Folding tables: advantages and disadvantages

It is difficult to imagine an apartment or house without such a piece of furniture as a dining table. It is not always possible to install a large table, because a lot of space is required to place it, but you can purchase a folding option that is not inferior in functionality to a conventional model, but takes up much less space.

A folding table with incredible functionality is an excellent option not only for small rooms, but also for spacious rooms. The many advantages that this design is endowed with make it an incredibly popular and very relevant piece of furniture.

Any folding table has a transformation mechanism, thanks to which the dining surface can be increased. it very convenient both for the sudden arrival of guests, and for holding family celebrations... The table layout will not take much time and effort, since the transformation mechanism, which the table structure is equipped with, is both simple and reliable at the same time.

When assembled, the folding table practically does not take up space. A laconic and neat design can be installed both in a small apartment and in a country cottage. Thanks to a wide assortment, you can choose an option for a living room, a nursery, and, of course, a kitchen, fortunately, manufacturers produce not only models that are different in terms of design features, but also according to the materials of manufacture.

The disadvantages of a folding table include the price. For many buyers, it seems high enough. But in fairness, it should be noted that the price of these products a priori cannot be low, since the table is equipped with a transformation mechanism and is made of high-quality materials, and a good thing cannot be too cheap.

Some buyers rank as a disadvantage the unwillingness to tinker with the table layout every day. But this opinion is quite controversial, since it is not at all difficult for other people to lay out a table if necessary.

Today, the folding transforming table is produced in a variety of configurations, which are divided into stationary, portable, collapsible, built-in and folding structures.

Built-in structures are most often installed in the kitchen and are a countertop that slides out of the kitchen drawer niche. To lay out, you just need to pull the handle of the drawer, and a small flat surface will appear, located perpendicular to the base of the niche, used not only as a dining table, but also as a desktop. The table can be either rectangular or angular.

The folding structure can also be mounted on the wall, in the side of the kitchen drawer, and also be a continuation of one of the cabinets. The surface can be on one support, or it can be supported by two fasteners attached to the base.

For many kitchen areas, a wall drawer with shelves and a built-in folding table supported by a frame would be an excellent option.This design takes up a minimum of space, since the base of such a table is located on the wall.

The universal narrow folding table-"book" is the prototype of many models. The area of ​​the table top is increased due to the layout of the side parts, both on one and on both sides. Folding multifunctional tables have been incredibly popular lately. Typically, these instances have a dual purpose.

The clamshell table in appearance resembles a rectangular curbstone. In order to use the table, you need to fix the movable cover in a horizontal position, and if you need a clamshell, you need to fold the movable part vertically and take out the frame structure.

The multifunctional chest of drawers has a different purpose. When closed, this model looks like a regular chest of drawers, and when the folding surface is fixed, it turns into a full-fledged desk.

The bench-table refers to the stationary structures used most often in the country. In this design, a folding tabletop and a bench are perfectly combined as a full-fledged seat for several people. The version with a canopy is suitable for those who like to arrange gatherings in any weather.

A table-desk has a slightly different purpose. Today, such models are produced taking into account age and have many modifications. A very popular option is with an adjustable tabletop position and height-adjustable depending on the height.

The folding stationary structures include a coffee table with stools. The surface of such a model, as a rule, does not have a very large area, but the tabletop itself is adjustable, thanks to which you can set parts of the tabletop to a comfortable height.

An alternative to the miniature stationary version is the mobile table on wheels, which can be moved at will from one point to another.

Stationary structures include a guest diplomat table. This model has an additional surface, consisting of two halves, is located under the main table top. In order to unfold this model, you need to move the main part aside and unfold additional inserts, placing them in the vacant space.

In addition to stationary options for folding tables, there are also portable fully folding structures that are convenient for transportation. These models are the best option for those who like to relax in nature.

The light and compact suitcase table has an interesting design. The table top consists of two parts, each of which has a pair of stools attached. When folded, each pair is placed in its own compartment and the halves of the table top are folded to form a suitcase with a convenient carrying handle.

For outdoor enthusiasts, a folding portable table is suitable. It is a very lightweight construction that takes up a minimum of space, as it is a completely collapsible model. Once assembled, the model is transferred and stored in a special bag.

Many models produced in mass production are able to satisfy the tastes of most consumers, but there are designer tables that amaze with their beauty and sophistication.

Folding tables are produced not only for home use. There are models that have their own specifics. These types include a cutting table for fabrics, a folding massage option and other models that are not intended for domestic use.

Folding tables are brought into one position or another thanks to transformation mechanisms, which are divided into three main types: tsargovy, zargovy and transformers.

The tsarga is the skeleton (frame) of the table, the table top is attached to it. The collet mechanism consists of a profile along which the carriages move. A special platform is attached to the profile, which holds the tabletop. There are several types of drawer mechanisms: with external or internal fastening, "book" and end extension.

With external fastening, the carriage moves out of the guide profile, and with internal fastening it remains within the profile. External and internal mounts can be installed both externally and internally. The book mechanism is similar to the internal fastening. End extension is characterized by the extension of the side part together with the supports. The movement is limited by a stopper.

Zargovy mechanisms are not attached to the frame. They are attached either to the countertop or to the countertop and underframe. The frame is necessary for fastening the supports and has a split design. If the mount is attached to the tabletop, then the support of the product slides out along with the surface when it is laid out. Inserts that enlarge the surface are either inside the model, supported by special parts, or separately from it.

The mount attached to the underframe is equipped with a sync cable. An additional surface is located between the underframe and the worktop. In some embodiments, a stopper is present.

Two types of mechanisms are characteristic of transformer tables - a rise in height and an automatic rise of an additional surface of the tabletop. To increase the surface in width, side and side mechanisms are used.

Most folding structures are small when folded. The standard options are for four people. The width of such a table is within the range of 80-85 cm, the length is no more than 100-120 cm, and the comfortable height is 75 cm. A small folding table, even when unfolded, has smaller dimensions relative to the standard.

Folding dining tables, most often installed in living rooms, when folded have standard or close to standard dimensions. The table, long when laid out and compact when folded, is an indispensable piece of furniture.

There is a ratio of capacity and size of the countertop. A table with a size of 90 * 150 cm will comfortably accommodate from 4 to 6 people. For 8-10 people, the surface size should be 110 * 200, and for 12 people, a large table with dimensions 110 * 320 is required.

A compact and low coffee table, thanks to the transformation of the tabletop, depending on the model, it can accommodate from 4 to 6 persons, and thanks to the lifting of the tabletop upwards, it provides a high level of comfort.

Folding tables with mini sizes are portable tourist models. Their length is in the range of 40-45 cm, and their width does not exceed 25-30 cm.

Folding tables have tabletops of various shapes.

The most traditional is the rectangular version. This form is suitable for installation in the kitchen, living room, and any other room. Timeless classics will look equally good against the wall, in the corner and in the middle of the room.

A round table is considered no less common. The absence of corners makes the table safe, especially this detail is important for families with small children.

A type of round table is a semicircular version. This model is most often installed near a wall, since one side is straight. Folding stationary models are very often equipped with a semicircular tabletop. With its straight side, such a table is attached to a wall or niche, and the semicircular part can be expanded as needed.

The square shape is less common.As a rule, small coffee tables and compact kitchen products are equipped with a countertop of this shape. A square table is most often installed in a corner or near a wall.

Various materials are used for the manufacture of folding tables.

The most traditional material is wood. There are models made entirely of solid wood, but there are also models in which only the frame is wooden. A wide variety of tree species are used for the manufacture of wooden products.

Structures made of hevea are resistant to moisture, do not deform with temperature drops, are strong and durable. Pine tables are somewhat cheaper than Hevea products, since this type of wood belongs to a medium-soft variety. With proper processing, the table can serve for quite a long time.

As an alternative to solid wood, tables are made of lightweight but durable plywood, the surface of which is usually laminated. Most often, folding hinged models are made from plywood.

Glass is used as a material for the manufacture of countertops. Products with a glass surface are often complemented with artificial rattan. It is a durable and flexible plastic tape used to decorate table tops and table legs. Products made of plastic rattan are resistant to various weather conditions, so they are often installed in open spaces of summer cottages.

Plastic is another material used in the manufacture of these structures. A folding plastic table with a frame made of a shaped tube is light and durable. For the manufacture of lightweight folding structures, metal is used, most often it is aluminum. The folding rack table is practical, wear-resistant and durable.

In the manufacture of folding tables, a material such as artificial stone is often used. Countertops for kitchen models are made from it. Stone surfaces are scratch, water, grease and dirt resistant.

The style of the folding table is directly dependent on the materials used and the form of execution.

Modern products with a glass surface and metal supports will look great in a high-tech, modern and minimalist room. The shape of the model for these styles has clear, straight lines without excessive decoration.

Products from precious woods, decorated with carvings and varnished are well suited for Provence-style interiors. For country style, solid wood tables are the best option, but without the use of decor. Only laconic form and strict simple design.

Loft style tables tend to have a rough wood top and a metal support.

Folding tables, in addition to differences in design, purpose, materials of manufacture, are available in various colors. For the kitchen, a white table would be a suitable option. White and black are classics of the genre. Both tones look great both individually and in combination with each other. A great example of this is a black glass table with a white photo print.

Wooden surfaces are characterized by such colors as wenge, alder, plum, mahogany, sonoma oak, various shades of walnut. The table top, depending on the style of execution, can be matte, or it can have a gloss. A polished table is more suitable for classic-style rooms.

When choosing a model for a house, you must first decide on the installation site of this structure, having made preliminary measurements. It is necessary to do this in order to understand how much the structure will take up space in the folded and unfolded state.

When choosing a model for the kitchen, it is better to pay attention to models where the tabletop would be made of high-quality and practical material, as well as the number of seats when folded.

The choice of a model for a living room depends on many factors. These are the dimensions of the room, and the style of decoration, and, of course, the wishes of the owners. If you can't immediately decide on the place of installation, then it is better to purchase a lightweight mobile table in the living room. You can move it anywhere you want.

A folding table can be made of different materials, have different sizes and shapes, but the purpose remains unchanged - it is a comfortable pastime in the company of interesting people.

For an overview of an interesting folding table, see the next video.