A kitchen island can be fantastic, for seating and especially for expanding useful prep space. But in my mind, there is nothin’ more cozy, comfy, homey than a kitchen table set close at hand. There’s just something… egalitarian and *grounded*… about sitting together around that most basic piece of furniture. Mid-century America was boom times for kitchen dinettes. It seems there were a gazillion possibilities to love — and in my mind, the quirkier, the better. I’ve been grabbing screenshots from ebay for the past several months, now collected into a gallery of 46 examples.
In my 1963 aquamarine kitchen, we have the Crate & Barrel Saarinen tulip table knock-off. It’s everyone’s favorite place, and I can’t imagine the room without it. The chairs, which I bought from a place selling replicas via ebay, are not holding up well, by the way. I recommend: Hold out for something built in the period — if it’s lasted this long, it’ll last through your family, too. And it is SO FUN to search.
The kitchen table: Humble, like our houses. Do you have a wonderful dinette? I’d love to see it and share it with other readers. Email me photos at: retrorenovation [at] gmail [dot] com.
Note: Click on the first image — it will enlarge — and then you can use the arrows to proceed through the slide show. Enjoy!
atomicbowler-Laura says
David & I drove from Bellingham to Tacoma to get our little beauty. It’s a Duncan Phyfe cracked ice red & oyster leaf design. Got a killer deal too. $150 for table w/leaf and 6 chairs! The woman said they were remodeling so didn’t have room for it and had paid $400 only a year ago. It is one of our favorite MCM pieces. Will send photo via email if you’d like to add it to the collection.
Fiona - Notorious Kitsch says
I love Dinettes! we have a lovely one too, I’ll send a pic but like others say we have a couple of small tears in the chair so would love to get some tips on fixing! Thanks for the fab pic Pam!
Hilary says
My home is in a 1963 prefab townhouse style condo, and I have gutted the kitchen and put all appliances against one wall, I’ve been trying to send you a picture. Since I discovered your site, I’m understanding why “retro ” things seem to be at home in my house.
pam kueber says
Hilary, you can send me a pic at retrorenovation [at] gmail [dot] com
Hilary says
The room divider “island” behind the dinette is gorgeous, after seeing it in a previous posting, I searched on-line for a similar piece. Now here it is again. Does it have a name, or is it something that a cabinet maker must try to replicate? My kitchen needs this piece of furniture.
pam kueber says
Hi Hilary, I can’t say I’ve seen that configuration of cabinetry in the catalogs of current kitchen cabinet manufacturers. That said – I wasn’t looking. A custom or semi-custom cabinet maker might be able to make it for you. The wall cabinet seems to essentially be a “box” with slided reeded or fluted (i get those mixed up) glass doors on both sides. A really really basic box… and then there are the matching pillars. Are you planning on installing new cabinets throughout your kitchen or just adding this piece/configuration?
pam kueber says
You should see what readers are sending in, too — some great stuff. I’ll keep this up…I think I am obsessed with dinettes now.
pam kueber says
James – the lead photo IS a Daystrom dinette. Good spotting!
Alice says
Pam – you continue to evoke ooohs and aaahs from my home! The dinette, and the question of what to do, is currently on my mind. These photos are a great collection and have inspired me to look for something vintage…I hadn’t thought I would like anything in that regard but your collection of photos has convinced me otherwise. I hope you know how excellent you are at crafting and feeding this blog! Thanks for sharing!
Barbara says
I’d kill to have that kitchen cabinet.
James says
This post reminded me of the Late 1950s Daystrom dinette set that I grew up with, in my parents’ kitchen. Table was clad in “boomerang” formica, the chair seats in sticky naugahide (or something like it). Eventually mom replaced the set with a fine old round oak claw-foot table with vintage wood chairs- all very fine, but my best memories are of the Daystrom set. Wonder whatever happened to it?
Uncle Atom says
Emy,
I was lucky enough to find the plastic end caps we needed for our dinette at a local old-time hardware store. Measure the diameter of the leg so you’ll know what size cap you need and look around locally for a good old hardware store where there are knowledgeable staff and ask for their help.