Extendable table for the living room: which one to choose, design options

With the small size of the premises, the most optimal option is to install compact furniture, in particular folding furniture, which will free up the area of the room. One of the varieties of compact furniture is the installation of a folding table in the living room. There are quite a few varieties of them, and choosing a table should be based on the design of the room.

Folding table for the living room: varieties

A transformable table can literally transform a room. Using a folding table, you can create so-called functional floating zones.

You can quickly make a dining room out of the living room, you just need to lay out the table and instead of the living room you get a full dining room.

All folding tables can be divided into three groups. Each group has its own characteristics, as well as advantages and disadvantages.

Namely:

Dining table is considered the best option for a living room with a small area. A modern folding table when folded takes up several times less area than when unfolded. You can assemble it and set it up for receiving guests or dinner in a few minutes.
The coffee table is quite an original option, which can be used not only for tea drinking, receiving guests, but also for work. This table fits perfectly into any interior.
A table that unfolds like a book. This kind of table was widely produced in the USSR and now has not lost its relevance due to ease of assembly and low cost.

But regardless of the type of folding table for the living room, it must be selected in accordance with the general style of the interior.

If the table does not advise the general style of all the furniture in the living room and the whole interior in general, this will show a man’s bad taste. It is also worth considering what material the table is made of, if you put a glass or wooden table in a classic style living room, this will look normal. But in a high-tech style living room, a wooden one will look at least ridiculous.

Transforming table for a living room with a variety of mechanisms

Transformer tables, based on their name, have in their design a movable mechanism of a simple structure, which allows you to quickly and easily lay out a table.

Based on the transformation mechanism, such tables are divided into several types:

Tables having a design with a cross-shaped folding mechanism that allows you to quickly set up a table and also quickly fold it. The advantages of such a transformer table is that it takes up little space during storage.
Extendable table with plug-in segment. The peculiarity of such a table is that its two extreme halves move apart, and a wide segment of the tabletop is inserted between them, which significantly increases the area of the table. Such tables are produced not only rectangular, but also square, oval and round.
Transforming table in the form of a book. Two ladle worktops at the edges rise and are fixed with legs-coasters. The advantage of this table is that it can store some things. To lay out such a table, you should raise two halves of the countertop, first one then the second and fix them with legs.

There are transformer tables that are made in high-tech style. They have an unusual style and a rather complicated transformation mechanism, but at the same time they look stylish. They are widely used in modern offices, as well as in living rooms, which are decorated in an appropriate style.

Advantages and types of sliding tables for the living room

The living room in many typical dwellings is not large, and it is impossible to put a large table into the living room. Except for the large living room.

In this case, a sliding table will come to the rescue, which when folded up is quite compact, and if you push it apart, then a lot of guests can freely sit at such a table.

A sliding table should be selected according to the general style of the room, if the living room is made in a classic style, then the most optimal option is to install a wooden table, and it can be either round or oval, it all depends on the room itself.

Such sliding tables have a number of advantages:

Rational use of the living room space, and the possibility of quick zoning of the space. In a short time, you can turn a recreation area into a full dining room.
Extendable tables are reliable, they have a simple design that allows them to serve for a long time, besides such modern tables are lightweight and can be mixed or laid out by one person.

The classic sliding table is a rectangular design with two sliding worktops at the edges and an additional segment inserted into the middle. Moreover, such tables can fit into almost any interior. Of course, there are sliding tables of another shape, even hexagonal or triangular, but this is more exotic. For the most part, people acquire classics, and besides, such classic sliding designs are inexpensive.

Convertible folding tables-hybrids for the living room

In addition to the traditional folding, sliding and transforming tables, there are so-called hybrid type tables.

Such tables combine several pieces of furniture at once, for example:

Transformer chest - outwardly it looks like a regular chest of drawers, but you just have to lift the top cover of the chest and extend the movable elements and the chest of drawers turns into a table. The only minus of such a table is that it does not have too large dimensions.
A cabinet, such a piece of furniture is quite rare, but, nevertheless, some companies are engaged in the production of such products. At this cabinet, the end or side surface leans back, is fixed with a leg, and an almost complete table is ready.
There are absolutely fantastic projects that can also be implemented, for example, a door-table, an interior door with the help of cunning transformation systems can be installed horizontally in the doorway, and this also turns out to be a kind of table for two people.

There are similar hybrid tables, but not of a rectangular or square shape, but also round. For example, an option that was a small-sized coffee table. But it is only necessary to put forward the petals-countertops using a special mechanism, fix them with the help of folding legs, as it turns into a fairly large round dining table.

Features of an oval sliding table for the living room

The table in the living room is an integral part of it, as well as other pieces of furniture. In addition to the classic rectangular tables, an oval extension table can be put in the living room.

This table option is well suited for small living rooms, as it has a number of advantages:

The combination of spaciousness and at the same time compactness, especially if the table is folded. Also, such tables are safe - this is especially true for families with children, since they do not have sharp corners.
Due to its oval shape, such a table is able to accommodate much more people than behind a classic rectangular one.
The oval table made of wood looks presentable, and is able to decorate almost any living room, with the exception, perhaps, of a high-tech style living room.

A glass table is perfect for decorating a living room, which is made in high-tech style. Modern glass tables have a certain strength, do not require special care. In addition, the glass surface does not absorb fat and is not afraid of hot plates and cups. The glass surface is easy to care for, this is confirmed by numerous positive reviews. The large color gamut of glass allows you to choose the oval table the most optimal option. The only minutes of such a table is that its layout mechanisms are complex and require some care.

Advantages and disadvantages

The folding table, made in the USSR, familiar to many, has lost its relevance in our time. Now it’s much more rational to buy an inexpensive, but roomy version with good transformation capabilities. Installation and assembly instructions are extremely simple, everything can be done with your own hands.

But before buying a glass or wooden version of the design, as well as choosing a specific type of product, it is worth taking a look at the strengths and weaknesses of sliding systems. Let's start with the virtues. These include the following points:

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ample opportunities to increase the size of the dining surface,
high level of comfort
fast and convenient transformation,
folded compactness,
minimum space required
the possibility of using in apartments and rooms of any size,
modern and attractive appearance,
this furniture is relatively inexpensive, but the price depends on many factors,
some types of structures can be assembled by yourself,
the use of different materials,
a variety of designs and stylistic solutions.

One is suitable for a model on wheels, for others it is preferable to take something on one leg, and still others may need to print on the surfaces of the table in order to give it uniqueness and uniqueness.

A classic kitchen wooden table is available for sale, which is based on an array. Designs are made of MDF, chipboard, you can even find a glass version of furniture with a metal frame. There are many options, but you choose.

Among the shortcomings, one can distinguish only the unreliability of some mechanisms, as well as the property of some spilled dishes and drinks to penetrate inside the mechanisms, to appear in the cracks and the space between the elements of the folding table. But here a lot depends on the initial quality of the product, as well as on how correctly you will use and care for the furniture. Each of them is accompanied by detailed instructions from the manufacturer, where he indicates all the nuances of the content.

Next, you should definitely look at the designs and the mechanisms themselves, responsible for the transformation of the furniture of the type in question. This is the basis for the right choice and decision.

Varieties of designs

Choosing a sliding table for your living room, you should decide in advance on the type of design that suits you. This will greatly affect comfort, the ability to accommodate the right number of people and use the assembled table for certain tasks.

There are 2 main types.

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Dining. A very common and popular version of the transforming table for the living room. Used for meals. When assembled, it usually accommodates 2-5 people, while after spreading the number of seats increases to 10-12. There are larger and larger models, the tabletop of which can have a length of 3 meters or more,
Magazine. In everyday life, relevant as a table for the area near the TV. Perfect for a small room, because when assembled it takes up a minimum of space, but after layout it turns into a full-fledged dining table for a large company. Most often equipped with wheels.

You can easily find such designs in Ikea and other furniture stores. If a dining table increasing in size is more of a classic, then a transformer in the form of a coffee table is actively gaining popularity.

It doesn’t matter if it is white, black or wooden. First, decide on the design and method of transformation. And then decide whether it will be furniture made in Malaysia, or assemble somewhere near St. Petersburg.

Transformation Options

Under a folding table, we understand different designs that combine the ability to transform from compact furniture to more spacious and roomy, and vice versa.

There are several folding options, due to the use of appropriate mechanisms. Each of them has certain features.

Cross-shaped folding mechanism. It allows you to fold and unfold two parts of the table top. During the transformation it does not create noise, it works very easily, no more than 1 person is required. When assembled, the mechanism provides excellent compactness,
Pluggable segments. The level of convenience is inferior to the previous option. But a lot of effort is not needed to transform. This is a countertop, consisting of 2 halves that slide apart, and another section is inserted into the space between them,
Book. Soviet classic, which is still used. The table looks like a pedestal with a small countertop. Two more halves are lowered on the sides. The plus is that you can raise one or both parts, thereby increasing the table to the desired size. A good option for a small apartment, where guests often come,
Modern transforming tables. This is a series of designs that are equipped with special transformation systems. They allow you to turn a cabinet or cabinet into a full dining area,
Hybrid mechanisms. They are characterized by unique features and special mechanisms. The most expensive, but the most innovative and original.

When choosing a sliding table, you should pay attention to all the nuances and even apparent trifles, because after the purchase and at the beginning of operation, they can play a decisive role. Be sure to specify what the height of the table will be after the transformation.

Give preference to high-quality tables made of solid materials. Unfolding mechanisms take the simplest and most reliable. The fewer components a mechanism contains, the longer and more confident it will work.

Be sure to leave feedback and write in the comments your opinion on this matter. Share your personal observation when working with this or that type of sliding furniture.

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Features and Benefits

Most owners of the house dream of having a large dining table in the living room, where you can gather with relatives and friends during the holiday or just for dinner. But often voluminous furniture occupies the third part of the room and violates the harmony of the interior, depriving the room of free space. Therefore, the correct decision is to place a transformer table in the living room.

Sliding structures have many positive characteristics:

Rational use of the area. Unlike traditional tables, the product takes up little space and does not limit the room.
The possibility of zoning space. In minutes, the living room can be transformed into a dining room from the recreation area. This is possible thanks to modern transformation mechanisms.
Multifunctionality. When assembled, the product can accommodate 4 people, and when unfolded - up to 20.
Mobility. It is convenient to rearrange the assembled structure from place to place or even to remove it from the room for a while.
Long service life. Transformers are equipped with reliable mechanisms that will last for many years.

Despite the advantages, folding tables also have disadvantages. For example, drink spilled on the product covermay leak into cracks and fall on the mechanism, over time, the parts will rust and the metal parts will fail. In addition, washing the table inside is not easy. Therefore, such products should be handled carefully. With careless transformation, even the highest quality tables can be damaged by scratching the laminated surface.

Today, the furniture market is represented by a wide range of folding tables, ranging from book models to original designs with additional inserts in the center. Depending on the shape of the tables, the following types are distinguished:

Oval. Unusual furniture design, which is characterized by the absence of sharp corners. The rounded shape looks elegant and elegant. In addition, these tables create a special atmosphere of comfort, bringing everyone together in communication.

Square. Despite the fact that in the assembled state the structure looks modest, after it is moved apart, a huge place is formed that can accommodate many guests. Well suited for small living rooms, as it saves room space.

Rectangular. Particularly noteworthy are models of square-shaped books with an insert in the middle, which after transformation turn into a rectangular countertop. This type of furniture harmoniously fits into any style of the living room, as it is considered a classic. Such tables made of natural wood look especially special, they are the most suitable for connoisseurs of minimalism.

Round. Visually something reminds an oval design. It has a neat, miniature, compact look. It goes well with other classic-style furniture. Carved legs look unusual in such products; they beautifully complement the interior of the living room.

Consoles For small families without children, this table option is considered the most optimal. When unfolded, it can easily accommodate several guests. Indispensable for small living rooms, where feasts are held infrequently.

Each of the above table models is attractive and convenient in its own way, but before you choose it, you need to decide what functions the living room will perform in the house and how many guests it is designed for.

Material

Recently, various materials have been used to make furniture, but most often manufacturers prefer wood. Massive tables emphasize the appearance of the living room, decorated in a provincial and classic style. As a rule, ash, oak and beech are chosen for the manufacture of transformers. This type of tree is characterized not only by presentability, but also by high operational properties.

To protect the surface of such tables from mechanical damage and moisture, special solutions are additionally applied to them, so they reliably serve for many years.

Few can afford wooden furniture, since it is expensive, therefore, as an alternative, manufacturers also offer folding tables made of chipboard and MDF. This raw material is not inferior in strength and is cheap.

Wenge designs with dark veneer look especially beautiful; they make the living room attractive and solid.

Most designers recommend using interior rooms glass furniture. Glass goes well with metal and fits the style of techno, loft or hi-tech. Glass countertops also look good in color, but for this they need to be additionally decorated with drawings.

To fill the living room with unusual comfort, it is worth placing a folding oval glass table in it. This material is characterized by durability and simplicity in leaving.

Styles

Modern living rooms are decorated in different styles, so when choosing a folding table for this room, you must take into account the interior of the room, the color scheme of the walls, floor and the presence of decor elements. For example, the classic design is considered a little limited, it is unacceptable to use expensive and decorated items, it is usually preferred by connoisseurs of sophistication. Therefore, for a classic living room, it is recommended to purchase high-quality furniture of strict forms.

An excellent option can be a sliding table without sharp corners of wood. Such a design should not only be beautiful, but also have smooth transitions in shapes and lines.

As for the color of the table, it must necessarily correspond to the tone of all cabinet furniture in the room, and not upset the balance of the interior.

In addition to wooden furniture, classic living rooms are also welcome. glass structures made of monolithic polycarbonate. They are original combined with various elements of decoration, look unusual in combination with metal.

For a rustic interior, which has recently been in great demand, designers are advised to carefully select tables. It should be durable products from expensive natural materials, but simple in shape and content. The right solution for such a living room will be a sliding table made of particleboard, finished in the color of natural wood.

How to choose?

Recently, the choice of furniture is huge, but before buying a sliding table you need to consider many nuances. First of all, it is worth deciding on the size of the countertop. For this, the length of its sides is measured. It is also important to know the capacity of the structure by the number of people. If guests are not often in the house, then the number of seats is calculated by adding the number of households and another 1-2 people.

The ideal width of the countertop is considered to be 105 cm. If it is smaller, then table layout will become difficult, and if you select a large width, the placement at the table will be uncomfortable.

An important indicator is also considered the placement of furniture. Therefore, it is worth planning the situation in the living room in advance and choosing the right place for the table. It should be borne in mind that at least 1 meter should remain from the edge of the countertop to the wall or other piece of furniture. Thus, the room will move comfortably. In addition, between the table and the wall it is necessary to leave a place of 70 cm for chairs.

When buying a folding design, it is important to pay attention to the material from which it is made and to the quality of the complete set of transformation mechanisms. It is best to give preference to furniture made of solid wood or durable glass.

Choosing a table, you must also take into account its shape, color and style. The product should be in harmony with the general style of the living room and not stand out in contrasting color or finish.