Expandable Round Dining Tables

I spent much of this week tracking down an expandable round dining room table for a client. Round dining tables have grown in popularity the past few years, but there is certainly nothing new about them. A square, round, or octagonal dining room almost demands a round table, and in any space they are great for easy conversation among everyone enjoying the meal.

The space I was shopping for this week is ideally scaled for a six person dining room table, but gracious enough to handle 8-10. An expandable table was really what we needed for those special occasions when larger groups were getting together. And because the space was an octagon, we needed one that would expand in the round--a round table that turns into an oval with the addition of a leaf was not going to cut it. Luckily, there are a  host of tables that do just that, and most of them are absolute marvels of furniture engineering.

My client had her eye on the expanding round table from Theodore Alexander's "Althorp: Living History" collection. I love that collection of furniture--all reproductions of pieces found at Althorp House, the seat of Princess Diana's family. One store I was at this week had a console table from that collection at a tremendous price. If my client doesn't take it, I may. At any rate: here are some pictures of expanding round tables to drool over:

Theodore Alexander's Althorp table retails for around $15,000. Beautiful piece with flame mahogany, rosewood, and burl inlays.

From Top: The Althorp table closed. The expansion pieces fold out of the way under the table top when not in use. Opening the table to full size reveals the artistry and craftsmanship in the piece. Considering that it's a reproduction of a table originally made in the 1800's, is even more remarkable. At full size, the table will seat 8 to 10 guests.

Century Furniture carries a couple of expanding round tables by Oscar De LaRenta. The extension pieces do not appear to be stored within...but just take a look at the works inside!

The De LaRenta table, which retails for over $20,000, is a thing of beauty...gorgeous details.

And finally, you have to check out this one from Western Heritage furniture (which operates much like the Althorp table that's going to my client's new house)

Pretty impresive, isn't it?

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Does Anyone Actually Throw Them?

I have to confess something. I have a slight, but incurable, pillow fetish. If I count the number of pillows that are out and visible in my home, I get to 40 without even thinking very hard. To actually go and count them might force me to consider that I have a real problem.

But is there anything that can instantly update a room better than a great pillow? I've always kept my sofas neutral so I can change out the accent pillows on a whim. They can quite literally set the tone for a space. And while most people might bristle at having a whole sofa covered in expensive designer fabric, or be unable to justify the expense of doing window treatments in a print that retails for $200 a yard, pillows are a relatively inexpensive way to add luxury and detail to a room.

Some of my favorites right now:

These are in the gorgeous "Bengal Bazaar" fabric by Kelly Wearstler



Z Gallerie's Bukhara pillow (the white is much warmer in person than it appears on screen)

Wonderful faux bois pillow by Clayton Gray

I love how Eastern Accents combines different patterns and trim.

Another one from Easter Accents. Gorgeous geometric border, simple and elegant.



There are a number of great sources for pillows online.  One Kings Lane is a perennial favorite. (If you aren't a member there, go join. NOW.) Gilt is another good one that has new sales daily. Etsy has an almost overwhelming selection of pillows. It's a great way to get pillows in to-the-trade fabrics that might otherwise be out of reach, and many sellers there will do custom jobs. (I recently ordered an Imperial Trellis pillow to match the drapes in my study from Etsy)

And let's not forget one of my favorites...eBay! I don't think many people consider eBay for such a purchase, but a search of any designer fabric maker will turn up dozens of pillows for sale at any given time. Look at these great ones I found searching eBay recently:

A seller was offering this pair of Scalamandre pillows (they are actually navy and ivory, not black as they appear in this photo) for $99!

This Brunschig and Fils bolster was only $49.

This pair of gorgeous Lee Jofa pillows were available for just over $100.

A beautifully made Schumacher pillow.

And of course a person with even novice sewing ability can put together a pillow--meaning odd bits of designer fabric can be snatched up for little of nothing and turned into a real treasure.