Extension tables conveniently allow you to transform your dining room or kitchen area into a comfortable gathering space. Choosing the right one depends on how often you’ll be using it and how much room you have. Someone who enjoys hosting may need a sizable table as opposed to someone who lives in a smaller home, but likes to have a few friends over from time to time.

If you’re thinking about getting an extension table, we offer 4 different options for you to consider:

• Removable leaf

• Gear-driven

• Butterfly leaf

• Drop leaf 

Take a look at the functionality of each table to help you decide which one would work best for your home!

Removable leaf extension table

When you think of an extension table, you may imagine a traditional one with a removable leaf. Two people are needed to open and close it, and there’s ample room for any occasion like family meals or holiday dinner parties. Some removable leaves need to be stored, but there are others that you can conveniently put inside the table when not being used so you don’t need to worry about finding a place for them.

Example:

French Country Dining Table / Shown in: Acton, Cambridge, Framingham, and Middleton design centers

Gear-driven extension table

Another type of extension table with a removable leaf is one that’s gear-driven. It’s typically built with a pedestal or trestle base along with an internal mechanism that allows you to open and close it from the top, although two people are still needed for the job. This table doesn’t have a self-storing option, so you’d need somewhere to keep the leaf (like a closet or under the bed) when you aren’t using it.

Example:

K-Base Dining Table / Shown in: Acton, Cambridge, Framingham, Middleton, and Seaport design centers

Butterfly leaf extension table

Next on our list is a butterfly leaf extension table. Its most notable feature is a self-contained leaf that allows you to effortlessly open and close it without additional help. Accommodating guests is a seamless task, and it’s a great option if you don’t have anywhere to store the leaf.

For a more contemporary look, we also have a butterfly leaf table in glass and metal.

Examples:

Audrey Extension Table / Shown in: All design centers

Infinite Extension Table / Shown in: Middleton design center

Drop leaf extension table

Last but not least, there’s a drop leaf extension table. The leaves are conveniently attached to the ends of the table, and you can lift them up as needed to expand its length. Since this option is more compact, it’s ideal for anyone who’s limited on both space and storage.

Example:

Medina Drop Leaf Table / Shown online only

Try an extension table in one of our design centers

If any of the tables we mentioned piqued your interest, we recommend visiting a design center so you can see if you like the style and whether or not it will work in your space.

Read more: Designing a Dining Room: Need-to-Know Information