What cabinet tables can be in the kitchen, selection nuances

It can be quite difficult to equip the most functional space inside a small apartment, for example, a one-room apartment or a studio. One of the best solutions is to furnish it with transformable furniture, which when folded will save space, freeing it up for your life activities. For example, an ordinary dining table can be successfully replaced by a book-table. It is quite difficult to make drawings and diagrams for its manufacture with your own hands, so we include them in this material, and also give you clear and detailed instructions for assembling this incredibly convenient item yourself.

DIY book table: drawings and diagrams

Design Features

The design of such furniture is compact: it involves the presence of 2 or 3 panels connected by hinges. They open up and resemble a book (traditional version). The biggest advantage of the products is the ability to change the usable area of ​​the tabletop when necessary. In just a minute, the surface will double or even triple in size. The canvas can be laid out on one or both sides. At the same time, the dimensions of the table-book when assembled are minimal. Compactness ensures ease of use and storage.

An ergonomic furniture model allows you to make maximum use of the apartment space. The folded structure will look more like a long cabinet, and when unfolded it will become a full-fledged table. This solution is indispensable for small spaces. At the same time, the table of the “book” model is universal, since it can be installed in the kitchen, living room, nursery, and is even suitable for the garden.

From three canvases

From two canvases

Folded

Narrow

Advantages and disadvantages

When choosing a table for a small kitchen, you need to take into account all the important nuances. The main thing is that this item should not occupy the main space of the room, but it should have good capacity, because it is inconvenient when it is not possible to place all the cups and plates on the countertop. In this case, a folding option would be appropriate, which, if necessary, can be extended into a wider table.

What are the advantages of folding kitchen tables:

• compactness - folding tables when assembled are very small in size, so they can easily be placed in a small room. The presence of a special mechanism will allow you to expand it, if necessary, into a table of the required size;
• functionality - models can have additional pull-out sections with good capacity. You can store various kitchen items and utensils in these drawers;
• wear resistance - high-quality material is used to make this furniture. It is made from solid wood, metal, glass, and high-strength plastic;
• durable and high-quality fastenings - the fastening elements are highly durable, they can last for decades, but at the same time perfectly retain their qualities;
• The sliding design allows you to hide an additional tabletop. And if necessary, the product expands, its length increases due to the insert. There are products that increase in size by 30-40 percent;
• various shapes - tables for the kitchen area can be made in different shapes - oval, round, square, rectangular;
• original design - products have various decorative elements; they may contain paintings, patterns, and various designs.

The disadvantages include unpleasant moments:

• Often, under the guise of a quality product, they sell counterfeits that have a low wear life. Moreover, the cost of fakes is the same as that of the original;
• when disassembled it will take up a lot of space, this will be especially inconvenient for a small kitchen;
• high cost - products made of high-quality materials, especially solid wood, are quite expensive.

Standard dimensions of book tables

Mobile folding furniture is often supplemented with drawers and shelves, which improves the functionality of the products. Manufacturers present a variety of models: dinner books, side books, written books, magazine books. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages, and among the common features we should highlight a large selection of colors, mobility and ergonomics. During production, the anatomical features of consumers are taken into account, so the dimensions of the book-tables are clearly defined, everything depends on their type.

Old style

Old models are otherwise called Soviet, although they look very modern because they are made from new materials. Their main characteristics:

1. The assembled book of the previous model resembles a nightstand. Its canvases are moved apart on both sides and mounted on supports. The latter can be either wooden or chrome plated.
2. Another bar is usually placed at the bottom to ensure structural rigidity. It also serves as a small shelf.
3. The tops of such tables usually have a rectangular shape, but in a modern interpretation you can also find oval options.

Previously, models were quite bulky, but today standard-sized books are compact and more functional. When using the products, they are as simple as possible. Traditional old-style designs do not have additional drawers or other elements, for example, shelves, wheels, this is their main disadvantage.

It is enough to open the canvas to increase the area of ​​the tabletop, and you can use it. In terms of size, the old models had a width of 85 cm, a length of 170 cm (unfolded view). The assembled version was characterized by minimal parameters - 30 x 85 cm. Accordingly, the length of the half-folded table was about 100 cm.

Dining

A classic dining table has a width of 60-80 cm and a length of 130-160 cm, its height reaches 75-80 cm. This furniture can comfortably accommodate 4 people. A practical option would be a square design of 90 by 90 cm; it would also be comfortable for 4 people to sit behind it. The optimal furniture for this case would be a table with 1-2 drawers, where you can easily store cutlery. Modern designs can also be narrow, but long, for example, the width of the tabletop can be 40 cm, and the length - 140-160 cm. The last parameter reaches 240 cm, this is already a full-fledged dining table at which you can receive guests. Dining tables are often produced in a semicircular shape.

Thanks to the variety of dimensions and the ability to make a table to order, the choice is not difficult.

Standard

Kitchen tables come in different sizes. Standard – 40 x 60 cm when folded, when unfolded – 140 x 60 cm. For small rooms, you can choose a narrow model with a width of 30-35 cm, its length will remain the same. This book-table is not roomy and is more suitable for a family of two. Typically, the model’s canvases can be moved apart on one or two sides, with supports placed diagonally on each side. A good option would be a traditional design that resembles a book cover. Its dimensions for the unfolded product vary: width – 40-80 cm, length – 120-180 cm.

Magazine

An interesting option for a living room or bedroom is a coffee table-book. A special feature of such products is their smaller size and overall dimensions (height - from 50 cm, width - about 60 cm, and assembled depth - 20-50 cm). They allow you to fit a minimum of things. Other characteristics of coffee tables:

1. They are usually equipped with small wheels, making them easy to move around the room.
2. Manufacturers complement the models with drawers or shelves where you can put your favorite newspapers, books and various small items (TV remote control, a cup of aromatic tea).
3. They are often used as a TV stand or bedside table where interior decor is placed.

A coffee table in the shape of a book does not take up much space, so it can be placed in the hallway. To ensure safety, it is advisable to choose a tabletop with rounded corners.

Written

Sliding tables allow you not only to cook or dine at them, but also to write. The standard for such models is 120 cm when unfolded (length), 160 cm is the enlarged version. The folded products have dimensions of 20 and 60 cm, respectively, that is, when unfolded, their dimensions immediately increase by 100 cm. The length of the half-folded table will be equal to 70 or 110 cm, respectively.

If the room is small or only one person will sit at the table, you can choose a standard model with a length of 120 cm. In spacious rooms, such a design will get lost, so it is more advisable to take a product with a larger tabletop. For ease of use, such furniture is complemented by drawers and shelves. The latter, as a rule, have an open appearance. The drawers are specially placed in the side racks, which is necessary to save space. There can be from 2 to 4 pieces.

Such tables are well suited for schoolchildren or needlewomen, as they allow you to properly organize your workspace.

Instructions: how to make a table-book with your own hands

When choosing materials for the manufacture of instructions that interest us, remember that the main criteria that determine what they will be are, perhaps,:

• your initial capital;
• and your construction skills.

Exactly what the tables we are interested in, which you make yourself, will look like will depend on what your budget is and what your personal preferences are.

It is also worth thinking about the shape of the future table in advance. So, its tabletop can be:

• round;
• rectangular;
• square;
• oval, etc.

Before you make a table, you need to think about what it should be

Don't forget to take a look at the legs too. They can be equipped with wheels to make the table unfold better, however, in this case, you need to take care of the special stability of the mechanism.

The size of the table is another point that will have to be carefully considered, since you can make a table-book for lunch or work for one person, or you can make it for a whole family who loves to spend their free time eating and communicating with each other. If you have a small child, then the product will need to be made super-stable and not heavy, in case the child accidentally touches it carelessly.

You can immediately make a multifunctional transformer that will attract great attention from guests and family members

Step No. 1 - drawing development

The assembly of any piece of furniture begins with the fact that you develop its drawing. Initially, this may not even be a drawing, but a sketch, that is, the shape and appearance of your future table, embodied on paper or in a computer editor according to the parameters that you have designated for it.

At the very beginning it is necessary to develop a sketch of the future product

After the version drawn on the screen or paper reaches the desired parameters, you will need to begin its detailed disassembly, that is, drawing a real drawing, which will display the main details and required dimensions of the structure being constructed.

You can make your own sketch and also make your own drawing based on it, however, to speed up the work, we suggest that you use the material that we present in this article, or, as a last resort, carry out your own versions of the work by analogy with it.

Drawing of the future table with dimensions, presented in millimeters

From this drawing you can see that the table that we will make has quite standard parameters. Namely:

• height equal to 75 centimeters;
• width equal to 80 centimeters;
• the length of the tabletop when unfolded is 145 centimeters;
• total length when folded is 25 centimeters.

Having outlined the main dimensions, we move on to the preparation of building elements.

Step No. 2 – assembling the necessary materials

Now we need to list exactly what parts our product will consist of, so that it is clearer to you. In principle, everything is quite simple here; we will make up the table from:

• countertops, which are generally composed of three segments;
• sliding legs in the amount of 4 pieces;
• main supporting element.

Now we need to order table parts with the parameters we need from a furniture company

Of course, you can cut all the materials yourself, using, for example, laminated chipboards, since they are best suited for this work. But it’s best if you don’t have, for example, a sawing machine, make a detailed calculation of the parameters of each of them, and order these parts from a furniture company.

We will deal with specific calculations in the next paragraph, but for now pay attention to the table in which we will indicate exactly what parts of the fittings we will need to assemble the desired table.

Table 4. What accessories need to be purchased to assemble the table

Detail	Quantity in pieces
Butterfly loops	Available in 16 pieces
Straight rollers	Available in 8 pieces
Self-tapping screws	Needed to attach hinges and rollers, it’s better to immediately buy a set of 100 pieces (4 by 16)
Confirmat	You will also need confirmations with parameters 75 by 5; you need to purchase only 45 pieces.
Metal corners	Metal corners in the amount of 4 pieces are needed to attach the tabletop to the legs.
Adjustable feet	We will also need 4 adjustable supports.

Step No. 3 – detailed calculation of the size of our parts

So, let's start, perhaps, directly with the tabletop. You need to understand what size it will be. As you remember, it consists of three separate segments, each of which will have its own size. In principle, everything is simple here:

• two wide parts will have a size of 80 by 60 centimeters;
• the thin, narrow part of our tabletop will measure 80 by 25 centimeters.

First, let's calculate the parameters of the tabletop, separately determining the size of its wide or narrow parts

Now we proceed to calculate the size of the main supporting element, also taking into account the fact that it is equipped with sliding legs.

So, take a look at the drawing. The numbers highlighted in blue are those that indicate:

• racks that make up the sidewalls of the common support;
• ribs that give the structure the necessary rigidity.

Drawing needed to detail the parameters of our furniture elements

So, let’s first determine the parameters of the racks. Let's remember the overall height of our product. It is equal to 75 centimeters. The thickness of the tabletop that we are making will be equal to 1.6 centimeters, and the supports, which will subsequently be screwed to the bottom of the racks, will have a height equal to a centimeter. As a consequence, to calculate the height of the racks, it is necessary to calculate the following value: 75 centimeters - 1.6 centimeters - 1 centimeter. As a result, we get 72.4 centimeters.

The width of the part under consideration must be the same size as the similar parameters of the middle table cover, otherwise, instead of a book, you will get a structure that does not want to fold at all.

It turns out that the parameters of our racks will be: 72.4 by 25 centimeters; we only need to make 2 of these racks.

Now let's start calculating the stiffeners.

So, now we need to calculate the parameters of the table stiffeners

Take another close look at our drawing. We will make an indent of 3 centimeters from the racks and from the end part of the tabletop. That is why we will calculate the length of our stiffeners using the following formula: 80 centimeters – 1.6 centimeters – 1.6 centimeters – 3 centimeters – 3 centimeters. As a result, we get a value equal to 70.8 centimeters.

The width of the parts we are interested in should be such that the retractable legs can fit inside this segment of the table. That is why on each side we will leave about 7 centimeters for our needs, and the legs themselves will be made 6 centimeters wide. The remaining centimeter will be given over to the gap, which, as we know, has never bothered anyone.

Each table has stiffening ribs, as they are needed to give it stability

Prices for popular models of screwdrivers

Screwdrivers

So, it turns out that the width of our parts will be 25 centimeters - 7 centimeters - 7 centimeters = 11 centimeters.

The stiffening ribs with which we will assemble our table will be 70.8 centimeters by 11 centimeters. We will need to make three of them.

Now let's turn our close attention to the retractable supports. This is what they will look like.

So, the total height of one leg is 73.4 millimeters , since the total height of our product is, as we remember, 75 millimeters, and the thickness of the lid is 1.6 centimeters.

From the indicated height we will also need to subtract the parameters of the wheels that we will attach to the legs. As a result, we will only have 67.6 centimeters left. This indicator will be the height of our particle board structure.

You also need to calculate the size of the inset racks for this design. To do this, subtract 1.6 centimeters * 2 from the figure obtained above and get 64.4 centimeters.

So, the size of our future racks will be 64.4 centimeters by 6 centimeters, and we will make them in the amount of 8 pieces.

Extendable table supports, drawing

Now let's determine the width of the legs.

Inside our table, the distance between each stand we make will subsequently be 70.8 centimeters. In this case, you need to leave some distance for a gap under the loop folded in the closed state. This is only about 7 millimeters, we don't need more. In this case, a distance of one and a half centimeters will remain between the racks themselves.

So, he calculates the size of the horizontal overhead strip, and ultimately we get 34 centimeters. The width will be 6 centimeters. We will need to produce 8 units of planks of this size.

It remains to make the last calculations

There is only one thing left to understand - what dimensions will be the stiffener, which will subsequently be located on a retractable leg. Everything will be very simple here. You need to take the width the same as we calculated for the remaining stiffeners; as you remember, it is as much as 11 centimeters. But the length of this part will be calculated as follows: 34 centimeters - 1.6 centimeters * 2 = 30.8 centimeters.

It turns out that the parameter of our part will be 30.8 centimeters by 11 centimeters , and we will need four of these.

Step No. 4 - assembling the table

First of all, you need to connect the legs together, screw on the rollers, and then the hinges.

At the very beginning, we assemble the legs and install hinges on them

Then we assemble the supporting element of our table-book, and attach to it at the bottom the supports that we talked about at the very beginning of the article. It is not at all necessary that the supports look the same as in the picture; you can purchase some others, the main thing is that they are of high quality.

Do not forget about adjusting the supports, without them the structure will not be so stable

Now our table needs to be installed on the lid, then the tabletop should be brought together, complementing the middle element with the remaining parts on both sides, and the hinges should be placed clearly in the middle of our structure and then tightened. In the same inverted state, our table will need to be equipped with legs.

We attach the loops clearly at the junction of the attached parts

Continuing to hold the table upside down, attach the legs

At those points where the legs will reach their most extreme position, being open, you need to screw in special clamps that will not allow the table to “move” on its own.

These elements are needed to prevent the table from moving on its own.

Assembled book table

Height and depth of products

Ease of use will depend on the height, so this parameter is one of the most important. If a table is chosen for the kitchen and food is intended to be cut on it, this value should not be less than 90 cm, otherwise operation will be inconvenient. Tall people should pay attention to models from 94 cm. Standard parameters are considered to be 75-80 cm. The optimal option is a table with a height of 80-85 cm; both men and women will be comfortable dining at it.

The height of desks is determined depending on who the furniture is intended for. Designs of 75-76 cm are suitable for children, this is enough for a height of up to 150 cm. Adults should pay attention to books with a height of 80-87 cm. In this case, it is necessary to take into account the depth of the product, the optimal option is 40-60 cm. The parameters also depend on the dimensions of the chair , so they need to be taken into account. Coffee tables are available in heights from 35 to 65 cm. This parameter depends on the purpose of the structure. The depth varies between 30-40 cm.

Folding kitchen table-cabinet - types of designs

Modern side tables are distinguished by their thoughtful design and stylish design. These may not be sliding models or transforming tables.

Tabletops of non-sliding modules are mainly used as a work area. In a folding model, unlike stationary ones, the cabinet lid consists of several structural elements - a base and a rising tabletop. The transforming element allows, if necessary, to increase the useful area of ​​the base. Raising and lowering of tabletops is ensured by furniture hinges.

The cabinet table can be equipped with one or two lifting tabletops. Two tabletops increase the functionality of transformable furniture. One raised part forms a spacious work area, two folded tabletops transform the cabinet into a full-fledged dining table. However, tables with one lifting wing have a more stable and reliable design.

Another variety is the cabinet table model with two separate tabletops. Structurally, the furniture is a kitchen cabinet, inside of which there is a retractable module with a tabletop made in the form of a cutting board.

The typical size of the transformer cabinet when folded is:

• height - 85 cm;
• depth – 60 cm;
• width – 30-80 cm.

The dimensions of the cabinet-table when unfolded increase depending on the design by 2-3 times.

Dimensions and functions of the base

Manufacturers supplement books with functional elements in the form of drawers and shelves. When choosing a kitchen, dining or desk table, you should pay attention to ensuring that your legs can fit freely under the tabletop. It is better when drawers or shelves are placed on the side. The shelves located in the middle will provide easy access to small items lying inside. This way, even when folded, you can open the drawer.

Product parameters vary. In written models, drawers should not be less than 15 cm in height and 35-40 cm in width. The depth in this case depends on the dimensions of the tabletop. The shelves in coffee tables are small because they carry less functional load. You can also find products with storage space for folding chairs. Usually these are kitchen or dining sets. The simplest products have no additional elements and consist only of a tabletop, legs and crossbars.

The presence of additional elements increases the cost of furniture by 20-30%

Types of book table with drawers and shelves

Depending on the specifics, the design of the transformer book table can be varied. The standard model is a tabletop made of three parts (central and two others, fastened using hinges). If the structure is folded, the tabletops are fixed by means of two or four support legs, or using other special mechanisms.

You can choose highly functional products, complemented by a convenient storage system in the form of drawers and shelves for various small items. The aesthetics of a folding book table with drawers when folded are very attractive.

According to its intended purpose, you can find a special kitchen table book made of durable materials that are resistant to high temperatures, scratches from a knife, fork, the formation of fungus, high humidity, and food odors. The comfort level of the book table for the kitchen is very high.

And to facilitate the process of moving such furniture, it is better to prefer the option on wheels. It will be slightly more expensive than the option without these components, but moving such a table will be much easier.

Based on characteristics such as shape, options with square and rectangular countertops are distinguished. The stores offer oval and round options with an attractive appearance. The oval book table is highly attractive, non-standard and popular in the domestic market. Information regarding the materials used in the manufacture of such furniture is given below.

How to choose the right size

When choosing a book for the kitchen, you need to take into account the number of people living in the apartment. For two people, you can choose narrow and short tabletops, for example, 40 x 80 cm when unfolded. For four people you will need a larger model. When calculating the size of the tabletop when unfolded, we can assume that one person needs a space 60 cm wide and 30-40 cm deep. The optimal dining table options are 30 x 75 x 85 cm (folded), 170 x 75 x 85 cm (expanded view). The smaller the area of ​​the room, the narrower the table should be. Emphasis should be placed on the length when unfolded.

Coffee tables are presented in a large assortment, which means choosing them will not cause difficulties. The main thing is that the attached products are not higher than the furniture itself, otherwise it will be inconvenient to use them. If they are used as a TV stand, their height should be between 75-100 cm.

Variety of materials

These structures can be made from the following materials:

• Made of wood. The most popular and sought after option, which is environmentally friendly and safe for health. Products made from solid pine, oak, ash and other species have a unique texture and are easily processed, which allows you to create original decor.
• Glass. It has a fairly stylish design and looks especially great in minimalist and modern interiors. However, such countertops require particularly careful handling to avoid chips and scratches.
• Plastic. It has high strength characteristics and is not afraid of various mechanical damage and temperature changes. Plastic tables can be transparent, matte or glossy; they look equally good in an apartment in the kitchen, on the veranda or in the gazebo in the country.
• Metal. Metal is mainly used for the manufacture of individual parts, for example, legs, hinges or other elements. These tables have a long service life and are highly durable and reliable.

Quite often there are combined designs, for example with a wooden or metal frame and a tabletop made of glass or plastic. The material of the base is especially important, since not only the general appearance of the table-book will depend on it, but also operational features, maintenance, etc.

Nuances of choice

You should not purchase dark-colored tables and cabinets for small rooms; opt for light-colored furniture with additional glass elements. The design of a room in a high-tech style, where the materials use stainless steel, does not tolerate heavy and bulky wooden tables; a model with a folding glass tabletop is more suitable here. But natural wood will emphasize the modern or classic style.

Pay attention, first of all, to the technical characteristics of folding tables, and only then to their external features. Properly selected furniture, be it tables, cabinets, chairs or side tables, in accordance with the characteristics and area of ​​the room, is the key to the future comfort of owners and guests.

Kinds

Dining cabinet tables will fit perfectly into the interior of an apartment, house, office, industrial premises of public catering facilities. The following are intended for housing:

• stationary non-folding table for spacious dining rooms and kitchens;
• a transformable folding table is perfect for any size room;
• the book table is a convenient folding piece of furniture that will fit perfectly into the interior of a small apartment, and when guests arrive, it can easily be converted into a large dining table as a cabinet;
• various sliding bedside tables can increase or decrease the surface with the help of special retractable tabs in the middle of the tabletop;
• a desk with a cabinet is indispensable for a work office, and in a child’s room it will create a comfortable place for preparing school assignments;
• A kitchen cabinet on wheels, due to its mobility and functionality, combines a cutting table and storage space for all kinds of kitchen utensils.

Transformer

Desk book

Sliding

Desk with stand

Cabinet on wheels

The list goes on and on; new design developments make it possible to choose any convenient model depending on the location. Most often, folding tables and cabinets are purchased for the living room, dining room or kitchen. Based on their functionality and purpose, they can be divided into several types.

Cutting

If you have a small kitchen and need to use the space as rationally as possible, a great way out is a cutting table, a cabinet where you can combine the process of cooking and the subsequent feast at the same time. Drawers are convenient for storing cutlery, and the lower part with doors is suitable for placing all kinds of kitchen utensils.

Today, buyers are attracted by a practical cabinet with a tabletop, where stainless steel material is used due to its longer service life.

Owners of small kitchens often prefer modular sets due to their small and compact size. When folded, such a table looks great by the window, looks like an ordinary cabinet with a drawer, one or several, takes up little space, and when you need to feed the family, it unfolds using a simple mechanism and becomes a full-fledged dining table.

Industrial premises of public catering establishments require special equipment. The improved cutting structures are convenient for the work of professional cooks; they have a spacious countertop, the cabinets are equipped with niches, drawers and spacious shelves. The main material for production is stainless steel. Such an item in a professional kitchen does not tolerate high temperatures, hot steam or proximity to the stove.

Dining

Many people like to gather in the living room around the large dining table. It’s great when the dimensions of your apartment allow you to place massive, luxurious furniture there. But if the area of ​​the room is small, an extendable table or a book table is ideal for this purpose. The sliding desk looks like a small desk with special sliding layers hidden inside it. If necessary (if the piece of furniture is used not as a dining room, but for other functions), it can be placed in the bedroom.

For the living room, a compact table with a book will come in very handy. Folded, it looks like a comfortable side table with a niche for storing various items and at the same time a small table. The tabletop, consisting of three parts, makes it possible to expand it in half, creating a side table with a cabinet; by the way, it can be perfectly used as a desk. If you open the piece of furniture completely, in two directions - a full-fledged side table with cabinets for a large company.

Thermal

This type of kitchen furniture is used in professional kitchens. Heating tables are designed for heating dishes before serving and serving; also, at the set thermal conditions, you can store ready-made dishes in them for some time. This cabinet with a tabletop and sliding sliding doors allows you to save space and has built-in heating elements (special electric heaters) that ensure uniform heating.

Stainless steel is the material used to make such equipment. The tables are easy to move around the room on wheels, have a neat appearance, their dimensions are quite compact, at the same time they look aesthetically pleasing and are easy to clean. In cafes, restaurants, and other public catering establishments, heating tables are used as independent equipment or for a distribution line.