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Top Ideabooks
Drop-Leaf Table
The leaves of drop-leaf tables can be folded down to save space or raised to create a bigger surface
Houzz
January 1, 2000
A drop-leaf table has either one or two hinged tabletops, or leaves, that drop to the side when not in use. Each leaf is supported by a bracket or arm that slides or swings out from the center of the table.
A drop-leaf table can double your seating capacity, changing a two-person setup to one for four or more. The farther to the floor the leaf extends, the more the table space can grow.
Drop-leaf tables were popular even back around the 16th century. Small houses with small rooms were easier to build and heat, and furniture was sparse to fit. Drop-leaf tables increased versatility.
This classic drop-leaf table has a small footprint when nestled against the wall, but it can seat four when the leaves are extended. Drop-leaf tables were once popular as card tables, but they were replaced by tables that had folding legs and could be stored in a closet or garage.
After the drop-leaf table was introduced, its success led to other collapsible and movable multipurpose table designs: the gate-leg table, the butterfly table and the sofa table.
The bracket-leaf table is a variation of the drop-leaf table. The table is mounted on the wall, and a bracket on a swinging hinge turns out to support the leaf. The leaf drops down when not in use.
A drop-leaf console table is a good place for keys at the front door. It can also be used as a buffet space for large gatherings when the leaves are extended.
This laundry room island has a drop-leaf system for triple the sorting space. It's also a great surface on which to sew or do other projects.
Sometimes even a small reduction in size can be helpful in tight spaces. But a table like this can still be pulled away from the wall and have both leaves raised for holiday meals or special projects.
See photos of drop-leaf tables in interior designs
See photos of drop-leaf tables in interior designs
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need drop leaf table with pedestal base to seat 6