What Are Butterfly Leaf Dining Tables (With Examples)?

Small dining spaces require strategic solutions. Butterfly leaf tables offer expansion potential and self-storage to uniquely fit the bill. Amish-made pullout leaf tables are the highest quality and are made of domestic hardwood to last a lifetime.

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What is a butterfly leaf?

A butterfly leaf is named because when it is being "opened' into place, it appears to have wings like a butterfly. A center seam allows the leaf to fold and stack to slide under the table top for storage. Our Amish artisans have perfected the mechanism of the leaf and also minimized the space required making it virtually invisible beneath your table top. When installing the leaf for use, one need only to separate the table top by pulling the ends apart, then lift the top half of the leaf to open and the mechanism allows the leaf to rise into place.

Finally, push the ends of the table back together so that the leaf secures snugly on either side. Now you have two extra spaces at your Amish dinner table.

Examples of Butterfly Leaf Tables from Countryside Amish Furniture

We were going to write about the all the things that are great about this particular butterfly leaf table, but then we encountered a review from a customer that spoke more eloquently than we ever could. 

 

In the words of Lacie G.: I am in love!!

 

Ok, this is about to sound like a commercial, but when you find something amazing you have to share. Some things are worth waiting for!! When we decided to settle in one place we both agreed that it was time for a new kitchen table. After an EXTENSIVE search, I found Countryside Amish Furniture, LLC . Solid wood (nothing engineered and no veneers), amazing construction, comparable in price to other stores, I was able to pick the wood and stain color, $150 nationwide delivery, and a military discount! The only downside is that it took 20 weeks to get it from the time I placed my order, but I knew that going in. Ooh, and the customer service experience was top-notch! With two internal butterfly leaves it goes from seating 6 to up to 14 with the right chair configuration. I am in love!!!

 

Need we say more? 

Key Features

  • Solid hardwood construction
  • Industry leading top coat
  • Table top is 1" thick
  • Levelers in trestle base
  • Butterfly leaf included
  • Second butterfly leaf optional
  • Amish handmade in the USA

Price: $3315

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The ultimate space-saving solution, the Enfield Square Butterfly Leaf Table offers fully extending drawers in its base (and an open shelf)  so you can take full advantage of its footprint. This table can be customized a whopping seven different ways; choose the wood species, stain(s), and the color of the baskets, as well as the style of the edges and overall table shape. You can even choose from multiple sizes and heights!


If you’re liking the ingenious design of this particular piece, you may enjoy others highlighted in Space-Saving Dining & Kitchen Tables: Strategies and Top Picks.

Key Features

  • Amish handmade to order
  • Solid wood construction
  • One butterfly leaf included
  • Table top is 1" thick
  • Levelers in cabinet base
  • Mortise and tenon joinery
  • Full extension basket drawers
  • Catalyzed conversion varnish

Price: $2715

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A dramatic departure from the butterfly leaf tables above, this particular piece is round and firmly contemporary, thanks to the base’s cunning metal accents. Available in sizes of 48” and 54”, it includes an 18” butterfly leaf to give the extra seating capacity as needed. Other customization choices at your fingertips? Whether to make the table two-tone or monochrome and the specific dining table edge style

 

For other circular tables that can be expanded upon, read Round Extendable Dining Tables - 42” - 60”.

Key Features

  • Solid hardwood construction
  • Table top is one inch thick
  • One 18" butterfly leaf included
  • Round top; eased edge
  • Two table sizes available
  • Adjustable levelers in feet
  • Amish handmade in the USA

Price: $2670

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Make a statement with trestle ends embellished with graceful French Country-inspired flourishes. This highly customizable table gives you the option of ordering it with one or two butterfly leaf tables, each adding 18” of length.

Key Features

  • Solid hardwood construction
  • Butterfly leaf included
  • Levelers in trestle base
  • Industry leading top coat
  • 1" thick dining table top
  • Shape & table edge options
  • Authentic Amish furniture

Price: $3115

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Simple, chic, and beautiful — these phrases describe this Amish-crafted butterfly leaf table to a tee. Opt for a darker stain for an inherently contemporary aesthetic or choose a medium or lighter coloring for a timeless look. With eight sizes at your fingertips, it’s hard to imagine a dining room that this versatile butterfly leaf table couldn’t accommodate.

Key Features

  • Solid hardwood construction
  • Butterfly leaf included
  • Levelers in base
  • 1" thick hardwood top
  • Custom hardwood & finish
  • Amish handmade in the USA

Price: $2080

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Dining Room Sets Built Around Butterfly Leaf Tables

 

Good news—we removed the hard work of coordinating your butterfly leaf table with similar chairs and dining room furniture with our comprehensive sets. As is true with our individual pieces, you have the power to order the table and accompanying set in your preferred hardwood and stain. 

FAQ About Butterfly Leaf Dining Tables

Who could use a butterfly leaf table?

Butterfly dining tables come in all shapes and sizes. Your Amish handcrafted butterfly table, however, can be much larger and in virtually any shape. Further, leg tables, trestle tables, and pedestal tables can all offer a butterfly leaf. In small spaces, a butterfly leaf is a pragmatic option for expansion as no storage space is required.

Also, one 18" leaf adds space for two adults. Regular leaves self store, but add less space per leaf, typically, and are not quite as easy to transition as the butterfly leaf. Versatility, convenience, and ease are the three best reasons to choose a butterfly leaf dining or kitchen table.

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When is it time to use a butterfly leaf?

Butterfly leaf dining tables are great for apartment living. If daily dining requires only space for four, but you want to have the option to invite your parents over, a butterfly leaf table is the perfect choice. Typically, butterfly leaves add 18" to your table top and in some instances, larger tables can accept two butterfly leaves meaning 4-6 additional spaces can be added for family style dining.

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Does setting up butterfly leaf tables require physical strength?

Setting up butterfly leaf tables typically does not require a significant amount of physical strength. The process is designed to be relatively easy and convenient.

Do butterfly leaf tables require special care or maintenance?

Butterfly leaves do not require extra maintenance steps outside of those you provide to the rest of the table (cleaning, applying polish, etc.). However, be mindful not to jerk leaves too aggressively in order to avoid inadvertently causing damage. 

Do butterfly leaf tables generally cost more?

When comparing a table with a butterfly leaf mechanism to one without, expect for the former to cost more. This reflects both the added materials and extra hours that go into crafting the leaves and the mechanism to accommodate the leaves. That being said, butterfly leaves can actually save you money, as it prevents you from needing to buy a table with overall larger dimensions. For more insights into furniture pricing, read How Much Does a Wooden Dining Room Table Cost

How to shop for butterfly leaf tables?

Click here to be directed to all of Countryside's butterfly leaf tables. No matter what height, shape, or style, every table we offer direct from Amish Country with a butterfly leaf will be listed in these pages. First, choose the style you prefer and then choose the base size for your daily needs. Finally, just use our online options menu to complete the design of your custom butterfly leaf table and add it to your shopping cart.

If you have additional questions, feel free to contact us by chat, phone, or e-mail.

Author, Baileigh Basham

Bailiegh Basham is Lead Sales & Marketing Strategist at Countryside Amish Furniture. She's been a team member since 2014. Bailiegh is deeply passionate about furniture design and home decor.