Smart retractable systems for the kitchen - drawers and shelves that every housewife dreams of!

Main characteristics

In most cases, retractable systems are installed in kitchens. Drawers are built into wall cabinets, cabinets, under the sink and even in sofas. They allow you to significantly save space and hide from view what guests should not see. There are also boxes with a hinged lid. Such systems often look like a soft corner for the kitchen with drawers.

Types of boxes

There are several types of kitchen drawers based on their operating principle:

• Retractable on casters;
• Folding designs. Such drawers open by pulling one of the panels of the floor cabinet towards you; the storage container is hidden in the cabinet. Such systems take up minimal space because no space required to open the door;
• Floor boxes. They are a separate structure;
• Rack with drawers on shelves. Typically used for storing vegetables.
• Boxes are made from natural wood, metal, MDF, chipboard, plastic.

The sizes of kitchen drawers directly depend on their location. When it comes to drawers, their size is equal to the width or height of the cabinet, minus the width of the guide rail.

Floor drawers for the kitchen and solid drawers built into the cabinet usually have a width of up to 90 cm and a depth of about 50 cm.

Manufacturing materials

Tables with a retractable table top are made from wood, chipboard, MDF, plastic, glass, artificial stone. The choice of the appropriate option depends on the design of the kitchen:

1. Natural wood. It is characterized by high strength, durability, reliability, environmental safety, and aesthetically attractive appearance. The disadvantages of the material include heavy weight and high cost. In addition, the countertop will have to be regularly treated with special products to protect it from moisture.
2. Chipboard. It will cost less than wood. Thanks to cladding, the performance properties of the material are significantly increased. The coating can imitate various textures and take on all kinds of colors.
3. MDF. The properties of the boards are close to natural wood. Furniture withstands moisture better than laminated chipboard. The surface is covered with veneer or laminate.
4. Plastic. It is light in weight and comes in a wide variety of colors. However, the material deforms at high temperatures and is not able to withstand heavy loads.
5. Glass. Designs with a retractable table do not require complex maintenance, are not afraid of moisture, and visually expand and lighten the space. The material is fragile, cold, and makes sharp sounds when in contact with dishes.
6. Fake diamond. Does not absorb moisture, lasts a long time, and can be easily cleaned from dirt. Main disadvantages: high cost, heavy weight. An acrylic table in the kitchen must be protected from sharp utensils and hot dishes.

Types of cabinet-desk, their features, configuration options

The color scheme of the furniture is selected in accordance with the interior of the room. A retractable table, decorated in light colors, can visually expand the space. It is for this reason that milky, beige, and white products are ideal for small spaces.

Tree

Glass

Artificial stone chipboard

Plastic

MDF

Kitchen without wall cabinets

Kitchens usually have wall cabinets in addition to lower drawers. They often store tableware and glass, and sometimes a dish drainer is placed in the cabinet.

If the dimensions of your kitchen allow it, you can get rid of them. Then you will have a modern kitchen without top drawers. In this case, you can place decorative elements, paintings and a shelf with beautiful little things above the desktop.

In order to compensate for the lack of wall cabinets, you will need to install additional bottom drawers. For example, install a kitchen island on which an additional work surface and sink will be located. And inside the island you can install spacious storage drawers.

Method 10: mini rolling table

An additional table on wheels can be hidden under the kitchen countertop, leaving space underneath for a storage module. Unlike the previous option, here the table is not attached to the kitchen unit; it can even be rolled to another room.

Or maybe you have an unusual option? Share!

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Waste boxes

Drawers can be installed directly under the countertop, in the place where the cutting board usually stands. It is assumed that after peeling and cutting the vegetables, the housewife can open such a cabinet and simply sweep the peelings there.

Similar waste cabinets are also made in a folding version, in which case the container can be made of flexible material.

Pull-out bottle holders for the kitchen

One type of vertical boxes are bottle holders, or so-called cargo boxes.

This kind of bar is very convenient for storing bottles of oil, drinks or sauces. To do this, two or three shelves are installed in the drawers.

Mechanism design

Before buying drawers for the kitchen, you should decide on the mechanism that will drive the furniture. Drawers can be pulled out using rollers or telescopically.

The roller mechanism is an iron guide along which plastic wheels roll. This system is suitable for a closet in which something light will be stored. The rollers cannot withstand heavy loads and break.

The telescopic system is suitable for storing heavy pots or vegetables in drawers. In it, a metal rod slides along a metal guide. This fastening system is more expensive than a roller fastening system, but lasts longer and is more reliable.

How to choose the right cabinets

When choosing cabinets and drawers for the kitchen, you need to remember a few rules:

• Pre-plan the location of the elements of the kitchen unit yourself or with a specialist in the store. All doors and drawers must open and not interfere with each other.
• Decide in which boxes you will store what. For example, a small drawer under the tabletop on casters is suitable for cutlery, and a large drawer with a telescopic system or a floor drawer with holes for ventilation is suitable for storing root vegetables.
• When choosing cabinets with drawers, be it a kitchen cabinet with drawers or a wall cabinet with shelves, make sure that the hangers and fastenings are made of stainless steel with a thickness of at least 1 mm. It is the fittings that become unusable first, especially those made of poor quality metal.

Pull-out table

It is a beneficial solution for creating a dining area in a small kitchen room. In this case, the canvas is located under the tabletop. When such a table is placed low, it has a special mechanism for activating it.

Pull-out systems for storing vegetables

This type of box deserves special mention because, in addition to its structural strength, it must be sufficiently ventilated so that vegetables and fruits can be stored for a long time:

• Boxes for vegetables are made of metal, wood, wicker or metal mesh. There are also such containers made of chipboard, but they are less durable and do not allow enough air to pass through.
• Wicker baskets store food best. Vegetables can be placed in them immediately or the bottom and sides of the basket can be lined with natural, breathable fabric. The drawers can be hidden in the cabinet or, on the contrary, left open.
• Wicker metal structures look like a shiny mesh, one edge of which is screwed to the cabinet door. The nets are easy to care for, the main thing is that no moisture gets on them.
• Plastic and wooden boxes are usually hidden in cabinets or pencil cases. Sometimes the kit includes a lid for the container.
• An interesting option would be to place wicker baskets made of wicker or beautiful plastic containers on an open shelving unit.

Advantages of drawers

Drawers have a number of advantages over floor or wall-mounted storage systems:

• Easy access to content. For example, in order to reach the distant jars in a hanging drawer you will need to stand on a chair; with pull-out shelves below this problem does not arise;
• Additional kitchen options. In the kitchen you can organize storage systems not only for dishes and appliances, but also for canned goods, root vegetables and fruits. So the kitchen will combine the functions of a pantry;
• Significant space savings;
• Cheapness. Drawers are not much more expensive than regular ones, but they bring much more benefits;
• Convenient workplace. For housewives who spend a lot of time in the kitchen, it is very important to have everything you need at hand. It is much more convenient to pull out a drawer and take out a whisk than to open ordinary cabinets or throw back lids in search of it.

Tips for choosing

High-quality furniture will ensure ease of work in the kitchen and reduce the time required for cooking and setting the table. When choosing a design with a retractable table, you should pay attention to several factors:

1. Dimensions. The standard width of roll-out tables is 45–50 cm. Such models are designed for loads of up to 20 kg, some variations can withstand up to 30 kg, depending on the features of the fittings. There are large countertops with parameters of 1100 x 90 cm and a thickness of 15–20 mm. The designs are complemented by a support leg. Dimensional products are relevant for spacious rooms.
2. Colors and design. Pull-out tables will become an original interior solution that will organically fit into any interior. The classics will be complemented by a luxurious wooden or stone model. Natural materials, light shades are relevant for country and Scandinavian style. Glass, plastic, metal finishes, as well as dark and bright colors look organic in a modern high-tech, modern kitchen.
3. Quality of fittings, transformation mechanisms. Additional elements are made from reliable, durable materials; the ease of use of the structures depends on their characteristics. Roller and ball guides, metabox, cargo should work silently and smoothly. Many European brands produce furniture components. The leading position is occupied by the German company Kesseböhmer.
4. Support. The stability of a retractable table in the kitchen will depend on the design features. Models with legs are considered the most practical and durable. They are functional and can withstand high loads.

Roll-out tabletops do an excellent job of decorative function. Work surfaces are hidden in bar counters and decorated with paintings and carvings. With such models, the kitchen looks interesting and fresh.

A kitchen set equipped with a retractable work surface is a practical, functional option. Additional tabletops are easy to use and can serve as a miniature table for a couple. Stylish models not only save space, but also make the interior brighter and more interesting.

Tips for choosing a sewing table and making it yourself

Disadvantages of the design

The main disadvantage of drawers is the rapid wear of the fittings. Due to the complexity of the design, retractable systems require a large number of metal parts. Even if you do not skimp and order high-quality fittings, over time its parts will begin to fail.

There is a way out of this situation: close the cabinets carefully, if necessary, lubricate parts of the structure with machine oil, tighten loose bolts and, if necessary, replace spare parts.

Kitchen table

Kitchen drawers can be built into not only cabinets and wall cabinets. A small drawer can even be provided under the dining table.

Due to the fact that there should be enough space under the table so as not to interfere with the knees of the person sitting at it, you can build a drawer under the dining table to store spoons and forks.

A table with drawers for the kitchen can also look like two cabinets with pull-out parts on the sides, between which there is a dining area. This option is suitable for a large kitchen. This table can be placed in the center of the room. During lunch they will eat at his place, and at other times they will cook.

DIY retractable table

To independently make the simplest version of a retractable table, you will need the following:

• pencil;
• tabletop made of postforming or furniture board;
• tape measure and ruler;
• vibration grinder;
• clamps;
• a jigsaw and files for it with small teeth turned outward;
• cutter;
• universal sealant;
• rubber hammer;
• cross-cut edge;
• square;
• hex wrench;
• steel tubular legs.

Note! The number of legs depends on the model. A corner table requires three, and a standard table requires four.

Carpentry tools will be indispensable in your work.
A piece of postforming of the required size can be found in a construction store. In the carpentry shop, they often sell production waste, the cost of which is much lower, and the dimensions may be suitable for requests. The edging should be selected immediately so that it harmoniously matches the color of the slab.

Before making furniture, you need to draw it.

The work order is as follows:

1. Create a drawing indicating all dimensions, locations and order of fastenings.
2. Apply markings to the front side of the tabletop. For a corner table, the straight sides should be slightly smaller than the space allocated for it. If there is a rounded side, it must be drawn with special care.
   

   Note! To draw complex elements, you should use a pencil attached to a thread, the free end of which is attached to the corner. In this case, a radial line is drawn on the opposite side.

   After preparing the drawings, it is necessary to calculate the required material.
   Asymmetrical sections should be made using a cardboard template. For rectangular models, it is better to round the corners, which will add convenience to a small room. In addition, in this case the edging will be attached more securely.

3. Carry out cutting. To give the workpiece the desired shape, it is convenient to use a jigsaw.
   

   Important! When cutting, you should leave about 3 millimeters of margin on all sides.

   
   Making a drawing of a table is not difficult.
   In the absence of a saw with a reverse position of the teeth, the cut should be made from the inside out, making markings there as well.

4. Process the end with a milling cutter, cutting a groove. It must certainly pass through the center, otherwise the edging will be installed incorrectly. The edging can be replaced with a melamine edge, which is fixed at the ends of the tabletop using an iron or hair dryer. However, this method is undesirable due to its low reliability. Assemble the elements with extreme care.
   

   Note! In order not to use edging, you can choose furniture board as the tabletop material. In this case, it is enough to sand the end with sandpaper, and cover the surface with tinted matte or colorless varnish in at least two layers.

5. Carry out finishing. The overlay edging must be placed on a transparent universal sealant, which is applied to the entire area of ​​the side to protect the inner layers of the chipboard from moisture. The edge is hammered with a rubber hammer, after which trimming is carried out at the joints with a sharp stationery knife.
   

   Important! Excess sealant that comes out during work must be removed immediately, since this will not be possible after drying.

6. Leave the tabletop until the glue dries completely. The edging must be fixed using clamps, having previously placed soft pads under them to avoid damage to the product.
7. Mark the area for the legs. To do this, the finished slab should be laid on cardboard spread on the floor and markings should be made on the reverse side for the base of the legs. The place for them is determined using a square, while a distance of 10 cm is taken from the edge of the tabletop.
8. Fasten the holders using wood screws, the length of which does not exceed 20 mm. Avoid twisting the screws to prevent damage to the plate.

Note! For accurate fastening, you can drill holes for self-tapping screws and pour a little silicone into them.

You can make a simple table.

Retractable single surface (cocktail mechanism)

A structure of this type consists of a main tabletop and an additional block mounted on springs. The guides are installed both on the tabletop and on the cabinet. Retractable fittings can be either metal, with a bearing and roller mechanism, or wooden (for example, beech), lubricated with a special composition.

To ensure silent and smooth folding, you can use door closers. For a tabletop consisting of several modules, you will need to install telescopic mounts with a number of sections equal to the number of modules.

Retractable two-tier tabletop

The main difference between this design and a single one with telescopic guides is the multilayer nature. The telescopic structure creates a full-fledged working or dining surface with a large area.

There are several ways to arrange a retractable table, which are actively used by residents of small-sized kitchens.

To align all the elements into a single sheet, you can use a lifting mechanism.

Roll-out kitchen table

This is a full-fledged kitchen table with a wheeled support. The essence of a roll-out table from under the tabletop is to remove the element from view when it is not needed. For a small kitchen, such a design is not suitable, since it needs a separate space under the countertop.

Such tables come in a shallow depth, equal to the depth of the floor cabinet.

With proper calculations, you can make furniture so that the roll-out table fits between the storage cabinet and the main tabletop. The table can have a one-sided attachment to the base, while the free edge is equipped with a leg on a wheel. Some models have completely free movement, others contain a limiter along the edge of the table and base.

Sofa

If you plan to place upholstered furniture in the kitchen, you can also store kitchen utensils under the seats. A kitchen sofa with a drawer can be straight or corner. In soft corners, the seat-lid most often rises, and underneath there is a spacious, deep drawer.

A straight sofa for the kitchen with a storage box can open upward, like a corner one, or hide a pull-out system at the bottom. Typically, such drawers “slide out” forward, but if their arrangement is in the way, you can always build a pull-out unit on the side of the structure.

Unusual storage systems

Additional storage drawers can be placed under the lid of the ottoman, if your upholstered kitchen set has one.

Cutting boards that slide out from under the desktop tabletop also look convenient and unusual. Under the mobile board you can place another pull-out mechanism with a shallow container for cleaning.

The ceiling-height racks, which extend from the side of the set or pencil case, look very original. In this design, the shelves will have a small width, but it will be enough to place jars of spices on them.

A kitchen of any size can be beautiful and functional. The more hidden storage drawers you can place in your kitchen, the more free space you will have. And the freed up space will allow you to place a larger table, a kitchen sofa, or even arrange a tea drinking area with a cozy chair and a small table.

Retractable kitchen countertops

Retractable countertops are often used as cutting surfaces.

The convenient design of the shelf allows you to remove it for washing. The pull-out board often has a waste disposal hole.

There are also shelf options so that the trash can is located directly under the hole. In some cases, kitchen furniture even allows you to install a pull-out table at which the whole family can dine.

Photos of kitchen drawers