Drop Leaf Kitchen Tables Give You Flexible, Functional Style
With busy schedules and ever-changing household needs, having flexible furniture that can transform to serve multiple purposes has become a necessity for many homeowners. This is where ingenious space-saving solutions like the drop leaf kitchen table come in handy.
Drop leaf tables provide the best of both worlds - a compact footprint for small gatherings with the ability to instantly expand seating when you need it. The iconic hinged leaves let you accommodate extra dinner guests seamlessly. Keep reading to learn all about the benefits, designs, and smart functionality of these convertible tables.
Benefits of Investing in a Drop Leaf Kitchen Table
These ingenious tables offer homeowners versatility and practicality. Here are some of the best reasons to consider a drop leaf table for your kitchen or dining area:
- Save space with a smaller footprint when the leaves are down.
- Expand seating capacity for holidays, parties, family visits.
- Quickly convert from small to large - easy lift and drop leaf mechanism.
- Provides flexibility as your household evolves over time.
- Cost effective way to get both a compact and spacious table.
How Do Drop Leaf Table Mechanisms Work?
The distinguishing feature of a drop leaf table is its hinged leaves that lift up to widen the tabletop. Here is an overview of how they operate:
Most feature removable or permanently attached leaves on piano-style hinges that fold down when not needed. Support legs may fold in or retract as well. This is known as the drop leaf style.
Gate leg drop leaf tables have hinged leaves that are freestanding when raised. The leg support structure folds out like a gate.
Quality hardware is important. Look for extension rails or slides that smoothly guide the leaves up into place. Reinforced hardware enables years of trouble-free use.
Tips for Expanding and Folding
Follow these tips to easily transform your drop leaf table:
- Make sure leaves are cleared off before lifting them up or down.
- For rectangular tables, unfold leaves one at a time starting with the middle.
- Gently lift leaves into place guided by the extension rails.
- Never force leaves that feel stuck - this can damage hinges.
- Store folded leaves flat if removable or lower them parallel to table if fixed.
Choosing the Right Drop Leaf Table
Keep these important factors in mind when selecting a drop leaf table:
Size
Measure your space when folded and opened to find the right fit. Allow at least 18 inches per person for comfortable seating when expanded. An oval or rectangular table that extends to 6-8 feet long can accommodate 4-6 guests normally and up to 10 if needed.
Design Styles
Match your home's decor with on-trend drop leaf table styles:
- Farmhouse: Rustic wood top with turned legs in white or black finish
- Modern: Glass top and sleek metal base in gold, silver or black tone
- Industrial: Mix of wood tabletop with black metal base
Materials
Look for solid hardwood construction like oak, acacia, and mango wood to withstand folding motions. Avoid more fragile materials like particleboard or thinner veneers.
Storage Solutions
Have an out-of-the-way spot to stow folded leaves such as behind cabinets, under beds or on a wall rack. Or choose a self-storing design with leaves that fold into the table frame.
Quality and Durability
Reinforced hardware that allows smooth lifting motions for years is ideal. Check manufacturer warranty on mechanism parts. Treat wood surfaces gently to avoid dings and scratches when expanding.
Creative Ways to Use Your Drop Leaf Table
Make the most of your flexible drop leaf table in the dining room or kitchen:
- Add stylish chairs, lighting and decor for full dining room feel
- Use folded down as a desk, buffet table, or bar cart
- Perfect for first apartments, small spaces, saving room for walkways
Where to Shop for Drop Leaf Kitchen Tables
You can find a wide selection of styles and prices at:
- Online retailers like Amazon, Wayfair, Overstock
- Big box stores like IKEA, Target and Walmart
- Furniture stores like Crate & Barrel, West Elm and Ashley
With their space-saving fold down design and ability to instantly accommodate extra guests, drop leaf kitchen and dining tables provide flexibility and smart functionality. Keep these versatile tables in mind when furnishing your eat-in kitchen, dining area or multi-purpose space.