Table Shape
There’s no point sacrificing everyday living space for the rare guest, so if you don’t frequently entertain, make the most of your dining room constraints with a compact square drop-leaf. For tight corners, narrow spaces, and awkward angles, a slim rectangle drop-leaf table that can be pushed flush against the wall will provide the best space saving solution.
Rounder options are more welcoming, so if you prefer cozy, classic vibes, consider a homey circle or oval drop-leaf table so guests can simply pull up a chair around the open edges.
Base Type
Pedestal or trestle, your drop-leaf table’s base type will determine whether your dining area has a weighty or airy look. The stretcher-like beams of trestle-style tables resemble a wider, more traditional family-style dining experience. In a pinch, a trestle drop-leaf can be folded down and tucked away as an entryway console or sofa table in the living room.
Since downsizing can sometimes mean a lack of a designated dining area, this versatility can come in handy until extra guests and big dinner spreads call for the leaves to be raised.
Pedestal style is another great base type for your small-space table because seating won’t be blocked off by multiple table legs, allowing you to fit more dining guests. For that reason, pedestal-style tables are better suited for breakfast nooks.
Expansion Type
The convertible nature of a drop-leaf makes it so that if you move into a condo or out of a small apartment, you don’t have to buy a new dining table to fill or free up space. Choose a drop-leaf table that transitions as you do. If you need a sturdy surface that can host heavy dinnerware or a huge feast, then opt for a modern extendable drop-leaf that slides out from the center. If you frequently entertain guests but have a small apartment or condo, then folding leaves are a simple, transformative addition to a table to accommodate the odd guest or high chair.
Drop-leaves won’t hold as much weight, so it’s best not to use collapsible leaves as a work station or craft center. You don’t want to put together a puzzle or set out a pot of tea just for an elbow to send it all crashing.
Table Size
Although drop-leaf tables conserve space efficiently when folded, they can compete with the size of regular tables when fully opened, making them a popular and stylish choice for small kitchens and dining rooms. If a small drop-leaf that seats two to three is all you need for daily dining, you can even keep the leaves unattached and stored until they’re needed.
You can top the center of the drop-leaf table with pictures or a vase of flowers during the day, and then snap the leaves into place for guests. Keeping the leaves at bay also helps to avoid clutter because there’s less space for mail and magazines to gather.
If your kids leave the nest and don’t need as much seating, but you expect them to return with new family members, you might want a drop-leaf that can seat a head count from eight to ten. That way you don’t have to find storage for bulky folding tables or drag them out of their hiding place whenever you have company. You can simply retract your drop-leaf table to create intimacy as needed.
Decor Style
The finish and style of your drop-leaf table can determine the look and feel of your small dining area. For a versatile drop-table that will mesh with a wide variety of interiors, consider a transitional drop-leaf that combines traditional influence and contemporary flair. Comfortable and welcoming country furniture has a timeless feel, so if your decor style incorporates the simple things in life, like fresh flowers and rustic accents, then a weathered country table may be a welcome addition to your home.
If you prefer an elegant, old-world feel, then a mahogany drop-leaf table with ball-and-claw feet will pair well with marble-top sideboards and chairs featuring scrollwork. To find a traditional drop-leaf that blends with an old English styled home, look for an antiqued cherry or walnut wood-grain and “fly legs” that curve outward and rest flat on the floor.
