A folding table is a prime example of how a piece of furniture can be comfortable, functional and discreet. This is an excellent solution for small apartments, where literally every centimeter of free space is valuable. If previously such tables were used only in the kitchen, now universal furniture is actively used in other rooms.
Folding table on the balcony
Folding white table
Secrets of an ideal apartment
In order to make the most economical use of space in the kitchen and in any other room, a folding wall-mounted table of square or semicircular shape is most often used. There are a huge number of products that are different in appearance, configuration, style and performance.
Folding table in the living room
Tabletop materials
A wall-mounted dining table can be made from different materials.
- Glass visually makes the structure weightless and unloads the kitchen space. However, many people do not like the sharp sounds from contact with serving items or the cold surface. Caring for glass parts is simple, but requires regularity.
- Plastic is available in a wide selection of colors and shapes, thanks to which the product is lightweight. Weaknesses - susceptibility to mechanical and temperature effects.
- Wood has the best performance characteristics, is environmentally friendly, looks solid and beautiful. Disadvantages: high cost, need to be treated with special compounds with a water-repellent effect, heavy weight.
- Chipboard will cost much less, but its strength characteristics are far from perfect. The laminated coating imitates the color and texture of natural materials and protects against moisture. If it is violated, the risk of deformation and destruction of the material increases.
- MDF is considered a worthy replacement for natural wood. The surface is finished with veneer or laminated. This type of stove can withstand unfavorable kitchen conditions better.
- Acrylic is not afraid of moisture, hot objects, and is reliable and durable. Its surface is easily cleaned from dirt.
The configuration of the tabletops is rectangular, square, oval or semicircular. The choice depends on the installation location, kitchen interior, number of household members, and personal preferences. If you plan to purchase a transformable table, you should take into account its dimensions when unfolded. The product should not create difficulties for movement.
Table transformer
The main advantage of transforming tables is that they are most convenient to pull out and push apart. It is often used in the kitchen, instantly turning the work area into a mobile dining room. Once the meal is over, the table can be transformed into a more compact version or even “disguised” among the kitchen attributes.
For a small kitchen, miniature tables are provided that lack a supporting leg or are equipped with only one such part. It is advisable not to overload such structures.
Folding desk for office
A transforming table will come in handy in a student’s room, who can study in the reading area at any convenient time. Then, having folded the folding transformer and freed up space, start playing games and other active entertainment.
Folding table in the kitchen
Features and Benefits
How to choose a folding table for the kitchen?
Each model of such tables differs in size and shape. With fairly small dimensions and a small footprint, it can accommodate a sufficient number of people. The shape of the wall table can be of three options:
- rectangular;
- semicircular;
- semi-oval.
As the name implies, such models are designed for placement against a wall; installation in a corner is also allowed. Wall tables have many advantages:
- small size, if you need more seats for guests, a folding version is suitable;
- the tabletop can be used for different purposes;
- ease of construction;
- strength.
Folding table
A folding kitchen table with a durable tabletop can be used simultaneously as a work surface and a table for eating. It can recline from almost any vertical surface: from a wall or cabinet.
Places of special load are fastenings and hinges. If the structure is properly secured, the wall-mounted folding table will be as reliable and comfortable to use as possible. Neglect of the strength of the mechanism or errors during installation will sooner or later cause part of the table to simply fall, tearing off part of the wall decoration.
Folding kitchen table
Folding table in the apartment
Most often, a simple folding table with wall mounting is presented in a semicircular or rectangular shape. Such furniture can vary in length and width. Often, folding tables can resemble a wide shelf that can be folded back as needed. More massive countertops require fasteners in the form of a spacer or several legs.
Folding table in a laconic design
Loft style folding table
Required Tools
How to make a wall-mounted folding table
If you need to make a folding table for a balcony, which will also look like a professional design, then you simply won’t be able to do it without modern tools.
By the way, in addition to hand tools, you also need electric ones. Here is a list of tools without which a wall-mounted folding table will not work:
A jigsaw is a must. It will help you cut table material accurately and efficiently. You can replace it with a hacksaw. But using it, you can forget about the perfect cut; for it, the cut will have to be polished.
A milling machine and attachments for it will be needed for processing edges, drilling holes and cutting grooves. Plus, it can be used to cut out decor for furniture.
A sander will be needed to smooth the surfaces.
You definitely can’t do without an electric drill. It will be used to drill holes. Plus, it requires drills for concrete and wood.
Clamps may be needed if glue and screed are used as temporary fasteners. They should not be used as permanent fixtures.
You will also need an office for marking (markers, tape measures), if you have a level and a square, this will be a plus.
You can replace them with manual analogues, but it will take more time. It’s too early to give recommendations on the quantity and type of material, because everything is individual.
Folding table in the form of a bar counter
In a kitchen interior decorated in a progressive style, a bar counter is often used. This is a narrow and long tabletop that can accommodate 5-6 people at once for a meal. Previously, bar counters were used that were tightly attached to the wall and built into the floor. Nowadays, mobile bar counter options are much more popular.
In essence, this is the same folding table for the kitchen, but especially skillfully stylized, and also effectively complemented by other attributes of the kitchen set.
A folding table with a folding tabletop in the form of a bar counter is suitable for very narrow kitchen locations with a non-standard layout. From the standpoint of comfort and aesthetic harmony, it is better to select high bar stools for such tables.
Folding table in the loggia
Folding small table
Types of underframes for wall-mounted kitchen tables
When considering the types of underframes, it is worth considering that the wall affects the characteristics of this element, and this must be taken into account.
The base is usually made of wood or metal, much less often of plastic. Wood can be used from any hard species. Metal bases are made of steel or aluminum and must be coated with chrome or sprayed with polymer dye.
The type of support depends on the type of table.
- Stationary - usually has four or three legs. This is a classic layout.
- Lifting - can rest on two or one support. The choice of number depends on the dimensions of the tabletop.
- The hanging model has no legs at all; it is supported on brackets attached to the wall.
If you have a small kitchen or for some reason want to save usable space, you should take a closer look at the wall-mounted table. This is a convenient and practical solution that will provide your family with a comfortable place to eat.
Folding table as a variation of folding models
A folding table is often chosen for a balcony or kitchen. It can be confused with the transformer described earlier, however, such models have a more primitive design.
A transformable table that reclines as needed is usually complemented by other important attributes. The folding table is not complemented with anything else. Rather, it is a functional addition to other kitchen furniture.
A folding table is ideal for a loggia combined with a kitchen. Part of the tabletop remains motionless, the other part reclines if circumstances require it.
MDF folding table
How does a table with a lifting top work?
In practice, the following types of such tables are found.
- Stationary model. This is the simplest solution, it cannot be transformed, but at the same time it can be freely transferred as needed.
- Folding or lifting table. This is one of the most compact options. The way it is folded out resembles a “book”. When folded, the main part of the tabletop is placed vertically. After lifting, retractable or attached legs are installed under it.
- Folding table. In this case, an additional one is placed on the main tabletop, which is folded out as needed. When folded, the model is larger than the previous one. Typically, when unfolded, the usable area doubles.
Mobile folding table
Perhaps the most interesting option for arranging kitchen locations with a non-standard layout is a mobile table with a folding tabletop. These models are always small in size. The main feature: the miniature table can be moved around the perimeter of the room.
A corresponding guide is attached under the tabletop, which acts as a rail. Such a folding dining table can be moved from one corner of the room to another within a horizontal plane.
Typically, all models are equipped with additional legs to provide support to the structure. They can hide under the countertop and not spoil the appearance of the kitchen unit at all. In other rooms, such a device is usually not used.
Folding table with chalk board
Fresh ideas
Designers are constantly coming up with new unique table models that will be appropriate in any room. In fact, any table - folding, sliding, folding - can look incredibly stylish and respectable, you just have to worry about the stylistic details of its design. And a few design tricks will make it as convenient as possible in everyday life.
Original solutions can be combined with your individual wishes and unusual ideas. In principle, an exclusive folding table for a balcony or a compact product for a small kitchen can be ordered from a master or made by yourself.
Folding table with metal leg
For the office
For example, folding desks can be designed a little unusually, but without losing its functional significance. The model resembles a common decorative element in a modern interior, consisting of two triangular fragments.
One of these fragments easily slides down, transforming into a convenient compact table-stand for a laptop and other gadgets. The design can be strengthened by providing a number of special compartments, which provide reliable storage for various small items.
The stylish design of the table will turn a familiar piece of furniture into a real wall decoration. White oak looks especially impressive. The material looks very respectable and beautiful, and is particularly durable.
Minimalist style folding table
Art Nouveau folding table
For landscaping the balcony
An ordinary folding table for a balcony (necessarily insulated), made of an elite type of wood, can be supplemented with a wooden “pocket” for books. In order for a table that can effectively recline to truly claim the title of masterpiece, it is important to take care of the fastening system.
Folding laptop table
Fasteners must be not only strong and reliable, but also very elegant. This is necessary so that when the table is transformed into one state or another, the “technical filling” does not spoil the appearance of the structure.
Folding table with shelves
For creativity
The folding table, similar to a music stand, deserves special attention. This spectacular and unusual element can decorate a bohemian setting. Musicians, artists and other creative individuals will clearly appreciate this functional addition.
Folding table in Provence style
The folding table is designed for those who like to write at an angle. A well-thought-out mechanism for transforming the tabletop from one state to another will allow you to easily change the angle of inclination and position during work at your discretion. Another important quality is that such models are easy to manufacture and install.
Folding table
For children's room
Tables that recline and free up space in the room are ideal for a child's room. Designers propose to supplement an already functional element of furniture with another important ability. When unfolded on the table, it will be convenient for the child to read, write, and perform any other manipulations. But when folded, the model will turn into a real “school board”. You can write on it with chalk, draw, do anything.
Folding table in the bedroom
Today, many stores sell special film for drawing. You just need to stick it on the inner surface of the tabletop and the updated table with enhanced functionality is ready. In this way, you can transform a folding table onto the balcony, making this area of the apartment a corner for creativity and fun games.
Wall with folding table
The concept of modern interior design is based on a love for the ergonomic arrangement of any room. Progressive ideas of designers allow small-sized apartments to be transformed into spacious apartments, filled with a lot of new products, characterized by increased functionality and significant aesthetic content. A folding table is a striking example of how a compact design can solve a whole range of everyday problems.
Folding table
Folding wall table
The rectangular version is most often used. It is more compact compared to semicircular and oval counterparts. The square option is not recommended if the folding tabletop, when unfolded, will be located in the aisle. However, it is preferable for a family of three.
The folding kitchen table is characterized by the simplest device. Main design elements:
- table top;
- support in the form of a standard leg or metal corner;
- side part, which is fixed on the wall and provides additional reliability to the product.
The standard version of a folding piece of furniture is suitable for installation in any area, but more often it is located in plain sight: near a wall, window, next to the dining table. When folded, it does not take up much space.
