The folding kitchen table is the best choice for small kitchen. Its peculiarity is that it can be folded, taking up a minimum of space, and decomposed, increasing to the size of a full-fledged table.
Rules for choosing the material, color, shape
Folding kitchen tables, as a rule, consist of several types of materials. For example, legs and straps can be wooden; countertop, folding floors or laid-in board - veneered chipboard; but fasteners, as a rule - steel. Most often, for the manufacture of folding and sliding tables used wood, glass, laminated fiberboard / chipboard / MDF, plywood and even plastic or aluminum.
- The most reliable legs, supports and straps are made of wood, but they will be relatively heavy and expensive;
- The tempered glass table top is not afraid of scratches, it is strong enough and looks beautiful, but taking care of it will not be the easiest, and besides, it is cold and “ringing”;
- The table top is made of solid wood - beautiful, reliable, to be restored, warm and pleasant to the touch. But it makes the construction heavier and costs more;
- Veneered chipboard, MDF or fiberboard - looks no different from wood, weighs more easily, costs less, so this material is optimal for the countertop;
- Laminated chipboard or MDF - light in weight, easy to clean and the most affordable material, but loses in durability and appearance;
- When choosing a folding table, keep in mind that the underframe, supports, legs, strapping and other parts of the structure are more reliable from solid wood or metal.
The shape of the tabletop folding and sliding models can be any, most often it is:
- Square - rationally occupy space and at the same time are quite spacious, therefore such models are recommended for small kitchens. As a rule, square tables in a folding form become rectangular;
- Round - require more usable space, so less suitable for a small kitchen. But precisely round tables best able to make the space cozy. Folded round tables become oval due to an additional inset board;
- Oval - occupy space more rationally and are more spacious than round models. However, they are also beautiful and traditional;
The oval book tables, assembled in half, become semi-oval and, as such, are best suited for a small kitchen.
- Rectangular - the most common models because of its spaciousness and convenience. Suitable for both large and small kitchens and can be expanded in the type of "books" or move apart, doubling.
After the material and form are selected, it remains to determine the color. In a small kitchen, it is very important that a visually folding table does not clutter the space. Therefore, dark tones are inappropriate. It is better to choose light shades, but, of course, taking into account the color of other kitchen furniture. Read more about the combination of colors in this article: color in the interior of the kitchen: bright ideas and traditional combinations. In the photo below Ikea folding table, model Ingatorp.
Types of folding table designs
Folding tables are of the following types of designs:
- Stationarywhere the table top is transformed. They can be foldable when the tabletop is folded out like a book, sliding like a slider, or when parts of the tabletop are moved apart from the center and another additional element is placed in the center.
There are also models with additional “wings”. Outwardly, they resemble a standard kitchen table, but by simple manipulations increase the usable area by up to 40%.
- Portable folding tables Bistro style suitable for very small kitchens - they are easy to assemble and unfold. In the photo below is the model "Madrid" of Russian production.
- Collapsible. They are broken down into separate elements and stored until they are needed. No specific tools are required during assembly. Such models are often equipped with a transformation system and can be adjusted in height.
- Built in furniture. They are the mobile part of the kitchen, which can be removed at any time. As a rule, it coincides in height with the kitchen set.
- Folding. Mounted on the wall, and if necessary, the table top reclines and fixed foot. When assembled, they represent a narrow shelf, and in a disassembled it can accommodate from 1 to 8 people, depending on the area of the table top.
What else do you need to know before buying a sliding table?
- When choosing a sliding table, immediately consider how it will be disassembled. The dimensions of the table relative to the room, and how many people are planned to be placed behind it are taken into account. For example, for four people, a rectangular surface of 70 * 90 cm will be sufficient.
- A decisive indicator of quality will be the use of reliable fittings - this element will be the most important for a folding structure. In any case, from time to time the screws in the folding tables need to be tightened.
- Be sure to evaluate and ease of transformation of the table. The best simple solution would be a standard book, but spectacular designer models can be more difficult to operate.
- Rules for choosing a dining group for the kitchen - design and practicality
- All the nuances of the choice of kitchen tables made of glass
- Stone kitchen tables - the fundamental basis of the interior
- Choosing a kitchen corner - we take into account the materials, design and type of construction
- Reliable, beautiful, warm ... wooden kitchen table
In my opinion, sliding tables are a very rational and convenient solution for any kitchen, both small and large. Saving space and mobility, is now very much appreciated in modern interior design. As practice shows, there are no many guests and you always think of seating somewhere, and successfully selected a sliding table will quickly solve this problem.
I really like the folding tables. When assembled, they do not require space at all, it is spacious in the kitchen, if you fold it, you get a full table.
Oh, I remember the tables are still those - Soviet. What they were heavy, massive and rough in appearance, but now it is such a variety - and small, and large, and glass, and wood. In general, there is something to choose from.
I keep a spare folding table on the balcony. Disassembled, it almost does not take place. And when the guests come we lay it out in the living room, very comfortable, everything fit. I also think in the kitchen to make a folding table, and in our small kitchen there will be more free space.
You may be interested in our solutions from the “Small Kitchen” section, drop in 😉
we have such a table. Heavy, yes) But functional!
An interesting little article.To whom both, and I prefer the table-book, in the folded state takes up little space, and moves apart quickly and easily, we have a similar place in the kitchenette. But I added a folding one on the loggia (I saw one in the picture somewhere when I was looking for options for finishing the loggia), in the summer it was just right to drink beer)
Of course, the folding table is very convenient, especially in the kitchen! With such a table, you can not be afraid at all about the visit of a large number of guests!
I especially liked the option, the table built into the furniture, I will definitely use it! Of course, I really liked the option with folding elements.
Vitali, apply and tell us what came of it)
We have an option with a sliding table of the base. Space saves significantly. If we make repairs, then pay attention to the option, securing the table to the wall - so even more convenient and more economical for the space in a small kitchen.
A large, beautiful dining table is always beautiful and awake. And you can invite many friends to visit. But for small kitchens folding tables the most it. Or here, which retractable or attached to the wall. Thanks for the interesting ideas. I'll try in my kitchen !!!
Bogdan, glad that the material was useful!
We live in an apartment, so we can not put a large table in the kitchen. This will make it difficult to move freely, so we made a folding round table to order. When I cook, I fold it and make it semicircular, it allows you to walk freely and not stumble in the aisle. And when everything is ready - lay the table and invite the family for lunch. Very comfortable, I like the folding table.