Tips for choosing a folding table with drawers, ready-made options
The rational use of the free space of housing, especially in conditions of shortage, is an important task for designers. The universal transforming furniture comes to the rescue, capable of performing several tasks alone. One of such assistants in the house is a folding table with drawers, which has both advantages and some disadvantages.
Design features
Such a folding element has a complex structure than a conventional kitchen or desk. The main difference is the ability to increase the surface area due to its versatility. Consider the main distinguishing features of this type of furniture:
- folding table top - the main difference between this table and other elements of this type of furniture. The surface of the main part of the structure is hinged with a tabletop, and the second rises from the bottom up 90 degrees, forming one large working area with the base. To fix the tabletop in a horizontal position and prevent it from falling from the base, the supporting support in the form of a leg is separated. This support is attached on one side to the main structure by hinges and rotates at an angle of up to 60 degrees, propping up a folding surface. This type of furniture is suitable for installation under the wall, since it involves only one side;
- common designs with two symmetrical lifting planes. This view is set in the middle of the room so that both halves can open freely;
- drawers - a place to store things, equipped at the heart of the design. Unfolded “transformer” boxes remain at its end and do not interfere with any of the sitting people. Near the drawers it is impossible to fit comfortably enough, therefore they are always accessible;
- double-sided drawers are both versatile and uncomfortable. They are universal because there are more of them, but inconvenient, because it will not work to position the table against the wall, since one side of the table will remain blocked. It is located in the middle of the room. For this you need a really big room. Otherwise, from half of the drawers there will simply be no use;
- mobility will solve the above problem. Thanks to the installed rollers, instead of the usual legs, you can effortlessly move the table to the right place in the house. It is worth noting that the rollers must be unusually strong, as the design weighs a lot.
- such an invention perfectly replaces the desk and kitchen.
Advantages and disadvantages
The folding table with drawers has its pros and cons, which ultimately have a decisive role in choosing this element of the room filling. Consider the main positive characteristics of this device:
- a multiple increase in the working area is the main reason why this design is so appreciated. The increase is due to the lifting of the side panels to a horizontal position and the installation of support under them. Such a technique will help to solve the problem of placing a large family at one table, and if guests come to the house, then a holiday or a cozy evening will pass without a hitch;
- the appearance of this product, usually made of solid wood, goes well with many interior styles that are popular today. As a working element of home furnishings, it looks modern and useful. It perfectly complements such styles as contemporary music, country, loft and other design decisions regarding the interior, implying the saving of useful space in the house, as well as the use of natural materials;
- installation of the construction on the rollers will be a very useful upgrade, as it will add mobility. This will allow her to move freely around the house. In order that the table of a curbstone with drawers does not go to the sides when unfolded, the wheels are equipped with locks;
- the presence of boxes is another important plus, simplifying the life of the inhabitants of an apartment or house. They store things, especially those related to serving (tablecloths, cloth napkins). If it is decided to organize a desk using this furniture, the boxes will store documents or stationery.
Among the shortcomings, the following points can be noted:
- the weight of the folding table is very large due to the complexity of the design and the large amount of material necessary for the execution of the project. If it is not equipped with casters and is not mobile, then such furniture is very difficult to move independently;
- the price of folding tables with drawers is quite high. The universality of such a device more than covers this disadvantage, and yet its cost cannot be noted. It depends on the complexity of execution and material.
It should be very careful when choosing such a table to the style of the interior. A rather bulky design will not always be able to fit into a specific housing design.
Materials of manufacture
The folding table with drawers has its own peculiarities regarding the choice of material for the manufacture of the base, accessories and accessories. Each detail should be selected with special scrupulousness, since the load on some nodes is only possible with high-quality and reliable components. A small overview of the main materials used:
- wood is used in the manufacture of countertops, structural foundations and extendable supports. It is a pleasant to the touch natural material. It is environmentally friendly and safe for human health, provided that harmless paints and varnishes are used. The disadvantage of such raw materials is its price, which is at a fairly high level. In addition, a wooden table weighs more than MDF tables or combined structures using aluminum. If you make a desk from a folding table, then the tree will delight each time with its pleasant surface structure;
- MDF panels are one of the most common materials for assembling a folding table with drawers. MDF canvas is cheap, and looks almost like a tree. We clarify that this "almost" can be very close to becoming a worthy substitute for wood massif, and very far from this. Of course, it all depends on the quality of the material. In addition to appearance, MDF differs from wood in lighter weight, but less strength. For greater safety of the material, it is covered with veneer or PVC film, this also extends the service life of the latter;
- metal is used in the manufacture of accessories, table supports and working mechanisms. Steel is used to create fixtures and moving parts. Aluminum is also suitable for these purposes, however, it costs more. Aluminum is used to create large parts, such as supports for drop-down panels. Aluminum is light and durable, and also harmoniously combines with a thin wooden base or parts of a table made of MDF;
- Plastic is applicable to the details of the table. Handles, caps, rollers, sliding mechanisms - all these parts of the table are made using plastic materials. The supports are also equipped with plastic caps so as not to harm the floor.
Accommodation options
An important scheme is the placement of furniture in the house, namely the rational use of the free space of the room. Given the fact that a folding table with drawers at different times occupies a different area, you need to plan a place for it with a margin. The main criteria that should be followed when planning the room in which the folding stand table will be installed, we will present below.
The kitchen table can be placed under the wall. The rotation of the entire structure to the wall is carried out by one side or another, depending on the requirements placed in front of it. If you need a working and dining surface, the table is deployed with one lifting panel to the wall, and only the second half is involved. All drawers, if located on both sides, will be accessible. The second option is to place the table along the wall. So you can expand both halves, but there will be no access to half of the boxes. It is suitable for large kitchens. For even larger kitchens, placing the table in the middle is optimal. This method will create a full dining place, designed for a large family.
If the table is equipped with wheels, then after eating it can be folded and put away to the side.
In the living room, the table is stored folded, located near one of the walls. It is laid out if necessary, for example, when a large number of guests visit, using it as a work surface and replacing it with a desktop. During the "rest" he plays the role of a cabinet with drawers and a small narrow and long surface. If this is a large living room, then the table is located in the middle of the room unfolded - it will perfectly complement the cozy home interior.
Children's rooms can also be supplemented with folding tables. This is a great opportunity to replace the desk with a universal element, which also hides at any time, providing space for the expansion of the playing area. Mandatory is the location of the table in a well-lit place, namely under the window - for homework, the child needs proper lighting. If the kid’s bedroom has an attic bed, then its lower part can be filled with such a desk with a curbstone. The main thing is to choose the correct size of the second, and make sure that it matches the interior design of the children's room.
Selection rules
For a successful composition of the interior and the safe use of furniture, you need to carefully consider the choice of the latter. The correct selection of filling elements will create a conceived design of the room, which will give coziness, comfort and functionality to the home. Here are some recommendations for choosing this type of furniture:
- you need to pay attention to the quality and safety of the materials used in the manufacture of the table. Environmentally friendly is a tree. In addition, solid wood furniture looks noble and emphasizes the status and delicate taste of its owner. An alternative to wood is chosen MDF boards, properly glued with veneer or PVC film. Places for drilling and fastening parts must also be treated with glue. The buyer has the right to receive from the seller all certificates confirming the declared quality of the product;
- The accessories on the table with drawers should hold tight to the surfaces. Handles should be as ergonomic as possible so that the user can open them with either hand or one finger. This is very important, because during the cooking process, if the table is installed in the kitchen, the housewife with her hands busy or dirty should be able to get quick access to the place where kitchen napkins or other things are stored;
- movable parts should work smoothly without making unnecessary sounds. Drawers should open and close with the slightest effort;
- the lifting panel must be secured to the base with hinges appropriate to its weight. The hinges must be of high quality and of a suitable size - the larger they are, the more evenly the load is distributed on the fixing screws. The tabletop support should be solid and stable;
- preliminary measurements and planning will help you choose the right furniture sizes. It is ideal for a designated place in the home and will not hurt anyone when folded. If the folding table will be used as a desk, then its height is very important.
A folding table is a useful invention that allows you to usefully take up free space in the room. Simple recommendations given above will help determine the choice of this type of furniture and purchase a suitable option for it.