An extendable dining table is one of the most practical investments you can make for your home. It gives you the flexibility to have a compact, everyday table that does not dominate your dining room, while still being able to seat a crowd when you need to. Whether you are hosting a dinner party, a family Christmas, or just want the option to expand, an extendable table has you covered.
Types of Extension Mechanism
There are several different ways that dining tables extend, each with its own advantages.
- Butterfly Leaf: The leaf is stored within the table itself and folds out from the centre. This is the most convenient option as you never have to find somewhere to store the leaf.
- Drop Leaf: Hinged leaves on either side of the table fold down when not in use. Simple and space-saving.
- Insert Leaf: A separate leaf is inserted into the centre of the table when needed. This allows for a larger extension but requires storage space for the leaf.
Materials
Extendable dining tables are available in a wide range of materials, from solid oak and walnut to MDF with a veneer finish. Solid wood is the most durable and looks the best over time, but it is also the most expensive. A good quality veneer finish can look very similar to solid wood at a fraction of the cost.
How Many Does it Seat?
Think carefully about how many people you need to seat both in its compact form and when fully extended. A table that seats four when compact and eight when extended is a popular choice for most households. If you regularly host large gatherings, look for a table that extends to seat ten or twelve.
Style Considerations
Extendable tables are available in every style from rustic farmhouse to sleek Scandinavian. Choose a style that complements the rest of your dining room, and consider how the extension mechanism will look when the table is in its compact form — some mechanisms are more visible than others.
