Oval sliding tables in the kitchen: design options and tips for choosing
Since ancient times, the dining table has been considered an important object of the interior, intended for serving and eating. The round shape always symbolizes the equality of the seated (for example, the round table from the legends of King Arthur). Round tabletops became widespread at the beginning of the 18th century. However, they did not accommodate enough people. This problem was solved by the invention of the Frenchman A. J. Loriot, who created the folding table, which is still popular today.
Main characteristics
The features of the oval sliding models are as follows:
- when assembled, it is a round table that takes up little space, at which 3-4 persons can fit;
- when disassembled, it takes an oval shape, thanks to an additional insert it increases in length up to 40 cm, depending on its size, it can accommodate from 5 to 10 persons;
- designed for daily use by one small family, and for festive dinners with a large number of guests.
Advantages and disadvantages
Sliding countertops have quite a few advantages.
- Practicality. Small, laconically fitting into almost any room in a disassembled state, it easily becomes a large festive table designed to receive guests.
- Security. The oval shape implies the absence of corners, respectively, there is no risk for small children, sloppy adults to get injured.
- Combining design with functionality. A dining table with rounded edges will always look good in the kitchen, regardless of its decoration. Modern materials allow you to create different types of surfaces that are distinguished by originality, but without losing their functionality.
Some point out disadvantages:
- fragility of the sliding mechanism;
- difficulties in cleaning the joints of the sliding cover.
Product material
The raw materials used to make transformable furniture are varied.
Glass
Glass models look spectacular, they can decorate any dining area, make the design airy, weightless, they are not popular. The reason for this is the opinion about the fragility of the structure. However, modern technology makes it possible to make household items. made of tempered glass that can withstand high loads, heavy weight, and shockproof.
Wood
The wooden table is recognized as the most durable, durable type. This material of the countertop will adorn the kitchen and living areas. It copes well with mechanical stress without deforming. If damage occurs, they will not be very noticeable.
The service life of furniture made from high-quality solid wood starts from 15 years.
Wood, being a natural raw material, is highly environmentally friendly, safe, does not emit toxins and other harmful substances.
Metal
Metal products are mainly used in country houses, gazebos, parks. Due to its functionality used for eating, preparing grilled dishes, cutting meat.
Plastic
The most economical and easy-to-use type of material. The retractable mechanism is made of metal, which guarantees its strength. The model with a plastic surface is resistant to high temperatures, does not spoil the view from the touch of hot dishes. The light weight of the product allows you to move it around the apartment, placing it in the desired area.
However, plastic is toxic and can release harmful substances.
Dimensions (edit)
Not every kitchen or living room can accommodate a large piece of home furniture. That is why it is necessary to calculate its size according to the standards for one person.
- Length. At least 60 cm should be allocated for one person. Only this length will allow you to place all the necessary devices, comfortably accommodate.
- Width. When sitting opposite each other, the minimum width should be 1 meter: 40 cm for each and 20 cm in the middle. Then both will be comfortable, between them it will be possible to place any dish, vase, lamp, and other necessary things.
- Height. According to GOST, the standard height should be from 75 to 78 cm. However, this indicator is individual. The object of the home interior must be selected in such a height that it is convenient for all family members, regardless of their height.
Product design
When choosing a color, design, you must follow some rules.
- It is necessary to take into account the style of the room where you plan to place the furniture. If this is a classic, then the standard version with a wooden lid will do. In a high-tech room, you can place an unusual model of bright colors from various materials.
- The chosen piece of furniture must necessarily correspond to the design of the rest of the furniture in the room and the kitchen set. For example, a traditional white or delicate beige table will be nice to combine with bright orange chairs.
Varieties
Extendable dining tables are of various types: stationary, folding, built-in.
- Built-in folding table when disassembled, it is a whole kitchen set with many cupboards, drawers. Saves space for a small dining area. Such products are usually produced together with an auxiliary support, a set. The reclining worktop becomes part of the kitchen façade.However, the modest size is not designed to accommodate a large number of guests.
- Stationary sliding of various shapes when folded they take up little space, when disassembled they increase by 30-60%. There is an additional section under the lid of the product, which, using a special mechanism, is placed between the parted parts.
- Folding sliding variations take up the smallest space of all the above. Here, the additional section is not under the tabletop, but lowered down. It is installed in the required position with a special folding mechanism.
- Collapsible and portable extendable kitchen tables... Such furniture is suitable for very small rooms, where the constant availability of a place for eating is not necessary. One of the modifications of this model is a "book". This is a small folding table that, when assembled, resembles a closed book.
If necessary, they can be easily assembled, they can fit behind a cabinet or refrigerator, but their capacity is minimal.
Location
The size of the room where the furniture is planned to be placed affects the optimal location. Let's consider the main options.
- For small kitchens, the best location is next to the window. This will leave more space directly for cooking, a beautiful view from the window, if any, will improve your appetite. In addition, the dining area will be under natural light. The only drawback with this arrangement is the impossibility of using the window sill as a storage place.
- Also, the location is suitable for small-sized kitchen areas in the corner of the room. The described method will allow people to dine in an atmosphere of comfort and privacy, a corner sofa will add additional convenience.
In the case of more spacious rooms, this accommodation will be auxiliary, for example, ideal for a snack for a family of 2-3 people. The only inconvenience is that people are sitting side by side to each other, which means that it will not be possible to leave the table without disturbing the neighbor.
- For large kitchens, the optimal and most attractive placement option is center of the room. The oval shape makes it easy to maneuver around the kitchen without fear of hitting a sharp corner. It will be possible to approach from any side, which greatly facilitates the serving process. You can get in and out with such a setting without disturbing anyone. If a beautiful lamp is still installed in the middle, then together with the dining table under it they become the compositional center of the kitchen decoration.
Manufacturing companies
As stated above, there is a wide range of table models for the kitchen interior on the market today. Below is a ranking of the most popular manufacturers.
"Ikea"
A Swedish company that has earned the trust of consumers due to many factors: a varied design (from classic to modern ideas), the use of only high-quality Blum fittings, as well as only environmentally friendly chipboard and MDF, the manufacturer provides a guarantee for your furniture up to 25 years, it is possible to independently create a project of your own kitchen online on an Internet resource.
"Maria"
A Russian company specializing in the production of kitchen furniture. All materials and components are purchased from Germany, Italy and Russia. A guarantee up to 10 years is provided, as well as an individual approach to each customer.
"Stylish kitchens"
A Russian brand, the peculiarity of which lies in the fact that this company produces all the components of furniture independently on its own equipment, developed by well-known foreign machine-tool companies. Warranty - 5 years, prices are much lower than those of previous manufacturers.
"Leroy Merlin"
A Polish organization whose products are available to almost every consumer. The main advantage of the company is low prices for furniture and components. However, the quality of the raw materials used by the manufacturer is also low.
Operation and care
It is very important to use convertible sliding furniture correctly, to take care of its condition in order to extend its service life.
- It is necessary to monitor the junction of the sliding table top. If particles of food or water get there, it is necessary to disassemble the lid, wipe it with a damp soft cloth, and after complete drying, collect.
- Check the operation of the sliding mechanism. Periodically, you should disassemble the table and install an additional section, even if not necessary. This will allow the mechanism not to lose functionality, ease of assembly.
- If the sliding mechanism is equipped with hinges, they need to be lubricated 1-2 times a year.
There is a popular expression: "The kitchen is the heart of the house, and the table is its owner." The dining table is an important piece of furniture that brings the whole family together for talking, eating, cooking, serving. With it you can not only eat deliciously, but also spend time in pleasant conversation, sipping a cup of coffee or tea. That is why the choice of a model must be approached with all seriousness, taking into account many factors.
An overview of Ikea tables and the rules for choosing kitchen furniture, see below.