This extends and comes with a bench. 10%off if you sign up. Just wondering if something with a light top would work though? Alternatively would a round extending table fit and just have a couple of stackable or folding chairs for extra guests if you can't store matching chairs? http://www.westelm.co.uk/parker-expandable-dining-table-g830?quantity=1&attribute_1=Medium%20(152%20-%20203%20cm)

@Carolina interestingly - yes - we did consider the Calia and similar tables at other companies. We liked it a lot. At one point I was also thinking along these style lines for a breakfast bar, and /or the children's desks. But we chickened out on the table (and the other things too). We weren't sure we could make it work (e.g. we thought it pushed us in to very different chairs) and we were also worried that it wasn't sufficiently timeless for our needs (i.e. we would tire of it before we could afford another big outlay for an extending table). I thought we might be more successful choosing things like pared back industrial or Skandi, or more distressed/vintage in lamps, and side tables. I'm still hoping that will be the case. But each time I make a decision, I seem to choose 'safe' and in favour of the colours; rather than style. Truth be told, I like lots of styles so I'm worried that I'll end up with 'awful eclectic'. Choosing colours and safe seems a bit easier. But I have a feeling it might be going to end up 'co-ordinated bland'. Only the children seem to be able to inject a bit of shazam (the coloured chairs in the Eames/eiffel style around their desk were their idea). But if I give them too much free rein, they'll turn the room into Smiggle. What I would really like to achieve is a green & grey palette with accents of teal/jade/ and a few pops of sky blue/mint green/ chartreuse). I'd like it to feel layered but not cluttered. I'd like the expensive purchases and the base/background to be timeless and like updated classics (e.g. G plan sofas; shaker kitchen in modern colours). And then I'd like to play with some of the current style trends in the accents and layers. It feels like I am still copping out and playing safe - but maybe I'm still sorting out the basics which I would like to be safe and timeless. I'm not feeling confident; it's the fatigue of so many decisions and the usual unexpected issues cropping up during the building process. Thanks so much for your suggestion and encouragement to aim for something a little different, at least somehow. @comegetme Thanks very much for your clear advice and encouragement too.

If you decide to pain the table go for white or black it will draw attention off the country feel. There is great group on Facebook called the World of Chalk Paint, Distress and Decoupage https://www.facebook.com/groups/Chalkpaint101/?ref=share . You can ask people to show their painted tables.

I also prefer the table aux naturale, but if you want to paint it use an Eggshell paint (oil is tougher than water based), it gives a soft sheen. So as already suggested lightly sand to key the paint, then a couple of coats of primer, then a couple of coats of eggshell. Make sure each coat is thoroughly dry before applying the next one or the finish will be tacky. I personally detest chalk paint. I used it once on a wardrobe and it was very dry and difficult to brush. It’s marketed as easy, but it isn’t and it still needs waxing or varnishing to finish. Someone has made a lot of money selling that paint! I painted two bookcases in Little Greene eggshell and I’m very pleased them.