What is the difference between a butterfly leaf and a removable leaf table?

A butterfly leaf is folded in half and stored inside the table's own frame, so it's always with the table and extending is a one-person job of about a minute. A removable leaf is a separate loose board that lives elsewhere in the house and is dropped into the middle when needed. Removable leaves give a more stable extended surface and allow greater length, but they need storage space and are easier to damage or misplace.

Do I need somewhere to store the leaf on an extending table?

Only with a removable-leaf table. Butterfly, draw-leaf and drop-leaf mechanisms are all self-storing — the leaf stays inside or attached to the table, so there is nothing loose to keep. If cupboard space is tight, a self-storing mechanism is the more practical choice, and it also avoids a stored timber leaf warping in a loft or garage.

What size does an extendable dining table need to be for the room?

Measure against the extended length, not the closed one. Whatever clearance you need around the table has to still be there when it's open, so a table that grows by 2ft (60cm) needs that space available in the room. Also plan where the extra chairs will live for the rest of the year — a bench stores flat against a wall and takes far less room than a pair of spare chairs.

Do round extending dining tables become bigger circles?

Almost always they become ovals rather than larger circles, because inserting a leaf into a round top produces an elongated shape. That's generally an advantage, since an oval seats more people for its length and keeps the centre within reach. The practical consequence is that the table grows at two ends, so check you have clearance in that direction rather than evenly all round.

Elegant extendable dining tables in various styles including round, oval, and foldable options, perfect for any dining room or kitchen.

Extendable Dining Tables — Extending & Butterfly Tables

Torelli Modena extending dining table with travertine ceramic top

An extendable dining table is two tables in one: a compact everyday table, and a larger one for Sunday lunch, birthdays and Christmas. It's the answer for rooms that are tight most of the year and full a few times.

See all dining tables, dining chairs and our dining room furniture.

How extending tables work

Butterfly extension

The leaf folds in half and is stored inside the table. Pull the ends apart, unfold the leaf and push the ends back together. There's nothing to store elsewhere.

Separate or end leaves

Some tables add one or two leaves in the middle or at the ends. They give more length but need storing somewhere when the table is closed.

Sizing the room for an extended table

Allow about 60cm of table edge per person, and about 90cm of clear floor between the table edge and the nearest wall or furniture, so chairs can be pushed back and people can walk behind them.

Measure for the extended length, not the closed size. If the extended table only fits by moving another piece of furniture, that's fine for the occasional big meal, but check it before you buy.

Extendable round and oval tables

Some round tables extend into an oval, which is a neat way to seat four every day and six or eight when needed. See round dining tables and oval dining tables.

Delivery and assembly

Furniture is delivered in 2 to 3 weeks unless the product page says otherwise. Our own team delivers across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland and carries each piece into the room you choose. Assembly is optional and can be added when you order, at the cost shown on each product.

Extendable dining table FAQs

What is a butterfly extension?

A leaf that folds in half and is stored inside the table, so it's always there when you need it.

How many extra seats does an extending table give?

Usually two to four, depending on the length of the extension. Each product page gives the closed and extended sizes.

Shopping cart items

Extendable Dining Tables — Extending & Butterfly Tables

Torelli Modena Travertine Extending Table 160cm

Ardara Cross Leg Extending Table 2m

Ardara Cross Leg Extending Table 1.5m

Ardara Extending Dining Table 1.8m

Ardara Extending Dining Table 1.3m

Cofra Ivy Oval Extending Dining Table 210cm Natural

Cofra Ivy Oval Extending Dining Table 210cm Bordo

Willow Butterfly Extending Dining Table 160-200cm

Infiniti 180-220 cm Extendable Dining Table Dune Oak

Infiniti 180-220 cm Extendable Dining Table Ashen Oak

Vanosa Extending Dining Table Rectangle 180/260 cm Brown

Valley Extending Dining Table Rectangle 180/260 cm

Mellor Extendable Dining Table 160/200 cm Cashmere

Mellor Extendable Dining Table 120/160 cm Cashmere

Marsden Extendable Dining Table 160/200 cm Natural Oak

Marsden Extendable Dining Table 120/160 cm Natural Oak

Lazzaro Extendable Dining Table 160-200 cm Putty

Lazzaro Extendable Dining Table 120-160 cm Putty

Doune Extending Refectory Dining Table

Delaney Extending Refectory Dining Table

Arun Extendable Dining Table 95x180 cm

Eclipse Extendable Dining Table Oval

Lia Extendable Dining Table 1.2 m-1.6 m

Delaney 1.2/1.65 Extendable Dining Table Oak

Doune Extendable Dining Table Taupe 1.8 m