalist, or rustic spaces
d. Mixing and Matching For an Eclectic Look
In case you cannot decide on just one style, mix up the chair designs around your live edge dining table. The mix-and-match approach can really bring charm and a bit of whimsy to the place, especially if the chairs are in similar tones or materials. This is going to let your creativity shine through and make the space feel much more personal.
Best for: eclectic, bohemian and farmhouse-style rooms
2. Turn your live edge table into a multipurpose centerpiece
A live edge dining room table is generally reserved for formal dining. Yet, this does not make it a one-time-only piece. With proper decoration and arrangement, your live edge kitchen table or dining table can also serve as a great place for work, homework, or crafts. Here is how to make the most of your table beyond mealtime.
a. Add Storage Solutions Around the Table
If you are going to utilize your live edge dining table as a workspace or for craft, surround it with storage. Supplies will be in the nearby cabinet or shelf, and the table won’t be cluttered during unused times. If the open-plan kitchen is what contains your dining table, a sideboard or credenza is ideal for placing additional plates, napkins, and tableware out of view.
Tip: Use storage pieces that fit the tone or material of your table for a cohesive look.
b. Flexible seating configurations
If you have a big family or entertain often, you might want to have some additional seating options stowed away nearby. You could have stools, benches, or even floor cushions that can be brought out when needed. This flexibility will make your space feel more accommodating and practical.
Tip: A bench on one side of the table is excellent for versatility in the space-saving seat.
3. Choose Appropriate Furnishing to Highlight Your Live Edge Tables
Now, that you have the suitable chairs, you can think of the decor that will encircle your live edge table. The décor may highlight the natural beauty of your live edge and also set the mood of the place.
a. Let in Nature for a Unifying Effect
It is already a celebration of nature, so why not extend that theme? Add plants, dried flowers, or terrariums to create a natural feel. Seasonal greenery as a centerpiece keeps things fresh and can connect your table to the changing seasons. For a live edge kitchen table, potted herb plants bring a beautiful and functional addition to it.
Tip: Add stones or small pieces of driftwood to blend with the overall natural look.
b. Lighting: Superiority of Heat and Mood
Lighting can make or break the ambiance in your dining area. A live edge dining room table can pair well with pendant lights or a chandelier. For fixture materials, try using elements such as metal, glass, or wood. This is a natural, sophisticated take on lighting and will warmly illuminate the wood grain as it brings attention to that special detail.
Tip: Place the light so that it crosses over the table to create a warm, cozy glow.
c. Rug Selection: Define the Space
Adding a rug under your live edge dining table can help define the space and create a cozy vibe. Choose a rug with earthy tones or simple patterns that won’t clash with the table. The rug should be large enough that the chairs stay on the rug even when pulled out, this is essential for a cohesive look and to avoid a crowded feeling.
Tip: A jute or wool rug is lovely in case the rustic or bohemian theme is being sought because it evokes an organic feel to the table.
d. Keep It Plain with Tableware and Centerpieces
But show the beauty of this table with a live edge by limiting tableware to simple plates, neutral bowls, and flatware in earthy colors or muted tones. Let centerpieces be simple again. Maybe one vase is enough or multiple vases in differing heights balance out the look and blend into the background rather than serve as the focal point competing against that table.
Tip: Add seasonal flair to special occasions by placing small gourds around your home in the fall or fresh flowers in the spring.
4. Maintenance Tips for a Live Edge Table
Once you’ve set up your space beautifully, you’ll want to keep your custom wood dining table looking its best. Here are some quick maintenance tips to keep it looking fresh:
a. Dusting and Light Cleaning
It must be dusted regularly, in case dust builds up, although it is often merely enough to be wiped clean with a soft, damp cloth; severe cleaners that may destroy the wood should be avoided.
b. Keep Away From Heat and Sunlight
Wood can warp and fade when exposed to direct sunlight or excessive heat. If your table sits near a window, consider adding curtains or shades to filter sunlight. Use coasters and placemats to protect the surface from heat and moisture.
c. Utilize Natural Wood Oils
Replace the finish of your table every few months using a natural oil of linseed or tung, so that wood will never dry up and crack over the course of time due to excessive dryness.
Conclusion
A live edge is more than just furniture; it’s art, bringing nature inside. Setting a live edge dining table or a kitchen table is easy; selecting the right chairs and ornamentation elevates the unique beauty created by this piece. Don’t forget to play with textures, colors, and materials to create an organic look in your space. Combine some thoughtful chairs, lighting, and natural decoration to create a peaceful stylish dining area representing the very best in nature and in design.
