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Equipping a small kitchen is not easy at all. In a small room, you need to install all the equipment, place a lot of dishes, and also find a place for a dining area. A folding table can make the task easier – for a small kitchen this is a salvation.
Types of transforming tables for the kitchen
First of all, it is necessary to divide the folding kitchen tables according to the method of operation. There are workers and lunch. A folding desktop for the kitchen is ordered when discussing the project of cabinet furniture. Making it when everything is ready is problematic. Therefore, we will continue to talk about transforming models of dining tables.
According to the method of increasing the usable area, a folding table for a small kitchen can be folding and sliding. Folding, as a rule, have simpler mechanisms, cost less. Basically, in such models, part of the countertop is attached with hinges. When it is necessary to increase the working area, the hidden part rises / unfolds. This very “part” can be small or even very solid. In some models (classic table-book) the unfolded part is several times larger than the stationary one, in others it is only a small part of the tabletop
There are two types of sliding kitchen tables. For the former, the increase in area occurs due to the fact that “extenders” or “extenders” are installed manually between the extended parts of the table top. These models cost a little. There are also mechanized counterparts, in which the whole process occurs due to the action of mechanisms, all that needs to be done is to pull or push in a certain place. These models are more expensive. Sometimes much more expensive.
Book tables
One of the simplest and most reliable types of folding kitchen or dining tables is the book table. They were popular back in the days of the USSR, there are slightly modified ones even now. The idea is that part of the tabletop is hanging on hinges. If necessary, an additional leg is extended, and the “hanging” part turns into a “normal” one.
Soviet-era book tables in the assembled state were something similar to a bedside table. The table-top was narrow, on both sides of it, lay-out pieces hung almost to the floor. In this version, the furniture stood before the guests arrived. It could only put a couple of vases or decorative “tricks” on it. There are such models today, but there are others – with small folding “wings” that can be attached to one or both sides, can be rectangular or have rounded edges.
In general, the table-book today has a lot more options. You choose. If you only need a table to host a large number of guests, the classic option is for you. If you need a functional dining folding table for a small kitchen with the possibility of increasing the size, see other options. There are a couple of pieces in the photo above. The one in the middle is good if you put it against the wall so that there is room on the right and left. The extreme right one is well placed in a corner, but the extreme left one is a classic version with large “wings”.
A similar folding table for a small kitchen is a godsend. When folded, it is functional and one or two people can fit behind it. If the area needs to be increased, the “wings” are raised in several movements.
Folding with swivel top
Another interesting model that allows you to double the size of the countertop. Two absolutely identical pieces of the tabletop are fastened together with special loops. When it is necessary to expand the table, the tabletop rotates in a horizontal plane by 90 °. In this position, it rests on half of the frame. The second part of the countertop is laid out on the vacant seat.
The mechanism is simple and reliable, works for years. But you need to remember in which direction to turn which corner (you can pull it slightly to check) and lower the unfolding part slowly and carefully.
Extendable kitchen table
Sliding models differ in that the countertop is divided into two parts. If you pull on them, they move to the sides along the guides, and additional parts of the tabletop are installed in the vacated space. As already mentioned, you can install “extenders” manually, but there are also special mechanisms.
Such models were also known during the Soviet era, but they did not differ in variety. There was one extra board that increased the table area by about 1/3. In the modern version, there are models in which two additional boards can be installed. One “expander” or two to put – you decide (pictured above). But such arbitrariness is possible only in simple models without any mechanisms.
There is a folding table for a small kitchen with a different transformation mechanism (pictured above). In this embodiment, the central part does not move, and two halves come out from under it. They need to be pulled to the side. When they come out completely, the central part will lower slightly, leveling the surface. The assembly process takes place in the reverse order – lift the central part, push the sidewalls into place, lower the countertop. This method seems to be less convenient: you can’t cope with the task alone. Questions also arise about the appearance of scratches when parts of the tabletop “slide” back and forth.
There is a folding table for a small glass kitchen with a similar principle of operation. But it’s arranged differently. The frame of the table is made sliding, and along the edges, under the main tabletop, “additional elements” are hidden. First, the frame is moved apart, then the tabletop is laid out.
Folding tables with mechanisms
The mechanisms for folding tables are different. They are made of aluminum (more expensive) or galvanized steel. Galvanization can rust in places over time, as liquids spill onto the countertop from time to time. But there is no such rust that would completely destroy the mechanism in the room.
Folding kitchen tables for small kitchens with mechanisms are of the same plan as folding ones – with one or two additional elements that are inserted between the halves stretched to the sides. The difference is that the mechanism itself does all the work. You just need to pull a little. The disadvantage of this option is the price, as well as the possibility of a breakdown of the mechanism.
Selecting a form
A folding table for a small kitchen can be of any shape: round, oval, square, rectangular. All of them are small in size, not everything should be placed in a small area. It is better not to put a round table in a small kitchen. You can’t move him to the wall, he must stand on a free patch, which is unrealistic on 5-7 squares. Slightly better in terms of the number of seats oval tables. But this is also not the best option – rounded edges do not allow furniture to be placed against the wall. Also an option that requires space.
There is, however, one option, but the table is not round, but semicircular. In such folding tables, the tabletop is divided into two parts and one of the sides is straight. Here’s a model you can put on the wall. Why is this option good? A rounded tabletop carries less danger in terms of injury.
So the choice, in general, is small – it is better to put a square or rectangular folding kitchen table in a small kitchen. They can be installed against a wall or placed in a corner, making optimal use of the available space.
Unusual folding tables for a small kitchen
Above, we talked about traditional kitchen tables: legs, frame, countertop. But in small rooms – an area of u4buXNUMXbXNUMX meters or a little more – there is not always a place for such furniture. Even a small square table is not always possible to put. For such cases, there are special solutions. For example, there are folding tables that take up almost no space when assembled.
In fact, this is a countertop, which is attached to a horizontal or vertical surface with the help of hinges. To keep it open, a folding leg or side stops are made. As you can see, the tabletop can be fastened with a long or short part, it can be of different sizes. The choice of mounting method and size depends on the layout, arrangement of furniture, the number of people who need to be provided with seats.
This solution is mostly individual, made independently or to order, so you decide on the dimensions locally. But do not forget about the aisles and the fact that you still need to put chairs or at least stools.
Another variation on this theme: a folding table for a small kitchen attached to a bookcase. In this embodiment, even the place under the stationary part of the countertop does not “walk”, but serves to store utensils or products.
And for a snack – a variant of the original folding table for the kitchen in the art deco style. A picture, photo, etc. is pasted/painted on the reverse side of the tabletop. The legs are made in the form of a frame. The folding/unfolding mechanism is the same, only the execution is different, but it is really unusual. By the way, as an option, instead of a picture there can be a mirror.
Another tip: if possible, it is better to make a countertop with rounded corners. And the more round the corners, the better. In a small space, there is always a risk of hitting a corner, and if it is round, the consequences will not be so painful.
What materials are they made from
A folding table for a small kitchen can be:
- Wooden. Such furniture is made from solid wood or from furniture panels. The most expensive models are made of solid wood, glued from planks are average in price. But wooden folding kitchen tables require increased attention: they are afraid of prolonged contact with liquids, they react to high humidity. In general, wood is beautiful and prestigious, but troublesome.
- From laminated chipboard or MDF – these are one of the most affordable models at the price. The most inexpensive ones are made from chipboard, you will have to pay a little more for laminated MDF. But the peculiarity is that during active use, the film is wiped or begins to peel off.
Wooden or veneered immediately and you can’t determine - From a chipboard or MDF pasted over with an interline interval. These models are average in price (veneered MDF is more expensive), but outwardly it is difficult to distinguish from natural wood. The downside is that hot glue can melt, which will lead to peeling of the veneer.
- Glass. Glass tables are durable, elegant, stylish and beautiful. Their main advantage is that they do not “load” space, which is very important for small kitchens. But they “ring” when you put dishes on them and feel “cold”, which is unpleasant in winter. Another disadvantage is that constant care is required, as fingerprints and dust are visible. But you can put cold, hot, pour water …
As you can see, there is no ideal. Everywhere there are pluses and minuses. It remains to choose which of them attract you more or which ones will “fit” into your interior better.