Extending Dining Sets: How To Choose The Perfect Extending Set

An extending dining set can transform your dining space. With flexible seating options and a variety of styles and combinations available, there is sure to be an extending dining set that is right for your space. But when looking at what set to buy, there are a few more things to consider than if you were buying just a table or just chairs.

So, if you need some help choosing the right extending dining set, how to style an extending dining set, or you would like to browse what sets would work best for you, you’ve come to the right place!

Types of Extending Dining Tables:

First things first, let’s take a look at the type of table extensions that are available. They may differ slightly depending on the shape of the table, but here are some extensions you’re very likely to come across:

Externally Stored Single Extension Leaves 

A table with externally stored extension leaves is one of the simplest extension mechanisms. All you need to do is pull the table apart, put the extension piece in place and then fasten the clips on the underside of the table to hold it in place. One of the benefits of a single extension dining table is that they are usually very affordable. The table top can also remain more streamlined. Don’t forget though, with a separate extension piece you will need to find a place to store the leaf when not in use.

Externally Stored Double Extension Leaves

Two extension leaves give not one, not two, but three table length options. Above is our Fern Grey Gloss Extending Dining Table with two extension leaves. A table with two extensions offers maximum seating flexibility and versatility. This is a great table option if you regularly have a different number of people to seat.

Butterfly Table Extension

A butterfly table extension is a quick and easy way to seat more people around your dining table. The extension folds and rotates to fit within the table top, with the table concealing the extension when not in use. User-friendly clips hold the extension in place, making extending tables both strong and supportive. Neat, quick and easy to use, with a butterfly extension you also don’t have to worry about storing the extension leaves elsewhere, as they neatly fold back into the table top.  

Lift Up Extending Mechanism

To use a lift-up extending mechanism, all you have to do is undo the table clasps and pull the table out. The extension leaves sit on smooth, slightly sprung, hinges which lever up and out to sit in place. The table can then be pushed back together and the clasps tightened to keep everything in place. With a lift mechanism, you don’t need to worry about storing the extension pieces elsewhere. What’s more, the design also means that the shape of the table can remain streamlined and sleek, like our range of Eve frosted glass dining tables.

Internally Stored Separate Extension Piece

An internally stored but separate extension piece means the extension panel is separate from the table but the leaf is stored in the table top. With extending tables like the Sanza, each side of the table smoothly glides apart with minimal effort to reveal the extension leaf. The leaf then just needs to be taken out and placed in position.

Top Tip: We suggest wrapping the table extension in a soft cloth or blanket and storing it under your sofa when not in use. This will keep it out of the way but well protected.

To see the extension pieces in action and really get a feel for how easy they are to use, why not take a look at each of the product pages. Our handy product videos will give you an idea of how the extension works and will have all the information you’ll need about each design of table.

Did you know: Some people worry that as their extending table ages, the mechanisms might start to show wear and tear. A misaligned leaf is actually really easy to fix. Watch our video to learn how to loosen or tighten the extension leaf adjustment screws to get the leaf to lay flat again...

Extending Dining Sets – Top Measurements

Measuring for your extending dining set will take a bit more time and consideration, but it is still very straightforward. Essentially, it’s a combination of the key dining chair and dining table measurements, with the added factor that the table can extend so will need more space. We’ve broken each aspect into a handy checklist to make sure you’ve got everything covered.

The Chair:

1. Height, from the very top of the chair right down to the floor

2. Seat width, from left to right

3. The seat height, from base of the chair the bottom of the seat

4. Seat depth, from the front to as far back as you can sit.

5. Back height of the seat

6. The footprint of the chair, how much floor space, the seat occupies.

Top Tip: don’t forget to measure the height of the arms if you have dining armchairs. You can find all these measurement details on our website.

The Table:

1. The height of the table
2. Table length
3. Table width
4. Inner leg length, as this will be different to table length
5. The apron, which will help you decide what chairs will fit

Top Tip: check whether the extensions are stored within the table or need to be stored separately.

Once you’ve got your individual measurements, it’s time to bring everything together…. 

• Consider how the table will look and fit in your space, both extended and unextended.
• Measure out your place settings. We recommend leaving 60cm to 80cm per place setting, dependant on whether you want a cosier feel or a more spacious setting.
• Leave enough room around your furniture, both for chairs to be pulled in and out and of people to walk past.

Top Tip: Think about all the uses you have for your extending dining table before making a purchase. A dining table doesn’t just need to be big enough for the number of guests come meal times. Does it double up as a home office/desk? Do the kids need the extra space for homework/hobbies? Consider the type of table that would benefit your daily needs.

Work Your Room

The extending dining set you choose will depend a lot on the space and style of your existing interior. Picture your current dining area and ask yourself the following questions. This will help to narrow down the type of set best suited to your space.

Short on space?

Room for a couple more?

What finish would you like?

You may have your heart set on a particular finish or be open to options. The best way to start thinking about finishes is to consider your existing space and the material durability. Materials like HPL and tempered safety glass are incredibly strong, safe and durable, so are ideal if you’re looking for a table for a young family. Gloss finishes can be easily wiped clean and can be styled alongside a variety of colours and textures. We also have ceramic dining tables too which are also suitable for families as they are scratch resistant.

What shape would suit your space? 

A round or oval extending table will free up a little more room and there are no harsh corners to walk into, something to consider with little ones around. A rectangular or square extending table generally will suit the majority of interiors as they mirror the shape of the room, however it really is dependent on what you think will suit your space.

Perfect Pairings

If you’re choosing seats to match your extending table, there are so many options available. However, we always think it’s a good idea to make the most of the table extension with a clever choice of seating to go with it. Here are some smart seating choices when it comes to extending dining tables:

Stackable Dining Chairs – Smart Space Saving 

If you’re not planning on having your table extended for the majority of the time, chances are you’re going to have extra seats when the full table isn’t in use. Rather than having to bring down the chair from the study and the footstool from the living room, opt for stackable dining chairs. This way, you have enough seats but can easily stack and store the extra chairs when they aren’t in use.

Dining Benches – Create a Cosy Corner

Creating a cosy dining corner with dining chairs can be a little tricky, as you’ll need to make sure there’s enough space to get around the table, while also still be able to pull out and tuck in the dining chairs. However, a cosy corner is incredibly easy to create with a dining corner bench. The right-angle of the bench can neatly be tucked into the corner to really make the most of your space. To make seating even more comfortable, opt for a pedestal table like the Sanza as then there will be no table legs to get in the way.

Ready Made Extending Dining Sets

To save you some time (and effort) both measuring and styling, we offer a whole variety of premade extending dining sets. We’ve done the edit on the shapes, colours and practicality so you know the set has been meticulously matched. We have loads of sets on our website, but here are a couple of combinations to help give you some styling inspiration…

Natural Textures with a Modern Twist

An oak or oak veneer dining table will instantly add a homely, warm and welcoming feel to your dining space. However, a wooden table doesn’t always have to be traditional. The Sanza oak dining table infuses the old with the new, combining an oak veneer with sleek brushed metal finishes. This is then seamlessly coordinated with the brushed metal legs of the faux leather Moda chairs. The key to pulling off this look is picking out an element that ties the whole set together.

Keep it simple

Too many finishes, styles and surfaces in a dining space can become a little overwhelming. If you want to keep the look clean and simple, your best bet is to opt for a gloss dining table. White and grey are such neutral tones so will help keep the look clean yet contemporary. For this setting, we’ve styled the Metro dining table alongside the stackable Tori chairs which instantly creates a neat and uniform look. 

But that’s not all…

Show Us Your Style!

Already have a Danetti dining set that you’d like to show off? We love seeing customer images so why not post a picture on our Facebook and Instagram pages to show us your style. Don’t forget to hashtag #mydanetti!

Publish Date: September 2017