Nice but not too expensive furniture that ISN'T Ikea?

[stillfrazzled]

We just had our moving date confirmed - end of this month, eeek!

We have most of what we need, but will want a dining table and chairs (I fancy Shaker style, eg quite plain but cream-painted legs and wood top or similar) and a few other bits.

Practically everything we own is Ikea, and would like to upgrade a bit - but can't spend too much.

Any recommendations?

john lewis?

Have you tried looking round local antique shops? There are plenty of places round our way that do just that sort of table, or will look out for one at auction in a specific size if your ask them to.

We've just bought quite a bit of new stuff from this company - prices pretty good for solid wood, and free credit too if you're buying quite a bit.

You know, I never even think of John Lewis. Maybe I was broke for too long...

Am thinking of replacing a bit at a time when I find things in local antique places, Grendel (wardrobes and so on) will have a quick look this weekend but might have to just go for it WRT table as we will need one sharpish.

Lunar, the tables in your link weren't quite right but the stuff's lovely, will deffo keep in mind. Thanks!

next, habitat, m and s? not too expensive. but i would do a trawl of your 2nd hand/antiques and ebay.

Dwell?

But it doesn't have a v shaker vibe, afaik.

If you like John Lewis I would wait for the January sales if you can hold out that long

Ebay is a wonderful way to find antiques and modern furniture - if you measure exactly how big things are, and get a lot of close up photos.

e.g.
cgi.ebay.co.uk/Beautiful-6ft-Oak-Refectory-Dining-Table-Benches_W0QQitemZ320432750341QQcmdZ ViewItemQQptZUKAntiquesAntiqueFurnitureSM?hash=item4a9b47bf05&trksid=p3286.c0.m14

See if there are any craftsmen joiners in your area who make tables and chairs? I got my dining table made, and it was only a little more expensive than an off-the-peg from John Lewis, but far nicer. This sort of thing

I've just found someone who makes things! Actually makes things from scratch to your own design. They work in whatever wood you want and to whatever design you want (they have some ideas to start you off). Just replaced the all the odd desks and bookcases, and coffee table. And their work is good and they are not ridiculously expensive. If you look around, you might find something similar.

I do like antiques but it's impossible usually to find the right sort of shape and size and wood for the specific space that you need to fill. I mean it works for secretaires and tea tables and stuff but not very well for desks and coffee tables and bookcases.

If you are looking for a kitchen table though, and it sounds as though you might be, then you might find a nice antique that works. Then you'd have to find the chairs though ....