Also known as extension tables, butterfly leaf tables are helpful solutions for anyone working with a small kitchen or dining room. These space-saving designs make it easy to accommodate guests without committing to a large table every day.
The Problem with Traditional Dining Tables
Traditional dining tables often take up more room than a compact dining space allows. If you don’t have a dedicated dining room or your space doubles as a kitchen or living area, a full-size table may feel overwhelming.
That’s where self-storing butterfly leaf tables come in. Rather than settling for a small table that can’t handle hosting duties, you get the best of both worlds—compact when you need it, and spacious when you don’t.
Why Choose a Butterfly Leaf Table?
Unlike older dining tables that required storing separate leaves in the attic or basement, today’s self-storing extension tables feature built-in leaves that tuck neatly under the tabletop when not in use. This makes expanding your table for holidays, dinner parties, or unexpected guests a breeze.
Here’s why homeowners love them:
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Customizable space – Add seating in seconds, then fold the leaf away when it’s just your household at the table.
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Seamless function – Built-in mechanisms make operation smooth and simple—many can be opened with one hand.
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Sleek and stylish – Modern designs feature clean lines, elegant wood tones, and timeless craftsmanship.
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Efficient storage – No more trips to the basement for bulky leaves. Everything stays right in the table.
How Does a Butterfly Leaf Table Work?
For a visual demonstration, take a look at the video below to see how easy it is to use a butterfly leaf table.
They have a section in the center that can be self stored when not in use at large gatherings. The tables open easily with a single self equalizing, ball bearing extension leaf. The self storing butterfly leaf mechanism allows for single handed operation to easily expand or close the table in a matter of seconds!
Where can I find butterfly leaf extension tables?
We have several beautiful, solid wood tables with self storing leaves. Take a look at a selection of our favorites below:
Catalina Cherry Trestle Extension Table
Our modern Copeland Catalina Cherry Trestle Extension Table is custom handmade to order with solid American Cherry wood. Features elegant lines in its solid wood table top and rounded, angled taper legs. Authentic Mid-Century styling in the table top with sides curved slightly outward along the table width to create a boat shape. The table opens easily with a single 24" wide self equalizing, ball bearing extension leaf. The self storing butterfly leaf mechanism allows for single handed operation to easily expand or close the table in a matter of seconds.
Catalina Walnut Trestle Extension Table
Our modern Catalina Large Walnut Dining Extension Table is custom handmade to order with solid American Black Walnut wood. Features elegant lines in its solid wood table top and rounded, angled taper legs. Authentic Mid-Century styling in the table top with sides curved slightly outward along the table width to create a boat shape. The table opens easily with a single 24" wide self equalizing, ball bearing extension leaf. The self storing butterfly leaf mechanism allows for single handed operation to easily expand or close the table in a matter of seconds.
Catalina Cherry Round Extension Table
Our modern Catalina Cherry Round Extension Table is custom handmade to order with solid American Cherry wood. Features elegant lines in its round table top and rounded, angled taper legs. The table opens easily with a single 24" wide self equalizing, ball bearing extension leaf. The self storing butterfly leaf mechanism allows for single handed operation to easily expand or close the table in a matter of seconds.
Audrey Cherry Extension Dining Table
Our modern Audrey Cherry Dining Extension Table is handmade to order with solid Cherry wood. Features elegant lines in its rectangular table top and trestle base with dynamic double 'X' legs. The table opens easily with a single 24" wide self equalizing, ball bearing extension leaf. The self storing butterfly leaf mechanism allows for single handed operation to easily expand or close the table in a matter of seconds.
Sarah Shaker Tapered Leg Extension Table
The centerpiece of Copeland's new Sarah Shaker dining room collection, this real cherry tapered leg extension table features a 24"W self-storing leaf. The extension mechanism incorporates self equalizing, ball bearing extension glides and a single 24" self storing butterfly leaf for single handed operation to easily expand or close the table in a matter of seconds.
Think extension tables might be the solution to your space conundrum? Be sure to take a look at our full collection of extension tables to find the style that's right for your space.