The modern pace of life has thrown the calm hearth and home far away. Many people live in small one-room or two-room housing, which is much more profitable and practical. The kitchen is combined with a living room, a bathroom with a toilet, and a bedroom with a work area. In a small area you have to use a minimum number of utensils. But progress does not stand still. Many designers, understanding the needs of customers, have introduced furniture that can be transformed into their collections. This helps not to clutter the space and combine zones in the apartment. In particular, transformable tables have become extremely popular. When folded, the table takes up very little space, and when unfolded it allows you to seat a group of friends.
Transformer tables have become extremely popular.
Advantages of transforming tables.
The first, important advantage is its small size. As described earlier, this type of table will fit perfectly into a small apartment. Due to their multifunctionality, transformers will fully satisfy the needs of the buyer.
What material the table will be made of depends only on how much you are willing to spend on it.
It is generally accepted that the described type of tables is an attribute of high-tech style, but it’s time to destroy this boring myth. Transformer tables are most often made to order, and therefore you can completely design the appearance of the table yourself. The price and type of such products completely depends on your desires.
When folded, the table takes up very little space, and when unfolded it allows you to seat a group of friends.
How to choose a transforming table
The first thing you need to consider when buying a transforming table, whatever it may be, is the quality of the product.
In fact, a table equipped with transformation, stretching, lowering or folding mechanisms must be made of safe material and a proven and durable mechanism, because it should not become a problem for everyday life, but rather make it easier.
Dimensions
There are some minimum dimensions to consider:
- A standard width of 80 cm, a minimum of 70 for kitchen tables, for example, is a proven measure to accommodate plates and centerpieces and be functional during lunch;
- The chairs occupy about 60 cm.
Form
The shape of the table is important when determining the space needed.
Rectangular tables are those that require less space and are the easiest to place in a room. Round tables take up more space than rectangular ones. Oval is a fair compromise between the previous ones.
These three listed forms are presented on the market in an expandable typology: as a rule, they occupy from 6 to 8 or 10 places.
Opening and closing mechanism
Particular attention should be paid to the mechanism: it must be practical and suitable for the weight it must support, especially when it comes to glass tables. The mechanism must be of excellent quality and tested for a long service life: do not be too frugal, because in this case quality pays off.
- As for the sliding mechanism, the most practical one is the one that involves moving 2 shelves on top of each other to achieve a coplanar position: it is most often used for rectangular and square tables.
- The folding mechanism is also very common, especially for classic-style wooden tables. It consists of metal and wooden parts. Profiled, folded and welded metal plate is used to make the structural members, and wood is used for the top.
The kitchen console table is usually a linear glass table, which, thanks to the 180° rotating mechanism of the side crystal table extensions, can be very easily modified.
Flaws
Despite all the obvious advantages of this furniture accessory, it is important to understand that there are also disadvantages. For example, transformable tables often break - the folding mechanism becomes unusable. It is extremely rare for a system to be repaired.
The first, important advantage is its small size.
Where to start searching?
The first parameter you should pay attention to is the variety. There are three main types of transformable tables: coffee table, dining table, book table.
Will decorate any kitchen or living room.
A transformable coffee table is an excellent solution for the living room. In its original state it is a small table. But if necessary, it is possible to expand it to impressive sizes. Perfect if you don’t like to clutter up the space with massive high tables for dining, but at the same time value sophistication and comfort.
The transforming table is a mixture of innovation and tradition.
The option of an extendable dining table became popular several decades ago. Our parents appreciated this innovation then, and now we use it for ourselves. When folded, it is a neat option for the kitchen; when unfolded, it is an excellent table for a large company.
A table like this will decorate any apartment, the price won’t put a big dent in your wallet, and its practicality will delight you for many years.
It is important to remember that for one person, for his comfort during a meal, there should be about sixty centimeters in width.
The prototypes of the modern table-book were the tables that were fashionable in the Soviet years. It is distinguished from earlier variations of this design by its expanded functionality. Now it is possible to adjust not only its size, but also the height of the legs to which the rollers are attached.
Due to their multifunctionality, transformers will fully satisfy the needs of the buyer.
Types of dining tables with folding function
The range of transformable dining tables is quite wide. You can choose a design that will organically fit into any interior. What should you pay attention to when choosing a model?
Table shape
The dimensions of the room, the style of its design and the preferences of the owners leave an imprint on the appearance of the structure. The most common models have the shape of a circle, square, rectangle or oval.
Round transformable table
However, you can find triangular ones, which can be placed even in rooms with a large shortage of free space, or polygonal options.
Triangular table
What material is it made from?
Depending on the purpose of the table and design ideas, different materials can be used of tabletops Dining structures must be resistant to mechanical damage, durable, reliable, easy to clean from dirt and durable.
The frame, which must withstand significant loads and a large number of transformation cycles, is made of metal or wood (solid). Models made from chipboard are also produced, but they are unlikely to last long, since the fittings that allow the structures to be laid out cannot be securely fixed in this material.
Light living room decor with a transforming coffee table
Important! Also, a big disadvantage of using chipboard is the use in its production of a binder containing formaldehyde, which is harmful to humans (if the permissible concentration limits are exceeded).
For the production of countertops, tempered glass, plastic, wood or wood-containing materials (MDF, fiberboard or chipboard) are most often chosen. Exclusive models can use ceramics and natural stone. Forged elements, marble chips, and bronze are often used in decoration.
Transforming tables are a popular option, available in different models.
Design
There are a large number of different models of transformers on the market that are in demand among consumers. They are all divided into three types: folding, sliding and folding. The shape of the tabletop may change. A square table turns into a rectangular one, a round one into an oval one, etc.
Semi-automatic table
Many options have the ability to change the height. The most popular are those that provide for the transformation of all structural parts.
Transformable coffee table
The simplest transformable design is the familiar table-book. When assembled, the model, which is a narrow cabinet, unfolds by lifting the two side parts and securing them.
Table-book
Primitive versions of transformers include a folding table mounted on the wall.
Folding table on the wall
Console tables are very functional for small apartments. From a narrow structure, usually installed near a wall and used mainly to place beautiful accessories or equipment, thanks to the telescopic transformation system, you can get a full-fledged table for a large company.
Console table
In magazine models that fold out into dining tables, the usable area and height change. Small-sized table tops for dining structures installed in the kitchen can also increase significantly in size.
Transformable table Kimberly I, walnut
The most functional dining tables are those with lifting mechanisms. They can have an external or internal location. The systems operate on springs or gas lifts. The type of mechanisms can be synchronous, in which all elements are unfolded at the same time, or unsynchronized, providing for the transformation of the sashes in turn.
Transformable coffee table
The simplest devices are manual. Hydraulically driven systems can be installed in table supports made of solid wood.
Requirements for lifting mechanisms:
- transformation of structures without significant effort;
- smooth ride;
- reliability;
- safety, which is especially important if there are children in the family;
- no noise during operation.
Video – Transformable glass table B2252
Main settings
Having decided on the required functionality and type of transformer table, it is worth moving on to analyzing its additional characteristics: shape, size, transformation mechanism.
The color scheme of the table is selected to match the interior of the apartment.
Tables in this direction come in several forms. Let's take a closer look. An oval table is suitable for you in two cases: if you have a fairly large room, or if you have children who can hit or injure themselves on the sharp corners of the table. This shape gives the furniture a certain sophisticated charm, making it both stately and simple. The round shape also protects your little ones from injury, giving extra space around the table itself. It looks very elegant and uncomplicated. The square table looks powerful and expensive, perfect for placement in the corner of a small kitchen or living room.
Transformer tables often break - the folding mechanism becomes unusable.
Many designers, understanding the needs of customers, have introduced furniture that can be transformed into their collections.
There are no standard, pre-set sizes. Each buyer chooses the size he needs himself. But it is important to remember that for one person, for his comfort during a meal, there should be about sixty centimeters in width.
The adjustable table height allows you to transform small tables into full-fledged high dining tables.
Let's move on to the most difficult part - the transformation mechanism. There are quite a few variations of the device. Let's look at the most popular of them.
Transformer tables are most often made to order, and therefore you can completely design the appearance of the table yourself.
Why choose a transforming table
Convertible tables are the right solution to make the most of every corner of your home. Versatile, functional, practical, multifunctional, they easily change their appearance and become another piece of furniture.
They can simply be extended to large dining tables or transformed from a simple coffee table in the living room into a comfortable dining table.
They are recommended for those who do not have large spaces and want to make the most of what they have.
Table-book
Allows you to increase the surface two to three times by transforming the cabinet in the middle. The louvre mechanism consists of tabletops on the sides that slide apart. An excellent option that rarely breaks.
The first parameter you should pay attention to is the variety.
Rotary - a device in which the table top is first rotated and then opened. Such a mechanism requires a lot of space.
The option of an extendable dining table became popular several decades ago.
The folding mechanism is the simplest and cheapest option, but at the same time the most practical. When folded, it is a compact table, and when unfolded, the mechanism creates a large surface for meals.
Allows you to increase the surface two to three times by transforming the cabinet in the middle.
Transformable coffee table
Tables that can be converted from a coffee table to a dining table are tables that can be placed at the foot of sofas and then, through a mechanism usually consisting of a system of levers and springs with a hydraulic clutch, they can be raised with minimal effort and become suitable tables at lunch.
First of all, this piece of furniture, when closed, is a practical living room table with a minimum height of 30 cm and a maximum of 50 cm. In convertible models, this measure can be changed by simply lowering or raising the shelf.
In this case, the table can be used for different purposes:
- Support point in front of the sofa;
- Comfortable footrest to make it even more comfortable for you to sit on the sofa;
- A table on which you can place snacks and drinks during an aperitif;
- Oriental table for lunch or dinner.
When open, the table reaches a height of 75 cm, which is the best option for turning it into a cozy place for main meals, alone or in company, or for working at the computer, writing, etc.
Butterfly
A table with such a mechanism is a coffee table with shelves for storing small items. But if necessary, the shelves can be pulled out. An automatic mechanism consists of two planes located opposite each other. When one expands, the second unfolds automatically. The mechanism is durable and practical.
Perfect if you don’t like to clutter up the space with massive high tables for dining, but at the same time value sophistication and comfort.
What materials are they made from?
What material the table will be made of depends only on how much you are willing to spend on it. There are both budget options and expensive ones.
- Laminated chipboard is the most budget and popular option. Roughly speaking, this is compressed shavings with the addition of resin. The disadvantage of the material is that it is quite brittle and fragile.
- Natural wood is an option preferred by lovers of classic style. It looks expensive and massive. Will decorate any kitchen or living room. Disadvantage: requires careful handling, does not tolerate caustic chemicals.
- The metal surface is suitable for lovers of modern design trends. The material is unpretentious, durable and practical.
- Glass is a rather expensive and whimsical option, but what charm and sophistication it gives to furniture. This material also visually expands the space. There are variations with frosted, transparent and colored glass.
A transformable coffee table is an excellent solution for the living room.
The price and type of such products completely depends on your desires.
What should you pay attention to?
Let's talk about the important little things that complete the image of the selected table.
The color scheme of the table is selected to match the interior of the apartment. The most popular colors: white, black and all shades of walnut. Taking into account the fact that modern transforming tables are most often made to order, you can choose any color for the model you like.
It is possible to adjust not only its size, but also the height of the legs to which the rollers are attached.
Adjusting the height of the legs is a parameter that is responsible for the full versatility of the table. The adjustable table height allows you to transform small tables into full-fledged high dining tables. But if you do not need transformation into a high table, then choose models without height adjustment.
Having decided on the required functionality and type of transformer table, it is worth moving on to analyzing its additional characteristics: shape, size, transformation mechanism.
Wheels. When deciding on the need for such a function, evaluate whether you will move the table around the apartment. If not, then don’t waste money on adding this little thing; if so, then be sure to choose a model with wheels. After all, they are the ones who will help you move the table around the apartment without much difficulty. Usually two or four wheels are attached to the main legs; in some versions of the transformation mechanism, an additional pair of rollers is provided for the unfolded part.
There are no standard, pre-set sizes.
Despite all the obvious advantages of this furniture accessory, it is important to understand that there are also disadvantages.
The transforming table is a mixture of innovation and tradition. A table like this will decorate any apartment, the price won’t put a big dent in your wallet, and its practicality will delight you for many years.
There are quite a few variations of the device.
Device
Transforming tables have a more complex design, which provides their main operational property. Mechanisms for transforming the tabletop and lifting it determine ease of use.
Depending on the mechanism of transformation of the tabletop, sliding and folding models are distinguished.
Sliding transformable tables for the living room include additional inserts, due to which, if necessary, you can increase the working surface area.
To do this, the main tabletops move to the side along so-called runners, while the base can remain in place or move proportionately. The number of legs varies from 4 to 8. Such tables are highly functional and allow you to seat a large number of people at them without any fear.
Folding transformable tables for the living room are designed according to the principle of a book, when additional surfaces appear as a result of either simple lifting (classic folding mechanism), or sliding-opening (sliding-folding mechanism), or rotation (rotating-folding mechanism).
They are characterized by high strength and are designed for an average of six people. Due to the lack of additional support, they cannot withstand heavy loads at the edges.
Folding tables are inferior to sliding tables in terms of aesthetics (the hinges are visible in them), but they are superior in service life.
Tabletop lifting mechanisms can be divided into mechanical, pneumatic and electric. In household models, the first two options are usually used. They are similar in terms of durability and reliability. The differences are in ease of use. Mechanical systems require a lot of effort.
Transformable tables are often equipped with casters, wheels or protective pads to prevent damage to floor coverings.
