Do you dread squeezing extra chairs around your dining table for holiday dinners and dinner parties? Are you short on space but still want to host family and friends in style? An expandable round dining table may be the perfect solution for your home. With just a quick spin, an expanding round table transforms from an intimate 4-person dining space into a gracious option for 8, 10, or even 12. Read on to discover all the benefits of choosing a spinning expandable round table and how to select the right one for your needs.
What is an Expandable Round Table?
An expandable round dining table is a circular table with leaves that extend from the center to increase the table’s diameter. The extensions allow you to accommodate more chairs when needed, then easily retract the leaves when not in use. This versatile furniture piece combines the elegance of a round dining table with the flexibility of varied seating capacities.
Basic Definition and Mechanics
The key feature of an expandable round table is its ability to expand in size while maintaining a round shape. Standard expansion mechanisms include self-storing leaf extensions, removable leaves, telescoping designs, and fold-down flaps. Self-storing leaves remain attached to the table and simply fold into compartments beneath the tabletop when not in use. Removable leaves detach completely from the table for storage elsewhere. Telescoping tables extend via sliding concentric rings. Fold-down flaps increase the circumference of the table through hinged flaps around the apron.
Types of Expanding Mechanisms
The most common expansion method is the self-storing leaf design. Leaves remain connected to the table through hinges and have locking supports to keep them stable when extended. The leaves fold into recessed compartments when the table is at its smaller diameter. Other tables may have leaves that are detached and stored elsewhere when not needed. Some expandable round tables feature telescoping pedestal bases with concentric rings that slide out to expand the tabletop surface. High-end contemporary tables may use fold-down flaps or “petals” around the apron to increase the circumference.
Design Styles
Expandable round tables come in an array of styles to match any home decor. Classic wood dining tables with turned pedestal bases offer a traditional elegant look. Farmhouse, rustic and reclaimed wood table tops bring cozy cottage charm. Sleek modern tables with glossy lacquer surfaces and gleaming metal bases have contemporary designer appeal. The round shape works well with any style, from vintage to industrial to midcentury modern.
Benefits of an Expandable Round Table
What are the key advantages of choosing an expandable round dining table for your home over a standard fixed-size style? Here are some of the top benefits.
Saves Floor Space
When an expandable round table is in its compact position, it has a very small footprint that conserves precious floor space. The modest 4-person round table size is perfect for small dining nooks, kitchens, and apartments where space is limited. Storing the leaves inside the table keeps everything neat and out of the way. You avoid having bulky removable leaves taking up storage space elsewhere when not in use.
Flexible Seating Capacity
The magic of an expandable round table lies in its flexible seating capacity. While a standard 4 to 6 person round table only allows a set number of chairs, an expanding table provides the ability to host both intimate family meals and large dinner parties or holidays. Spinning the table to extend it can allow seating for up to 10 or 12 guests with ease. The easy expansion mechanism lets you alternate between small and large gatherings.
Beautiful Look
A round dining table offers pleasing aesthetics for both small and large numbers of diners. The shape promotes an intimate yet egalitarian feel. When expanded, the smooth round edges maintain this visual appeal. The spinning motion to open the curved leaves has a beautiful kinetic flair. An expandable round table avoids the awkward look of crowded rectangular tables or disjointed shapes of leaves inserted into a square table.
Features to Look For in an Expandable Round Table
If an expandable round dining table sounds right for your home, here are some key features to evaluate when choosing the perfect option.
Quality Construction
Look for solid hardwood construction or quality metal bases for durability. Seek out tables with scratch-resistant, stain-resistant tabletops that will withstand daily use and retain their beauty. The table should feel stable and not wobble when extended to full size. All moving parts should glide smoothly during expansion.
Smooth Expanding Operation
Test the expansion mechanism before purchasing to ensure it operates smoothly. Opening and closing the table should happen effortlessly with a gentle spin of the top or slide of the leaves. Seek out self-storing leaf designs that eliminate the need for removable parts. The table should feel solid when expanded without gaps, cracks, or unsteady wobbling.
Size Options
Consider both your compact and expanded seating needs. Standard expandable round tables seat 4 to 6 people in their initial round design but can extend to add 4 additional chairs or more. Larger options are available too that can comfortably accommodate 8 to 10 people when open. Just be sure to measure your room size and layout to ensure proper clearance around the table at maximum expansion.
Stylish Expandable Round Table Options
With so many choices on the market, here are three top-rated expandable round table designs to consider for your home.
Contemporary: Staron Expandable Round Dining Table
For contemporary flair, the Staron table features a smooth round glass top with beveled edges atop a gleaming chrome pedestal base. The ultra-sleek style seats 4 but expands with two leaves to accommodate 6. The modern glass and metal design makes a stunning statement.
Rustic: Copeland Expandable Round Dining Table
The warm Copeland table brings rustic farmhouse charm with its rough-hewn reclaimed pine wood top on a classic trestle base. Two self-storing leaves expand the seating from 4 up to 8 guests. The distressed finish adds cozy weathered appeal.
Traditional: Trenton Expandable Round Pedestal Dining Table
For timeless traditional elegance, the Trenton features a round cherry veneer top with a beautifully carved pedestal base. Its compact 42-inch round size opens up to a 60-inch oval with two 20-inch leaves. The rich wood finish exudes classic style.
Tips for Using an Expandable Round Table
Once you’ve selected the perfect expanding dining table, here are some tips to make the most of its versatile seating options.
Adding Seating
Completing the table setting, look for durable folding chairs that can be easily stored when not in use. Matching Parsons chairs or slipcovered side chairs make relaxed additions for extra guests. Place chairs snugly around the curvature of the table to maximize seating capacity when expanded.
Tablescape Design
Have fun styling the table for special gatherings and holidays. Round tables are ideal for large floral centerpieces, wreaths, garlands, and other decorative tablescapes. Lay out placemats, chargers, and platter placements with geometrical precision. LED candle rings create dramatic focal points on an expanded table.
Holiday Hosting
An expandable round table can make holiday hosting far easier. Eliminate the need for an extra leaf and tablecloth with built-in expansion. Set up buffet stations nearby for easy serving access. Spin the table out to its fullest extent so guests can relax with elbow room. Clean up is easier too without leaves to disassemble and store.
An expandable round dining table offers the ultimate combination of form and flexibility. The pleasing round shape works equally well for both intimate family meals and festive gatherings of family and friends. Just a quick spin or slide effortlessly transforms the table to welcome extra guests. Durably built with quality materials and smooth mechanics, an expanding round dining table can serve your home’s needs for years to come. Consider adding this convenient, versatile furniture piece to your home.