Getting the Perfect Extendable Dining Table: Your Ultimate Buying Guide

Do you love hosting parties or having many guests in your home? Is your living room not spacious enough to accommodate a large dining table without it feeling cramped all the time? If you answered yes to both questions then buying an extendable dining table might very well be the solution to your problem.

As the name suggests, this table allows you to extend or increase its size. The idea behind this is to accommodate more people around your dining table.

The beauty of this table is that you can extend it when necessary and return it to its original size after use. This way you can host your guests and not have to worry about seating arrangements.

In this article, we’ll explain all you need to know about extendable dining tables; and why they might just pass as your most valuable assistant in times of need.

Benefits of an Extendable Dining Table

From the above information it’s clear how an extendable dining table can be an invaluable asset in your home, especially if you have limited room.

Some of the advantages of this table include the fact that it’s:

A space saver
Very versatile
Comfortable to use
Easy to fold and unfold
Stable and extremely sturdy
Readily available both on online and offline stores

Which Type Will You Buy?

You’ll be happy to know that these tables are available in varying designs and styles. Simply pick one that blends with your home decor and preferences. We’ll briefly outline some of the most common types you can pick from.

Single Extension Leaves

The single extension leaves table is arguably the most basic of all types with regards to design. It’s designed using the simplest mechanism compared to the other types.

To use it, you simply need to pull the table apart first and place the extension piece in the spot provided—usually in the middle. Just make sure you fasten the clips located beneath the table to hold it firmly in place.

If you’re working on a budget you might want to consider buying this type, because it’s very affordable.

Double Extension Leaves

This table is also popular among many homeowners. What’s unique about it is that it gives you three table length options. You can extend it depending on the number of people you want to accommodate around it.

As a result, it’s one of the most flexible and versatile extendable tables you can buy to suit your needs at any given time. If you happen to host a different number of guests regularly, then this is the best option for you.

Butterfly Table Extension

Pick this type if you’re looking for an extendable table that comes with a unique and remarkable design which resembles the shape of a butterfly.

This table is very quick & easy to unfold and allows you to seat down a number of guests around it all at once. To hold it securely in place, the table usually comes with clips that you’ll find easy to use.

The butterfly extension portion is designed to rotate and can be folded to fit perfectly onto the table top. As a result, you don’t need to store it away after use, because the leaves won’t be taking up space.

Factors to Consider Before Picking an Extendable Table

We’ll admit that most of these tables come in attractive styles and designs. But the type you pick must be influenced by more than just aesthetics. At the end of the day you want a practical table that’ll serve its purpose.

This is why you must consider the following factors before making your purchase to ensure you make the right pick.

How Much Space Do You Have?

The first thing you want to consider before buying this table is the amount of dining room space you have. If it’s very limited, then buying a single leaves extension table makes sense, to make the most of your available space.

However, if you have more room, then you can buy the double or butterfly extension table.

What Finish Would You Like?

Aside from different colours and styles, these tables have varying finishes:

Matte
Glossy
Glass

You have to take into consideration the material the table is made of to make sure it suits your room’s look.

Again, before making your pick, remember that you want to prioritise practicality over looks. Do you have kids? Buying one with a glass finish isn’t the best option. But if you really want glass then opt for tempered safety glass which is known to be both strong and durable.

A table with a glossy finish allows for easy clean up. In addition, this type is easy to style with different textures and colours.

What Shape Do You Want?

Also, consider the shape of the table in relation to your living space. If you have very limited space and want a table that will give you room to move around it, then opt for one that’s round or oval.

On the other hand, if you want a table that’ll blend with many different interior design styles, then a square or rectangular shaped one will suffice. This is because such shapes easily mirror your dining room’s shape.