Drop Leaf Dining Table

A drop leaf dining table enables you to fold a small section of the table top at one or both sides. 

Features

Considered an antique furniture. It has been in existence since the 16th to 17th century in England. Since it is antique, the table always appear to be dark in color.

Round is the most common shape for drop leaf dining tables. However, you can still find some models which are available in rectangular and square shapes.

When the table top is round, the table usually has pedestal legs.

Then again, you can find some models which are available in the oval shape.

Table size is small. You can hardly find drop leaf dining tables that go beyond 40 inches in diameter.

They are only made from wood material. Usually, oak is used.

Available in 2 types:

Single drop leaf dining table

In this version, you can only fold down one side of the table top. Hence, its name, single leaf.

Dual drop leaf dining table

There are 2 (double) leaves in this version. Therefore, you can adjust both sides of the table top. You will want to choose this version because this is what everyone uses.

Benefits

Save space! If you are living in an apartment, you definitely want to consider this table. You don't always need a big table when you're dining at home yourself. Only extend the leaves whenever you have extra guests. This way, you occupy the least space.

When you want it out of your way, simply fold down the 2 leaves and store it on your closet.

Not to mention you can carry it more easily too in its compact form.

Suitable for any country style home.

It is a table that can be converted into a rectangle or square shape from a round one.

Need a console table (more narrow)? Simply fold down the leaves and there you have it, a console table.

Price is very affordable. You'd be amazed at how little these tables cost in the market.

Tips

Like all tables that can change their form, look for the quality of folding leaf mechanism.

Check whether its construction is sturdy or not. How to test this? Make sure you open and close the leaves at least 5 times repeatedly and not just once. This is a good habit whenever you buy a kitchen furniture. Then see if there are any creaking or looseness.

When one or both leaves are fully extended (folded up), check the straight line gap in between. Will it cause comfort problems for your arms? Ideally, you will want the smallest gap possible, without it being too obvious too.

A big danger is the leaves could end up "sloping", making it not straight. In the "sloping" condition, the leaves droop to the bottom slightly, making the sides of the table top uneven. How to avoid this problem? You have to choose a better support mechanism. The answer is to go with wooden supports (hinges) instead of metal ones. They are much sturdier and can hold against the test of time.

Despite it being an antique / country furniture, you can still find modern and contemporary designs. These modern drop leaf kitchen tables usually will have lighter finish for the wood table top and white color for their legs.

In the market, it is possible to find a drop leaf kitchen table that is made from glass! If you want to purchase it, make sure it is made from tempered glass.

What about dining chairs? Well, it is recommended that you buy a dining chair set that has the same color as the table. For example, if you had chosen mahogany (very dark brown) for the drop leaf table, then it makes sense to get mahogany chairs too.

For the best antique effect, look for the ones that looks natural.

Having the ability to fold and unfold the table top anytime makes it very convenient for many home users. No wonder the drop leaf dining table is one of the most popular table designs in the market.

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