For many homes in urban environments, floor space is a luxury. This circumstance often means that the dining table is one of the first pieces of furniture that has to be sacrificed. This means that mealtimes have become more casual affairs, often spent in front of the TV or at a kitchen counter turned breakfast nook.

This is a shame because a dining room setting is perfect for giving families the opportunity to spend more time with each other or as a place to entertain guests. Fortunately, there are a number of options available that can facilitate a full sized eating area, even in a small living space.

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Drop-Leaf Tables

The classic drop-leaf table actually date back all the way to sixteenth century England. It has a fixed section in the center and a two hinged parts, commonly known as the “leaves,” on either side. On some pieces the leaves are supported by legs that swing out from the center rather than by the bracket. These are known as gateleg tables and they’re ideal for those living in smaller spaces that can’t accommodate a permanent dining area. The subtle design turns what appears to be a simple storage compartment into a practical and comfortable seating arrangement for two to four people.

Circular Designs

For those who need something larger, a circular design like the famous Braun Woodline, created by French designer Philippe Braun may be just what you’re looking for. This extendable table is the perfect implementation of what practical furniture should provide. Rather than having to own pieces of varying sizes to fit the number of guests, this table can adapt to your needs instead. It starts off as a small round table for four, though it’s easily expandable to seat eight or more by using a simple drawer mechanism. There are three sizes that seat up to 16, if necessary.

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Foldaway Solutions

We often hear that the best kind of design is invisible and only apparent to us when we need it. If this is truly the case, then fully foldaway solutions that use a drop-down mechanism to sit flush inside are the pinnacle of well-designed extendable. The best examples of these are e to match seamlessly into the rest of the décor before seemingly appearing from nowhere. This seems to be the approach that Russian designer Oleg Trofimov is replicating with his incredible space saving apartment, that employs numerous foldaway, hidden furniture, sliding walls to make up for the immediate size restrictions.

Take a look here to see some more examples of what’s available and let us know about your own solutions in the comments below.