Material:
According to Amy Lau, wood is the best and most versatile material for a drop leaf table. Not only is solid wood highly durable and strong, but manufactured wood can be a budget friendly alternative that offers the same stylish look and feel of wood. However, drop leaf tables are able to be found in a wide range of different materials to suit your needs, preferences, and existing decor. Wood is the most common and recommended material, but metal, glass, composite, and various combinations can also be used.
Size:
Since this is a wall mounted table, keeping it on the smaller side is normally recommended. However, according to Stephanie Goto an architect in New York, even large drop leaf tables can be wall mounted as long as you install them correctly. This involves ensuring the table is secured to the wall with high quality hardware, and is secured into the vertical lumber that supports the wall. In the case of stone or brick interior walls, use suitable anchoring screws and filler to prevent any issues with the table coming loose over time.
Construction:
Your drop leaf table will not only have to support the weight of itself, but also anything you place on top of it, you want to ensure the construction quality is top notch. Whether you plan on using this table for a breakfast nook, family bar, or computer table, construction quality should be kept in mind. Interior decorator Darryl Carter suggests going with the highest quality solid wood for the table itself, and steel or iron for the mounting hardware. Don't skimp on installation either; be sure the holes are drilled properly and securely into the wall and any shims or filler is added for extra stability.
Aesthetic:
Drop leaf tables can add a stylish yet simplistic addition to your home. They can fit into almost any decor, and work well in several bedrooms. You can use your new drop leaf table as a vanity in your bathroom or bedroom, a writing desk in your bedroom, or a buffet table in your kitchen or dining area. Danielle Colding says the overall aesthetic of the table can be changed easily by adding a stain or coat of paint to the wood surface, as well as changing up the style of the support legs when the table is extended and being used.