17 Extendable Tables That Are Perfect for Cramped Dining Areas
Having a small studio apartment or a loft means that space is a luxury. An open floor plan means that all of the rooms bleed into each other, and it takes some finagling to carve out separate living spaces. The living room runs into the kitchen, and oftentimes there isn’t enough room for a separate dining area. While there might be enough space to eat a bowl of cereal or have a small dinner for two, putting more bodies into the room can be tricky. How are you supposed to throw a dinner party for eight if you can barely seat two people in your small space? The answer lies in extendable tables.
When folded together, extendable dining tables look small and unassuming tucked against the wall. But when unfolded, some of these ingenious tables can sit up to 12 people. Check out our top picks below to find the best extendable table for your space.
What to Look For in an Extendable Dining Table
If your space allows you enough square footage to invest in a dining room table, an extendable dining table is always an excellent choice, whether that be one of the drop-leaf variety, one with a removable extension, or one with a butterfly extension.
An extendable table offers the flexibility of being able to maximize your seating capacity without committing to having a large table taking up precious space. But there are a few additional considerations to keep in mind when choosing an extendable dining table (versus purchasing a traditional one).
“Make sure the leaves have the same grain pattern as the rest of the table,” says interior designer Kristina Phillips. “Lower-quality tables can look mismatched when extended.” Phillips also advises that you make sure the table’s base can support its weight when fully extended. “Often with four-legged tables, an additional center support leg must be used to prevent bowing, which can look odd.”
Remember to think about both storage and mechanics, too. “Having a place to store the leaves is important — ideally, they remain inside the table,” says Phillips. “Also, making sure the mechanics are of high quality. Smooth, single-person operation is key. Poor hardware will stick, scratch, or require two people to open and close. Look for ball-bearing slides or precision gears rather than basic wood rails.
No matter your needs, we found 17 of the best extendable tables that are guaranteed to serve you (and your future guests) well.