A small living space is not a reason to abandon some interior items in favor of others. Dekorin designers invite you to look at folding tables in the interior of rooms. A full-fledged dining table, a cute coffee table or a comfortable desk - you don’t have to choose between them! There is a place for everyone. Take a look at the photos to see how interesting you can make use of a limited area and at the same time create home comfort.
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Folding kitchen table (58 photos): choosing a folding model for the kitchen, options for kitchen corners
When choosing a folding table, it is not enough to take into account your preferences. You need to consider how often your family gathers around the round table to eat together.
If you don’t get together for meals very often, then a folding version is a good idea for you, since there will be enough space in the room and several people (no more than 5) can easily fit. And in the case when the family is large and everyone dines together, then it is better not to place a table for meals in the kitchen at all, since the small size of a standard kitchen does not allow this. In this case, it would be a good idea to move the table for meals to another room, a more spacious living room or hall.
Models of a folding table for the kitchen made of glass have additional elements on the sides. They extend, increasing the length of the table.
In addition to the glass one, there is also a wooden model of a folding table for the kitchen. The unfolding mechanism is slightly different from the mechanism of the glass model: in the middle there is a tile, when unfolded the surface becomes oval. But the principle of disassembly is the same: its sides move apart in the opposite direction, thereby revealing a “stash” with a built-in element.
The range of models is completed by a table-book. Here the tabletop unfolds to the side, like a book. A good option if there is little space in the room: the corner rotates, freeing up space and a hidden countertop.
Elegantly compact and impressive capacity
Why did we decide to consider sliding and folding tables? Everything is explained quite simply: when folded, as well as when unfolded, the product takes up exactly as much space as is needed at a given time. Sounds a little fantastical and confusing, doesn't it? But just look at the picture below, and everything falls into place.
Both sliding and folding tables belong to the category of transformable furniture products only with a difference in the method of transformation itself and the mechanisms for sliding tables: in the first case, the tabletop needs to be moved apart to increase the usable surface area, in the second, the side doors need to be raised and fixed.
The generation whose childhood passed during the USSR or shortly after its collapse probably remembers Soviet folding butterfly tables or ancient, massive sliding tables. They were not distinguished by ergonomic functional mechanisms and design excesses. Let's take a look at the sliding and folding tables presented on the furniture market today and get acquainted with their design features. We will also not ignore the advantages and disadvantages of each variety.
Folding kitchen table
A table with a folding mechanism is needed to gather the whole family (if it is large) or a large group to celebrate something with a wonderful dinner. Becoming larger is the direct responsibility of folding furniture. But if the family is small and there is enough space, but you want to save space in the kitchen, then for such cases there are small folding tables.
Small dining tables
If your family is small and your plans do not include often getting together with a large group of friends, then a regular dining table will do. It is small, but there will be enough space for 2-3 people.
Types of transformable tables
Types of transformer tables:
- Console tables for small kitchens;
- Folding work corners;
- Dining tables;
- Coffee table in the living room.
Modern furniture fittings and mechanisms make it possible to create a wide range of transformers that have different mobility characteristics and can change their intended use.
For example, low coffee tables in the center of the living room can become dining or inclined tables, tables that house containers for dishes and table linens, tables that expand to give room for more guests.
Adjustable sizes are a real success of transformers; this detail makes them interesting even for those who have a spacious home. They are bought for the little ones, who, based on their age, can choose the optimal height and use them for drawing and playing.
Or they are chosen as “guest tables” to always be kept closed and used only when really necessary.
Advantages
Folding kitchen furniture has a lot of advantages:
- Space saving. As a rule, folding furniture is distinguished by its small size, which significantly saves space, especially in a small room.
- Functionality. They accommodate both 2-4 people and a bunch of people (from 5-6 people) by expanding them using insert parts. It saves space when you don't need to seat a lot of people at dinner, and it accommodates a large number of people when needed without taking up much space in everyday life.
- Suitable for absolutely every family. Not only is the folding mechanism capable of accommodating a lot of people and saving space, but it is also not difficult to match it to any interior due to the variety of shapes, sizes, and materials.
The sliding mechanism of kitchen furniture is well suited for newlyweds. For example, they bought an apartment. The optimal solution when arranging a kitchen would be to buy a folding table. As long as it's just the two of them, there will be enough space for them at a small table. But when children appear, more space is needed, and then they lay out this table, which seats children and parents around it. This leads to another advantage - saving money.
Unusual folding tables for a small kitchen
Above we talked about kitchen tables of traditional shape: legs, frame, tabletop. But in small rooms - an area of 4 meters or a little more - there is not always room for such furniture. It’s not always possible to set up even a small square table. There are special solutions for such cases. For example, there are folding tables that, when assembled, take up virtually no space.
Folding table for a small kitchen - miniature options
Essentially, it is a tabletop that is attached to a horizontal or vertical surface using hinges. To keep it open, a folding leg or side supports are made. As you can see, the tabletop can be attached with a long or short part, and can be of different sizes. The choice of mounting method and size depends on the layout, arrangement of furniture, and the number of people who need to be provided with seats.
A way to increase the number of seats
This solution is mainly individual, made independently or to order, so you decide on the dimensions locally. But don’t forget about the aisles and the fact that you still need to put up chairs or at least stools.
Chairs can also be folding)))
More variations on this theme: a folding table for a small kitchen attached to a bookcase. In this option, even the space under the stationary part of the tabletop does not “walk”, but serves to store utensils or food.
Folding table for a small kitchen attached to a cabinet
And for a snack - a version of the original folding table for the kitchen in the art deco style. A picture, photo, etc. is pasted/drawn on the back of the tabletop. The legs are made in the form of a frame. The folding/unfolding mechanism is still the same, only the design is different, but it is truly unusual. By the way, as an option, instead of a painting there can be a mirror.
Original folding table
Another tip: if possible, it is better to make the tabletop with rounded corners. And the more round the corners, the better. In a small space, there is always a risk of hitting a corner, and if it is round, the consequences will not be so painful.
Deciding on the form
When choosing a shape, you need to take into account the layout of the kitchen and its size. After all, all forms are different: there are big ones, there are small ones. You need to approach this issue rationally, so that it doesn’t happen that the kitchen is small, and you chose a table shape that doesn’t fit into it at all.
So, for a larger kitchen, an oval-shaped folding table is suitable. It can accommodate more than 5-6 people. In addition, this form has other advantages:
- No corners. Eliminates the risk of bruises.
- Fits well into a classic style interior.
Without going too far from the oval, let's consider the semi-oval shape. It differs from the previous one only by the presence of one straight side. It is needed to place the table against the wall; if necessary, it can be moved and unfolded by moving its half in the opposite direction. Then the straight side will disappear, turning into an oval model.
The next shape is square. It is suitable for the interior of a small room. The best location is near a wall or two. This way a small family will fit, and if necessary, it can be moved away from the wall, and not only 2-3 sides, but all 4 will be accessible.
A very interesting shape - triangular. I would like to immediately note that the triangular tabletop looks very unusual and original. But such a model requires either a large space or its own small size.
Window sill table
This implies fastening the tabletop to the window sill. Usually, under the window sill there is a radiator that heats the apartment; it is important to position the table so that its edge is a good distance away from the heating pipe in order to avoid a fire. But there is a minus: you can only seat a couple of people behind it.
Narrow wall table and bar counter
Here the tabletop is attached to the wall and rests on one leg, or a bar counter with a base is attached. This model can accommodate up to 4 people (this depends on its dimensions).
Design features
It is important to accurately understand the design features of a folding table in the living room, because different types of such furniture have their own specifics. And this must be taken into account during the selection process.
With cross folding mechanism
The design features of transformable living room tables with a cross-shaped folding mechanism include the presence of a special system for folding the two halves of the tabletop. It works silently and very easily, so furniture of this type provides a person with the ability to quickly set up a dining table and just as quickly fold it up. Another advantage of the transformer table with a cross-shaped folding mechanism is its compactness.
With insert segment
A folding table in the living room with an insert segment is less convenient than the previous option. But anyone can handle its unfolding. The design is a tabletop made of two halves, which move apart in the middle in different directions. Below them is a compartment for storing the insert segment.
If you need to use furniture instead of a dining table, you will need to move apart the parts of the table top, take out the insert segment and insert it into the grooves on one of the parts of the table top. Next, the second part of the table top is moved towards the insert part until it clicks. Thus, the operation requires some effort.
Book
A book-shaped table is a structure with two movable halves. When assembled, they either hang vertically, or one hangs and the other is fixed on the wall as a decorative element. If you need to provide the dining area with a full-fledged table, the moving parts of the tabletop are raised and fixed horizontally with legs. This way the table can increase in size and accommodate a large number of people. This is extremely convenient for small apartments where hospitable people live.
Transformers
Transformable tables for the living room can have different assembled appearances. The most popular options today are a cabinet table and a cabinet table. The legs and tabletop are hidden inside the structure, and when it needs to be expanded, the cabinet or cabinet turns into a full-fledged dining table. Current transformable furniture is not only for small-sized homes, but also for ultra-modern interiors, where designers strive to leave maximum free space without cluttering it with numerous furniture.
Hybrids
There are also hybrid models with unique properties and folding mechanisms that allow you to organize a full-fledged dining area with a minimum of free space in a matter of minutes. The increased price level for such furniture can be explained by unique technologies and innovative transformation mechanisms and high-quality materials that are used in the production process of products.
An example of such furniture is a door table, round tables, hybrids in the form of a coffee table with retractable petals, table tops, and the like.
Understanding the size
The size of kitchen furniture is an important aspect when choosing it. It is necessary to take into account the kitchen area and choose a table that leaves space for free movement. Also, the main object of the kitchen should have enough space for the necessary items that will be located on it.
According to standards, the optimal space at the table for one person is 60x40 cm. It is also worth considering that there will most likely be some additional objects on its surface, so another 20 cm is added.
For one person, the size 60x60 cm is enough. For two – 60x90 cm plus if it folds out.
The standard size of a rectangular folding table for lunch is 80x120 cm. This model is considered the most successful. It can accommodate more than 2-6 people, increasing in width. At the same time, it does not take up much space and fits well with the interior.
Implementation of a transforming structure
To do it yourself, most often they use pine boards about ninety centimeters long with a width of fifteen and twenty-five millimeters in thickness.
In order to have a small supply, they are prepared in quantities of twenty pieces. Fifty self-tapping elements will be required, and the bolts must be at least five centimeters long.
A drawing of a suitable model can always be borrowed from the Internet. Here you can clearly see the image of all the necessary parts with dimensions. All that remains is to assemble the table correctly according to the diagram and use it for its intended purpose.
Folding models
They are good because they do not take up much space when the circle of people does not exceed 2 people. But if necessary, they can be expanded and accommodate a large company. It's comfortable. There are several types of folding kitchen table models.
Folding transforming table
Folding transforming table for the kitchen
This model is distinguished by the presence of an additional tabletop, with the help of which the seating areas are increased. This model has more than one transformation option:
- With built-in countertop. There is another one built under the main tabletop, which extends to increase the seating. Tables with this transformation option can be of completely different sizes. For a small kitchen, it is rational to purchase small furniture: 80x80 cm. This space is enough for two people. When unfolded, it will measure 80x120 cm. This space is designed for 5 people.
- Transformer with wings. Its essence is that the table looks like a bedside table. On the sides there are those same “wings” - additional tabletops. When unfolded, it can accommodate up to 5 people. When folded, it can accommodate up to 2 people.
With folding tabletop
This model is distinguished by the absence of legs and is attached to the wall. A huge plus is saving space. But it may not appeal to everyone. This model looks more advantageous in a modern kitchen style.
Retractable, built into furniture
This model is interesting because the tabletop is hidden under the front of a drawer or door. That is, this model is a retractable tabletop resting on legs. This type is less popular because it can only be made to order, or made by yourself. But it looks interesting and unusual.
Portable and mobile tables
They are not transformers; their size must be selected for the exact number of people. But when folded, it literally hides behind a cabinet or door. It can be carried, taken on a picnic or on a mini trip.
Such tables have wheels on which they actually move, for example, to another room.
Table for hiking trips
Such a folding structure should be conveniently placed behind the tourist’s back. The smaller and lighter the model, the more convenient it will be to move it to the required distance. The size of the tabletop should be no more than fifty centimeters by thirty-five.
A sheet of plywood, the thickness of which does not exceed six millimeters, is quite suitable for this.
The legs may well be ready-made bent legs removed from a chair with a fabric top. If you grow them with tubes, you can learn the height of the product that is necessary.
- It is advisable to consider exactly the same design for fishing purposes with all the amenities.
- Doing it yourself will not be difficult.
- Only for the countertop in this case you will need to use a plastic surface.
It is harder and can be washed well from all kinds of contaminants, including residues from cleaned fish.
Choosing material
When it comes to choosing the material, you need to pay attention to the interior of the room. So, for a standard kitchen, a wooden folding table is suitable, while a glass version would look good in a smaller kitchen.
Practical, functional, decent material for the base, legs, tabletop - solid wood. For example, oak furniture gives the kitchen a rich look. But such material is not cheap. Not everyone can afford such pleasure.
But there is a good alternative to solid wood - MDF (fine fraction). This material is just as durable, but its price is lower, so it is quite affordable for everyone. In addition, MDF is tolerant of humidity and temperature changes.
Combined table models look good in the interior. Among them, massive models made of wood with a stone countertop are more popular. They look expensive and are the highlight of the kitchen.
Kitchen furniture that contains leatherette is also good. Such furniture will last a long time, since this material is tolerant of mechanical stress. But being in a cold room or outdoors, this furniture becomes cold.
Drawings of a folding picnic table
The assembly diagram depends on the type of materials used. I offer simple and at the same time interesting drawings of tables that you can assemble from wood with your own hands.
Square table with x-shaped legs
The diagram shows an extremely simple table on crossed x-shaped supports. In the upper part of the structure, a tabletop is fixed on 2 supports using rotary screws. On the other hand, the same tabletop is fixed by means of a protrusion. Despite its compact size, the design is easy to use.
Easy-to-carry “suitcase” with folding legs
This drawing shows a picnic "suitcase". Most of the interior space in the assembled “suitcase” is occupied by supports, however, there is some space left for small luggage.
