Barker & Stonehouse Olav Dining Table Review: The Perfect Match with Semeru Chairs

A dining table is one of those pieces of furniture that quietly becomes the centre of the house.

It is where you eat, work, host, drink coffee, sort life admin, dump shopping bags, and occasionally pretend you are the sort of person who keeps a clear table all week.

So when we were choosing a new dining setup, we wanted something that looked beautiful, felt properly made, and could handle everyday life without feeling too precious.

We ended up going for the Barker & Stonehouse Olav dining table, paired with the Semeru dining chairs — and honestly, they work together brilliantly.

The Olav dining table

The main piece we chose was the Barker & Stonehouse Olav 240cm dining table.

There is also a slightly smaller Olav 200cm dining table, which would make more sense for smaller dining rooms or kitchen diners.

We went for the larger 240cm version because we wanted a proper gathering table. Something that could comfortably seat people without everyone feeling like they were fighting for elbow room.

The 240cm size gives it a real presence. It feels generous, solid and properly substantial, without looking overly formal.

First impressions

The Olav table has that lovely natural wood look that instantly warms up a room.

It is simple, but not boring. Rustic, but not overly farmhouse. Solid, but not chunky in a way that dominates the space.

That balance is probably what makes it so easy to live with. It feels like a quality piece of furniture, but it does not feel like something you need to tiptoe around.

The finish is one of the best things about it. The wood has texture and character, which means it looks good in a real home rather than only in a showroom.

Why we chose it

We wanted a dining table that could sit naturally in a busy kitchen and dining space.

Some tables look beautiful online, but feel a bit delicate in real life. Others are practical but have all the charm of a meeting room.

The Olav sits nicely in the middle.

It feels sturdy, looks premium, and has enough character to make the space feel finished. It also has a relaxed quality to it, which is exactly what we wanted.

This is not a shiny, formal, “only use it at Christmas” table. It feels like a table you can use every day.

The Semeru dining chairs are the perfect match

We paired the table with the Barker & Stonehouse Semeru dining chairs, and they suit it beautifully.

The combination works because the chairs share that same natural, warm, slightly textured feel without making the whole setup look too coordinated.

They complement the Olav table rather than competing with it.

The result is a dining setup that feels relaxed, stylish and very easy to live with. It has a natural, slightly earthy look, but still feels polished enough for a proper dining space.

If you are considering the Olav table, the Semeru chairs are definitely worth looking at alongside it. They feel like they were made to sit together.

Assembly and moving it into place

Once we had the table home, it was easy to put together.

That said, this is a big, solid piece of furniture, especially if you go for the 240cm version. You will want a second pair of hands, plenty of space, and a bit of patience.

If you are collecting yourself or buying an in-store display item, it is worth going prepared. We needed tools and a van so we could dismantle, carry and transport it properly.

That is not a negative against the table. If anything, it is a reminder that solid furniture is, unsurprisingly, solid.

Living with the Olav table

The table has been fantastic so far.

It feels strong, stable and well made. It is the sort of piece that makes the whole room feel more finished as soon as it is in place.

Maintenance has also been straightforward. A bit of beeswax and some elbow grease keeps the wood looking lovely, and because the finish has natural character, it does not feel overly fragile.

That matters with a dining table.

You want it to look good, but you also want to use it without panicking every time someone puts down a plate, mug or laptop.

The Olav feels like it can handle normal family life while still looking beautiful.

A note on Barker & Stonehouse clearance and display items

Although our main reason for choosing the Olav table and Semeru chairs was the quality and look, it is always worth keeping an eye on Barker & Stonehouse clearance options.

You can search for Olav items on the clearance site here:

Search Barker & Stonehouse Clearance for Olav

Store-specific clearance can also happen from time to time, especially as ranges, seasons or showroom displays change.

If you see a piece in-store that you love, it can be worth politely asking whether the display item is available to buy. Sometimes this can mean a shorter wait, the chance to inspect the exact item, or a useful saving.

Just make sure you check any display item carefully before buying, especially corners, table tops and chair legs.

For us, any saving was a bonus. The real reason we chose the setup was that the Olav table and Semeru chairs looked and felt right.

Olav 200cm or 240cm?

Choosing between the 200cm and 240cm version really comes down to space.

The Olav 200cm dining table is probably the more practical option for most homes. It still gives you a generous dining table, but it is easier to fit into a smaller kitchen diner or dining room.

The Olav 240cm dining table is the one to go for if you have the room and want that larger, more sociable feel.

We chose the bigger version because we wanted the table to be a real feature in the room. If you entertain, have a larger family, or just like having plenty of space, the 240cm size is fantastic.

Just measure properly first.

Then measure again.

Then measure the hallway for good measure.

Would we recommend it?

Yes, definitely.

The Barker & Stonehouse Olav dining table is a beautiful, solid and practical piece of furniture. It looks premium, feels well made, and brings a lovely warmth to the room.

Paired with the Semeru dining chairs, it creates a dining setup that feels natural, relaxed and properly considered.

It is exactly the kind of furniture we wanted: good looking, good quality, and easy to live with.

The possibility of finding a clearance or display deal is a nice extra, but the main reason to consider the Olav and Semeru combination is simple: they look fantastic together.