Reality Daydream

The Dream is Free, The Hustle Sold Separately

Our ‘new’ vintage heirloom dining set

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As you know, we sold our dining set in anticipation for my sweet Grandma’s antique heirloom dining set that she wants me to have! It’s quite a haul to Dubuque from here, so we’ve been waiting until we planned to travel there anyways for her 95th birthday party this past weekend.

Isn’t she a dish?

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I’m pretty sure she has a little crush on Nick. And who wouldn’t with his new fu-manchu mustache all over his face. While he likes the attention it brings him, it will be shaved off today at some point.

Anywho, back to the table… it was given to my grandparents on their wedding day. Some 65 years ago.

Granny's Dining Table {Sawdust and Embryos}

My dad distinctly remembers being a small child and being instructed to paint it yellow. I think now he’s wishing he would have rebelled, but I don’t mind the yellow for now.

Granny's vintage Dining Set {Sawdust and Embryos}

Eventually I’ll either strip it, or paint it another color, or do a whitewash treatment. But for now I’m just going to enjoy my Grandma’s vintage heirloom in it’s original state.

Scratches and all!

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Especially since we confirmed it’s not lead-based paint. Have you used these things? You just squeeze the cigarette-looking thing, rub it on the paint for 30 seconds, and based on what color it turns, you know whether or not it’s lead-based! Sooooo simple.

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I even kinda love the collection of vintage fabric on the chairs. Who knew that mismatched chairs was a trend that started decades ago?! Pinterest doesn’t know ANYTHING.

Mismatched Dining Chairs in Vintage Fabric {Sawdust and Embryos}

I saved the orange poppy fabric and plastic covers from the other dining set, so these might be getting recovered sometime soon. Until then, we won’t be having spaghetti.

Would you look at those legs? LOVE.

Vintage Dining Set {Sawdust and Embryos}

You know I love things that have sentiment and a story behind them. This is the jackpot for sure. My Granny is so generous!

And unlike our last dining set, this one contrasts the wood floor instead of just blending in. I haven’t made a hard and fast decision on the use of area rugs in a dining room, but many of you  brought up some very valid points arguing both sides of the matter when I asked your opinion on our Facebook page. We’ll see.

Vintage Heirloom Dining Set from Granny {Sawdust and Embryos}

My blogger friend Katie is going to share her thoughts on the matter later this week, so we can all look forward to that!

We’re having a lazy Monday over here. I was pretty confident I got the stomach flu from the girls, but I’m feeling a lot better right at this moment… so maybe it was just a burst of nausea. I can assure you I’m not pregnant though, but it’s a nice thought.

Cheers!

Sawdust & Embryos

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Comments

  1. 31

    I really like all of the pictures that you have here of these dinning. I would probably go with something like you have in the second
    picture as I really like the way the furniture goes with the room. I’ll probably have to explore some other options as I know that there are many different things I can go with.”

    Reply
  4. 34

    I really like all of the pictures that you have here of the furniture. I would probably go with something like you have in the second picture as I really like the way the furniture goes with the room. I’ll probably have to explore some other options as I know that there are many different things I can go with.

    Reply
      • 37

        If you just Google Berkey & Gay you will get over 12,000 hits. But I would start at Berkey & Gay.com. There are a couple of items on Antiques Roadshow that will come up as well. But to your question about the markings, there were 3 different and separately issued medallion markings. I don’t know everything about them but there is a lot on the web. Berkey & Gay are a pretty big deal. I hope you will be pleasantly surprised with the monetary value your sentimental treasure has.

        Reply
      • 38

        I just had another thought about the markings on your table. At one point the markings were an actual metal medallion. I am thinking it is possible that the medallion could have become dislodged and misplaced. If you look under your table do you see any area that has a hole that could indicate a medallion has been there or even a glue mark? I have a lot of my books packed up in preparation for the move but you may be able to find something on this at one of the larger chain bookstores/coffee type store. Or your library may be able to order the book to put in their inventory upon your request. I wish I were able to offer more concise answers. The answer also may as close as a reputable antique dealer. Good luck and keep me posted on your discoveries.

        Reply
  7. 40

    OMG. Be still my heart!!! It is so gorgeous just the way it is!!! I love your work but I will cry when it’s time to change the table. It’s so amazingly gorgeous and perfect I wish I had it just like that. Man.

    Reply
  10. 43

    Just thought I’d let you know. The rug that “Beth in the city” was talking about, Kristi over at “Addicted 2 Decorating” does those. They are beautiful and you decide how you want it to look like. Be sure to look at the corners of the linoleum before you buy it,you want to make sure the corners don’t roll up. Hope that helps. Love the table & chairs, can’t wait to see what you do. New follower

    Reply
  15. 48

    LOVE LOVE LOVE it and even more special that its a family piece. Its beautiful, fabric seats and all. Enjoy it and I hope you feel better soon.

    Reply
  18. 52

    OMG!!!! LOOK AT THOSE LEGS!!!! THOSE CHAIRS!!!!

    I love craftmanship of those legs…can’t get over it… and how they curve underneath the table for the support, but the beauty…

    Not a bad yellow either!! kinda crushing on it! (and i’m not really a yellow girl…wait…my kitchen is a yellow…) anyway…. will miss the counter height – but it’s a good trade-off!
    the patterns on the fabric – wow!!! are you feeling inspired 😉
    if you do a carpet underneath…. ohhh what color/pattern would it be???

    ~dana~

    Reply
  19. 54

    My designer friend did an interesting take on the area rug under dining set. She took a large linoleum remnant, flipped it over, and painted the back. She did an all over neutral color with a wide orange boarder. I can’t remember if she sealed it afterwards or not. Want me to ask her?

    Reply
  22. 59

    I LOVE that set!!! It is gorgeous – and with such a great story too! (Course I’m a yellow person anyway and the fabrics are beautiful!). Sounds like your granny is a wonderful woman!

    Reply

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