Folding tables are quite popular for balcony room fittings. Such furniture is presented on the modern market in a rather large assortment, because of which many experience difficulties in choosing products. Also, many do not know what varieties of such tables exist, what materials they are made of, and where it is better to install a table of this type. Analysis of all these and other nuances will be presented in detail in our article.
Advantages and disadvantages
Like any piece of furniture, a folding table on the balcony has its advantages and disadvantages. The advantages of the products include the following.
- Wall construction can be both unfolded and folded. If necessary, decomposing a similar unit, it can be immediately removed after use by placing the surface of the countertop along the wall. Due to such a mechanism when folded, such a table occupies a minimum of space and allows you to use the maximum of the balcony area for various other purposes.
- The table located by the window is always well lit, and the placement near the window will allow you to enjoy the view during the operation of the product and create a special atmosphere.
- These tables can be used simultaneously by 2 or even 3 people, which makes it quite suitable for a small family or couple.
- With this piece of furniture you can zoning the space of the balcony. It can become both a part of the recreation area, and a full-fledged workspace. With proper location, the table will help in dividing the balcony into functional sections.
- You can use this product for various purposes, including as a place to store various things.
- Since the models of such furniture are very diverse, with their help you can successfully complement the concept of the interior in which the balcony is decorated.
- The folding unit can be installed in almost any part of the balcony room. It can be on the largest wall, on the wall near the window, at the end of the balcony or even in the arched opening, if any.
- For many, an additional advantage of such furniture is the ability to make it yourself.
Even a person with little experience in this matter will not find the process of creating this balcony attribute difficult.
Of the minuses that are characteristic for finding such a product on the balcony, the following nuances can be mentioned.
- It is advisable to install these tables only on insulated balconies. Otherwise, the temperature in the cold seasons may be too low, and in warm furniture it will be uncomfortable to use because of the heat.
- Also, more dust accumulates on the balcony, so these tables require more frequent cleaning.
Kinds
Do not get lost among the assortment of folding tables available on the market their classification into certain varieties.
- A classic option is a folding table with hinged wall mounts. With a simple design, this option looks quite elegant. Often this type is installed in rooms decorated in a classic style. However, these models are also in demand on high-tech or modern style balconies.
- In addition to the countertop, a folding table can also have an element such as a folding stand, which serves as a support for the countertop when unfolded. Typically, such designs are quite overall, which is why they are not suitable for all balconies.
- A variety of such tables are chairs with legs. Such tabletop holders look more elegant than the stand, take up less space and are present in small structures that are optimal for a balcony room.
- If you want your hanging table to perform an additional function of storing things, then opt for such a variety as a cabinet table. There are additional compartments in it where you can place various things. However, often the dimensions of such products are not the smallest, so before buying you should correlate the dimensions with the area of the balcony.
Dimensions
The dimensions of the table on the balcony are of great importance, since they directly affect the level of comfort during the operation of the product. The parameters of the folding products may be as follows.
- The optimal height on which such a table should be located is an indicator from 70 to 75 cm. Due to this height, the necessary space is created between the knees of the seated person and the tabletop plane.
- If the table will be used as a work surface, then the length of 120 cm and the width of 80 cm will be optimal.
- If the models are small and are installed on the long wall of the balcony room, then their length can be 60 cm, while the width is 40 cm. This option is quite good for one person.
Materials
The raw materials from which tables with a folding design are made can be different. The following materials are distinguished, each of which has its own characteristics.
- Plywood Options usually have the shape of a rectangle or circle. Such material is quite easily attached to the wall using special corners of metal. Due to these details, the strength of the starting material is increased.
Also, plywood structures are often coated with varnish or special paint.
- Solid wood It looks very aesthetically pleasing and expensive even in such small designs.Incarnated in an interesting form and design, this material is able to turn your balcony table into a real work of art, especially if it is equipped with decorative elements, such as carving or patina.
- Another inexpensive raw material for such tables is Chipboardwhose strength characteristics are quite high. However, as for natural wood, exposure to moisture quickly renders products from it unusable.
- Hardware They are very durable and look very relevant for a number of modern styles. Graceful shapes and weaves may also be present in the design of such products.
However, remember that in non-insulated loggias and open balconies, metal can be susceptible to rust.
- Very light and compact are usually models of folding wall tables made of plastic. Such products can be embodied in interesting bright colors, and they are also resistant to moisture.
However, the impact resistance is low for such furniture.
How to choose?
The process of choosing a folding table for the loggia should take into account a number of nuances which will help you determine the model quickly and accurately.
- It is necessary to calculate in advance the dimensions of the place in which it is planned to place the table. Based on the permissible free space, the size of the structure is selected.
- Considering the style of the interior is very important. Color, shape and material should not create an imbalance with the chosen concept. If a folding table performs an accent function on the balcony, you can make a unique product to order. In addition to store products, there are also exclusive models made by hand by craftsmen.
- It is important to take into account the function that the table will perform in an unassembled form. This factor determines the frequency of use of the product and the likelihood of wear to which it will be exposed.
- It is important for some that the table looks as harmonious as possible with the decor - then you should choose a ready-made set with seats in the form of armchairs or chairs from various materials. It costs more, but eliminates the need to spend additional time on the selection of accessories.
- It is also important to consider the type of balcony on which such fittings will be installed. On an open or uninsulated balcony, plastic and metal with a stainless steel coating are acceptable options. Wood materials that are less resistant to moisture are best chosen for insulated loggias.
- It is definitely worth checking the attachment of such a collapsible design. This applies both to the legs or stand, and to the elements by which the piece of furniture will be hung from the wall.
Where to install?
In order for the wall table to fit as harmoniously as possible into the interior of your balcony, you should think in advance about where it is best to place it. The following options for the location of such furniture.
- It is advisable to fasten such a table near the end wall of the balcony if the room of the loggia is rather narrow. This way you save space. However, in this case, sometimes it is necessary to think about additional lighting, because working at such a table, you will turn to face the wall, thereby not getting enough natural light.
- Some structures can be placed directly on the railing of the balcony thanks to special fastening elements. Such models are relevant only for open balconies. The table can be moved to different parts of the loggia, because its design is removable and mobile.
- If the balcony is connected to the room through not only a door, but also a window, then the folding table often becomes a continuation of the window opening and window sill. By connecting the countertop to the window-sill, you can create a more extensive work surface.
- Often you can see the folding tables located under the balcony window.This option is suitable for large balconies or loggias, the width of which is not very small. Tables can be located in the middle of this wall, or be offset to a certain edge, depending on individual needs.
Interesting examples
If you cannot decide on a specific folding table model for your loggia, then pay attention to the following examples of similar designs that fit seamlessly into the interior.
- Minimalistic white model with fastening to the open railing is ideal for those who like to have breakfast in the fresh air.
- An additional attribute to give comfort to the balcony will be a table, part of the countertop of which, even when folded, remains horizontal. It can accommodate lighting fixtures and accessories, creating a special pleasant atmosphere on the balcony.
- The table top, decorated to match the wall covering of the loggia, will bring harmony to the interior of the room, and when assembled, it will practically not stand out among the situation.
- You can create a cozy space for two by placing a small folding table opposite the corner bench made in the same style.
See how to make a folding table on the balcony in the video below.