Drop Leaf Work Table

Eliza Bush Interior Design Expert

Eliza is a creative interior designer who swears by the power of sleek interiors and quality furniture to transform daily personal and professional life. With a B.Sc. in interior design from Philadelphia University and a well trained eye for craftsmanship, she offers unparalleled advice on how to arrange your space to make it sophisticated, comfortable, and functional, whether it’s the office or bedroom.

Updated 01/05/2021

If you have a work table that you sometimes wish had a little extra surface space, then perhaps, you could use a drop leaf work table. These work tables are sturdy and built with quality materials, as is the leaf that can be raised and locked in place with a simple move. Raise it, lock it, and it is ready for use. Then just put it away then you're done. No worries.

Buying Guide

A drop leaf work table can save space. When not in use, the leaf can be folded down, freeing up floor space and making it easier to take care of other things. In many cases, the leaf can conceal storage space – either shelving or drawers that can be used to store books or materials.

What are the benefits of drop leaf work spaces?

The leaf can be attached to an ordinary table, a countertop or even a wall. They can be a value-added feature in a tiny domicile or in a cramped kitchen. With just a little planning, the convenience of being able to pull it up far outweighs the inconvenience of having to put a project away each time you work on it.

For example, a shelving unit that can store a small electric sewing machine, some patterns, and sewing notions might make a slim cabinet that can be wheeled into a narrow space when not in use but pulled out into a central area when needed. Unless you are a career craftsperson, these are items that are unlikely to be in daily use. Having a storage area and dedicated work surface can keep your tools safe for when they are needed.

What type of leaf will work for you?

The leaf that works for you depends on your lifestyle, your habits, your family size and the size of your work location. Women in many families often use their kitchen table as a multipurpose work area. During meal prep time, it is used for preparing food. At other times, it can be a sewing surface, a craft area, or a homework study location. A drop-leaf on that table can make a big difference, especially if the functions must overlap.

A fold-out table that is hinged to a wall can make space in a child’s room – and area that is often challenged by toys, clothing, and a need for a spot to play. A pull-up table can make a good place for homework, or to play or create crafts.

What different styles and designs of drop leaf work tables are there?

Drop-leaf tables come in all sorts of sizes, styles, materials and functions. Wall-mounted drop-leaf tables can be made from materials or colors that complement the room where they are placed. Wheeled cabinets with drop leaf sides can easily be decorated with a front that makes them look like just another kitchen cabinet.

Need a sleek, modern cabinet for your computer, but hate having it dominate the room? Try a serving-cart style computer desk, complete with drop leaf sides, a keyboard tray, and a cabinet. Great for homework or for professional projects.

These handy workspaces can be created using metal tables, ordinary wood – including plywood, or from rare and beautiful woods that can be used to make a formal escritoire. The purpose to which you will put the workspace is likely to help determine the material and appearance. For example, a work desk in a busy art studio might not need to have the polished appearance of a public reception area.