The Best Extendable Kitchen and Dining Tables for Families
Updated: Feb. 21, 2024
No space, no problem—the best extendable dining table will give you all the seating room you need.
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Maybe your kitchen is only big enough for a small table. Or maybe you don’t want a massive dining table hogging up precious space on the regular but need it when you have the entire extended family over for Sunday dinner. Enter: The best extendable dining tables. These sneaky surfaces are the secret to saving space without compromising seating room, according to Karen Chenowith, design and sales consultant at Sofas ETC.
“Having an extendable dining table is perfect for special occasions when you will be hosting dinner for a large group,” Karen says, adding, “Then, after the event, you can close it to a more manageable size.”
There are plenty of options out there, from round extendable dining tables for tighter kitchens to larger wood tables that extend up to over 100 inches long.
What to Look for When Buying an Extendable Dining Table
According to Karen, there are three main things to consider when shopping for an extendable dining table. First, the type of table. A butterfly leaf is best for those who don’t have storage space or who need a smaller table, as the leaf folds in half and stores inside the table. Drop-in and drop-leaf tables look more finished when in use but require storage of the removable leaves. Second, consider size.
“The size of your room will dictate what size table would be best,” Karen says, explaining that a general rule of thumb is that you want to have about 3 to 4 feet between your table and the wall so you have space to pull out a chair or walk around. Third, consider the sturdiness and quality of construction.
“If you need an extra large extension table, make sure it has the proper support system to accommodate all the leaves.”
To help you pick the right one for your space and your budget, we’ve rounded up the best extendable dining tables below. Whether you want something mid-century modern, something rustic farmhouse, or even something for your patio, these are the tables that consistently receive five-star ratings from other shoppers.
Best Overall
Lark Manor Alenna Extendable Dining Table
We chose this oval extendable dining table as the best overall thanks to its timeless design and warm natural wood grain top. The molded feet at the base provide ample support—no wobbling or shaking here—and the removable leaf is easy to drop in and take out. It’s made of kiln-dried wood that adds a rustic touch to your kitchen and also holds up well with frequent use.
In addition, it features a circular 48-inch tabletop that extends to 66 inches when the leaf is inserted. While this particular table requires assembly, it comes with free white glove delivery should you want to skip that step.
Pros
- Traditional and timeless silhouette
- Sturdy and well-supported
- Easy to put together
Cons
- Finish chips easily
Best Wood
Pottery Barn Toscana Extending Dining Table
Leave it to Pottery Barn to have the most gorgeous extendable dining table we’ve ever laid our eyes on. It looks like something straight out of a farmhouse in the Italian countryside, with oversized X-shaped supports underneath for extra legroom and a distressed, hand-planed top that gives it a vintage feel. Made of kiln-dried solid Sungkai wood designed to prevent splitting and cracking, it’s built to last for years and years. It has not one but two leaves, making it extremely customizable.
In addition, it seats up to 12 people, depending on the style you pick. The table is available in five beautiful finishes—like Seadrift, Tuscan Chestnut and Dusty Charcoal—and three sizes. Get it in 84-, 104, and 124.5-inch lengths (with the leaves included).
Pros
- Customizable with different finish and size options
- Massive
- Incredible quality solid wood
Cons
- Expensive
Best Outdoor
Walker Edison Boardwalk Acacia Wood Extendable Outdoor Dining Table
Yes, outdoor extendable dining tables exist and yes, they’re every bit as conveniently awesome as they sound. As if you needed an excuse to throw another backyard barbecue or midsummer’s eve happy hour under the stars. With this table from beloved furniture brand Walker Edison, do all of that—and more.
Available in natural wood, dark brown and gray wash, it’s made of durable weather-resistant acacia wood, so leave it out in the elements without worrying about rain or wind. The butterfly leaf stows away neatly in the center of the table and transforms the 55-inch table into a 79-inch mammoth.
Pros
- Weather-resistant
- Leaf is stored inside the table
- Has a built-in umbrella hole
Cons
- Too much water exposure can cause warping
Best Set
Signature Design by Ashley Realyn Extendable Dining Set
Gather the whole family around this highly-rated extendable dining table set from Ashley Furniture. With the leaf inserted, it expands up to 96 inches long—enough room for up to eight guests to fit comfortably. It’s easy to use and you can have the table extended or returned to its original shape in just minutes. But for as good as it functions, it looks even better.
With whimsical details like beveled legs and a distressed chalk paint top, the table has a romantic French charm that would warm up any space. The included chairs are a perfect complement, with a traditional ladderback style and a comfy upholstered seat.
Pros
- Comes in 5-, 7- and 9-piece sets
- Fits a lot of people
- Gorgeous detailing
Cons
- Can’t buy table and chairs separately
Best Square
Joss & Main Cumbria Aspen Extension Dining Table
Should “square extendable dining table” be on your to-buy list, this one from Joss & Main deserves a spot as a top contender. One of the highlights is the built-in butterfly leaf, which is easy to open and close, and is completely hidden away under the tabletop when not in use (no storage space required!). It expands from 60 to 78 inches, which is ample room for all your guests to enjoy a nice meal.
The minimalist design, blocky legs and solid natural acacia wood construction make it both sturdy and versatile—it blends seamlessly into any decor style, from coastal-chic to farmhouse. Now you just need one of the best dining chairs to pair with it.
Pros
- Easy-to-fold butterfly leaf
- Made of solid acacia wood
- Simple design is very versatile
Cons
- Only comes in one color
Best Round
Threshold Astrid Mid-Century Round Extendable Dining Table
Target is a haven of affordable furniture—this round extendable dining table included. It’s from the retailer’s popular Threshold brand, which is known for its quality on-trend pieces at budget-friendly prices. The thin tapered legs and sleek circular shape make this table a mid-century modern masterpiece.
The four-person, 40-inch tabletop extends out to a 52-inch oval when you add the removable leaf, which is lightweight and easy to maneuver. With a natural wood grain finish, the top-rated table comes in black, brown and natural wood. We’d dub it one of the best round dining tables for the price.
Pros
- Budget-friendly price
- Trendy mid-century modern style
- Lightweight leaf
Cons
- Not as durable as others on this list
Why You Should Trust Us
Two years ago, when my husband and I moved into our first house, we bought our first extendable dining table. It ended up being one we found on Facebook Marketplace. Nonetheless, throughout the shopping process, I learned a lot about kitchen tables—what to look for, what to avoid, how to know if it’s good quality, etc. Beyond that, I have over a decade of experience in journalism and media, specifically in the home and lifestyle space. For more than 10 years, I’ve been writing product reviews and buying guides, so I’m a pro at sniffing out the best things to buy in a particular product category.
How We Found the Best Extendable Dining Table
To narrow down our list of candidates for the top extendable dining tables, I first looked at the trusted retailers that consistently have some of the best dining table sets, like Crate & Barrel, Wayfair and Home Depot. I then looked at the tables with the highest average ratings from the most shoppers. I read through hundreds of reviews to find the tables that are the most popular among customers, evaluating them on their quality, durability and functionality. For this article, I aimed to include a variety of styles and price points to fit everyone’s budget.
FAQ
Is an extendable table worth it?
Whether or not an extendable table is right for you depends on your intended use and personal preferences. Do you need extra seating now and then? Is there a desire to save on space? Do you entertain often? If you have the budget and the room to store leaves or inserts, you can’t go wrong with an extendable dining table. It holds its value well over time and is highly versatile.
What are the disadvantages of extendable dining tables?
While there are a lot of advantages to an extendable dining table, there are also a few disadvantages. The biggest, perhaps, is that they require storage space, as most come with leaves or brackets that you’ll need to store somewhere when they aren’t in use. They can also be cumbersome to assemble. If not properly maintained, the mechanisms get sticky and become tough to pull apart. Plus, the leaves can be heavy. Lastly, extendable dining tables can be more expensive because of the additional parts required.
Are extendable tables sturdy?
Extendable dining tables aren’t inherently more or less sturdy than traditional dining tables. As is the case with any of the best dining tables, the sturdiness depends on the quality of the construction and the materials used. If the joints and hinges are well-made and the table is constructed of solid wood or a similarly durable material, it should be just as sturdy—if not more so—than any other table.
Originally Published: February 02, 2024
