Audrey 
Are you ready to transform your dining room space?
Investing in a quality extendable dining table will do the trick.
But there are some differences between traditional and extendable dining tables that you should be aware of before buying.
In this article, we’ll cover every aspect of tables that extend, so you can know exactly what to look for when you’re ready to add one to your dining room.
Let’s begin!
What is an extendable table?
An extendable dining table is a type of table that can be extended to create more space for dining. This is done by adding leaves, or sections, to the ends of the table. Extendable tables are ideal for people with smaller living spaces or dining areas, larger families, and those who love entertaining guests.
How do they work?
Each end of an extendable dining table typically has two legs and one or more pullout leaves. As the table is opened for use, the pullouts extend and lock into place with the help of a series of sliding supports.
This action creates an additional surface area on the tabletop to accommodate additional guests, and then as the party winds down. Fewer people are sitting at the table. The extensions can be pushed back in to restore a more compact configuration.
Types of Extendable Dining Tables
There are three main types of extendable tables: leaf tables, gateleg tables, and drop-leaf tables.
- Leaf tables have an additional piece that can be inserted into the middle of the table to make it longer.
- Gateleg tables have hinged leaves that fold out from the sides of the table
- drop-leaf tables have leaves that drop down from the ends of the table.
All extendable dining tables will come with some mechanism to extend the length of the table- whether it’s a simple set of leaves or something more complex like a butterfly leaf or gear system.
They are the best tables for when you need to save space
Extendable dining tables are a great option for saving space in small dining rooms. These tables have built-in mechanisms that allow you to pull out the sides and extend the tabletop, allowing you to easily adjust for more or fewer guests without changing your furniture arrangement.
Not only does this give you the flexibility to fit more people around the table when necessary, but it also saves valuable room in your small dining area.
Plus, because these tables often have a simple, clean design with few additional details or embellishments, they can be an elegant and functional way to make the most of your precious dining space.
Whether you’re looking for a dramatic centerpiece for your eating areas or need more room for holiday gatherings, an extendable dining table can be a great solution for any small dining space.
Pros and cons of extendable tables
Extendable dining tables have pros and cons that should be considered before purchasing.
On the plus side, they offer flexibility for accommodating extra guests and can be used as a buffet table for large gatherings.
They also come in various styles and can be paired with leaves or chairs to create a custom look.
However, extendable tables can be more expensive than fixed-size tables, and the leaves or chairs must be stored somewhere when not in use.
Some things to consider when choosing an extendable dining table:
Size: When closed, most extendable tables are about the same size as a regular dining table. However, when fully extended, they can accommodate up to 12 people. This makes them perfect for large families or entertaining guests.
Style: Extendable tables come in various styles, from traditional to contemporary. Choose a style that fits your current décor and personal taste.
Finish: Like regular dining tables, extendable tables come in various finishes, including wood, glass, and metal. Choose a finish that complements the rest of your dining room furniture.
How to care for extendable tables
First and foremost, it is important to protect the surface from scratches and dings. This can be done by using placemats or tablecloths during meals and avoiding dragging items across the tabletop.
Another important aspect of care is to wipe down your table regularly with a soft cloth and mild cleaning solution, especially after messy meals like those involving sauces or soups.
With these tips in mind, you can easily care for your extendable dining room table and help it last for many years!
