3 Types of Extendable Dining Tables – Which One is Best for You?

Always find your dining table too small for those dinner parties, family and holiday gatherings?

You need an extendable dining table!

Have you thought about buying a dining table with an extension before but, never got around to it. Instead, for your larger dinner gatherings, you bring out the folding tables from the basement and either try to faux-extend your current table or you create a second seating area…or maybe you don’t have an extra table and you simply squeeze everyone in to the small table – elbows and all.

Card table (as I am used to calling it) or folding table can be saved from the messy dinner plates and kept pristine for playing cards.

I say, save the card table for cards   🙂

The Flexibility of an Extendable Dining Table

Having a dining table with an extension leaf or leaves, you can easily transform your table into the size you need when you need it. Maintain the smaller table size for everyday use, and transform it into the larger dining table when you have multiple dinner guests.

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Two Tables for the Price of  One

I suggest that if you are in the market for a new dinner table, why not consider a dining table with extensions. You get dinner guest flexibility and versatility without much fuss, or added cost.

There are basically 3 types of extensions available for dining tables. There are the traditional – and newer versions of this classic – folding drop leaf extension tables, the classic leaf extensions typically inserted into the middle of the table, and the new and improved butterfly leaf extension system which folds into and under the table top.

1. Folding drop leaf extensions

Classic folding leaf extensions were originally found on this iconic Duncan Phyfe dining table.

Duncan Phyfe Drop Leaf Table

The drop leaves on a Duncan Phyfe dining table are generally quite large. This makes the table much larger when extended and quite small when not extended. This allows one to maximize room space when the leaves are not extended – one of the great benefits of extendable dining tables.

Notice that with this older design of a drop leaf table, when the large leaves are folded down, it takes us much less space but, it is almost unusable as a dining table. I suppose you could sit 2 people at either side opposite of the drop leaves…not particularly useful.

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While not readily available today except at antique and second hand stores, online selling forums, or estate sales, similarly styled drop leaf tables are available today but with much more versatility and usability.

A modern take on this practical folding leaf table is this wooden dining table. Instead of 2 large drop leaves on either end, this dining table has 4 drop folding leaves on each of the 4 sides.

The rounded folding sections are not nearly the size of the Duncan Phyfe table making it usable both as a smaller square table and a larger round table.

Size of Extendable Leaves

The design elements of the drop leaves are important to the functionality of this table. The drop leaves are small enough to fold and tuck completely under the table. This allows for complete usage of the table when in the smaller size. You do not have the leaves dropping down – literally – which would make it more difficult, or more uncomfortable, to seat oneself without potentially banging your knees on the leaf.

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Essentially, this extendable dining table design with drop-leaves has the leaves but, has dropped the ‘drop’ part of it – making the table completely usable in both forms.

Sit 4 very comfortably at this round / square table with the fold-down leaves folded under the table.

Dining Table Tip: Generally, any square table, regardless of the length or width, suits numbers in multiple of 4.  For example, a 48″ square table sits 4 very comfortably with lots of room for extra dishes (and elbows). While you could sit 8 guests, it will be quite tight – and you may end up with a fight of the elbows, and certainly NO extra space for extra food or drinks. To sit 8 at a square table, it would be better to have a table of at least 60″ wide.

Square and Round Extendable Dining Tables

With the 4 leaves fully extended, the table has now been transformed into a round table. With the rounded drop-leaves extended, you can easily add at least another 2 chairs or guests at your table.

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Butcher Block Extendable Dining Tables

Want a different style of extendable dining table? Even this rustic butcher block table is extendable. Where, you say? The drop leaf ends extend to add another 2-3 feet of dining space – potentially adding another 6 guests – mind you, cozily – at your table.

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Modern Glass Extendable Dining Tables

Looking for a more modern version of a drop-leaf dining table…look no further.

This glass leaf extension table is not exactly a folding leaf extension table but, it does fit into this category due to the leaf extensions. The leaf extensions do not fold over the end of the table but, rather are cleverly hidden or stored under the table top. Not only does this add to the functionality, the glass exposes the decorative and artistic chrome mechanisms.

Adding any glass dining table to your dining room will add a splash of modern or contemporary. With this glass extendable dining table, you get the desired look with the added benefit of great flexibility and style.

Shop Modern Extendable Dining Tables NOW!

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Black Glass Top Extendable Dining Table

Looking for a sleek glass top look with a hint of natural wood. Consider this deluxe fully extendable dining table with frosted black glass top and wooden rectangular base.

With the addition of the wood base, this modern extendable dining table takes on an almost mid-century modern look. Whatever style file you think this table fits into, it looks ultra stylish and modern and also has the completely useful functionality of having built-in glass extensions.

Shop Modern Extension Tables here

2. Center leaf extensions

The next generation of extendable dining tables is the center leaf extension design. Practical and flexible, a center leaf extension or multiple extensions has the capability to almost double the amount of seating. Most often, a center leaf extension table will have more room for expansion than the drop leaf version. So, if you need a lot of extra dining space, a center leaf extension will be preferable to the drop folding leaf table.

If space is an issue for you, look for a center leaf table which is able to store the extra leaf or leaves under the table. Otherwise, plan on making space in a closet or laundry room where the leaves won’t be damaged.

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Rustic Extendable Dining Tables

For an even more rustic dining table look, you may want to consider this chunky wood version of  extendable dining tables – with a center leaf extension.

This rustic, harvest styled dining table will work well for a more casual dining room setting. Again, I am amazed at what styles of extendable dining tables are available today. In the past, we would have thought that a harvest table would be the size that the carpenter made it…period. Today, you can have that wonderful hand-made, worn look and still get the added bonus of having a larger table when necessary.

I call that a ‘having your cake and eating it’ moment! Actually, I would say all of the tables featured here are just that. You get the style you desire with the functionality you need.

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Round and Oval Extendable Dining Tables

Round or oval dining tables are also available in extendable versions. Many round dining tables come with an extra leaf or two making the table longer for larger gatherings. Not that it is an issue – only if you do not like the look – but, most round extendable dining tables will have a center base foundation, as is typical of many round tables.

Shiny Modern Extendable Dining Tables

Traditionally, it was thought that only wood or wood-like tables could include extensions. This is no longer true. Extendable tables with extra leaves can be found in various types of materials. This very modern solid shiny black table is just one example.

Strikingly modern, this table will take you from sitting 6 to over 12 with its extendable leaves. So for you modern lovers, there is an extendable dining table for you too.

3. Butterfly leaf extensions

The newest version of the extendable dining table comes in the form of the table having butterfly extensions. This butterfly extension design is very clever. You get all of the benefits of having an extended table without having to store your table leaves in a closet, laundry room or basement. We all know that when something gets left in another room, there is always that chance that there could be damage – for whatever reason. Out of sight – out of mind.

This out of sight, out of mind saying can be applied to this style of extendable table. Because the leaf is actually stored underneath the table, it is completely safe and out of sight…and only out of mind until you are in need of extending your table.

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Classic Styled Extendable Tables

For a more classical traditional country-feel dining room, you may want to opt for this butterfly leaf designed classic country styled dining table and chairs.

Aged Wood Extendable Dining Tables

For a more modern version of a butterfly leaf extendable table, you may like this aged-wood look table done in a very boxy geometric design – a definitely modern contemporary look – but with all of the extendable and leaf-hidable functionality.

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Mid-Century Modern Extendable Dining Tables

A nod to mid-century modern with the added bonus of extra table length can be found in this teak dining table. It, too has, a butterfly leaf in the middle.

Large Butterfly Leaf Dining Tables

If you have a large family or often have large dinner parties, you will be looking for a larger dining table, and definitely one which is extendable.

You can get dining tables with extensions which are extendable to seat well over 8 guests.

Which Extendable Dining Table is Best for You?

Whatever style of extendable dining table you choose, whether folding drop-leaf, center leaf extension or butterfly hidden leaves, you are sure to have made the correct choice. After all, even if you only use the extensions only once or twice a year, when you do, it will be well worth it.

Enjoy your new extendable dining table tonight! But, be careful…with all of this extra room at your dining table, your guests may not want to leave!

Browse more extendable dining tables here!

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