Drew Pritchard

Functional pieces made with local materials that can stand the test of time have defined antique and vintage country furniture around the world.

Country style has varied based on regional tastes, from French Country with tufted sofas and cane-framed beds to American Country with stately Windsor chairs and tables built of pine. Each is imbued with touches that are often described as rustic, a style that is inclusive of a range of decorating modes such as country and farmhouse. Exposed wood, traditional fabrics, natural colors and a sense of heritage through distressed surfaces and handcrafted design are all attributes of country-style interiors.

Country furniture and decor can encompass movements from across centuries that reflect rural life, such as French Provincial, which emerged in the 17th century, Black Forest, which became popular in early-19th-century Switzerland with sculptural furniture carved with animals and Adirondack style, with chairs that debuted in the United States in the early 20th century and became a rustic favorite.

The design of country-style furniture isn’t guided by fleeting trends or elite tastes. Sofas upholstered with animal hide, desks made of oak or pine that show off the grain of their material and dining room tables balanced on sturdy square legs are all popular examples of country furniture. Although the aesthetics of country furniture are eclectic, the pieces are unified by meticulous construction that favors utility over ornamentation.

Contemporary country interiors usually have muted palettes, with white walls and calming shades of blue, where heirloom pieces mingle with vintage baskets and gingham textiles. Unpretentious and timeless, country furniture adds warmth to any home, whether it’s a cabin in the woods or an urban loft apartment.

Find a collection of antique and vintage country tables, seating, decorative objects and more furniture on 1stDibs.

Vintage, new and antique farm tables, with their cozy charm and functionality, make for a wonderful addition to both urban and country homes.

For those drawn to the warm appeal of farmhouse style, which is usually an amalgam of other rustically rooted ones, such as cottage, French country and industrial, antique farm tables made of wood are durable and a sound investment, and over the years have been constructed in a variety of shapes and sizes. Amid your other treasured antiques, a farmhouse table can help create a cohesive and welcome dining experience.

On 1stDibs, find country farmhouse tables that were designed to handle heavy use and are an ideal choice for families and large-group dining. Interior designer Suzanne Rheinstein surrounded a client’s farm table with 10 wicker chairs she had flown in from Montecito, California, as part of a project that called for a sophisticated oasis in the Virginia countryside. “The owners entertain beautifully, and this was for one of their relaxed country lunch parties,” she says.

It’s worth pointing out, however, that farm tables are versatile structures. They can pair easily with any manner of chair style that doesn’t necessarily have to be a wooden bench or other seating made from natural materials.

Farm tables were once universally known as “harvest tables.” Most likely made of pine in the early days — a material favored by contemporary designers for custom projects — farmhouse tables served as sturdy surfaces on which farmers could work. Antique farm tables were popularized by early settlers before furnishings became more modern and sophisticated and furniture makers sought materials other than wood for dining tables. An old pine farm table is going to be robust and will often accommodate more guests owing to its length. Plan accordingly, as a farmhouse dining table will occupy a lot of real estate in a modest-sized apartment. It will also likely be characterized by nicks, dings and imperfections, introducing character into your dining room as well as an air of nostalgia.

Whether you plan to take a minimalist approach to your decor with a sleek, pared-back vintage French farmhouse table or a contemporary farm table made of reclaimed white oak is a better fit, these tables are a great choice for both indoor dinners and outdoor entertaining.

Shop a wide range of antique and vintage farm tables at 1stDibs now.