Why heirloom dining tables are worth the splurge and the best table shape to make a small dining room feel bigger.
This post is sponsored by Bassett Furniture.
After a summer of work, our dining room finally reflects the classic-modern look we’ve wanted. What began as a simple plan to replace a wobbly Facebook Marketplace table turned into a decision to invest in an heirloom-quality piece—one we hope to pass down to our daughters.
My great-grandmother’s colonial dining table now sits at my parents’ house and is destined for our eldest daughter, Olivia. With two girls, we wanted something equally meaningful and durable for our younger daughter, Regan. We pictured a table that would hold holiday meals and everyday moments for decades—solid, well-made, and timeless.
We ultimately designed a dining set with Bassett BenchMade to ensure the craftsmanship and materials would stand the test of time.
To complement our mid-century home, we chose the solid oak Owens Oval Dining Table. Its oval shape helps our 14′ x 14′ room feel more open—an important consideration for small dining spaces. If you’re short on room, a round or oval table can create more circulation without reducing seating capacity.
In May, we took a trip to Bassett, Virginia, to watch the BenchMade artisans craft our table. Seeing the process firsthand—every joint, every sanding pass, every finish application—made the purchase feel far more personal. It also reinforced why investing in quality furniture matters: the difference shows in both appearance and longevity.
Now the Owens table is installed at home, finished in the Summerfield Oak that offers a warm, mid-tone wood grain that works with a range of color palettes. The grain and finish feel timeless, which is exactly what we wanted for a piece intended to last through seasons and styles.
For seating, we selected the Brooke Arm Dining Chairs upholstered in Sunbrella Performance Texture Alabaster for durability and easy maintenance, plus the Rollins Oak Side Chairs in Brandy Oak for classic lines that complement the table. Together they provide comfort and longevity—important for a family table that will see everyday use and special occasions alike.
Sitting at this table brings a sense of calm and permanence. It feels reassuring to know the pieces can handle years of family life and still look beautiful.
We kept a thrifted footed grasscloth buffet that we refinished last year; it adds texture and personality to the room. Since adding picture-frame molding, painting the walls navy, hanging linen curtains, and sourcing a shaded chandelier secondhand, the dining room finally feels cohesive and lived-in.
We also plan to add an antique-style scenic mural to one wall. A geometric Woden Rug we selected ties in our Scandinavian influences and will balance the organic feel of the mural once the paint fully cures.
After years of experimenting and refining our style, this room finally feels like home. Finding a consistent aesthetic has removed the second-guessing that comes with design and allowed us to create a space that truly reflects our family.
This dining room now tells our story: a mix of inherited tradition and new craftsmanship, designed to be lived in and passed on. Investing in an heirloom-quality table and durable seating was about more than style—it was about creating a lasting centerpiece for family life.
