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Courtesy of Article
With foldable designs and expandable seating capacities, drop-leaf tables offer a versatile solution for breakfast nooks and small dining areas. "Drop-leaf tables work especially for spaces that are multipurpose, as they can double up as food-prep stations or wall-mounted desks," says Decorist designer Ashley Mecham.
With this guidance, we researched standout options fit for various decor styles. After narrowing down our final list, we were especially impressed with the durable design and pared-down versatility of Article's Alna Drop-Leaf Table, thus naming it our top winner.
Here are the best drop-leaf tables below.
Best Overall
Article Alna Drop-Leaf Dining Table
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Solid wood surface
Versatile
Easy to reconfigure
Partial assembly required
There's much to admire about Article's Alna Table. It's got powder-coated steel legs and a solid wood surface in your choice of oak or walnut. Transitioning easily with sliding wood beams, this versatile unit works as a dining table, writing desk, sideboard, or high-end card table.
Measuring 51 x 34 inches in the expanded position, note that the Alna can seat up to four people. You'll have to assemble it partially at home, but it shouldn't take more than 15 minutes.
Price at time of publish: $499
Shape: Rectangular | Material: Oak wood, powder-coated steel | Dimensions Without Extension: 51 x 19 x 30 inches | Dimensions With Extension: 51 x 34 x 30 inches | Seating Capacity: 2–4
Best Versatile
Signature Design by Ashley Berringer Round Drop Leaf Table
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Reasonably priced
Versatile finishes
Comfortably seats four
Assembly required
For something a bit more affordable, consider the Berringer table from Ashley Furniture's Signature Design collection. Made of solid and engineered wood, it features a round surface with a rustic brown or glossy blackish-brown veneer.
The round-to-square table features hinged leaf extensions and seats up to four people comfortably in the expanded position. You'll have to put this drop-leaf table together at home, but if you buy it from Amazon, you can add expert assembly to your order.
Price at time of publish: $251
Shape: Round | Material: Wood, engineered wood, veneer | Dimensions Without Extension: 36 x 22 x 31 inches | Dimensions With Extension: 42 x 31 inches | Seating Capacity: 2–4
Best Tall
Holly & Martin Driness Drop Leaf Table
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Seats up to six
Versatile
Designer-recommended
Not solid wood
Interior designer Ashley Mecham is a fan of the Holly & Martin Driness table. "It has a double drop leaf, so there are three different sizes you can use," she tells The Spruce.
We wish this drop-leaf table were made of solid wood, but we appreciate the generous capacity and reasonable price point, especially considering the size. "Whether it's a console table, a buffet against the wall, a desk with one leaf down, or a dining table that can sit up to six, this drop-leaf table is sure to be great for whatever use (or uses) you need it for," says Mecham.
Price at time of publish: $285
Shape: Rectangular | Material: Medium-density fiberboard, metal, melamine | Dimensions Without Extension: 63 x 14 x 29.5 inches | Dimensions With Extension: 63 x 31.5 x 29.5 inches | Seating Capacity: 4–6
Best Dining
Pottery Barn Mateo Drop Leaf Dining Table
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Kiln-dried wood
Timeless and versatile
Arrives fully assembled
Expensive shipping
Only one finish available
For dining purposes or seating more than four, we like Pottery Barn's Mateo table. It's made of solid poplar and beech wood, plus MDF (medium-density fiberboard), all kiln-dried to prevent splitting, warping, and cracking.
Though it only comes in one finish, the dark distressed wood is timeless and versatile. Unlike many other drop-leaf tables, it arrives fully assembled with white-glove delivery service. But just a heads-up, shipping is pretty expensive.
Price at time of publish: $599
Shape: Square/rectangular | Material: Poplar and beech wood, medium-density fiberboard | Dimensions Without Extension: 30 x 30 x 30 inches | Dimensions With Extension: 54 x 30 x 30 inches | Seating Capacity: 2–4
Best Tapered
Room & Board Adams Drop-Leaf Table
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Solid wood
Six finishes available
Made in the U.S.
Expensive
The Adams table from Room & Board is made in the U.S. and handcrafted from solid wood. It comes in six finishes, including golden maple, reddish cherry, deep walnut, gray-washed maple, charcoal-stained maple, and sanded ash.
This shaker-style table has tapered legs and two hinged leaves that expand to a four-person seating capacity. In the end, our only complaint is the steep price tag.
Price at time of publish: $1,599
Shape: Rectangular | Material: Solid wood | Dimensions Without Extension: 34 x 30 x 29 inches | Dimensions With Extension: 46 x 34 x 29 inches | Seating Capacity: 2–4
Best Compact
World Market Round Weathered Gray Wood Jozy Drop Leaf Table
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Modern-meets-traditional design
Compact
Solid wood
Assembly required
Only one finish available
The Jozy table from World Market is handcrafted from solid acacia wood. Though it only comes in one color, the modern weathered-gray finish is a nice balance to the traditional curved pedestal legs.
Featuring two hinged leaves, this compact circular table expands to a 36-inch diameter and comfortably seats up to four people. Other than that, the main thing to keep in mind is that you'll have to assemble it at home.
Price at time of publish: $300
Shape: Round | Material: Acacia wood | Dimensions Without Extension: 36 x 18 x 30 inches | Dimensions With Extension: 36 x 30 inches | Seating Capacity: 2–4
Easiest to Assemble
International Concepts 36" Square Dual Drop Leaf Dining Table
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Solid wood
Versatile
Four finishes available
More basic design compared to competitors
This square pedestal table by International Concepts is another great option that isn't too expensive nor difficult to put together. It's made of solid wood and comes in your choice of white, brownish-black, warm cherry, or espresso.
This drop-leaf table can function as a desk, a two-person dining table with the leaves down, or a four-person table in the expanded position. At-home assembly is required (though many consumers deem it easy to set up), but you can opt for professional assembly if you order it from Amazon.
Price at time of publish: $326
Shape: Rectangular/square | Material: Solid wood | Dimensions Without Extension: 36 x 22 x 30 inches | Dimensions With Extension: 36 x 36 x 30 inches | Seating Capacity: 2–4
Best With Storage
Beachcrest Home Simms Counter Height Drop Leaf Dining Table
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Built-in storage
Versatile
Space-saving design
Partial assembly required
Pricey
Looking for something with built-in storage? Check out the Simms table from Beachcrest Home. It's got two sizable shelves, nine wine bottle compartments, and small drawers on either side.
This is a counter-height unit, so you'll need counter-height stools or chairs. (The brand makes matching chairs if you want everything to look cohesive.) While it's somewhat pricey and calls for partial at-home assembly, the Simms is an excellent space-saving dining and storage solution.
Price at time of publish: $1,020
Shape: Rectangular/square | Material: Solid and manufactured wood | Dimensions Without Extension: 42 x 18 x 36 inches | Dimensions With Extension: 42 x 42 x 36 inches | Seating Capacity: 2–4
Best for Storing Away
Latitude Run Clarabelle Drop Leaf Dining Table
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Minimalist-modern design
Versatile
Compact
Not solid wood
Unusable when collapsed
Assembly required
We're also loving the Clarabelle table from Latitude Rune. This minimalist-modern unit is made of MDF and manufactured wood with a dark or light oak veneer. The half-oval surface seats up to three people when expanded.
Though it folds up compactly for easy storage, it's unusable as a table in the folded position. (There's also a wall-mounted option if you want something with virtually no footprint.) And just a heads-up, you'll have to assemble it at home.
Price at time of publish: $305
Shape: Half oval | Material: Medium-density fiberboard, manufactured wood, veneer | Dimensions Without Extension: 31.5 x 7 x 29.5 inches | Dimensions With Extension: 31.5 x 26.5 x 29.5 inches | Seating Capacity: 3
Best Budget
Queer Eye Corey Drop Leaf Table
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Solid wood
Easy folding mechanism
Partial assembly required
The Queer Eye Corey table is made of solid wood with your choice of a black, brown, or gray veneer. This versatile unit starts as a square and expands into a half oval with space for up to four people.
Thanks to retractable support rails, the drop leaf folds and unfolds with minimal effort. Partial assembly is required, but if you ask us, this is a minor inconvenience considering the budget-friendly price tag.
Price at time of publish: $200
Shape: Half oval/square | Material: Solid wood, wood veneer | Dimensions Without Extension: 30 x 30 x 29 inches | Dimensions With Extension: 44 x 30 x 29 inches | Seating Capacity: 2–4
Best Mobile
KYgoods Folding Drop Leaf Dinner Table
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Budget-friendly
Seats up to six
Built-in storage
Not solid wood
Assembly required
Need something with a larger capacity? The KYgoods Folding Dinner Table starts off as a narrow sideboard with built-in storage, then opens to a four-person square table and expands even further to a table for six.
Not only that, but built-in caster wheels also make it easy to maneuver around your home. We wish this unit were made of solid wood, but the marbled melamine finish will make your eating area look expensive. And while you'll have to put it together yourself, the affordable price is hard to beat.
Price at time of publish: $150
Shape: Rectangular/square | Material: Particleboard, melamine | Dimensions Without Extension: 31.5 x 31.5 x 29 inches | Dimensions With Extension: 55 x 31.5 x 29 inches | Seating Capacity: 4–6
Best Wall-Mounted
Ikea Bjursta Wall-mounted Drop-Leaf Table
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No footprint
Space-saving design
Pre-assembled
Only one color available
Unusable when folded
If you're interested in a wall-mounted design, we recommend the Ikea Bjursta. This drop-leaf table is made of particleboard and steel with a blackish-brown wood veneer.
The extended surface measures 35.5 x 19.5 inches and folds down to just 4 inches deep. While you can't use it as a table in the folded position, it may come in handy as a narrow shelf. Unlike most Ikea furniture, it comes pre-assembled, so you just have to mount it to your wall.
Price at time of publish: $60
Shape: Rectangular | Material: Particleboard, wood veneer, steel | Dimensions Without Extension: 35.5 x 4 inches | Dimensions With Extension: 35.5 x 19.5 inches | Seating Capacity: 2
Overall, we are big fans of Article's durable and versatile Alna Drop-Leaf Table (view at Article). But if you need something more affordable or compact, we recommend the Signature Design by Ashley Berringer Round Drop Leaf Table (view at Amazon). Finally, if you require a slightly larger capacity to seat up to six people, the designer-approved Holly & Martin Driness Drop Leaf Table is an excellent choice (view at Walmart).
What to Consider When Buying a Drop-Leaf Table
Style
According to Decorist designer Ashley Mecham, drop-leaf tables come in virtually endless styles. "This can include different shapes like round, oval, square, and rectangle," she tells The Spruce. "In terms of design, drop-leaf tables range from modern to traditional to fit with whatever your style is."
Additionally, Mecham says the intended use can affect the design. For instance, some double as console tables, kitchen islands, buffets, food-prep stations, sideboards, or wall-mounted desks. You'll see that a lot of options on this list can easily transform from a meal prep table to a casual seating area or a simple workspace.
Size
When buying any new furnishing for your home, you'll want to ensure it's the right size. This means your drop-leaf table should fit in your space while keeping in mind additional room for chairs and walkways.
You should also pay attention to the seating capacity. Most drop-leaf tables seat two to four people, though some can accommodate six or more, and others may only offer room for two or three.
Material
Lastly, consider the material. Solid wood is ideal for drop-leaf tables, as it's durable, low-maintenance, and versatile. Our top pick from Article, for example, is made of solid wood in your choice of oak or walnut; plus, it comes with powder-coated steel legs. However, lots of great options are made of both solid and manufactured wood or MDF (medium-density fiberboard), whereas others may simply feature a wood veneer.
If you want your table to last for several years, you might want to spring for solid wood. But if you're looking for a relatively short-term solution and are on a budget, manufactured wood or MDF will suffice.
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How do you refinish a drop-leaf table?
Solid wood drop-leaf tables can be sanded down and refinished multiple times with a wood stain or lacquer. Start by stripping the paint or scraping off the existing finish if needed, then sand it down, apply the stain, and finish it with a clear coat. Having said that, those made of particleboard with wood veneers typically can't be refinished.
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How does a drop-leaf table work?
A drop-leaf table will typically have a fixed center and one or two hinged leaves that fold out to expand the surface. The leaves are usually supported by sliding beams or brackets, which makes it easy to fold and unfold the table. Mecham explains that the space-saving design takes up minimal room on a typical day while giving you the option to expand it to a larger seating capacity when hosting.
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Where should you put a drop-leaf table?
Mecham says that drop-leaf tables are great in small spaces, especially multipurpose spaces. For instance, they work well in breakfast nooks, home offices, homework areas, guest rooms, and studio apartments. Tables that fold compactly into a sideboard are also suitable for dining rooms. You can use your drop-leaf table as a storage solution most of the time, then expand it when you're entertaining a large group.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Theresa Holland is a freelance product reviewer and commerce writer specializing in furniture and home decor. For this story, she interviewed an interior designer who offered product recommendations and table placement. Next, she researched today's best drop-leaf tables, considering dozens of models from various brands and retailers. The selected products stood out in terms of versatility, aesthetics, ease of use, and overall value. You can read more articles by Holland on MyDomaine, Travel + Leisure, Byrdie, and People.