How a round drop-leaf kitchen table works

Tables are pretty basic pieces of furniture when you think about it. They consist of a flat slab of material, smoothed and finished, resting on one or more legs of resistant and decorated material. While the basic design has stayed relatively the same (and why shouldn’t it, really?), the featured options have grown.

Antique tables are built as a solid piece of furniture. You either use it as is or get one that is a different size. You don’t have to put up with such nonsense these days because there are varieties like round drop-leaf kitchen tables that allow you to completely change the shape and size whenever you need to. The ability to adjust the dimensions of the surface allows you to expand it for large dinner parties or contract it when you want an informal setting and want to save space.

Drop-down tables are the pinnacles of adjustability in dining room technology. They work by dividing the upper surface into three or more parts. In the case of a round kitchen table, it has two parts cut as semicircles and one or more parts cut as rectangles. The rectangular piece (usually called a blade if it can be removed) sits in the center and connects the two semicircles with a series of hinges. When the sheet is placed, the circular shape changes to what is called a race track layout, which is a very efficient layout for accommodating a large group of guests. The smaller ones, on the other hand, usually only have one leaf which is more suitable for a small or cozy dining room.

Beneath the drop sash it has legs and support beams also configured with hinges. The legs can be folded side by side so you can lower one half of the top and support the other. Basically you can adjust the legs underneath so that one of the half circles “drops” without losing the integrity of the table.

They are usually smaller in size and can be expanded or collapsed depending on your dining needs. If you have a small apartment or a breakfast nook that needs a dining table, these are perfectly viable options and if you ever want to expand it for a large party or family gathering, it’s easy to do.