Probably one of the most versatile pieces of furniture to benefit small spaces is the gateleg table.
It certainly ticks a lot of boxes in the space saving category, but it’s also super functional too.
I have an antique gateleg table in my kitchen that I found at an estate sale for - and get ready for this, five dollars!
It was one of those finds where I didn’t think twice. I literally took the five bucks out and gave it to the sales attendant.
At the time, it was badly beat up, lots of scrapes, a few shallow gouges, and a detached leg on one side. I didn’t care one bit because it was the perfect size for my eat in kitchen and it was solid wood- which meant I could repair every nook and cranny of it.
A little backstory… When I got my house one of the areas that was really hard to wrap my head around was the tiny dining area in my kitchen.
I probably did seven floorplans for this space and stressed out over it for at least a month.
What was the problem?
First, I couldn’t fit a round table in the space because round wouldn’t fit.
You need to be able to pull a round table away from walls or corners because they don’t have flat sides.
Nobody would ever squeeze into a tight corner at a round table, right? I simply didn’t have the floor space to pull it away from the wall.
I also couldn’t put a large rectangular table in the space because I didn’t have the wall length required to have a long table.
My office door is right near the space – actually, part of the space...
That meant I was limited to a very small rectangle or square table.
That would’ve been fine, but I had it in my mind that I’d be hosting two or three friends for dinners once in a while and trying to squeeze around a small square table wasn’t very appealing.
(This once in a while thing is what I call designing a room around exceptions, and it’s not a good idea.)
When I worked in a furniture store years ago, we had a gateleg table that was marketed as an occasional table.
I always felt like the powers that be missed the mark because it would’ve made an excellent dining table for small spaces.
Getting back to my five-dollar table, I knew immediately that this score was perfect because it folds up to the size of a console table but also opens to a full 72 inches with both leaves up.
I keep one side up all the time, but if I want or need extra floor space, I can fold that one side down.
I can also move the table into the center of my kitchen and use it for a temporary island where I can roll out cookie dough or have it as extra prep surface for over-flow ingredients.
Now, I’m no pro baker or chef, but this extra space is perfect for when I make my kitchen work as a holiday food assembly line…
Full disclaimer, when I open it up all the way, I position it across my kitchen, in front of the oven and fridge, but that’s the exception and I don’t mind it there for a couple hours.
Once my company leaves, it’s as simple as folding it back up and sticking it right back to where it belongs.
I refinished the top, painted the legs, and fixed the broken gate leg and now my five-dollar table is the perfect option for my small kitchen.
So, if you have a tricky small eat-in nook or tiny kitchen with an awkward corner, I’ll encourage you to think about using a gateleg table to make that area more functional.
Let’s explore nine other ways to use a gateleg table.
These ancient tables aren’t just for dining there’s more versatility here than meets the eye.
According to Wikipedia, the gateleg table was first introduced in England in the 16th century. Large flaps “leafs” had two supports, which had the advantage of providing free spare leg space in the center. These tables were almost always used as dining tables back then.
Gateleg Table as a Desk
Ikea
Need a spot to work, but don’t have a spare room office?
This option works best if you have the need for an occasional desk. It can sit in the room, folded up with some décor on top until it’s needed as a desk.
I picture it in a long living room or hall where you can pull up the leaf, scoot a chair or stool under it to have a nice space to work temporarily.
Gateleg Table as a Living Room Console
Hickory Furniture
Furniture for small rooms needs to do double, and triple duty sometimes.
The classic sofa table, behind the sofa or acting as a room divider is another way to use this versatile piece.
The leaves can be folded down leaving a thin surface to display books, pottery or even a lamp.
If you need a space to work, a place to hold platters or booze for a party, this is a great option to create that extra surface space in a pinch.
When you’re thinking about using a sofa table, think about a gateleg table that can do more than just be a place holder for a lamp.
Gateleg Table as a Hall Table
Rosemary Thyme
Much like the living room console/sofa table, the gate leg can be used as a hall table.
Place some decor on top, maybe hang a mirror above it?
If you have the space, sometimes the leaf can be down – making a slim pathway through the area.
Other times, a leaf can be opened for holiday décor or occasional display.
You’ll have a functional piece of furniture that can be brought out, opened and used for a number of different reasons or occasions.
Gateleg Table as a Plant Stand
Cherish
Short on space and need a spot for that giant philodendron?
These tables can tuck neatly next to a window or a sunny wall for the perfect plant home.
They can be used as a propagation station too for when you have cuttings in small containers.
You can customize the surface space for when you have extra cuttings.
Gateleg Table as an End Table
Turner’s Fine Furniture
I’ve seen this idea used in tiny houses.
The table can be butted right up close to the side of a small sofa and used primarily as an end table.
When the need arises, it can be opened for dining or office work as well.
Multi-function like this isn’t only for tiny houses, so keep an open mind about how a gateleg table could bring more function to your small and tricky living room.
Gateleg Table as a Bar
DigDigs
This is a genius way to use these tables. They are the perfect size for displaying your glassware and spirits.
You can tuck them in corners or on a small wall, open them up halfway or fully. What other furniture can be so versatile, right?
Gateleg Table as a Craft Table
History in High Heels
Perhaps you have the need to get creative, but you don’t have a room or a large area in a shared space for crafting…
Well, these tables can hold a sewing machine, cricket cutter, or all the crafting supplies you need it, and it folds away when you don’t.
They’re a great crafting table because you can customize how much workspace you need by pulling up one or both leaves.
Gateleg Table as a Study Space or Homework Hub
Forward Features
These tables are great additions to kid rooms for study spaces.
They can open to hold books, paper, laptops and all the things your scholar needs to succeed and when they’re done, they can fold up and store away until next time.
Gateleg Table as a Kitchen Island
Home Depot
I already alluded to this earlier, but it deserves a spotlight, don’t you think?
Sometimes you just need a little extra service space when you’re working in the kitchen.
Don’t have the space for a permanent island? That’s exactly when a gateleg table will come super useful.
Need space for the cookies to cool?
Waiting to frost 3 dozen cupcakes?
A gateleg table can help you customize exactly how much space you need… Some days you might need one side up, some days both, which ever, you have options for how to use it!
Well, there you have it, nine reasons why your tricky, small room needs a gateleg table:
Usen them as a desk.
Place them in the living room as a console table.
Get some functionality and options when you use them as a hall table.
Use them as a plant stand table in a sunny spot.
Place them beside the living room sofa as an end table.
Set up the bar for a party and use one or both sides.
Get crafty and use them as a craft table or sewing table.
They’re the perfect spot to spread out books and papers for a study spot or homework hub.
And use them as a kitchen table and occasional kitchen island when the need arises!
Now I’d love to hear from you, is there another way you can think of to use a gateleg table? Or, have you ever consider getting one? Tell me all about it in the comments below.
Join the Fun!
If you enjoyed this post and you want to keep seeing my weekly blog, the best way to do that is to subscribe.
You can subscribe by downloading my 11 Secrets Only Designers Know to Make Your Space Rock. If you’re curious about how decorators and designers make a home look magazine ready, you’ll love taking a gander at these 11 secrets. You’ll learn how to style your room from the floor up and it will work for ANY space you have.
I write about small space design and decorating, sustainable furniture options, positive self care and a variety of do-it-yourself home décor.
I’d love to connect with you!
“Michael Helwig was top-notch, very professional and responsive to my needs. He allowed me time to explore ideas and try out a variety of combinations until we found the perfect fit. Michael provided detailed information and offered beautiful ideas to make my dream living room become a reality. The furniture he sourced has totally transformed my living room space. Everyone that has seen my new living room has one word, WOW! A special thank you to Michael for a wonderful experience.”
“Michael was very knowledgeable and guided us, with great patience and good humor, through the process of designing our dining room and helping us find the perfect sleeper sofa. He offered really helpful advice when we asked questions - which was often - but at no time did we ever feel pushed. He helped me when I felt like I couldn’t make one more decision. When my new furniture finally arrived I realized everything down to the pillows was perfect. I couldn’t be happier!”
Michael is Principal designer and blogger at Michael Helwig Interiors in beautiful Buffalo, New York. Since 2011, he’s a space planning expert, offering online interior e-design services for folks living in small homes, or for those with awkward and tricky layouts. He’s a frequent expert contributor to many National media publications and news outlets on topics related to decorating, interior design, diy projects, and more. Michael happily shares his experience to help folks avoid expensive mistakes and decorating disappointments. You can follow him on Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook @interiorsmh.
