Buyer's Guide to Rectangular Extendable Tables
Whether you’re moving into a new home or undertaking a complete remodel, there are many decisions to make. Building a functional kitchen, designing the perfect living room for relaxation, creating a living space for entertaining guests, or designing a bedroom conducive to rest: how can you best plan your interior design project?
When it comes to the dining room, choosing the right dining table is one of the most important decisions. Design, dimensions, materials, price, eco-friendliness, and extension leaves: there are many factors to consider when selecting this piece of furniture. Among all the models, rectangular extendable tables have been very popular in recent years.
Choosing the Material for a Rectangular Extendable Table
When designing your interior decor, choosing the furniture for the dining room is one of the first decisions you’ll make. The materials used to make this furniture are of considerable importance.
The Uniqueness and Sustainability of Solid Wood
Before making a choice, keep in mind that it’s possible to combine originality with sustainability when it comes to home decor. As part of a more eco-friendly and healthy lifestyle, all you need to do is choose furniture that’s locally made from natural materials—preferably certified ones.
The ideal material for a piece of furniture that combines strength, aesthetics, and durability is solid wood without any composite materials. Completely natural and healthy, an extendable solid-wood dining table should be PEFC-certified to ensure the sustainable management of the forests from which its wood is sourced. To protect the environment and the health of the home’s occupants, it is best to choose a table made without synthetic products, but rather with natural, water-based products that do not emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
The Importance of Material for All Pieces of Furniture
Most extendable dining tables on the market are made from a variety of materials. Entry-level models are generally made from various types of plastic. Wooden models, on the other hand, are often combined with other materials (glass tops, metal legs, etc.). Obviously, depending on individual priorities, the material may or may not be the primary factor in choosing a model.
In any case, the quality of the solid wood makes the extendable rectangular table a durable and eco-friendly addition to your furniture collection. This choice of material can also be applied when furnishing other rooms:
- desk;
- coffee table;
- kitchen chairs;
- bed;
- armchair;
- garden furniture;
- couch;
- etc.
Choosing the Dimensions of a Rectangular Extendable Table
To choose the right extendable dining table—or even a rectangular coffee table—you must, of course, take its dimensions into account. Width, height, length, weight: all of the piece’s specifications should be considered when selecting the ideal model.
First, you need to know the size of the room where the extendable table will be placed. It’s important that the table doesn’t obstruct the walkways around it, and that it can accommodate a certain number of people for a meal with family or friends.
The table should be tall enough for adults, but also accessible to children. The length and width should be determined based on the number of people to be seated. Extensions usually add nearly one meter to the length. As for the table’s weight, you should consider the possibility of moving it around the room: it should be light enough for two people to carry.
As for the shape of the table, the rectangular table is one of the most popular extendable tables in homes because of its practicality and functionality. It blends seamlessly into the room—whether in a corner or in the middle—and adapts to the needs of everyone living there.
Choosing the Right Extension for a Rectangular Extendable Table
The choice of an extendable table model should also depend on the type of extension leaf used. There are several types of extension leaves:
- removable extensions to be placed at the ends of the table;
- removable table extensions to be placed in the center of the table;
- The extension pieces built into the underside of the tabletop, which can be unfolded by sliding the ends.
Built-in extension cords are naturally more convenient for everyday use, since they can be set up in just a few seconds. Removable extension cords, on the other hand, need to be stored away when not in use, which can be a hassle.
Depending on the desired total table length, there may be 1, 2, or 3 extension leaves available. You should therefore consider the number of guests you plan to host when selecting an extendable table model.
Thinking About the Ideal Table Design for Your Interior Decor
The design of a rectangular extendable dining table will depend not only on the material it’s made of, but also on its finish color and dimensions. The criteria discussed earlier are therefore always key to choosing a piece of furniture that complements the decor of the room where it will be placed.
Furthermore, you shouldn’t overlook the choice of chairs to go with the table in the dining room. For example, pairing a wooden table with wooden chairs ensures a warm, modern, and durable look. With their timeless style, these pieces of furniture suit all interior design styles.
Understanding the Price of a Rectangular Extendable Table
The rectangular extendable table is a very common piece of furniture on the market. With many models available at every price point, it’s no wonder it’s a favorite among households. For those on a tighter budget, entry-level tables are available (around €100). These tables are generally made from a variety of materials, including plastics, which tend to be both environmentally harmful and fragile.
To ensure you’re buying a sturdy and durable piece of furniture, it’s best to set aside a slightly larger budget. Glass and metal tables remain quite affordable. Wooden tables, on the other hand, come in many styles, with prices varying based on the quality of the wood used, among other factors. PEFC-certified, untreated solid wood is the material of choice for a very high-quality table.
The pursuit of quality in a rectangular extendable dining table can also be applied to other pieces of furniture in the home. When it comes to interior design, there is no longer a need to choose between practicality, aesthetics, originality, or sustainability: all furniture can be part of a more sustainable approach to production and consumption.
We recommend these other pages:
- How do you determine the right size for your dining table?
- What shape should you choose for your dining table?
- What material should you choose for your dining table?
- What are the benefits of choosing a solid wood dining table?
- What does PEFC certification mean for a wooden dining table?
- What color should you choose for your dining table?
- How Do You Choose the Right Style for Your Dining Table?
- Extendable Dining Table: Why and How to Choose the Right One?
- What's the best way to design a complete dining room?