Realty Spacing Hacks: Folding Dining Table Design

One of the greatest challenges homeowners face is optimising available space. This is particularly true in major cities like Mumbai, where 1 or 2 BHKs are the norm and space is always at a premium. In smaller apartments and flats, the hall space or dining space is limited, and homeowners consider multipurpose furniture and easy-to-store tables and chairs the ideal solution. Among these, the folding dining tables are the most convenient because they are used only at meal times and can be put away without any inconvenience.

The dining table is where the family gathers for a shared meal, and guests come together when you host them. So we see that having a dining table is essential, but this does not have to be large or unwieldy to serve its purpose.

Here are five folding dining table designs you may want to consider for your home.

• Expanding round dining table - the expanding round dining table has caught the fancy of homeowners looking for a classy dining table that can seat up to eight people when they entertain guests but remains small and practical for everyday use. This circular table rests on one central leg and can simply be rotated to expand and become a larger table. Now, isn't that just perfect? It works on a simple system of levers, and the table can be expanded without any extra effort to set it up. The only challenge with this dining table is that you must make space for the expanded table when needed.
• Traditional folding table - The traditional folding table is a large plank of wood or ply with legs that bend on hinges and can be propped up to hold the table in place when in use. The legs can be made with wood or a light metal like aluminium. The table can be folded down with the board aligned with the legs and can be slid into a small vertical gap for storage. These folding dining table designs are informal and good for daily use in small families but cannot take heavy loads or seat many people.
• Collapsible folding table - This is a version of the traditional square or rectangular dining table which can be extended on one or both sides. The wooden boards on either side of the table are held together with hinges and can be propped open when you need more space or need to seat more people at the table. It is a neat design that makes these tables perfect for both formal occasions and daily use. These are available with matching wooden chairs, giving them an elegant look. Some are also available with nesting seats for easy storage and space-saving designs.
• Multi-utility folding table - The multi-utility folding table is typically a cupboard door or a countertop that can be converted into a dining table when necessary. A drop-down cupboard door can be used with a prop-up system; a concealed wooden board can be slid open from under the countertop. Multi-utility seats or foldable chairs can be used with these. Wood, ply, or light metals such as aluminium can be used for these folding tables. The downside is that these tables can only accommodate one or two people.
• Folding table and chair design - This innovative dining table design is put together with wooden boards. The groves in between are used to store the folding chairs that form part of the ensemble. The entire dining table with the chairs can be folded and put away as a single unit. This folding dining table unit is very nifty and can be stored in a small space or vertically placed along the wall. It is ideal for small homes or patios, balconies, gardens, and outdoor spaces. However, the space between the wooden boards makes it impractical for daily home use.

Many of these folding dining tables are available in furniture stores and online stores, but hiring a carpenter to customise the table and build it to suit your home's requirements may also be a good idea. It is a good idea to research different designs and suitable materials before settling on one that is perfect for your home. Browse through the folding dining table designs on Pinterest and Instagram to find one that suits your home needs.