Are you wondering what is a drop leaf table exactly? It is a proper looking table but with just a bit of a twist! While the centre of the table is fixed, it has two hinged sides which can be ‘dropped’ or folded down. Sometime, the table may have a hinge in the centre so that one side is always fixed while the other can be propped up or kept folded. These kinds of tables have been known to exist since the 16th century when they were first made in England. These early tables were often made of oak and had a simple Gothic style but later on, carvings and inlays with geometric patterns became popular.
One of the best things about this kind of a drop leaf table is it works as a great space saver. If there are only a few people having dinner, just keep the leaf down. But if a couple more drop in, you can just extend the dining table and have dinner all together. So it occupies as much as a normal small table but it can be extended to almost twice its length! The leaf is generally supported by a bracket when it is in use but in some cases, the leaf may be supported on legs that are kept concealed in the centre and can be pulled out. Such a variation of the classic bracket style is known as a gate leg table and this was also popular in 16th and 17th century England.
But don’t think you can only use a drop leaf table for dining purposes. You can buy drop leaf kitchen tables or even drop leaf coffee tables. These tend to be a bit higher and narrower than the dining tables. There are also banquet drop leaf tables for catering houses and restaurants. Choosing the size of the table will depend on the number of people who have meals together on a daily basis. And the space you have available is also a point to be considered.
If you want an antique Jacobean or Elizabethan drop-leaf table, you should check out the antique stores and auction houses but be wary of frauds. If you like the look of antiques, you could place an order with furniture companies who can reproduce it for you at much cheaper rates. You can buy these tables for about $ 100 and more.
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