Choosing a folding (sliding) kitchen table

Equipping a small kitchen is not easy at all. In a small room, you need to install all the equipment, place a lot of dishes, and also find a place for a dining area. A folding table can make the task easier - for a small kitchen this is salvation.

Types of transforming tables for the kitchen

First of all, it is necessary to divide the folding kitchen tables according to the method of operation. There are workers and dining rooms. A folding kitchen table is ordered when discussing a cabinet furniture project. To do it when everything is ready is problematic. Therefore, further we will talk about transforming models of dining tables.

Folding tables are convenient in any kitchen, especially in a small

According to the method of increasing the usable area, a folding table for a small kitchen can be folding and sliding. Folding, as a rule, have simpler mechanisms and cost less. Basically, in such models, part of the tabletop is attached with hinges. When it is necessary to increase the working area, the hidden part rises / unfolds. This very "part" can be small or even very solid. In some models (classic table-book) the folding part is several times larger than the stationary one, in others it is only a small part of the tabletop

There are two types of extendable kitchen tables. In the former, the increase in area occurs due to the fact that "expanders" or "extenders" are manually installed between the parted parts of the table top. These models cost a little. There are also their mechanized counterparts, in whom the whole process occurs due to the action of mechanisms, all that needs to be done is to pull or push in a certain place. These models are more expensive. Sometimes much more expensive.

Book tables

One of the simplest and most reliable types of folding kitchen or dining tables is a book table. They were popular back in the days of the USSR, they are slightly modified now. The idea is that part of the table top hangs on hinges. If necessary, an additional leg extends, and the "hanging" part turns into a "normal" one.

Tables-books of the Soviet era, when assembled, looked like a nightstand. The tabletop was narrow, with fold-out parts hanging almost to the floor on both sides. In this version, the furniture stood before the arrival of the guests. Only a couple of vases or decorative "things" could be put on it. There are such models today, but there are others - with small folding "wings" that can be attached from one or both sides, can be rectangular or have rounded edges.

Folding table-book for a small kitchen in several versions

In general, a book table today has a lot more options. It's up to you to choose. If you only need a table to host a large number of guests, the classic option is for you. If you need a functional folding dining table for a small kitchen with the possibility of increasing its size, see other options. There are a couple of pieces in the photo above. The one in the middle is good if you put it against the wall so that there is space on the right and left. The far right stays well in the corner, but the far left is a classic version with large "wings".

A similar folding table for a small kitchen is a godsend. When folded, it is functional and can fit one or two people behind it. If the area needs to be increased, the "wings" are raised in several movements.

Folding with swivel table top

Another interesting model that allows you to double the size of the tabletop. Two absolutely identical pieces of the table top are fastened together with special hinges. When it is necessary to unfold the table, the tabletop is rotated horizontally by 90 °. In this position, it rests on half of the frame. The second part of the tabletop is expanded into the vacant space.

Folding book for a small kitchen with a twist mechanism

The mechanism is simple and reliable, it works for years. But you need to remember which way to turn which corner (you can pull slightly while checking) and lower the folding part slowly and carefully.

Extendable kitchen table

Sliding models differ in that the tabletop is divided into two parts. If you pull on them, they move to the sides along the guides, and additional parts of the tabletop are installed in the freed space. As already mentioned, it is possible to install "expanders" manually, but there are also special mechanisms.

How much to increase the table you decide for yourself

Such models were also known during the Soviet era, but they did not differ in variety. There was one additional board that increased the table area by about 1/3. In the modern version, there are models in which two additional boards can be installed. One "expander" or two to put - you decide (in the photo above). But such arbitrariness is possible only in simple models without any mechanisms.

Sliding model of another type

There is a folding table for a small kitchen with a different transformation mechanism (pictured above). In this version, the central part does not move, but two halves are pulled out from under it. For them you need to pull to the sides. When they come out all the way, the center part will drop slightly, leveling the surface. The assembly process takes place in the reverse order - raise the central part, push the sidewalls into place, lower the tabletop. This method seems to be less convenient: alone with a task to cope with. There are also questions about the appearance of scratches when parts of the tabletop "slide" back and forth.

Glass sliding table for a small kitchen

There is a folding table for a small glass kitchen with a similar operating principle. But it is arranged differently. The frame of the table is made sliding, and along the edges, under the main table top, there are hidden "additional elements". First, the frame is pulled apart, then the table top is unfolded.

Folding tables with mechanisms

The mechanisms for folding tables are different. They are made of aluminum (more expensive) or galvanized steel. Galvanized steel can rust in places over time, as liquids are sometimes spilled onto the countertop. But there is no such rust that would destroy the mechanism completely in the room.

Folding table with butterfly mechanism

Folding kitchen tables for small kitchens with mechanisms are of the same plan as folding ones - with one or two additional elements that are inserted between the halves stretched to the sides. The difference is that the mechanism does all the work itself. You just have to pull a little. The disadvantage of this option is the price, and also the possibility of breakdown of the mechanism.

Shape selection

A folding table for a small kitchen can be of any shape: round, oval, square, rectangular. All of them are small in size, not all should be placed in a small area. It is better not to put a round table in a small kitchen. You cannot move it to the wall, it must stand on a free patch, which is unrealistic on 5-7 squares. Slightly better in terms of the number of seats are oval tables. But this is also not the best option - rounded edges prevent furniture from being placed against the wall. Also an option that requires space.

There is, however, one option, but the table is not round, but semicircular. In such folding tables, the tabletop is divided into two parts and one side is straight. This model can be placed against the wall.Why is this option good? The rounded table top is less hazardous in terms of injury.

Folding round dining tables for a small kitchen exist

So the choice, in general, is small - it is better to put a square or rectangular folding kitchen table in a small kitchen. They can be installed against a wall or placed in a corner, allowing optimum use of the available space.

Unusual folding tables for a small kitchen

Above, we talked about traditional kitchen tables: legs, frame, table top. But in small rooms - 4 meters or slightly more - there is not always a place for such furniture. Even a small square table does not always work. There are special solutions for such cases. For example, there are folding tables that, when assembled, practically do not take up space.

Folding table for a small kitchen - miniature options

In fact, this is a tabletop that is attached to a horizontal or vertical surface using hinges. To maintain it open, a folding leg or side stops are made. As you can see, the tabletop can be attached with a long or short part, it can be of different areas. The choice of mounting method and size depends on the layout, furniture arrangement, 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 on site. But do not forget about the aisles and the fact that you still need to put 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 version, even the place under the stationary part of the countertop 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 variant of the original folding table for the kitchen in the art deco style. On the reverse side of the tabletop, a picture, photo, etc. is pasted / drawn. The legs are made in the form of a frame. The folding / unfolding mechanism is still the same, only the execution is different, but it is really unusual. By the way, as an option, instead of a picture there can be a mirror.

Original folding table

Another tip: if possible, it is better to make a tabletop with rounded corners. And the more round the corners, the better. In a small space, there is always a risk of touching a corner, and if it is round, the consequences will not be so painful.

What materials are they made of

A folding table for a small kitchen can be:

• Wooden. Such furniture is made from solid wood or from furniture boards. The most expensive models are made of solid wood, glued together from planks are average in price. But wooden folding kitchen tables require increased attention to themselves: they are afraid of prolonged contact with liquids, they react to high humidity. In general, wood is beautiful and prestigious, but troublesome.
• Of laminated chipboard or MDF - these are one of the most affordable models. The most inexpensive ones are made from chipboard, you will have to pay a little more for laminated MDF. But the peculiarity is that during active use, the film is wiped or begins to peel off.
  

  Wooden or veneered immediately and you cannot determine

• Made of chipboard or MDF with veneer. These models are average in price (veneered MDF is more expensive), but it is difficult to distinguish it from natural wood externally. The downside is that hot glue can melt, leading to the veneer peeling off.
• Glass. Glass tables are durable, elegant, stylish and beautiful. Their main advantage is that they do not "load" the space, which is very important for small kitchens. But they "ring" when you put dishes on them and feel "cold", which is unpleasant in winter. Another minus is that constant care is required, since fingerprints and dust are also visible.But you can put cold, hot, pour water ...

As you can see, there is no ideal. There are pros and cons everywhere. It remains to choose which of them attracts you more or which will better "fit" into your interior.