If you live in a small space you need to use it as efficiently as possible, and often times one of the biggest space-hoarders is the dining table. To help solve this problem, there are many types of folding and expanding tables out there, varying from the more traditional to the extremely modern and from the quite pricey to more affordable examples. Here is a round up of some of these tables to help you pick the right kind for you or perhaps even inspire you to create your own.
Folding Tables:
1. Tip Over by G. Borgonovo for Porada
2. Falter by Dreipunkt 4
3. Ola Table by Akka
4. F2 by Ligne Roset
5. Folding Leg by Magnus Olesen
Expanding Tables:
6. 322 D.S.1. by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, produced by Cassina
7. Simsalabim by Borge Lindau, produced by Blå Station
8. Churchill Dining Table by James Churchill and Paul Taylor for Habitat
9. Paul Loebach Dining Table by Paul Loebach for West Elm
10. Ruskin Dining Table by Nick Green for Habitat
(Images: As credited above.)
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While I was in my small student appartment, my dad gave me the Norden gateleg table. I have a larger place now, but I still use the Norden as I have no use for a huge table when we're 2 for dinner!!!
http://www.ikea.com/ca/fr/catalog/products/10116887/#/20104718
I really appreciate when you guys do roundups of this, but it would be nice to see ones that are easy to purchase, or at least easy to find out how to purchase.
We have a drop-leaf table from Paul McCobb that is really handy, folded down when we want the practicality and feeling of more room.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/25671211@N02/6756702723/in/set-72157626602351222
Almost any vintage modern store will have a Danish drop-leaf table, often becoming very narrow (think 8 inches), like the Larsen design. BTW, that mirror table is pretty rad, although I can't imagine using it much.
I can't believe the IKEA Bjursta table was left out!! It's simple and elegant and very reasonable at $149 (or cheaper if you can find it on Craigslist).
It's also very versatile and doesn't have the over hanging leaf that a lot of convertible tables have. I usually have it in my small dining nook set for 2. My kitchen is pretty tiny so I find myself pulling out one leaf to use as a prep surface and I've even used it fully extended as a buffet. It's sturdy enough to take on on almost any task and so easy to set back in place!
Ohhhh!! That Tip Over is so COOL!
agree with MISTERKLEIN and JESICA
how much are these sleek tables? because 8/10 people I know that live in a 'small space' are there for cost reasons.
JESICA is spot on.
My Bjursta table is perfection in my small condo. No one believes that it came from Ikea and it even got a "that's cool" from my 6 yo cousin. When it's small, cozy dinner for 2; expand one side for crafting, both sides for a party buffet. It's easy to convert and has held up wonderfully after 5 years.
Those other tables may be cool looking, but this table it practical!
I have the Ikea Norden gateleg table and I love it. Has room for storage too! I use it as a side table, but I bust out one side when I want a desk, and both sides If I want a full table!
Another BJURSTA fan here. Perfect for me, as I usually dine alone but like to entertain. I'm considering replacing the desks in my office with them as well.
I also have the BJURSTA and I love it! How oh how did this not make AT's list? We all love design (which is part of why we're reading AT in the first place) but sometimes they take out the practical ones. Like did you know Crate & Barrel has a table very similar to BJURSTA?
My two 34"x34" wooden Cosco folding tables have served me well. They were $30 each from Home Depot and are sturdy & lightweight. However, even just one eats up too much space in my current apt and it's time to pass them on.
I'm considering the smallest bjursta. The 20" width w/o leaves is great for everyday, but 35" fully expanded will still let me wrangle large sheets of paper for bookarts.
We have a great glass topped coffee table wth an X shaped base on hydraulics that can be raised (or lowered) to dining height and all heights in between... it's great.
I would be interested in knowing where you bought the glass topped table with the hydraulic lift - or who the manufacturer is! Sounds really perfect for my place, too.
I think with the money these tables would cost I could buy a bigger house and I wouldn't need a folding table. Just sayin.