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What to Know About Extendable Dining Tables
Do you love hosting dinner parties, but hate having to squeeze everyone around a small table? Or do you have a large dining room, but don’t want to waste space with a huge table that you rarely use? If so, you might want to consider getting an extendable dining table.
An extendable dining table is a custom dining table that can be expanded or contracted to fit different numbers of people. It has one or more leaves that can be inserted or removed from the table top, changing its size and shape. For example, you can have a round extendable dining table that can transform into an oval or a rectangular one, depending on how many leaves you add.
There are many benefits of having an extendable dining table in your dining room. First of all, it can save space. You can have a small table when you don’t need it, and a large table when you do. This way, you can avoid cluttering your dining room with extra chairs and tables that you rarely use.
Secondly, it can accommodate more guests. You can easily adjust the size of your table to fit the number of people you invite. Whether you have a cozy dinner for two, or a festive feast for twelve, you can always have enough room for everyone.
Thirdly, it can add aesthetic beauty and functionality to your dining room. An extendable dining table can enhance the look and feel of your dining room with its elegant design and versatile shape. You can also use it for other purposes, such as working, studying, playing games, or crafting.
This article will help you learn more about extendable dining tables, which are tables that can be expanded or contracted to fit different numbers of people. You will discover the different types of extendable dining tables, how to choose one that matches your decor and style, and some examples of custom-made extendable dining tables from Taitlin Studio, a solid wood furniture maker that uses premium American hardwood and offers various customization options.
Key Takeaways
| What are extendable dining tables? | How do they work? | What are the benefits? | Where can you get them? |
|---|---|---|---|
| They are tables that can be expanded or contracted to fit different numbers of people. | Extendable dining tables have one or more leaves that can be inserted or removed from the table top, changing its size and shape. | They can save space, accommodate more guests, and add aesthetic beauty and functionality to the dining room. | You can get custom-made extendable dining table from Taitlin Studio, a solid wood furniture maker that specializes in drop in leaf tables. |
Types of Extendable Dining Tables
There are different types of extendable dining tables, each with its own mechanism and features. The most common types are:
- Drop in leaf tables: These have one or more leaves that can be inserted or removed from the middle of the table top. The leaves are usually stored separately from the table, and need to be manually placed or taken out when needed. Drop in leaf tables can change their shape from round to oval or from square to rectangular, depending on the number and shape of the leaves.
- Butterfly leaf tables: They have one or two leaves that are stored under the table top, and can be unfolded or folded like a butterfly’s wings. The leaves are attached to the table slides, and can be easily pulled out or pushed in by pulling or pushing the table ends. Butterfly leaf tables can change their shape from round to oval or from square to rectangular, depending on the number and shape of the leaves.
- Drop leaf tables: These tables have one or two sides that can be dropped down or raised up by hinges. The sides are usually supported by legs or brackets when raised up, and rest on the floor when dropped down. Drop leaf tables can change their size from large to small or from small to large, depending on whether the sides are dropped or raised.
- Self-storing leaf tables: This type of table have one or more leaves that are stored inside the table top, and can be accessed by sliding the table top apart. The leaves are usually connected to the table slides, and can be automatically lifted or lowered by springs or gears. Self-storing leaf tables can change their shape from round to oval or from square to rectangular, depending on the number and shape of the leaves.
Each type of extendable dining table has its pros and cons, such as ease of use, storage, durability, and appearance. Here is a comparison table that summarizes some of the advantages and disadvantages of each type:
| Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Drop in leaf | – Can change shape and size easily | – Need extra storage space for leaves |
| – Can accommodate different numbers of people | – Need manual handling of leaves | |
| – Can create a seamless look when extended | – May have gaps or cracks when collapsed | |
| Butterfly leaf | – Can change shape and size easily | – May have limited extension options |
| – Can store leaves under table top | – May have visible seams when extended | |
| – Can handle leaves with minimal effort | – May have reduced leg room when extended | |
| Drop leaf | – Can change size easily | – May have limited shape options |
| – Can save space when collapsed | – May have unstable sides when extended | |
| – Can create a rustic look when extended | – May have uneven edges when collapsed | |
| Self-storing leaf | – Can change shape and size easily | – May have limited extension options |
| – Can store leaves inside table top | – May have complex mechanism that requires maintenance | |
| – Can handle leaves with minimal effort | – May have reduced leg room when extended |
Here at Taitlin Studio, we specialize in drop in leaf tables, which are their most popular and versatile type of expandable dining tables. We offer a variety of drop in leaf tables with different designs and styles, such as the Cuboid Dining Table, the Homestead Dining Table, and the Ironwood Dining Table.
How to Choose an Extendable Dining Table
Choosing an extendable dining table that suits your needs and preferences can be a challenging task. There are many factors to consider, such as the size and shape of your dining room, the number of people you usually host, the wood type, the stain color, and the table base. Here are some tips on how to choose an extendable dining table that fits your dining room:
- Consider the size and shape of your dining room and how many people you usually host. The size and shape of your dining room will determine the size and shape of your extendable dining table. You want to make sure that your table fits comfortably in your dining room, leaving enough space for chairs and movement. You also want to make sure that your table can accommodate the number of people you usually host, whether it is a small family or a large group of friends. A general rule of thumb is to allow at least 24 inches of table space per person, and at least 36 inches of clearance around the table.
- Choose a wood type that matches your decor and style. The wood type of your extendable dining table will affect its durability, quality, and appearance. You want to choose a wood type that matches your decor and style, as well as your budget and maintenance preferences. We offer a variety of wood types for their extendable dining tables, such as walnut, ash, maple, cherry, reclaimed timbers, or white oak. Each wood type has its own characteristics, such as grain pattern, color variation, hardness, and resistance to wear and tear.
- Pick a stain color that enhances the wood’s natural beauty and complements your dining room’s color scheme. The stain color of your extendable dining table will affect its mood, tone, and contrast. You want to pick a stain color that enhances the wood’s natural beauty and complements your dining room’s color scheme. We offer a variety of stain colors for their extendable dining tables, such as natural, espresso, ebony, gray wash, or weathered oak. Each stain color has its own effect, such as highlighting the grain pattern, darkening the wood tone, creating a vintage look, or adding a modern touch.
- Select a table base that supports the table top and adds stability and style. The table base of your extendable dining table will affect its functionality, stability, and style. You want to select a table base that supports the table top and adds stability and style. Taitlin Studio offers a variety of table bases for their extendable dining tables, such as single, double, trestle, or leg bases. Each table base has its own advantages and disadvantages, such as providing more or less leg room, creating more or less visual impact, offering more or less stability, or requiring more or less maintenance.
Choosing an extendable dining table can be a fun and rewarding experience if you follow these tips. However, if you still feel overwhelmed by the options and decisions, you can always rely on Taitlin Studio to help you customize your extendable dining table with various options and features. We are more than just a furniture maker; they are also a furniture consultant. We will guide you through the process of choosing and designing your extendable dining table, from the initial consultation to the final delivery. We listen to your needs and preferences, offer suggestions and recommendations, and can create a 3D model of your table for your approval. Additionally, we provide free local set-up and delivery in the Edmonton area and nationwide shipping across Canada.
Conclusion
Thank you for reading this article about extendable dining tables. We hope you have learned something new and useful about these tables, which are a great way to save space, accommodate more guests, and add beauty and functionality to your dining room. In this article, we have shown you the different types of extendable dining tables, how to choose one that matches your decor and style, and some examples of our custom-made extendable dining tables. We are Taitlin Studio, a solid wood furniture maker that specializes in drop in leaf tables. We use premium American hardwood and offer various customization options for size, shape, wood type, stain color, and table base. We also provide free local set-up and delivery in the Edmonton area and nationwide shipping across Canada.
If you are interested in getting an extendable dining table for your dining room, we invite you to visit our website or showroom to explore our selection of extendable dining tables and other custom solid wood furniture. You can also contact us by phone or email to schedule a consultation and get a quote for your desired table. We will help you create an extendable dining table that meets your needs and preferences, and enhances your dining experience. But don’t just take our word for it, read our Google reviews to hear what our customers have to say!