The 10 Best Drop Leaf Tables
This wiki has been updated 27 times since it was first published in January of 2017. If you live in a small house or apartment, but you like to occasionally host dinner parties or get-togethers, you don't want a large table permanently taking up valuable space. These drop leaf versions can provide the surface area you need for an evening and then get out of the way when the night is over. Many of our selections are just as sturdy and elegant as one-piece furniture. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Bowery Hill Washed Linen
2. International Concepts Small
3. Corner Housewares Multi-Purpose
Editor's Notes
July 29, 2019:
This list had us prioritize well-made selections with quality materials and thoughtful designs, as well as fair price points and assembly that wasn't too much of a headache. Past that, it's up to the consumer to decide which table is best for their individual needs, which includes taking into account the shape, the height, the design, how well it matches your existing furniture and dinnerware sets, and whether it fits your aesthetic.
Our latest update saw this list brought to an even ten items, and we added the Catskill Craftsmen Fold-A-Way to do so. We liked this pick for its tiny footprint, integrated handles for carrying, warm natural finish, and sustainable manufacturing methods. Because it's still a little rough to the touch, it may require a quick buff with some sandpaper if it bothers you.
We also added the Corner Housewares Multi-Purpose at the expense of the Winsome Lynnwood, which we still liked, but felt the quality to be lacking a bit. The former is more versatile, in that it can achieve multiple height adjustments, two table configurations, and is easy to move around on its wheeled feet. It also looks attractive and is made well.
Special Honors
Emmerson Reclaimed Wood Expandable Crafted from reclaimed wood certified to Forest Stewardship Council standards, the Emmerson Expandable can comfortably seat eight people. Because the wood used for construction is gathered from myriad sources, every table is a one of a kind thanks to its unique markings, natural imperfections, and color variations. It sports an attractive stone gray finish, and its rugged texture will soften with age and use. westelm.com
Shayne Kitchen Handsome and durable, the Shayne Kitchen is made from MDF wood that's engineered to be exceptionally strong and retain its integrity over time. All wood is kiln-dried to ensure that it never warps, cracks, or mildews. It's finished by hand and sealed with a protective lacquer and sports handmade dowels, glue, and screws. Finally, it has a handy built-in shelf for storage and adjustable levelers for stability on uneven surfaces. potterybarn.com
The Origami The Origami converts from slim console to dining table with ease, capable of seating four when fully expanded. Its solid, bleached acacia wood boasts a light walnut finish and clear lacquer topcoat, while the strong, tubular steel legs feature a black powder coat finish for durability. This table looks lovely with contemporary design schemes. crateandbarrel.com
4. Ikea Applaro
5. Catskill Craftsmen Fold-A-Way
6. Coaster Home Furnishings Damen
7. Holly & Martin Driness
8. Winsome Alamo
9. International Concepts Dual
10. Leisure Season DL6322
Born in Arizona, Gia is a writer and autodidact who fled the heat of the desert for California, where she enjoys drinking beer, overanalyzing the minutiae of life, and channeling Rick Steves. After arriving in Los Angeles a decade ago, she quickly nabbed a copywriting job at a major clothing company and derived years of editing and proofreading experience from her tenure there, all while sharpening her skills further with myriad freelance projects. In her spare time, she teaches herself French and Italian, has earned an ESL teaching certificate, traveled extensively throughout Europe and the United States, and unashamedly devours television shows and books. The result of these pursuits is expertise in fashion, travel, beauty, literature, textbooks, and pop culture, in addition to whatever obsession consumes her next.