As October days grow shorter and cooler, many of us will be moving our gatherings indoors toward our dining rooms. Now, being together is more important than ever. At Green Front, we know that entertaining doesn’t just revolve around meals and that a table is more than just a place to eat. As the hub of your home, your table needs to work for you—regardless of the size of your party or the changing needs of your family.
Enter the expandable table, known for its adaptability, versatility, and ease of function. While perfect for a simple meal on a weeknight, expandable tables can transform to host large family dinners or holiday parties. Our expandable tables prioritize ease of use without sacrificing design. Extended effortlessly by just one person, many have hidden pockets beneath the surface to make changes simple and quick. These tables are multifunctional and ideal for open floor plans or smaller rooms that can’t support an extra-large piece of furniture on a daily basis. Most importantly, they provide additional seating and surface space—room to grow.
Types of expandable tables vary, but all use a leaf system in which panels are introduced to expand the surface area:
- Drop leaves allow the ends of the table to collapse and save space. The leaves remain attached to the table and fold down easily.
- Removable leaves are placed in the center of the table. The ends slide apart for removal or insertion. Tables with multiple removable leaves can be used at a number of different sizes.
- Self-storing leaves extend the table from the center just like removable leaves, but they have the added benefit of stowing neatly beneath the tabletop, saving storage space.
- Butterfly leaves offer an elegant solution for leaf storage. While the extensions sit in the center of the table like traditional leaves, they fold in half and slide underneath the table for convenient storage.
At Green Front, we want to share our selection of expandable tables—and all of their advantages—with you, helping you add functionality to your gathering space. Here are a few of our favorites:
Sarreid │Jupe Table
Sarreid’s Jupe table provides a unique, space-saving solution with an elegant, butterfly-leaf design. Four turned legs in a vase-shape sit atop a trestle base, and the classic table top features a fine, straight grain. At just 64”, this table fits nicely in a smaller area but can be expanded to 84” to seat 10 comfortably. The unique design allows the top to pull apart to form pie-shaped wedges, between which hidden interior “butterfly leaves” unfold to expand the table. You can see the Jupe table in action at Green Front Farmville in Building 8.
West Bros │Phase Rectangle Extension Table
West Bros of Ontario, Canada, has made a name for itself with solid wood furniture that’s both meticulously crafted and sustainable. A family-owned company, West Bros values attention to detail. Each and every part of the table—whether it’s visible or not—is fully finished. You’ll find this Phase extension table in Building 6.
The Parson’s table style combines horizontal lines and strong planes with traditional materials like solid walnut, adding warmth and character. Available in two sizes, this table includes a 20” leaf, transforming from 76” to 96” in the smaller version or 98” to 118” in the larger. Planning to entertain big groups? You’ll want to go with the larger model, which seats up to 14 guests when fully extended. Finishes available include a lighter toast and a dark, rich walnut.
Zimmerman Chair │Drawleaf Table
With its timeless Shaker design and elegant, tapered legs, Zimmerman’s drawleaf table truly embodies the company’s story of creating “American antiques and present-day adaptations of Old World treasures.” Crafted in small, family-owned Pennsylvania shops, Zimmerman’s solid-wood furniture is heirloom quality. This table, available in the basement of Building 8, also includes innovative design. Easily extended by a single person, the two 20” table leaves are stored cleverly beneath the ends of the tabletop, rocking back and sliding forward to interlock with the top. With a variety of sizes ranging from 54” closed to 124” extended, you’ll find the perfect size for your space and your gatherings.
Nuevo│District 8 Salk Dining Table
You’ll find this stylish Salk Dining table in Building 6. The industrial design features sculpted concrete legs and a solid oak table top with a fashionable charred or seared finish. However, the true genius of this table is its clever, easy-to-use, hinged extension mechanism, which allows a single leaf to fold and store neatly beneath the center.
With the leaf extended, this table spans over 94”. The Salk table’s lasting design and complementary coloring make it the perfect match for a wide variety of design schemes and sensibilities.
Simply Amish │Parkdale Single-Pedestal Table
For structural strength and timeless beauty, try our Parkdale table in Building 8. The Simply Amish standard of excellence is visible in this oval gem, featuring the classic joinery and luxurious finish that the Amish are known for.
This single-pedestal table features elegant, sloping legs and a butterfly-leaf design with panels that fold and nestle into a slot under the center of the top when not in use. At 48” round, the table shape expands to an oval using one or more 12” leaves in order to accommodate extra guests. For durability, three coats of rich, post-catalyzed varnish protect the table’s surface from liquids, heat, and even nail polish remover. It’s the perfect combination of beauty and durability.
Hekman │Wellington Hall Dining Table
Noteworthy for its hand-turned pedestal base, Hekman’s Wellington Hall dining table is crafted from Acacia. This wood, which is characteristically durable and perfect for heavy-use pieces such as dining tables, is hand rubbed with a protective oil finish. Starting at 54” round, the table’s 20” middle-leaf extension creates a 74” oval, making it a flexible piece to center your dining around. You’ll see this beauty on the second floor of Building 9. Pair it with arm chairs or side chairs (or a mix of both) to achieve your desired look.
And Let’s Not Forget the Seating!
When your table fills, you’ll need extra seating. How do you squeeze more people in? Start by getting a little creative. These days, branching away from perfectly matched sets can provide you with both distinctive style and desired flexibility. While armless chairs take up less space and can be easy to insert in tight spots, chairs with arms can make your table more comfortable, allowing your guests to sit back, relax, and linger over dessert and conversation. Mixing both styles allows you to maximize space and look at the same time.
You might also consider a “host chair” that can flank the fireplace until it’s needed at the table for a gathering. Unique from your other seating, the host chair can provide a pop of style at the table and can also be a focal point in your living area when it’s not in use. Versatile indoor/outdoor chairs allow you to pull quick, additional seating from your screened porch. Try some fully upholstered chairs to add contrast. Alternatively, a bench can provide comfortable seating that’s perfect for families or kids only to be tucked easily under the table when not in use.
Whatever your needs or style, Green Front wants to help you find a table that’s perfect for everyday use while expanding to accommodate entertaining. Tailor your table to the size of your gathering, and make space for your favorite people.
Here’s to togetherness and flexibility of style this season!
