Convertible kitchen tables: varieties, design options and selection rules

It is generally accepted that the most important element for the kitchen is the dining table, which has been the most important place in the house for a long time.

The most important and distinctive feature of transforming tables is practicality, the ability to increase its size with a slight movement in the event of a sudden arrival of guests.

There are many different models available, differing in shape, size, color and material... It is also possible to make custom-made furniture according to an individual project. Simple yet practical design of the folded transforming table It harmoniously fits into any interior, creating a cozy atmosphere, and when unfolded it fully corresponds to the functional qualities of a dining table.

In addition to its direct purpose, folded transforming kitchen table can be used in the following qualities: bar counter, cabinet for storing kitchen utensils, cabinet, chest of drawers or coffee table. There are many height-adjustable models available for maximum convenience.

Its compact size and light weight make it easy to move it to another place, and, if necessary, to another room. Many models are equipped with small castors (depending on the transformation mechanism - from 2 to 4 castors), making it easier to move around the apartment.

When choosing a folding table for the kitchen, one should take into account its dimensions and the layout of the room so that when unfolded it does not take up all the free space, it is comfortable to use for each member of the family. The following assembly options are the most common.

• Folding... Most often they are presented in the form of one or two tabletops, lowered down, which can be easily lifted and converted into a horizontal table surface. The improved models of transformers ("butterfly table") have an automatic assembly mechanism, when, when one plane expands, the second one automatically expands. Automated systems are distinguished by their high strength and functionality, but their cost is also higher when compared with conventional folding mechanisms.

• Extendable tables. They are a structure of additional sections located under the main surface. To increase the size of the surface, it is necessary to move the main tabletop to the sides, and raise the lower sections up. In other variations, the extendable table has additional sections that slide out from the side.

• Rotary systems. First, they require to rotate the main tabletop, after which it opens up. This type of furniture requires more free space.

There are practical folding table-sills, in which the additional section of the tabletop is a continuation of the window sill and is lowered down, and if necessary, it rises and is transformed into a dining table. In some models, the table top is made in the form of a narrow surface with a folding leg-support and can be used as a bar counter. This option perfect for a small cozy kitchen and a young family.

An important point when choosing high-quality dining furniture is the material used for the manufacture, moreover, it also affects the cost of the product. The main materials used for the production of furniture are listed below.

• Chipboard - the most common and economical material obtained by pressing wood chips with resin impurities. A significant drawback of such a material is its low strength indicators, it is quite easy to break it.

• Natural wood furniture always looks exquisite and expensive, suitable for any kitchen style, has a long-term period of operation, however, it requires particularly careful handling.

• Metal table surfaces suitable for supporters of the Art Nouveau style, are highly durable and practical, but they are quite rare.

• Strained glass is an expensive material and requires special care, but the glass table looks luxurious in the interior, visually increases the free space of the room. In the production of furniture, transparent, frosted or colored glass is used. The design in the form of glass mosaic looks exquisite, but this design is not cheap.

Often used for the manufacture of folding tables in the old style imitation stone, which is obtained by gluing a decorative film or other decorative elements to the surface.

Another important point when choosing a transforming table is its color, because often a dining table and a kitchen set are selected in the same style. The classic and most common colors are white, black, gray and brown. The possibility of making such transformers to order provides for the choice of many other colors for a particular model.

If there is enough free space in the dining room or kitchen, then classic oval table will look stylish and sophisticated.An oval transformer with an additional section will comfortably accommodate a large number of guests.

The absence of sharp corners, like some square or rectangular models, make oval models more practical in families with small children and small kitchens. The same properties are characterized by round table, which prevents unnecessary injury and provides additional space around. It often has one massive support leg and contributes to a favorable position for guests.

Round dining tables "for two" look elegant in a small modern kitchen. A the modernized round transforming table can easily turn into an oval one with the help of an additionally retractable table top.

Square and classic rectangular folding tables look stylish and expensive. In a small kitchen, they are perfectly located in the corner or near the wall, which significantly saves space. Folded rectangular dining table can be used as a cabinet for storing kitchen utensils due to the presence of additional consoles and hooks. Thanks to unique mechanisms, a small sideboard can turn into a full-fledged dining table for a large family in no time.

Modern progress in the furniture industry is developing very quickly and is not limited to standard forms. High-tech transforming dining tables can be made in the form of various polygons and have retractable surfaces of irregular streamlined shapes. If the ergonomics of the kitchen provides for a non-standard table shape, then this will perfectly emphasize the individuality of the owners and become a colorful accent in the design of the apartment.

Convertible tables are rightfully popular in small kitchens and have the following advantages:

• during transformation, their size almost doubles (depending on the model);
• there is a possibility of height adjustment;
• practical mechanisms for ease of use;
• robust and reliable design that guarantees durable and safe operation;
• modern and stylish design, a variety of shapes and colors, suitable for any kitchen style.

Against the background of a large number of positive qualities, there are minor disadvantages. There are low-quality fittings and faulty mechanisms, but this is typical mainly for budget models. The high cost of modern transforming tables is noted, but it is justified by the use of high-quality ecological raw materials for their production, as well as by the complexity of the design.

For information on how to choose a transforming kitchen table, see the next video.