Drop leaf tables is useful because drop leaf tables solve problem for a person that they did not even know they had until the problem arrived. A person who is forced to use the dining room as an office for example, might realize the benefit of a drop leaf table when they realize they need a table that can expand to accommodate other or more items. Drop leaf tables have been used in homes for many centuries, and throughout the years, they have remained a flexible addition to any home because they do not force a person to rearrange the item in an entire room to accommodate the addition of guests.
Drop leaf tables are worth considering in the moddern age as they bridge the gap between the small space in which many people live today and the social aspect of entertaining others in the home for dinner. As a person becomes more educate about the different varieties of drop leaf table, it becomes easier for a person to choose the type of drop leaf table that is appropriate for their home. Drop leaf tables come in a variety of styles, each with their own unique feature.
Popular Varieties of Drop Leaf Tables
1. Gateleg Tables
Gateleg tables use support leg that are arranged in such a way that they can open like a gate to provide support for the leaves of the table. Gateleg tables originated in England in the late 1800s, as a means of saving space in those country’s homes. Gateleg tables have a pair of legs that allow for the leaves of the table to extend upwards from the table; when both leaves are raised, a gateleg table can provide a piece of table that is large enough to seat six people for dinner.
In addition to having a large flat surface for dining, gateleg tables also provide an element of drama to the dining area of a home. The added complexity of the table require space to open fully; it would not be beneficial in a room that has many area rug or furniture piece nearby. However, for those who wish to include a traditional design element in their home, a gateleg table will provide one of the largest drop leaf tables in the category of drop leaf tables available.
2. Butterfly Leaf Tables
Butterfly leaf tables are similar to gateleg tables in that they use a support system for the leaves that is hidden from view when the table is closed. Instead of using legs that extend from the table, however, butterfly leaf tables use a pair of support bracket that extend from the apron portion of the table to provide support for the leaf. Additionally, the leaves of the butterfly leaf table typically extend on both side of the center portion of the table.
Butterfly leaf tables have a more modern appearance than gateleg tables, as the support to the leaf are hidden from view when the table is in its closed position. This style of table has the benefit of allowing the room underneath the table to remain clutter-free. However, because butterfly support are relatively strong yet do not extend as generously as gateleg tables supports, butterfly leaf tables may only be able to dine for four people or six people at most.
Additionally, butterfly leaf tables are often used in kitchens; when closed, the table can be placed against a wall, and when opened to its leaf extensions, the table will only occupy the center of the kitchen.
3. Pembroke Tables
Pembroke tables started in the 18th century in England, and the Earl of Pembroke commissioned the first Pembroke tables. Pembroke tables are among the most unique drop leaf tables because of the deep drop leaves, the drawer that is contained within the apron of the table, and the four leg of the table.
The leaves of the Pembroke table extend out from the table on wooden swing bracket that hide from view when the table is not being used. Pembroke tables are recognized for the refined proportion of their tables; this is what set them apart from other type of drop leaf tables. Pembroke tables were created for elegant home and formal situation, and its leaves are typically narrower than the leaves of farmhouse tables.
Therefore, Pembroke tables are appropriate for table that are used for serving tea, flowers, or as a slim console table against a wall in a home décor that use classic or transitional style. Additionally, the leaf of a Pembroke table may only be long enough for two people to dine at the same time.
4. Console Drop Leaf Tables
Console drop leaf tables are another style of drop leaf table that can solve for a need in a home that currently does not have much space for tables; when the leaves of the console drop leaf table are dropped to the floor, the table may appear to be a hallway table instead.
Additionally, if only one leaf of the table is raised, it may be used as a writing desk for one person; if both leaves is raised, it may be used as a table for four people to dine. In addition to the ability of the table to save space when not in use, many console drop leaf tables include a drawer that can be used to store linen or other item that are often used at the table; this keep that table looking and feeling clean and tidy. Additionally, the stability of the table will be excellent for those who place the table in only one position within the home, or within an open-concept area where the table may be used for multiple purpose throughout the day.
For those who live in a studio apartment or an open-concept area, these drop leaf table will save space and still provide function for the different area of a home.
5. Round Drop Leaf Tables
Round drop leaf tables typically have a circular leaf that extend from a pedestal base; the support to the leaves of the table are hidden from view. These type of table may be an excellent fit for those who have a breakfast nook within their kitchen; the rounded edge of the drop leaf table will not be an issue for a person in the kitchen to bump into.
Conversely, the round shape of the table will encourage others to socialize around the table when it is fully extended; each person will be equally distant from the center of the table. Additionally, because the table is curved, it will have less area for placement of item than a rectangular drop leaf table of the same width. However, round tables will contrast well with the rectangular line that many kitchen have from windows and cabinets.
The depth of a round table when closed will be greater than console drop leaf tables, however.
6. Farmhouse Drop Leaf Tables
Farmhouse drop leaf tables may be made of thick wood such as pine; they may have wooden leg that curve in various ways, and the leaves may be supported by wooden bracket. Additionally, the leaf of a farmhouse drop leaf table may extend on only one side of the table, and it may include a pull-out leg that extend from the center of the table.
These type of table are often found in kitchens, as they may be used for having coffee with others in the morning, placing homework on the table, or having dinner for six with the children in the afternoon. The durability of the farmhouse drop leaf table is the main reason they is included on a list of drop leaf table to consider. The farmhouse drop leaf table can take the heat and the abuse of a kitchen; they can endure hot coffee, dish, and children playing on the table.
However, the thickness of the drop leaf table may make the room appear smaller when the table is closed. Therefore, farmhouse drop leaf table are best used in kitchen or in homes that use country, cottage, or moddern décor for their main décor style.
7. Sofa Side Drop Leaf Tables
Sofa side drop leaf tables are designed to sit on the side of a sofa; when the leaves of the table are dropped to the floor, the table will be narrow and will not take up much space within the livig area.
Additionally, because sofa side drop leaf table have leaves that extend from only one side of the table, the table will remain flush against the sofa. Additionally, because sofa side drop leaf tables are low to the height of a sofa, they are not used for dining; they are, however, perfect for placing drink or games on the table for others to view. Many sofa side drop leaf table also include a drawer for small item that may be placed on the table; these item may include magazine or the remote control for the television.
The design of these table indicates that a drop leaf table does not have to be designed to be obvious to the individual who live within the home. Instead, the table can remain flush against one of the living area’s furnishing, and when the leaf is flipped to extend from the sofa, the table will provide the space that is required for others to socialize with one another.
8. Modern Minimalist Drop Leaf Tables
Finally, there are also modern minimalist drop leaf tables, such as those that use metal frame, tempered glass top, or engineered wood for the leaves of the table.
Often, the leaves of a modern minimalist drop leaf table include slim folding support, as well. These type of table work well within the modern home décor that may include Scandinavian or contemporary furniture. Modern minimalist drop leaf tables may sacrifice some of the warmth that is provided by other type of drop leaf tables; however, they do provide for the ease of use of the table.
Most modern minimalist drop leaf tables can be opened or closed using only one hand, and their metal support are engineered to feel smooth for the lifespan of the table. However, because these table may have ultra-thin leg for their supports, they may not be as stable as other drop leaf tables when they are extended to their maximum size. In this case, a person may want to seek out a drop leaf table with reinforced bracket.
In each of these different type of drop leaf tables, the main factor that a person should consider when choosing between variety is the nature of the person’s own home. For example, a person who has a home with limited space for tables may want to choose a drop leaf table that can vanish into the background of the home; others may want a table that can provide space for a crowd of guest. The beauty of each of these drop leaf tables is that they do not force a person to choose between one need and another; instead, they wait for a person to decide the need of the moment, and they provide the appropriate amount of space for that need.
Thus, once a person has chosen the right type of drop leaf table for their home, they will wonder how they ever live without such a product.
