Is An Extendable Dining Table Worth It?

If you love nothing better than gathering guests together for an evening of good food and convivial conversation, you might be asking yourself: Is an extendable dining table worth it?

We all know full well that getting your dining room set up properly is critical, especially if you have a large family or friends who regularly pop past on the fly. And, if they all arrive at once, you may find yourself scrambling for extra space.

If your floor plan doesn’t allow for a massive table with bench seats or lots of chairs creamed together on a daily basis, then an extendable dining table is definitely the answer.

Read on to find out more about them – we bet that once you have one, you’ll never want anything different!

What is an extendable dining table?

Extendable dining tables are adaptable pieces of furniture that can rapidly transform your surface space from seating just four people to being able to accommodate 6, 8 or even 12.

This is done via extensions, called leaves, that are designed to fit and remain hidden below the main table structure and fold out whenever needed. They are seamlessly matched to whatever material your table is made from, and many of them include supportive legs for the extra part.

There are 3 types of leaves available:

• Butterfly leaves: These are affixed in the centre of the table and high-end, modern versions come with an extension mechanism, so you don’t have to tug at anything.
• Drop leaves: These are found at each end and are frequently seen on smaller tables.
• Removable leaves: These need to be stored separately in a cupboard and then added or detached as needed.

The benefits of an extendable dining table

The bottom line is that extendable dining tables are lifesavers for people with a space crunch. Here are some added advantages that are sure to turn you into a fan:

• They are multi-purpose pieces of furniture that are incredibly adaptable. Use them as a homework desk or WFH station during the day, before instantaneously elongating them in time for a family dinner.
• If you live in a tiny apartment and want to entertain a couple more people, a small extendable dining table will do the trick. Just pull out the leaves, add some more seats, have a great time and then fold them all back when you’re done. It can then be pushed against a wall to allow for more foot traffic when it’s not in use.
• Contemporary versions have gone beyond the utilitarian and are now available in wood, ceramic, marble, glass and metal, so there is something for everyone in terms of colour, genre and style.
• They come in a wide variety of forms and sizes, offering unmatched versatility.
• Always on trend, extendable dining tables are a fantastic investment and are sure to last you for decades, adding a touch of finesse to your overall ensemble.

If you’re more of a traditionalist and aren’t looking for something ultra-modern, take a peek at our article on drop-leaf dining tables - it’s sure to inspire you.

How to choose an extendable dining table to fit your space

If you’re all in, it’s time to hit the shops. These simple suggestions will ensure that you find exactly what you’re looking for:

1. Dimensions:

First, determine the number of seats you think you’ll need. Do this based on how many family members you have and, on average, what volume of guests you intend to entertain. This will give you an idea of the table’s size, which will help you figure out whether or not it will fit in your room.

Make sure that you take measurements based on the minimum and maximum area that your dining table will occupy. You don’t want to get one and then find that, when extended, it doesn’t fit.

2. Shape:

The shape of your extendable dining table is critical to the overall design of your dining area. If your space is limited, a round one will be better as, since it has no corners, it will enable you to seat more people. However, if you have a more expansive dining room, get something square, oval or rectangular.

Most high-end options can be customised to suit your needs, so give it some thought before you make a final decision.

3. Material:

Selecting the right material will influence the aesthetics, durability and usability of your extendable dining table. If you opt for natural wood, remember that oak, mahogany and pine are all suited for interior use only while eucalyptus, teak and rattan can be used both indoors and out.

A glass-topped table is contemporary, appealing and easy to maintain, so if you intend to use it regularly, it’s an excellent choice. Glass also reflects natural light, making your space look bigger.

If you’re aiming for an industrial feel, metal is the answer. Just make sure that it’s made from a superior grade.

4. Style:

If you’re a design enthusiast, you’ll know that style is everything! Find something that complements the existing look and feel of your home taking colour, shape and material into consideration.

5. Purpose:

Yes, it’s for eating at! But considering other purposes for your dining table will help you narrow down your options. If you’re using it as a desk during the day or as an additional kitchen workspace, for example, you may want something that can be height-adjusted.

Shop quality dining tables at FCI London

We are passionate about all of your design adventures and want to make sure that you find exactly what you’re looking for. Connect with us today to explore our full range of bespoke dining tables or pop in and see us – our spectacular showroom is certainly worth the visit.

If you’re feeling uninspired, why not browse through some of our latest projects – our happy clients have all loved what we’ve done for them.