Why We Added a Temporary Table to the Kitchen (+ a Round Up of Our Favorite Pedestal Tables!)

We added an inexpensive temporary table to the kitchen in the midst of our renovation. Here’s why.

Earlier this week, I elaborated (in Stories) on our idea to add a small dining table to our kitchen. Yes, the large dining table is right outside the kitchen door. Yes, we do most of our eating and working and playing at the large table. So why are we looking to add a smaller eat-in table to the kitchen?

The Kitchen Island Debate

I’ll answer that, but first, I encourage you to check out the cabinet design plans if you haven’t already! You’ll notice that there’s not an island in the plans, which was considered as we added 6′ of counter space on the range wall, deep drawers for pots and pans, easily accessible drawers on the pantry, and the new refrigerator placement in relation to the sink. Not only do we simply not need an island, but man, we have been LOVING the open space in our kitchen these last few months! So much space to breathe and spread out; the perfect room for impromptu dance parties and plenty of room for Lucy to pull up the kiddie stool and help me cook.

Why We Want An Eat-In Kitchen

That said, we want the charm of an eat-in kitchen. A small round table, bistro-style, to sip our morning coffee and have an afternoon snack. A place for Lucy to sit and chat while I chop veggies that she’ll try and steal. A gathering spot for a friend to use while she sips on her cocktail and I pull the cookies from the oven. Rather than standing around an island, we want the comfort of a dining chair to invite you in and have you stay a while.

Marketplace to the Rescue!

We found this 3′ oak pedestal table on Facebook Marketplace for a steal, and we set it down in the room as a proof of concept. Does the size feel right? Should we go larger? Smaller? Is there room to walk around? Note that in the new design plans, there will be no bump-out for the fridge (which is getting moved altogether), so that allows for more space on the side. We’ll also be removing the central ceiling light and instead, we’re having two ceiling lights installed, one of which can be centered over the new table.

Meanwhile, I’ve been spending the better part of a month researching 2-4 top pedestal tables. Initially I thought I might want a traditional style pedestal table (similar to the one we just bought for cheap), but already the problem lies in the base, since it limits where chairs can be placed. I still love the style though, even if it’s not us this time! Below, I’m sharing all the tables I’ve pinned and considered along the way, and spoiler alert: we bought one already! Any guesses on which one?

Pedestal Tables We Love

1. pascal | 2. unfinished(!) | 3. jane | 4. luca | 5. annaway 6. daphne | 7. cabrina | 8. yarissa | 9. marie | 10. oda | 11. ingatorp

12. belle | 13. customizable bistro | 14. maja | 15. chapman | 16. lola | 17. decker | 18. spindler | 19. thelma | 20. willy

PS: We love round-ups! Here’s another round up of 44 dining tables when you’re short on space, and you can see all our round ups – from skincare to vintage rugs – right here.