While every drop leaf table follows the same basic principal of having hinged leaves that can be dropped down to save space, there are a few further designs that can save space more efficiently, either by being able to collapse further or by providing storage space.
Mission Drop Leaf Table
A mission table is a rectangular table with four legs, but the two legs on each side closer to each other are connected close to the bottom, and there are wooden poles running from the top to this connection. Further, there is often a base connecting the four legs at the bottom where you can place objects, such as magazines, plants, or dishware. For the mission drop leaf table, it can be a purely aesthetic design if there is no base connecting the four legs, or it can give extra storage space if it has a cabinet in the top, which often technically turns it into a farmhouse table as the cabinet is generally placed within a table apron.
Bar Height Drop Leaf Table
This is pretty self explanatory. It’s an elevated drop leaf table that is generally circular and has a shorter diameter than a drop leaf dining table would. However, it will often include space in the base to hold glasses, alcohol bottles, and bar accessories. One particularly classy touch is when the tables hold wine bottles and can hang wine glasses from just under the table top.
Queen Anne Drop Leaf Table
When the leaves are folded down, this type of table functions as a side or end table, generally with a drawer. It’s the type of table that you expect would have photos, paperweights, and possibly a mirror on top. Then, when extended, it becomes usable as a dining table or similar table. It is a pretty effective space saver as it serves the functions of two different types of tables. This table type often has ornate, curved designs.
Folding Drop Leaf Table
Again, this is self explanatory. However, it can be the most practical form of drop leaf table as it has three different sizes: fully expanded, leaves down, and folded up. You can then put it out of the way when not needed at all, have the leaves down for partial use, and expand it fully when guests are present.
Drop Leaf Trestle Table
A trestle table is the first known table type, with a rigid frame that has short spans supporting it. These tables are often large, and in general the trestle table was the predecessor to the drop leaf table. Still, the drop leaf trestle table is still an effective way to have a long rectangular table that when necessary converts into a much smaller table, and is probably the most popular form of large rectangular drop leaf table today.
These ideas are useful for anyone looking for extra space saving or practicality with their drop leaf tables. In particular, the Queen Anne drop leaf table is an appealing piece as it serves multiple functions and is both classic and elegant. For homes that use older ornate designs it can be ideal.