Extending Table Leaves : How To Transform Your Dining Space

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DesignDining TablesExtending Table Leaves : How to Transform Your Dining Space2 October 2020Makers Bespoke Furniture

Extending Table Leaves : How to grow your table !

Do you have a small kitchen and no idea how to seat everyone you want to invite? Do you have a large dining room and want to host the occasional banquet? If you have ever wished your dining table could transform itself only when you need it to, then extending leaves could be the answer for you.

An extension leaf, or leaves will extend your table by up to another third when you need it. So if you are thinking of buying a new table and think you may need to expand at some point, extensions are the perfect solution. An extending table could provide extra space not only for guests, but valuable work space too.

TYPES OF EXTENDING TABLE LEAVES

There are many advantages to choosing a dining table that extends. Round tables with drop leaves could be perfect for a small kitchen and pushed against a wall when not in full use. The square table you use every day could be transformed into a rectangular table just for special occasions. If you have space, you could even extend your kitchen island or counter top with a table extension at worktop height.

Six seat oak table with extensions 1960s style Ercol table fully extended together with a wooden spindle back ercol style chair Swedish extending pedestal table with round ends

Removable Extensions

Removable extending table leaves can be used on any shape table. And they are typically stored away from the table when not in use. They are generally attached to the main table with the use of long ‘arms’ that slide underneath the table top. The pictures below are of a table we made recently for a client in West Yorkshire. She had a wider 6 seat version of our Contemporary Dining Table with one extension of 40cm. Her table can now be transformed from a 6 seat table to an 8 seat table when the occasion arises.

Contemporary dining table with extending leaf

When not in use the holes that take the extension arms are covered with little square oak plugs.

Oak extending table leaf Oak plug for extension guide Oak table extension plug

Drop Leaf Table Extensions

A drop leaf table generally has a fixed middle section and a hinged section (leaf) on either the ends or the sides. This is then folded up and supported by brackets underneath. A drop leaf that is supported by a leg that swings out from the centre is known as a gateleg table. Leaves can vary in width, some going down almost to the floor. Others that are narrow only extending the table by a little. Drop leaves can also vary in shape. Round to turn a rectangular table into a round. Or circular turning a square table into an oval.

A Shaker inspired drop leaf table Mid century drop leaf gate leg table

Draw Leaf Tables

19th century double draw leaf tableThe extending leaves of a draw leaf table are stored underneath the table top. They are then drawn out from underneath – hence the name. This mechanism was orginally introduced during Elizabethan times but has seen a revival in the 20th and 21st centuries. The leaf at each end of the rectangular table is attached to lopers or bearers (long arms). To extend the table, the leaves slide from beneath the central top section, which then drops down to provide a flat surface.

If you’re looking to have a beautiful new extending table made for you then why not get in touch to discuss your very own commission today. Call +33 (0)2 43 09 63 70 or send us an email or use our contact form. We will be delighted to hear from you. Quotations are free and without obligation!

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