Unique Kitchen Table Ideas and Options

What do you do when you want a unique kitchen table but you don't know exactly what you want or how to find it? When furniture shopping, start with an idea book or Pinterest board. As you gather images, you'll see trends emerging for unique kitchen table ideas and options you really like.
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See All PhotosSometimes the things you like can surprise you. Maybe you thought you loved farm tables, but as you review your pictures, you see, instead, that you've hoarded pictures of sleek, lacquered tables.
Let your favorites be your guide! A unique kitchen table not only reflects your personal style, it can bring whimsy and surprise to your decor. The best designers incorporate surprises into their designs—unexpected colors or a bold painting or, yes, a cool dining table.
It doesn't have to cost a lot to own a table that suits your fancy. Stores like Target and IKEA have furniture that's on-trend and affordable enough to buy without guilt. This isn't just a fun way to experiment with a look or color (firehouse red, anyone?). It also allows you to buy new, inexpensive tables more often—or save up until you can buy a more expensive, permanent installation.
If you've got money to splurge, consider going custom. Local artisans will build the table you love to fit your room and your style, and if you have trouble finding a local artist you love, you can find furniture builders online, too.
When you build a custom table, you choose the materials, from the top to the legs. Topping a table with marble or stone can turn your kitchen into a must-see room. Just make sure that your home can bear the load of a table with a top of that weight (the person building your table can help you find out).
For a truly unique look, upcycle an old table with paint. We like tables with white legs and colorful tops. This is a great look for cottage, country or contemporary rooms. Painting a table is easy, and you can do it in a weekend.
Finally, here are some ideas for kitchen tables you won't see elsewhere, based on popular design styles:
Cottage and Rustic-Modern: Try table tops made from a horizontal slice out of a large tree, a retro table with Boomerang laminate, or a giant farm table made from recycled barn wood.
Modern and Contemporary: Consider sculptural tables with metal or chrome pedestals and glass tops, a Saarinen-style Tulip table, or a table that's an open cube.
Traditional and Country: Try Swedish Gustavian tables, painted Queen Anne tables or a pedestal table that doubles as a game table.