A good solution for a large family living in an apartment with a small kitchen is to purchase a dining group with a sliding table. When assembled, it will not take up much space, but if you disassemble it, all households can have lunch at the same time. What are the sliding tables, how best to choose them - we will tell in our article.
Types of construction
A transformer table does not always have to suit only a large family. When folded, the compact model modestly takes its corner in the kitchen. It is quite enough for the daily meal of a small family. When guests arrive, the ability to transform the table comes in handy. Even if the tiny kitchen does not allow the structure to be moved apart, it can be moved to the living room and laid out there.
In a large room, all guests will fit.
Structurally, the table is arranged so that it can be laid out easily and quickly. To do this, push the halves of the countertops in different directions. In the central part, a hidden section is found, which is removed and stacked, occupying the middle of the table. There are other ways of unfolding, consider each of them.
- An additional section leaves and fits in the center of the countertop, in some models it is removed and installed manually.
- If the central section is divided into 2 parts, it is laid out like a book.
- Some sliding tables consist of two parts, the countertop is folded in half and in a compact form looks quite thick.To spread out such a table, you need to pull the legs on one side, expanding the area of the frame, then expand the tabletop and spread out - in a similar way its area will double.
Forms of designs are also diverse: square, rectangular, round oval, but they can all grow, moving apart and laying in the center of the additional part. Oval and round tables are less dangerous for children in terms of possible injuries. Square and rectangular models more ergonomically and without loss of space fit into the corner of the room, which is important for tiny kitchens.
Materials of manufacture
Kitchens are different in size, lighting, style, color scheme. In order for the lunch group to harmoniously "fit in" into the environment, you need to be responsible for the selection of furniture. Today, the industry offers a wide selection of materials that can satisfy any design demand.
- Wooden crafts suit classic, ethnic style, all kinds of country, historical directions.
- Plastic meets the needs of modernity, modern urban themes.
- Glass use styles fusion, minimalism, hi-tech, modern.
- Tables with inserts chromed metal (legs, frame) will also suit minimalism and hi-tech.
- Bronze and copper additions are suitable for retro, baroque, oriental and some historical styles.
- Stone countertops use the directions of American country, chalet, baroque, as well as styles that emphasize the presentability of the situation.
The folding table and chairs that make up the dining set are most often made of the same materials. Sometimes the surface structure of the dining group is different, but this does not prevent all parts from complementing each other. For example, a tabletop made of tempered glass is combined with chairs made of transparent plastic. In addition to appearance, the surface structure of the product affects the strength, wear resistance of the structure. Let us consider in more detail what material chairs and sliding tables can be made of.
Wood
When people did not know technical progress, wooden tables could equally be found both in palace chambers and in the huts of the poor. Today, not everyone can afford beautiful, natural, environmentally friendly material. Different species of trees have their own unique color and pattern; picking them for any interior is not so difficult.
With a tactile sensation, you immediately understand the difference between the attractive heat of wood and the cold of glass and metal.
Making tables of wood, it is carefully treated with an antifungal agent. Folding kitchen models use walnut, oak, beech, ash. These rocks have good hardness, they are almost not afraid of scratches and other mechanical damage. Sometimes tables are made from plants with a medium density structure - alder, cherry, birch. Products made of soft material, such as pine, can easily be scratched or damaged by careless use, such an unfurnished company can make such a piece of furniture.
Tables made of wood are strong enough, but they are afraid of contact with moisture and need increased care.
MDF and particleboard
Chipboards are a good budget replacement for expensive wood. The veneer that covers them imitates any type of wood, repeating the pattern and color. It is a thin section of a tree from 0.1 to 10 mm, giving the wood-fiber products the look of a real natural material. Such tables can be washed, but the moisture left for a long time will ruin the countertop. Frequent contact of the surface with hot dishes can cause the veneer to dry out and deform. Today, the MDF finish imitates not only wood, but also stone, plates, animal skins.
The disadvantage may be the toxicity of the adhesive used in the manufacture of particleboard, which is especially manifested in conditions of increasing ambient temperature.
Glass
Such material is rarely seen in our kitchens; housewives consider it impractical. Glass is used for solid countertops, but is sometimes used in the manufacture of small sliding models. The glass surface is well suited to small kitchens, it transmits light, gives volume, does not seem massive even with a large load of dishes.
A glass table is rarely used in everyday life, since such furniture requires careful care.
Such an item can be found in the stylish kitchen of a bachelor who eats at home from time to time, or in a large room where it is possible to put several tables - for everyday use and special occasions. Glass surfaces are made of high-strength red-hot material, covered with a multilayer protective shell that retains heat and moisture well, so spilled hot tea will not hurt the table.
The folding mechanism contains elegant, but durable fasteners, and the surface itself can be transparent, matte, decorated with gold dusting or varnish, and have a pattern.
Metal
For the manufacture of tables and chairs used chrome, non-ferrous metal, as well as stainless steel. A completely metal table can be found only in catering kitchens, comfortable home conditions will not withstand a large amount of cold iron. For household sets, metal is used in the manufacture of legs or a frame under the countertop. Refined metal legs look more elegant than thick wooden ones, and even surpass them in strength.
A rock
The large weight of the stone does not allow it to be used on the surface of folding tables; as a coating, tiles made of natural stone are used. Artificial stone (acrylic, quartz) can also participate in the design of the countertops.
It is a stone crumb mixed with adhesive.
Molds are made for all sections of the countertops and poured with liquid stone. The hardened layer serves as the surface of the sliding structure. Artificial stone surfaces repel liquid, they are durable, heat-resistant and easy to clean. Natural stone countertops have amazing natural beauty, endowed with a diverse pattern and color. But because of the porous structure, spilled and untreated coffee is absorbed into the surface of the table. Especially visible are the spots on the white marble countertop.
Ceramics
Patchwork-style tables are well-suited for ethnic and rustic influences. The tile is planted on a special adhesive, covering it with all parts of the countertop. Such a surface can withstand high temperatures, it can be looked after with the help of household chemicals, but without abrasive products. The second method of manufacturing ceramic countertops is the presence of glass, which is covered with tiles.
Care for such a surface will be like a regular glass.
Plastic
Today, plastic has stepped far compared to its original primitive options. And although the product looks cheaper than wood analogs, it has a modern, light and stylish look. Plastic is heat-resistant, withstands the effects of household chemicals, has a large selection of colors and patterns, and is inexpensive.
Colors and Design
Transformers - folding, sliding and other tables and chairs changing shape firmly entered our everyday life. Today there are so many of them that it’s easy to find the right design for your kitchen. When purchasing a set of furniture in an already finished interior, you should make sure that the design and color of the novelty matches or harmonizes with the general situation. Each style has its own preferences in color, material and design features of furniture. In order not to be mistaken, consider lunch groups for kitchens of different styles.
Baroque
The style is characterized by expensive artsy furniture. The stone tabletop on massive curly legs is decorated with ornaments. The group of chairs contains carved backs, curved decorated legs, and soft upholstery. The ivory color in the dining area matches the room set.
Modern
Modern trend, characterized by simplicity and functionality. This style can afford to install furniture in bright accent colors in a plain room, in this case, orange color is used. Materials such as glossy plastic, chromed metal and eco-leather for upholstery are involved in the creation of the dining group.
Country
The rustic style prefers rough massive furniture made of natural wood. Around the table are the same sturdy and solid chairs. The dining group maintains the overall decor of stone and wood.
How to choose?
To choose the right dining group for a particular kitchen, you need to answer yourself a number of questions.
- What is the area of the kitchen? The dimensions of the dining group will depend on its size.
- What place is reserved for the dining area? This may affect the choice of table shape.
- It is necessary to take into account the number of household members, whether there are often joint meals.
- It would be nice to know the approximate number of guests who visit the family.
- You should pay attention to the style and color of the kitchen - the table and chairs should be in harmony with them.
For a comfortable stay at the table, a seat according to the standards is 60 cm wide and 40 cm deep. This means that the size of the countertop for 4 people will be sufficient if its parameters correspond to the size of 120 by 80 cm. When choosing a dining group in a small kitchen, it is better to stop on a square or rectangular table and occupy a free corner.
Furniture material should be light - a tabletop made of glass or plastic, legs - thin, metal. Chairs or stools are made in the same subject.
The built-in kitchen set can be selected for a more saturated dark color, then the dining area will get light and warm colors. If a place for a table is provided in the center of a spacious kitchen, with a square room it is better to choose a round countertop, with a rectangular one - oval. A table with rounded smooth lines in the center of the room gives the family dinner a sense of solemnity and significance.
Good examples in the interior
Today it is easy to purchase a folding table with chairs for the dining area, there are many options:
- tiled countertop;
- a table with a glass surface mounted on one leg surrounded by unusual chairs;
- white oval table with glass top;
- classic dinette set;
- sliding table with poufs.
A well-chosen dining group with a sliding table will decorate the interior of the kitchen and become indispensable furniture in everyday life and at the moments of receiving guests.
In the next video, more about sliding tables for the kitchen