The 12 Best Drop-Leaf Tables of 2022

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

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.

Best Versatile: Signature Design by Ashley Berringer Round Drop Leaf Table

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.

Best Tall: Holly & Martin Driness Drop Leaf Table

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.

Best Dining: Pottery Barn Mateo Drop Leaf Dining Table

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.

Best Tapered: Room & Board Adams Drop-Leaf Table

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.

Best Compact: World Market Round Weathered Gray Wood Jozy Drop Leaf Table

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.

Easiest to Assemble: International Concepts 36″ Square Dual Drop Leaf Dining Table

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.

Best With Storage: Beachcrest Home Simms Counter Height Drop Leaf Dining Table

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.

Best for Storing Away: Latitude Run Clarabelle Drop Leaf Dining Table

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.

Best Budget: Queer Eye Corey Drop Leaf Table

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.

Best Mobile: KYgoods Folding Drop Leaf Dinner Table

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.

Best Wall-Mounted: Ikea Bjursta Wall-mounted Drop-Leaf Table

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.

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.

Any questions please feel free to ask me through Andrew@sinotxj.com