Folding tables for a small kitchen: advantages and disadvantages, varieties and tips for choosing

It’s quite difficult to arrange a small kitchen, since you definitely need to put everything you need into it and at the same time make the arrangement as convenient as possible. The most difficult thing with large items, in particular, with a table. In this case, it is better to pay attention to folding models, with which you can easily organize even a small kitchen space.

A table in the kitchen performs several functions at once:

• it is necessary for comfortable accommodation during meals;
• can be used as an additional surface for cooking;
• its surface (as well as additional drawers or niches) can serve as a place to store kitchen utensils;
• like any other furniture, it serves as a decoration of the room, creates the desired mood.

If there is no other place in the apartment, a laptop, school notebooks, books, needlework, etc. are often found on the kitchen table. Therefore, corresponding requirements are presented to it: strength, durability, wear resistance, ergonomics and convenience.

It usually consists of three main parts:

• Lids. When folded, depending on the design, it consists of one or two paintings (countertops). Then an additional part is attached to it.
• Supports (legs). Not only the appearance and convenience, but also the stability of the product depends on their quantity, thickness and shape.
• Underframes, with the help of which the shape and dimensions of the table can change.

Among the strengths of a folding table The following characteristics can be distinguished.

• Multifunctionality - if necessary, it can be lunch, butchering or even a worker.
• Adaptability - when folded, it is quite compact, but the working area of ​​the countertop can be changed if necessary. Such a table should be even in small families, because guests can always come.
• Ergonomics Even when unfolded, it’s comfortable to sit behind him.
• Variability - the choice of materials, colors and shapes of such tables is quite wide.
• Save space in a small room. In extreme cases, when folded, it is easy to move it to another room and put it there.

The disadvantages of folding tables are the features of their designs and the complexity of the folding mechanism. Indeed, the expansion of some models requires not only time, but considerable effort. Fortunately, this is rather the exception. Most sliding systems are carefully thought out and operate easily.

Any table that can resize itself is a complex structure. Depending on this, several main types can be distinguished.

Folding - one of the largest groups. The mechanisms that are used here may be different in their complexity. The simplest option is a two-layer countertop connected by hinges. More complex - with a swivel part. It is better if the mechanism is synchronized when the impact on one part sets in motion all the others. So the unfolding occurs at lightning speed and without unnecessary movements.

Sliding are divided into:

• models in which changes concern only the area of ​​the table (mainly with the help of guides);
• tables with the ability to move the legs (a more reliable option for long models).

Retractable - in them the tabletop can be pulled out of existing furniture (for example, from under the countertop of a kitchen unit), a window sill or a wall.

Folding - are a type of folding. Their device implies the presence of one or two additional countertops on the side, which can be easily raised or lowered. For a small kitchen, the best option is a table, one of the pillars of which is a wall - when folded, it will be almost invisible. The same principle is used in well-known book tables and their modifications.

Transformers - by them it is customary to understand those models that can change not only the width, but also the height. This is especially convenient for kitchens combined with a living room, because a full dining table can be turned into a compact coffee table at any time.

Table size selection depends on two factors:

• kitchen space;
• the number of people to be accommodated in ordinary life and in special situations.

In the first case, in addition to the table and chairs with people sitting on them, you need to take into account the place for passages to the stove, refrigerator and sink. The distance between the table and the kitchen should be at least 60 cm. In the second case, it is important to maintain the comfort of the seated person. To eat, each person needs a space of at least 40 cm wide. This is necessary not only for comfort, but also to avoid embarrassing situations, since all hand movements will be shackled.

When folded, for such a modest countertop will have to take food in turn. But this solution is ideal for narrow kitchens. When unfolded, such tables are increased by 30, 40 cm or even doubled. A special place is occupied by models with a round tabletop with a folding mechanism. It is difficult to meet them with a diameter of less than 85 or 90 cm, and they increase to 115 and 120 cm, respectively. At the same time, the shape of the table changes to oval.

The supports and table top are usually made of different materials. Strength is important for supports first, and then appearance. Therefore, the following materials are most often used here.

• Metal. The strongest material. Metal legs and underframes can be chromed, dull or painted.

• Wood. The solid rock mass is fairly reliable. A good moisture-resistant coating is the key to longevity and facilitates the care of furniture. The undoubted advantage is the respectable appearance and environmental friendliness of the product.

• MDF. Veneered coating in appearance is practically not inferior to an array of wood, but is its more affordable option. Film-coated MDF is more practical - affordable price and moisture resistance speak in its favor. A similar table can be both multi-colored and in wood tones with an imitation of the corresponding texture. Such a coating is easy to damage, therefore, with a careless attitude, it quickly loses its gloss.

• Chipboard. Its properties are similar to MDF, but its appearance is usually assessed as less presentable. Despite the average indicators of wear resistance, it is one of the most popular and economical varieties.

For the cover of the table (countertops), in addition to the above materials, tempered glass, inserts made of stone or ceramic can be used.

First of all, the table should not seem like a foreign object in the interior of the kitchen. In the design of the room, it is better not to use more than three colors that are compatible with each other. In this case, the color of the table should be one of them. At all, furniture should be selected even at the stage of repair planning - in this case, the color of the model you like can be coordinated with the coating of walls, floors, doors, household appliances. Also, a lot depends on the table material. For example, a solid wood or veneer has its own special palette. Of course, wooden furniture can be painted, but it is natural shades that are considered the most pleasant for human perception.

Since we are talking about a small kitchen, it is important to put emphasis on it correctly. Despite the size, the dining area can be made central. To do this, opt for yellow, olive, blue or green - they are quite bright, contribute to the appearance of appetite and look unobtrusive. Moreover, they try to make the rest of the furniture neutral in order to visually expand the boundaries of the room. The same technique can be transferred to the dining area. In order not to draw attention to the most voluminous part of the table - the cover, it is often ordered in white or beige color.

Usually the table selection process takes a lot of time. Sure, you can haphazardly look through catalogs or exhibition samples, but it’s better at the initial stage to decide on the necessary characteristics.

• First you need to figure out the size. To do this, measure the room and allocate a place for a table in it. It is important to calculate the maximum possible sizes (both in the folded and in the open state) and choose within them. Not all manufacturers make non-standard furniture. Even when unfolded, the transformer must maintain its stability.
• In a house with active households (including children), the table should be as practical as possible - it is important not to make a mistake with the material. The surface of the lid should be non-marking and easy to clean.
• The complexity of the mechanism depends on how often there is a need for folding. It should be simple and well-functioning. Here you also need to pay attention to the weight of those parts to which you have to make an effort.
• Of great importance is the shape of the table and its legs.A rectangular and square table is easier to place in a corner or near a wall, and more than a guest can be placed behind a round or oval table. Supports should not interfere with a comfortable position at the table.

Despite the fact that for a small kitchen, the possibility of increasing the size needs to be combined with compactness, the choice in this category is quite diverse. You can choose a model "antique" with smooth lines, carved legs, a large number of decorative details. A wooden table close to this option is suitable for a kitchen that embodies the charm of a rustic style.

The situation in the style of shabby chic allows you to show creativity, because traces of artificial aging can be created independently.

Similar softness and comfort can be found in more modern directions. This is especially true for Art Nouveau. There are not many decorations in it, elegance and grace come to the fore. In contrast to it, a trendy hi-tech acts - here you can feel swiftness and clarity in everything. Mechanisms for pushing and unfolding emphasize the technical component. The decor of such a table will be restrained, best of all its character will emphasize the brilliance of metal and glass. Minimalism is no less relevant for modern times - everything here is concise and practical. This is manifested both in color and in the texture of the material.

Below you can watch a video with dining table options for a small kitchen.