A Buyer's Guide to Extending Dining Tables

April 21, 2023

16m

Extending dining tables have always been a popular option. They’re versatile and practical, with a huge range of styles on the market today. If you’re looking for an extending dining table but could do with a little help deciding, we’ve put together a handy guide to explain the different types.

Butterfly extending dining tables are a popular option for people looking for a versatile option.

These tables are relatively simple to extend and can add a considerable amount of extra space. The extensions are hidden within the table so many tables with butterfly extensions look like they have standard fixed tops when the extensions are not in use. How do butterfly extensions work? To implement the extensions, the table top separates in the centre and the butterfly feature swivels up and opens out, like butterfly wings. The two ends of the table are then pushed in against the now-flat butterfly feature, instantly creating more length.

Drop Leaf Extensions

The drop leaf design has been around for centuries and it’s still popular today. Drop leaf style extensions are often found on smaller tables. These extensions hang down either side of the tabletop and flip up into place. They’re usually secured by supports that pull out beneath them, with the extension pieces sitting atop them. Drop leaf tables are generally very user-friendly and simple for one person to extend. You’ll usually find them on small extending dining tables, like the Oxford 70cm Solid Oak Drop Leaf Extending Dining Table (pictured).

Fold Out and Flip Top Extensions

Like drop leaf extensions, fold-out style extensions are often found on small tables. Fold out and flip top extensions fold or flip up onto themselves to form the table top and unfold when you can do with a bit more space. They are usually found on square extending dining tables and they transform the table into a rectangular shape once unfolded. With this style, the structure of the table remains the same – the legs don’t move – with only the table top extending.

Externally Stored Extensions

Externally stored extensions are extension leaves or pieces that don’t store within the table. As the name suggest, when the extensions are not in use they need to be stored away. These extensions often slide in at either side of the table, or the table separates from the centre and the extension leaf or leaves fit into the middle of the table top.

Internally Stored Extensions

Internally stored extensions store conveniently within the table when not in use. Some tables feature hidden drawers that the tables slot into or have space within the fixed parts of the table top to stash the extensions away. A table with inbuilt or internally stored extensions is ideal for homes with limited storage space.