Trestle Table & Chairs (RETIRED)

[SailAwayAK~]

Released in 1987, modified in 2008, retired with archival in 2009. This thread contains reviews of the original version (unpainted, description below), and the revised Version II (with painted decorations on chair backs and table legs). When contributing additional reviews, please specify the version.

Kirsten’s trestle table and two matching chairs are copied from the sturdy furniture that early Swedish settlers like the Larsons made for their simple cabins. Here the family gathered to eat, to play games, to listen to Papa read from the Bible, or to write letters back to relatives in the “old country.” Like theirs, your table and chairs are hand-crafted of solid pine, finished to a rich honey glow. The chairs feature a charming heart cutout in the back—a reminder that the family table was the heart of a pioneer home.


Version I
Kirsten's Trestle Table and Chairs
$75 KF
Grade: B

Amazingly nice and so simple. I can really imagine family having had this kind of furnishings in their home. The set does come with two chairs and one table. It is really made of wood and is pretty sturdy after we reglued some of the joints with some good woodglue and clamped it. Compared to other tables I have seen, this one seems more fragile but I do love it.



The legs on the chairs are all turned and ad such a nice touch. The legs are only glued into place. They can easily loosen with kids putting to much pressure on them. The seat and back are pretty simple in their design. The back is attached with screws to the seat and then a wooden riece is inserted so that you have no idea it is there. I thought that the thing was just put together with wooden pins.

[Rexphiles]

Version I

I just got the table and chairs and love them. I have a question though. I saw somewhere that the underside of the table was branded and mine isn't. Is mine a fake or did they stop branding them after awhile?

[Memory]

Version I

I love these, too. I have two sets which I bought probably in 1995 or earlier and neither have a brand on them.

I don't have kids but I did notice the last time I used these that the back of one of the chairs simply came off. The glue dried up. I reglued and clamped it and it's fine.

[PleasantMemories]

Version I

A: This is really a wonderful set. It's my favorite of the table and chairs sets. The table is quite realistic looking, as I saw many tables in Scandanavia that were similar. Though the table is quite sturdy, Josefina's or Kit's table/chairs might be a better choice if you have small children or make sure your toddler doesn't try to join the Birthday celebration.

There is a lot of room at the table, if you have more than 2 dolls. When we have dolly company, we can seat up to 6 dolls at the table. I purchased 4 extra chairs at the MCM sale but most 18" doll chairs would probably fit nicely under the table.

It is my understanding that only the undersides of some the tables from the very late 80s and early-to-mid 1990s are branded, like the following one that was purchased in 1989.

Kirsten's Table and Chairs:




Brand on the bottom of the table:

[rachelcecilia]

Version I

I got this set at the AG outlet in OshKosh for $34. i really like this set, its so simply but still so pretty. It's pretty sturdy, my nephew (18 months) likes to carry the chairs around, and they have not broken, or become loose in any way. The only problem I have with it is that unless its leaning against table, Kirsten has trouble staying on it. Overall, I give it a B.

[nagrom9]

Version I

I really enjoy the look of the table and chairs but my chairs are not at all sturdy. The chair backing was shaky and unsturdy when I got it and the backs of one chair fell off and the other is on its way. Its cute to play with and to look at but when you get down to it its not sturdy and will crumble in your hands. B--

[stephanie384]

Version II

Price: $78

I recently received Kirsten's painted table and chairs for Christmas, and I love them! I think they are well made. They are made of real wood and have Scandinavian designs on them. I believe the paintings are decals and not hand painted. It's a sturdy set that would be great for play and/or display purposes. Being a furniture item the price is high, but I think this set is an important part of Kirsten's collection.

I would give this set an A.

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[4kitty]

Version I

I've been collecting Kirsten's sets forever, or so it seems, and I finally got this set.
The table and chairs are so well made. This looks like real furniture, not a childs toy.
It is so pretty. They are all sturdy and finished to fit together well.
A+
The Pine table and 2 chairs are really old and the set has a beautiful golden glow. My girls had these and we gave it away in the early 90's. I feel like I found the same one again.
What a wonderful presence so much better than the newer painted version.

[cheshie04]

Version I

I was in the last aisle of an antique mall when I saw this on a shelf. It's only one chair, but I love how they used to sell single chairs for the table sets. It's great quality and craftsmanship, very sturdy. I like the size. The doll fits her whole rump on the seat and doesn't slide off. The heart is cute.

[keeperofthepast]

This is my favorite of the table and chairs sets. My daughter received hers as a birthday gift in the mid 1990's The set is solid wood and the little hearts are adorable. Since it is so plain it works in a variety of eras and with different settings.