There is no better way to display a stunning piece of furniture in your home than with an upcycled kitchen table. Not only is it a showstopper full of character in the centre of the house, but it also doubles as a natural conversation starter or conversation lull-filler during awkward dinner parties. Choosing a one-of-a-kind upcycled piece that makes a statement requires research and sourcing. To make the search easier, we compiled the best questions to ask when shopping for an upcycled kitchen table.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A RESTORED AND REFURBISHED KITCHEN TABLE?

An upcycled kitchen table is restoring or refurbishing an older table in such a way as to create a product of higher quality or value than its original state. The beauty of upcycling kitchen tables is the various shapes, sizes and designs they offer. They often have unique vintage details that give the piece an undeniable character and charm. A dining table may be upcycled by simply restoring it with a new finish, stain, or updated hardware. Refurbishing a table allows for more creativity by upcycling several different components and materials to create a unique design that may not look like the original.

WHY CHOOSE AN UPCYCLED DINING TABLE?

There is the sustainability factor; upcycling a table saves it from the landfill. Then there is the affordability factor. Upcycled pieces are usually more cost-effective than purchasing a new table from a major retailer.

 WILL AN UPCYCLED TABLE WORK IN MY HOME, WITH MY CURRENT DÉCOR?

The major advantage of an upcycled table is the character it will add to your décor. Most reclaimed pieces are so unique and eye-catching that they will work with a variety of design styles. Ensure that the kitchen table will fit comfortably in your space based on the dimensions. Then consider your needs for the kitchen table. It does double duty for a plethora of activities so make sure it is suitable for that wear and tear. Once the basics are covered, compare the materiality of the kitchen table with your current décor. Is there a common wood species, metal or stone? If so, this is a good indicator that the table will incorporate nicely. Also, consider the style of the table. An industrial style table works well in modern and contemporary decor, while a rustic table might pair well with various design styles as an accent piece.

UPCYCLED SOUNDS SUSTAINABLE BUT HOW DO I KNOW IF TABLE WAS MADE SUSTAINABLY?

As you may have already realized, sustainable can mean different things depending on who uses the term. There is no one size fits all for sustainable practices. Earth 911 defines sustainability as the ability to be maintained at a specific rate or level. For a product to be sustainable, it must be possible to produce and/or consume it in a way that doesn’t result in harm or destruction.

Some companies take different approaches to sustainability, but if the overall goal is reducing waste and not depleting resources or energy, it is a reasonable effort. We recommend reading the company’s story and mission or asking the furniture restorer about their specific sustainability measures to ensure that your piece fits your definition of sustainability.