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The best drop leaf table is the East West Furniture Dublin Table. This drop table features a 42” diameter, quite large for a round-style table. It’s made of Asian Hardwood and has an elegant, yet classic design that works in just about any space. If you need more culinary tools, then read our best kitchen products guide.
That in mind, to find the best drop leaf table we made sure that all of our selections featured folding sides that help conserve space when they’re not in use. Why? They’re excellent for small living areas where space is limited, such as a studio apartment or starter home. Moreover, our top picks are made of durable solid wood materials, in a variety of styles. Keep reading to learn more about our top picks.
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: This 42” diameter dining table offers the largest round surface area when it’s opened up. It’s made of solid wood and comes in a wide variety of single-color and two-tone styles.
This round, solid wood table is composed of White Asian Hardwood, also called Rubber Wood. It measures 42” in length by 42” in width, which is a decent size dining space, if used as a dining table. It stands 29.5” tall which is slightly above waist-level. Two 9” drop-leaves sit on either side and will fold down to make a smaller surface, or for easier placement and storage when not in use. The leaves can be returned to normal and locked in place providing a larger tablespace. If you need shakers that don’t leach chemicals into your food, then you need to check out our best dredge shakers.
It does not come with chairs, which is par for the course with these tables as most don’t. However, you can buy a matching set from the same brand. Or you can look at the best standing desk chairs as another option. The table comes in a variety of colors, including white linen, oak, walnut-black, mahogany, and more. There are both two-tone and solid, single-color variants available.
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: This bistro-style, rectangular table will accommodate two and fits just about anywhere. It’s made of solid parawood and we found it to be quite sturdy, in addition to being easy to assemble.
This relatively small and rectangular table is an excellent option for DIY-lovers that want the freedom to fully customize their new furniture. It comes unfinished, which means it needs a quick “finish” sanding, and it also needs to be stained or painted. After the paint or stain is dry, a clear coat needs to be applied to protect the surface. Those looking for a finished, ready-to-use table should go with another model. Make the perfect poached eggs with our best egg poachers.
The table is 22” wide by 36” long and it stands 30” off the floor, well above the average waist height. It’s made of solid parawood, also called Hevea Brasiliensis. The material is durable, easy to finish, and looks fantastic when complete. Two 9” drop leaves on each side fold down to save space. While you’re at it, upgrade your office with the best standing desk.
Award: BEST COMPACT
WHY WE LIKE IT: This 40” round dining table has a beautiful, warm finish and it’s composed of Asian Hardwoods. It accommodates up to four, yet has a compact design for small dining nooks.
Made of Asian Hardwood and veneers, this stunning table is compact yet also accommodating. The 40” diameter is suitable for up to four chairs and offers a comfortable fit, but it’s small enough to fit in limited spaces. It stands 30” tall which is above waist height, so there’s plenty of room to slide the legs under. Assembly is required, but all the hardware is included and the only tool you’ll need is a screwdriver.
Each drop-down leaf is 10” and they both fold down — or up — as needed. With the leaves down the table still serves as an excellent surface for decor, photo frames, and even light work.
Award: MOST DURABLE
WHY WE LIKE IT: This classic, country-style table has a natural brown and white finish, with an elegant, ornamental base. The center pedestal design is sturdy and can support up to 300 pounds.
This traditional, two-tone round drop leaf table is composed of solid Asian Hardwood and Asian Tropical Wood. The natural brown and white two-tone style matches country and traditional decor well. There are no chairs included, but matching sets can easily be found.
It supports a total weight of 300 pounds. When the drop leaves are locked in place, it’s 40” by 40” which is a decent surface area. Moreover, the table stands 30” tall, offering plenty of room underneath to sit comfortably. Each leaf is about 7.5” so when they are folded down the table dimensions are 40” by 25” wide. It’s an excellent table for any space, big or small.
Award: BEST FOR FAMILY DINNERS
WHY WE LIKE IT: This table has a lot going for it in terms of uniqueness. It’s one of the longest at 63”, but the drop leaf sides run the length of the table, instead of being located at opposite ends. It also has an incredibly sturdy all-metal base.
This elongated dining table seats anywhere from 4 to 6 people total when the drop leaf sides are locked in place. Unlike most tables, the leaves part down the middle and run the length of the entire table, instead of being located on opposite ends. With the sides in place it’s 63” long and 31.5” wide, and drops down to 63” long and 12.25” wide with each leaf being 9.625” wide. It’s an incredibly unique setup that further bolsters the table’s usability in tight spaces.
The tabletop is made of MDF or medium-density fiberboard, while the base is all-metal. The surface features a weathered gray finish, that’s both chic and modern. It stands 29.5” tall, which offers plenty of room for the legs underneath. If you have a hard time sitting down to do work at this table, you might want to also consider one of the best little desks for your home too.
Award: BEST ACCENT
WHY WE LIKE IT: This is an excellent accent, side, or small desk option as it’s quite compact with the sides down, going from 36” long to 23” long. It has a convenient under-mounted shelf for storage and supports a high weight capacity for the size, up to 150 pounds.
This table would make an excellent side or end table, drop leaf console table or makeshift breakfast set because it’s much smaller than anything else on the list. The base is made of high-quality steel while the table surface is MDF or medium-density fiberboard. The surface is easy to clean and scratch-resistant, which is excellent for an all-purpose option such as this.
When the sides are locked in place it’s 36” long and 18” wide, but when down it shrinks to 23” long and 18” wide. It stands at 28.93” tall, offering just enough space to slide your legs comfortably under. As small as it is, it can support up to 150 pounds total which is quite impressive. If you sometimes need to take work home from the office, take a look at the best portable desk for your home too.
Award: BEST BISTRO
WHY WE LIKE IT: This delightful bistro-style, two-seater is made of Asian Hardwood and adorned with a cherry veneer. It will match just about any decor and fits in small or limited spaces perfectly. Moreover, it’s easy to assemble.
While some of our other picks would fit the purpose, this is the best bistro-style, two-seater table on the list. It’s made of solid Asian Hardwood with a Cherry veneer, that is sturdy but also looks fantastic. With both side leaves down the table measures about 30” by 30” and extends to 56” x 30” with them locked in place — each leaf is about 8” wide. It stands about 30” tall offering plenty of legroom.
It doesn’t have the smallest dimensions on the list, but it’s still compact and would fit nicely anywhere a bistro-style table would normally be placed. Some ideas include a front patio or entry, a rear patio, a small kitchen, a living area, and more. Assembly is required, but it’s super easy, taking only a few minutes.
One of the most important elements of any table is the amount of weight it can bear. That’s especially true of a narrow drop leaf table, as there are two configurations to worry about, including when the sides are locked in place. Every table on the list is durable and will hold an adequate amount of weight, whether the sides are down, or up.
The build quality and material of the table is another major concern. When cheaper and less efficient materials are used it can compromise the durability of the table. Every selection on the list is composed of solid or composite wood materials that are sturdy and long-lasting. We did our best to steer clear of weak particleboard options. Keep in mind, MDF or medium-density fiberwood is much different and it’s a much more sturdy and reliable material.
Finally, we looked for tables that were relatively easy to assemble. Because most of the options here will be shipped, they’re going to come in pieces. Everything on the list can be installed and put together using a Phillips head screwdriver, a common tool that nearly everyone owns already.
