How to Make a Fold-Down Table

Finding room for a dinner table in a crowded apartment can be a challenge, but we have the perfect solution. We'll show you how to make this cute DIY drop-down table that folds up against the wall when not in use.

If your small kitchen lacks dining space, get creative and turn a wall display into functional furniture. This DIY wall-mounted folding table is a smart, space-saving solution. When open, the table provides comfortable and stylish seating for two, as well as display space for linens, cookbooks, extra dishes, and collectibles. When folded, the table disappears to leave the floor clear for foot traffic. Clever use of chalkboard paint allows the underside of the unit to serve as an area for grocery or other to-do lists.

To make the table, you'll need a handful of materials and basic carpentry skills. We'll walk you through the entire process, plus offer tips to customize the table and make it your own. 

  • Working time 2 hrs
  • Start to finish 8 hrs
  • Difficulty Kind of easy
  • Involves Painting, Drilling, Finding Wall Studs
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What you need

Tools
Materials
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How to do it

Step 1

Paint and Prime

Gather all of the tools and materials needed for your wall-mounted fold-down table plans. Before assembling the table, prime and paint the cabinet and wood pieces. We used white and light blue, but feel free to use any colors to match your decor. Let paint dry before proceeding. 

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How to Choose Paint Colors

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Step 2

Attach Boards and Cut Framing

Attach a board to the bottom front of the cabinet. Cut a tabletop the same size as the front of the cabinet, and attach a large piano hinge along the back edge. Attach the other side of the hinge to the board installed on the bottom of the cabinet. Close the tabletop over the cabinet. Cut framing pieces; attach pieces around the bottom edges of the tabletop. Be sure your drill bit is set so you don't accidentally drill through the tabletop. 

Step 3

Cut and Attach Legs

Cut legs and crossbars; attach the four pieces to each other using flat braces at the corners on the front and back of the boards. Use a carpenter's square to make sure the legs are square. Attach the leg assembly to the tabletop with a long piano hinge.

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Step 4

Add Support

To ensure the legs stay in place when open, add locking drop-leaf supports on each side of the tabletop. When closed, the leg assembly becomes the chalkboard frame. If desired, fill in the area with chalkboard paint; let dry. 

Watch

Chalkboard Paint

More ways to decorate with chalkboard paint. 

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Step 5

Hang on the Wall

Attach a hook and latch to the top of the cabinet and the tabletop. Use a stud finder to locate wall studs. Attach the cabinet at the appropriate height on the wall, making sure to hit studs. The table should be level when open. Attach a support board flush under the cabinet and into wall studs.

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Best Colors for Small Kitchens

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Step 6

Add Personality

With a little extra effort, a bland background can become a piece of wall art thanks to these fold-down table ideas. If you chose to fill in the table bottom with chalkboard paint, write out a to-do list, an inspirational quote, or a short message. Add other embellishments, such as trim or decorative hardware, as desired. 

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