Extendable Dining Tables

Choosing the right extendable dining table

If you’re in the market for a stylish new or dining set, we recommend you browse our extending dining table collection first. Many people start by thinking that they don’t need a table that extends - and then they remember that they've been nominated to host the whole family at Christmas. Or that there’s one of those big birthday celebrations coming up. Or that they've volunteered to lay on a buffet that serves 30 next month. Even if you only need a larger dining table a handful of times a year, you’ll be extremely glad you opted for an extending dining table and chairs that seats eight, ten or more when one of those occasions rolls around. But if you’re new to the world of extendable dining tables, we’re here to explain your options and make it easy to find the one that’s right for you.

What is an extending dining table?

Like the name says, extending dining tables extend in length so you can seat more people. The special thing about extending dining tables – or extendable dining tables as they’re also known – is that they do it almost invisibly. And by that we mean that most of the time you won’t even be able to tell that a dining table is an extending dining table until you put the extending mechanism into motion. This is the inherent beauty of an extending dining table: whether you choose a wood extending dining tables or a high-gloss extendable dining table, you’ll get both a beautiful table plus the flexibility to seat more guests just whenever you want to.

Extendable tables extend in a couple of different ways. Many extending dining tables have an extension mechanism built in, while others extend manually. Either way, the ends of the table usually need to be pulled apart to accommodate one or more extra table leaves.

In a dining table with a built-in extension mechanism – like a butterfly extension mechanism – an extra leaf will effortlessly rise up and neatly slot into place. In a manually extending dining table, the act of pulling apart the two table ends simply reveals an aperture which is designed to accommodate an extra leaf or two. These extra leaves will either be supplied with the table or can be purchased separately, and can often be stored under the table.

Deciding between a mechanical extending dining table and traditional manually-operated extending dining table? Extending dining tables with extension mechanisms built in generally extend more quickly and easily. You may only need one person to operate them and you typically won’t have to find room to store any extension leaves. Traditional extending dining tables often take more than one person to extend – one person pulling at one end of the dining table and another person the other – but may be more affordable. Be sure to browse all your options so you find the one that’s right for you in terms of style as well as functionality.

How do extendable dining tables work?

Extendable dining tables extend in a couple of different ways. Many extending dining tables have an extension mechanism built in, while others extend manually. Either way, the ends of the table usually need to be pulled apart to accommodate one or more extra table leaves. In a dining table with a built-in extension mechanism - like a butterfly extension mechanism - an extra leaf will effortlessly rise up and neatly slot into place. In a manually extending dining table, the act of pulling apart the two table ends simply reveals an aperture which is designed to accommodate an extra leaf or two. These extra leaves will either be supplied with the table or can be purchased separately, and can often be stored under the table. Deciding between a mechanical extending dining table and a traditional manually-operated extending dining table? Extending dining tables with extension mechanisms built in generally extend more quickly and easily. You may only need one person to operate them and you typically won’t have to find room to store any extension leaves. Traditional extending dining tables often take more than one person to extend - one person pulling at one end of the dining table and another person at the other - but may be more affordable. Be sure to browse all your options so you find the one that’s right for you in terms of style as well as functionality.

What are the benefits of an extendable dining table?

Extending dining tables are a great idea if you only occasionally want to be able to seat more - the odd Sunday lunch, for example. If you mainly need a regular size dining table seating perhaps six or eight and you don’t want your dining table to feel too cramped in your dining room, then an extendable dining table gives you the best of both worlds - more dining table seating space when you need it, and a perfectly proportioned attractive dining table when you don't. There’s also a really incredible range of style choices when it comes to extendable dining tables - you’re definitely not limited to a few basic looks. At Furniture Village you’ll find contemporary high-gloss extending dining tables; beautiful wooden extending dining tables in a range of styles from classic with turned legs to modern industrial styles with metal bases; and contemporary hardwearing ceramic extending dining tables.

A range of extendable dining tables and chairs shapes

As well as finding the perfect dining table style for your home, it’s important to choose the right shape for your dining room. Rectangular extendable dining tables are a good choice for most homes and work especially well in longer or narrower dining rooms. We also offer round extendable dining tables. Round dining tables, in general, are good choices for square-shaped rooms and dining spaces, and also tend to work well in the corner of a kitchen where space might be at a premium. When extended, round dining tables become oval in shape - a distinctive dining room table style. Our dining table and dining chair buying guide has plenty of information around choosing the right extending dining table - the right finish, the right size, the right shape and more - and dining chairs for your home. It’s a really great place to start as you consider your options, and will help you ask all the right questions that’ll make deciding that much easier.

How to style an extendable dining table and chairs

As with any dining table purchase, purchasing an extending dining table means you’ll likely need a set of dining chairs to match. To make things easier, many of our extendable tables come as dining table sets - an extending dining table plus dining chairs. Additional dining chairs in the same style are usually available too. When you’re choosing the number of dining chairs to purchase along with your extendable dining table, consider where you might place or store the extra dining chairs (if there’s not enough room for them all to sit around your unextended dining table). For example, if your dining table accommodates eight diners when extended but only six people unextended, do you have room for those two extra chairs in your dining room, pushed against the wall perhaps? Or could you use them as extra seating in a living room, or as accent chairs in the bedroom? If your new extending dining table is just the start of your dining room makeover, be sure to browse our wide selection of dining room storage furniture like sideboards and display units, and our home accessories collection to find the perfect ceiling hanging light or floor rug.

Caring for your new extending dining table

Like all furniture, your new extendable dining tables and chairs will give you even more years of faithful service if you look after it properly. Our dining room furniture care guide is packed with useful information about caring for dining room furniture with sections on glass, stone, high-gloss furniture and wood furniture.