Though I frequently post incomplete pieces on here, this one is particularly rough. Essentially, it’s a mock-up of a mock-up, but one I am most excited about. It is also one of the final pieces of the puzzle. Finally, I have made a start on the Dining Table.
This has been left to last for a couple of reasons, but the biggest problem I had was I didn’t believe I had much space for one. I had been picturing a table, which would double as my desk, that would have to pack down to fit at the end of the Murphy bed, a space only 100mm wide. It was going to have to be a darn slim table, only functional when it had been unfolded. Not ideal, but better than nothing. It was only last week that I realised I had a rather perfect sized gap between the couch and the kitchen counter. A space I hadn’t considered, with the exception that if I was going to need a fan or a heater it could sit there out of the way. It didn’t take long to decide that would not be the best use of this spot.
I had always been keen on the Ikea NORDEN Gateleg table but it’s rather chunky, and even now wouldn’t fit, but now that I had a bit more space, there was no reason I couldn’t build my own. With a bit of research, I found two DIY gateleg tables with instructions, the first a sewing table using pocket holes and scrap wood, the other a handsomely crafted piece of furniture with drawbored mortise and tenon joinery. Opposite ends of the spectrum, both time wise and expense wise. Knowing I would have to make adjustments to suit my own scale, yet uncertain on the exact dimensions, I decided I would start with the first design, made from pine and ply. This would be relatively speedy and allow for mistakes and change of mind, and will be the table that I can road test. Once I am happy that it will comfortably seat five, function as both a desk and dining table, prove to be easy to move around and use, and free from any other issues, I shall invest my time into building the final piece with nice timber and slick joinery, as per the second method. A sensible plan! More excitingly, it means I get to pretend to have a dining table so much sooner, which is what this afternoon was all about.
Yesterday I cut the pieces for the centre base and the first gateleg, and this afternoon I assembled the sections and had a play. I don’t currently have any plywood pieces large enough for the tabletop, but I found an offcut that was almost the right size, at least big enough to give a good indication of what the table could be. I also didn’t have enough hinges, hence the single gateleg for now. Despite it’s humble state I was quickly using it as a desk even though the table top was only sitting in place- a promising start! You may have to use your imagination a little, but these photos capture the general construction of the piece.
Set up for dinner! Fear not, that little stool will not cut it as one of my chairs. That said, it coincidentally is of perfect height. (Also, it looks really short, but this is of a normal dining table height!)
I was very skeptical when looking at my Sketch Up design but I actually didn’t have any issues with leg space from any of the five places. Though I don’t have the longest legs in the world. I am yet to test elbow space.
Tucked away into its designated spot. The drop leaf would actually be what you would see from the front. 
Even half extended, this shouldn’t get in the way if I wished to leave it set up as a desk for a time.
It can also stay open when the bed is down, no need to pack away my stuff if I am too tired at the end of the day.
Mock drop leaf. (Side note! I also realised I could park my ‘making station’ in the tables storage place when it’s set up at the couch. This would be perfect for any overflow of dishes and drinks during a dinner party.)
Set up as desk, I actually found sitting at the end of my couch and using the table as shown, to be super comfortable. It actually is quite a nice view, looking into the rest of the home with its multiple window views.
Plenty of leg space for me! This is great I can even see myself eating meals for one in this set up.
Six by Tiny 
