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Original poster

Do your legs fit under your dining table?

51 replies

Indecisivelurcher · 07/11/2021 19:26

Because I've just purchased a refurbished dining table and chairs set and my legs barely fit under. Wtaf?! The table has a 13cm plank under the top, that comes down to about 1 inch above thigh. Can't hardly move, certainly couldn't cross legs. But on face value it looks like a totally normal table and chair set up.

OP posts:
BingoandBluey · 07/11/2021 19:43

I think you need to mention that it's not fit for purpose and not as described. The fault of not being able to use the table and chairs for its intended purpose of sitting at the table was not mentioned in the description and not obvious when picking up as you didn't have a chance to try it out. This will help you if you need to open a case and may make the seller think twice about not letting you return it. Was it paypal or cash on collection?

SarahAndQuack · 07/11/2021 19:43

@msgreen

Put blocks or casters on the table ,its a problem with vintage stuff normally drives me nuts
I've never come across this issue and I buy a lot.

This was sold as a set; it ought to be useable as a set.

puffasocks · 07/11/2021 19:48

My tables like this, really annoying and makes me feel like I’ve got massive thighs. We made the table higher by sticking blocks of wood underneath. Looks crap but my husband won’t get rid of the table so that’s the way it is!

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Original poster
Indecisivelurcher · 07/11/2021 19:49

@BingoandBluey

I think you need to mention that it's not fit for purpose and not as described. The fault of not being able to use the table and chairs for its intended purpose of sitting at the table was not mentioned in the description and not obvious when picking up as you didn't have a chance to try it out. This will help you if you need to open a case and may make the seller think twice about not letting you return it. Was it paypal or cash on collection?
I paid PayPal and they delivered. Think its like a little company / from home business.
OP posts:
BingoandBluey · 07/11/2021 19:58

I would open a case requesting a return for a refund as it's not as described. It will be covered under Ebay's money back guarantee and the return will be at the seller's expense.

Kite22 · 07/11/2021 20:03

@BingoandBluey

I think you need to mention that it's not fit for purpose and not as described. The fault of not being able to use the table and chairs for its intended purpose of sitting at the table was not mentioned in the description and not obvious when picking up as you didn't have a chance to try it out. This will help you if you need to open a case and may make the seller think twice about not letting you return it. Was it paypal or cash on collection?
This. If it is a business selling it as a set, then it needs to be fit for purpose. If you can't sit with your legs under the table then it isn't.
TinaYouFatLard · 07/11/2021 20:05

Then you’ll have to cut leg shaped arches in the underhang 😂

ElephantOfRisk · 07/11/2021 20:07

DS1 has this all the time. He's 6'3 but only an inch taller than his brother and DH but he always struggles when we go out to eat, if it's one of those places with random mixed tables, we've sometimes managed to swap to a better one. But there are places we like to go that we've stopped going to as he either has to sit with his legs splayed round a corner or sit sideways and that doesn't really make a pleasant dining experience.

As I'm aware of this now I always check under the tables before being seated Grin

Firstruleofsoupover · 07/11/2021 20:09

here we have 30.5" to table top from floor and 18" from chairseat top to floor. It feels perfectly standard so this is roughly what I believe the gap should be.

Hoping your items were sold as a set and you can argue that they are clearly not a set. How very annoying for you OP.

SarahAndQuack · 07/11/2021 20:12

@BingoandBluey

I would open a case requesting a return for a refund as it's not as described. It will be covered under Ebay's money back guarantee and the return will be at the seller's expense.
I agree. I think they only way it'd be ok to do this would be either if the seller said they weren't a set as such, or if they said it was a set but gave very precise measurements so you'd have been able to work it out.
Original poster
Indecisivelurcher · 07/11/2021 20:13

You can get your legs under just about, there's then about a 1 inch gap. Can't cross legs. And best if you don't move. But bearing in mind I'm a pretty small person 5'4 size 10.

OP posts:
YoungGiftedPlump · 07/11/2021 20:17

@Indecisivelurcher

I don't think I can deal with it, or return it. So that's an expensive mistake!!! Ffs
Chop a few inches off the chair legs
Bimblybomeyelash · 07/11/2021 20:23

I’ve experienced that pubs before. And it always bloody annoys me! I could live with it in my own house!

Bimblybomeyelash · 07/11/2021 20:23
  • couldn’t obviously 🙄
LockdownCheeseToastie · 07/11/2021 20:24

We have a very comfortable 70s teak number- go to your local auction place!

Original poster
Indecisivelurcher · 07/11/2021 20:25

@YoungGiftedPlump can't, tested it with an old chair, because then the table is so high my arms stick out from the elbows and the kids can't reach 😂

OP posts:
Bagadverts · 07/11/2021 20:26

Much better if this is a business seller. However if you can sit at the table, but it’s uncomfortable that’s a bit more difficult. Could you get someone else a bit taller and take photos. Were there any dimensions and how good were the photos ?

Laburnum · 07/11/2021 20:33

www.wayfair.co.uk/sca/ideas-and-advice/rooms/how-to-choose-the-right-size-dining-chairs-T4218

According to this it should be at least 7inches of space between the chair and the apron. So if yours is only 7cm that's only 3inches, less than half what it should be as a minimum.

Original poster
Indecisivelurcher · 07/11/2021 20:42

@Laburnum

www.wayfair.co.uk/sca/ideas-and-advice/rooms/how-to-choose-the-right-size-dining-chairs-T4218

According to this it should be at least 7inches of space between the chair and the apron. So if yours is only 7cm that's only 3inches, less than half what it should be as a minimum.

Oh thank you for this! There is 2.5 inches between the apron and the seat. And now I know the term is apron!
OP posts:
Laburnum · 07/11/2021 20:48

I only know it from table shopping last year 😃 thought it was going to be useless knowledge never needed again - but glad I've got to use that useless piece of information tonight 😁

Meredusoleil · 07/11/2021 20:54

I have just measured the gap between the 'apron' on our dining table and the top of the chair seat and it's only just over 6 inches! Plus I have added extra seat pads to the chairs to make them more comfortable, so it's no wonder I feel I bash the tops of my thighs against the table top sometimes 😏

Meredusoleil · 07/11/2021 20:55

I too bought the table and chairs as a set second hand 🙄 But thankfully much cheaper than the OP.

Etinoxaurus · 07/11/2021 21:17

Whatever you do, don’t rectify it by making the table legs shorter.

Original poster
Indecisivelurcher · 07/11/2021 21:53

After a bit of back and forth the seller has said they'll issue a refund if I get it all back to them. Phew!!!

OP posts:
FlyingWhistle · 07/11/2021 22:09

Yes. Antique table and IKEA chairs, it's a classy look 🤣