Friday, July 01, 2011

vintage formica table

Did you have a formica dinette set growing up in the 50's & 60's? We did. The yellow set.
And then 32 years ago, just weeks before Randy & I married, my girlfriend and I went to Park 'n Swap in Phoenix and I found the gray table with two matching chairs for $25.00. I was so excited to carry on the formica table tradition.
We used that gray table for several years until my Takamine guitar was stolen from our church and we used the insurance money to buy a brand new oak table and chairs for $500.00. We used that set for 25 years till I found this farmhouse table after the flood. I have yet to part with my oak table. Too many fond memories gathered around that table. Maybe some day.





Well, guess what? I now own the Virtue green formica table!
Last Saturday I got on Craig's List looking for carpet tiles for Randy's office...
and stumbled upon the formica table-of-my-dreams. 
Actually a formica table with the price-tag-of-my-dreams.
The table was listed at $40.00 or best offer. So we drove over after church 
and I got her for $30.00.
I'm thinking she could give us another 50+ years on our back patio... 
that is once these triple digit temps dip a bit. We're looking at 115 degrees today.

And seriously, she photographs so well, I couldn't narrow down my favorite images. 
So here you go ~


Doesn't she look great with the chairs I found several years ago at a yard sale for $5.00 each.
I can't believe I only bought 4! They are ridiculously expensive brand new here.


The green plastic insert encased in the T-molding around the edge of the table
was rather cracked and chipped, so I popped it out. But it looks ok without it.


Then I spent way too many hours researching Virtue Brothers of California ~ 
"The West's Largest Manufacturer of Chrome Furniture"...


... and the many ways to care for my formica table top.
To restore the lustre in your vintage formica, you rub on Howard Feed-N-Wax
And man oh man, did that do the trick!


My favorite part of the table are those sexy legs! I'm serious!
Ok, but if a table could have sexy legs, these would be it.


Oh my gosh, I love my new patio table!


Wait till you see all the tablescapes I photo style on this beauty!
I'm thinkin' a PYREX vintage photo shoot coming right up!


And I did! You can check out my Pyrex Tablescape post HERE!

I'm linking up with ~

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh Linda, I'm so glad that your purchase worked out! I was wondering about it yesterday. Coincidentally I was going through a bunch of old photos on Sunday night and came across a picture of our old Formica table from when I was growing up. I'll have to post it on my blog sometime. It actually had an awesome aluminum pedestal instead of 4 legs. I had totally forgotten about it.

Thanks for the reminder and the trip down memory lane. Can't wait to see it in person.

Unknown said...

Linda, it's GORGEOUS! And for only $30? What a steal. It will look just perfect with your Pyrex and a vintage tablecloth!

Mindy said...

I was blessed to inherit my Gramma's red formica table. My mom was visiting my house one time and told us the tale of them buying it while on vacation in Wisconsin and driving home to the Fargo area with the table, chairs and kids crammed into the back of an old Ford with suicide doors. I love, love, love my table!

You got a great deal! So happy for you!

Anonymous said...

Oh, it looks wonderful! I had a yellow one about 30 years ago!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Noble Vintage said...

Love love love! You are one lucky chicky to find two tables at such great prices. Great tip on restoring the Formica- I've never heard of that before. I'm so glad you linked up at Transformations and Treasures!

Cedrick Finly said...

Formica is a durable brand of composite materials! It is known to be heat-resistant and clean-friendly! You're a lucky woman, 'cause you're able to own such a classic piece! Where did you put that table, anyway? It's perfect for the dining area and for a garden space, as well.

Kathy Grayczyk said...

It's a beauty and love your Pyrex!

Unknown said...

I fall in love with every Formica table I run into. I have a few of them. I had the green one identical to yours that we got from hubby's grandpa. My son and his wife claimed it and it is their "prize" possession. I am just happy that they appreciate it for what it is. Enjoy!

the cape on the corner said...

oh man, what a great find! we're on the lookout for a round red table. i hope i'm as lucky as you!

Dani said...

I love it! Such a great idea to utilize the table outside. I have a similar yellow one with the same sexy legs plus two leaves. And I have a small gray table with four chairs. We are currently using the yellow table as my craft table/hubby's recording setup. I cannot wait until we have our own house and can find somewhere for both of our tables!

Anonymous said...

I have a yellow formica table with the double tube legs like in the photo of the Virtue Brothers of California Chrome Dinettes photo on your site. Where can I get new feet for the table, the feet are worn or barely there and I don't want to cut the floor. Thank you for any information. gordonflora@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

So excited! Just came across my mom and dad's table just like the one pictured. It was in my dad's tool shed. It brought back so many memories. Surprisingly, it is in great shape, still shiny, no dents, etc. Will be polishing it up to give to our daughter. Perfect size for a small apt. It brought back so many memories....baking, eating, talking around the table with family members no longer with us. So excited.

Rosemary said...

This is beautiful.
I have a similar table
Do you know what the current value is?
Rosemary

Furniture Dining Room Sets said...

What an amazing job you did, it's just beautiful!