Extendable kitchen tables: types, tips for selection and operation

Most of the apartments in the multi-storey buildings where we live cannot boast large and spacious rooms. If the size of the rooms is more or less good, then the area of ​​other rooms leaves much to be desired. Kitchens are usually small in such houses, despite the fact that you need to place a lot of things and furniture there. For this reason, the distribution of space has to be approached very carefully and economically.

Significantly save space for other pieces of furniture in the indicated part of the apartment will help a kitchen sliding table.

Looking closely at the dining table for the kitchen of the type in question, some points should be taken into account.

To meet these requirements, for the kitchen should choose a folding table. If desired, it can easily be transformed into a model with a larger width.

First of all, it should be said about the advantages of these designs.

• Resistance to wear. Furniture should be made of quality materials. Usually it is made of high-strength plastic, solid wood, glass or metal.
• The presence of high-quality fixtures. The fasteners of parts must be of high strength so that the product can last for many years, and its reliability does not cause questions.
• Functionality. The table can be equipped with additional sections that extend. This will increase capacity.
• Compactness. The folding models in the assembled position have rather small dimensions, which allows them to be placed in a room with a small area. With the help of a special mechanism, parts of it can be moved apart and made more spacious.
• The presence of additional countertops. Thanks to this element, you can increase the size of the table almost 2 times.
• Interesting design. The table can have a painting, various kinds of drawings, patterns and other decor.
• Various forms. They can be rectangular and square, in the shape of a circle or oval.

There are certain drawbacks to sliding kitchen tables.

• Quality products made of good wood or even MDF have a high cost.
• If you take it apart, it will take up a lot of space, which can create inconvenience if the room is small.
• There are often cases when under the guise of a good table fakes are sold that have low performance. At the same time, their price will be the same as the original table.
• On some models, the legs are very uncomfortable, which can cause discomfort during operation.
• Certain models are very heavy and bulky. And although such folding tables fit perfectly into the classic interior, it is sometimes quite difficult to transfer them.

Before purchasing a table, you should understand how exactly is it planned to apply. This can be breakfast, lunch and dinner with your family or receptions and holiday gatherings with a large number of guests. This aspect should be taken into account so that there are no difficulties during the use of the product.

There are several types of tables:

• stationary;
• portable;
• collapsible;
• built-in;
• folding.

Such tables are characterized by small size and equipped with a countertop, which can have a different shape. It is oval, round, square, rectangular. The main advantage of such designs is their compact size, which allows it to occupy the minimum amount of space when it is in the assembled state. The increase in the dimensions of the table is due to the fact that there is a niche under the tabletop where another surface is present.

To disassemble the product, simply extend the countertop by pulling it on both sides. An empty space forms in the center, an additional countertop is installed there thanks to special grooves.

Portable models - Another great solution for a small room. They differ not only in compact size, but also in small mass.

There are three types of such products.

• Classical. Its device is very simple. Such a butterfly table is made up of two halves that just drop.
• Suitcase table. This is a more original option, because when assembled it really looks like a small travel bag equipped with a special handle.
• Table book. Its design is similar to the device of classic models. When it is folded, it looks like a book. This is a great hiking option for outdoor seating.

Collapsible products differ from the categories described above in that they are not laid out, but can be completely disassembled into separate elements. They will be an excellent solution for rooms where there is so little space that you can not even put a regular small table.

Products in this category have the following features:

• plain design;
• all parts are attached to each other by means of special fasteners;
• there are grooves on the countertop, legs are inserted into them, they are screwed with simple screws and nuts;
• some models can be adjusted height.

Built-in tables are some transformers, which consist not only of a table.This is a kind of (sometimes tilt-and-turn) set, equipped with bedside tables, drawers and drawers.

Their features:

• they are delivered, as a rule, with a kitchen set; if necessary, they can be extended, fixed on a counter, and if not needed, pushed back;
• some models are made on the principle of a book, that is, the countertop leans back to the main wall of the headset;
• built-in kitchen options represent a unit having a countertop and special support;
• when disassembled, this model looks like a countertop, which can accommodate up to 4 people.

Folding tables are another interesting solution for a kitchen with a small area. When they are assembled, they take up little space and can still perfectly perform the necessary functions. Their features:

• similar to sliding analogues, only here the book technology of dismantling is applied;
• when the table is assembled, one part is used as a tabletop, and the second is usually lowered (if you need to increase the size of the surface, the second half is lifted and fixed using a special mount);
• sometimes such tables are equipped with bedside tables where you can put dishes and kitchen utensils - such a compact option is suitable for very small rooms.

If we talk about sizes, today you can find any table on the market: large, small, mini, narrow, wide, and so on. But we give the average values ​​of certain parameters, so that you can roughly understand what sizes these or those models have.

When the countertop is folded, the diameter of the product will vary in the range from 90 centimeters to 1 meter. If the table is spread out, then its length increases to an indicator of 125-135 centimeters.

In the case of rectangular and square tables, the indicators will be slightly different.

Their height will be approximately 75 centimeters, length - about 80 centimeters, and width - 70-75 centimeters. If you spread the countertop of such a product, then its length will increase to 110 centimeters.

Folding products come in various shapes:

• angular;
• rectangular;
• semicircular;
• square;
• round;
• oval.

There are also models that when folded will be round, and if they are expanded, they will become oval.

If we talk about rectangular and square shapes, then such products are popular because they can become part of any design. They are suitable for small rooms, because they take up little space and are easy to operate. If desired, you can find tables of this type with rounded edges.

But if you choose a table by this criterion, then you should first pay attention to the size of the kitchen and to where the product will be placed. This will help you choose a really good option that does not take up much space and will perform the necessary functions well.

As already mentioned, sliding table tables can be made of various materials. The main thing is that they meet all the requirements of wear resistance, quality and strength. Usually the items in question are made from:

• a tree;
• glass;
• plastic;
• metal.

Wood is the most common material for creating tables. The reason is excellent performance and a relatively affordable price. In addition, there are a number of advantages.

• Aesthetic appearance. Such products always look expensive and stylish. Thanks to this, they will become a good element of any interior.
• Resistance to wear. Wooden furniture is very durable and with proper care can serve more than a dozen years.
• High strength. Wood models are not susceptible to cracking and deformation.
• Environmental friendliness. This is a natural material that does not emit any toxins, which means it is completely safe for humans.

If we talk about glass products, they look beautiful and elegant. This table will give any design aesthetics and beauty.

Features of glass tables are the following aspects:

• glass of the highest strength is used for their production;
• the surface of the countertop has special protection, which protects it from mechanical damage;
• such products are very durable and in terms of strength characteristics are only slightly inferior to models of wood.

If we talk about plastic, then for the production of tables, a particularly durable type of this material is usually used. Plastic tables for kitchens are very convenient, because their weight is small, as are the dimensions. And their appearance is quite original. Due to their light weight, they can be easily moved to another place, if necessary.

Metal tables are not completely made of metal. Usually we are talking only about inserts that give them strength and increase resistance to wear: some elements of mechanisms, parts of fasteners and legs. If they were made entirely of such material, then their mass would be very large, which would make their use not very convenient.

If we talk about design options, then the most important when choosing a table for the kitchen will be such a criterion as color. Too dark and gloomy tones can depress a person, and they are unlikely to contribute to a good appetite, mood. And if you choose a too bright option, then after a while it will not cause anything but irritation.

If the room is small, then products with light tones will visually add volume and height. For this reason, a white table or something similar in color, but with a glossy surface, is so popular. Gloss has about the same effect.

In general, the white surface of the table is practical, versatile and attractive. Such a table will have several advantages:

• Suitable for any style;
• It will be a good background for bright contrasts;
• it will interestingly emphasize the design of the room and will form with it a certain unity of composition;
• the white surface will look equally good on a metal, wooden or plastic base.

If you want to give the interior a certain dynamism, then you can choose the considered element of furniture in more daring colors. For example, you can pay attention to green and light green colors. They will go well with plants in the kitchen of the same color as a chandelier or vases.

If you do not want something classic, but want to stand out somehow, then you can pay attention to some folding designer table for the kitchen. But he should not stand out too much from the general background, because harmony is above all.

Tables where some interesting photo printing. This will attract the attention of guests, and they will certainly note the originality of this element of furniture.

When choosing a table for the kitchen, you should pay attention to 4 main criteria.

• The form. The choice of a product according to this criterion will depend on the design of the room and its physical dimensions. If the room is large, then you can buy a table with an oval or round countertop. If small - a square or rectangular analogue.
• Functionality. Before buying, you should check the serviceability of all fixtures and mechanisms.It will not be superfluous to disassemble and assemble the table for more confidence.
• Appearance. It is better to buy beautiful products with wood carvings, a variety of decor, patterns and drawings.
• Quality. The base of the table should be made of high quality materials. It can not be worn, deformed, have cracks and scratches.

Glass tables look better in small kitchens. Massive solutions with wide legs will look more interesting in rooms with a large area. Yes, and well-chosen chairs will also affect ergonomics. Choosing a kitchen table often takes a lot of time, after all, it is important that this element of furniture blends into the room and harmonizes with the interior and design of the room.

First of all, it should be said that from time to time it is necessary to disassemble and assemble the table for preventive purposes. This will check the performance of all fasteners and folding mechanisms.

To keep it as pristine as possible for the longest time, you need to use only proven cleaning products that are designed for the material from which it is made. The same goes for legs, as well as metal mounts.

You should not put hot dishes and utensils on the table - the surface may become deformed or marks may remain on it. For such cases, you should have special stands.

One more tip - Do not keep the table in the unfolded position constantly. It can take up too much space, which is why family members will be uncomfortable moving around indoors. It is better to collect it after eating, and lay it out only if necessary.

The table should not be exposed to direct sunlight. Otherwise, the product will begin to lose color, and its performance may be significantly reduced. Tables also do not like high humidity. Therefore, it is not bad if the room where it is located will be equipped with a hood. Also, do not put heavy objects on the table that have a mass of more than 30 kilograms. Otherwise, the fasteners may not withstand and crack or even break.

In the next video you can watch the mechanism of operation of round sliding tables of different designs.