2024 Author: Beatrice Philips | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-15 04:10
With the development of technology and the chemical industry, plastic has become firmly established in domestic and industrial use in the middle of the 20th century. Plastics of different composition and properties have become widely used in the manufacture of furniture. Until that time, furniture was made from fairly expensive materials, the main of which was wood for many centuries. Today, plastic tables and chairs, as well as all kinds of fasteners, fittings, coatings, edging and linings are made of high-strength plastic.
Advantages and disadvantages of the material
The quality of the product directly depends on the structure and composition of the substance used to form the plastic substance. Among the wide variety of materials in this category, two main ones can be distinguished, which are used in the manufacture of furniture, in particular tables and chairs.
The most affordable plastic - polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polypropylene … It is used in the manufacture of furniture for summer cottages and summer cafes. PVC products are not durable, prone to deformation, can crack when dropped, and are unstable to low temperatures. The material has gained popularity due to its low price, it is mainly used as a waste raw material, which is not a pity.
Stronger and more dense - polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA, acrylic) , which is used to create stylish quality furniture. It perfectly combines with other materials, adheres well and quickly, has increased strength and durability.
The appearance of the table, its practicality and ease of maintenance are important qualities in choosing this piece of furniture. After all, the place for eating and preparing food should not only be convenient and aesthetic, but also meet the requirements of environmental friendliness, and also be as simple as possible to maintain.
All these criteria are met by plastic tables made of both PVC and acrylic:
- light material, a table made of plastic is easy to rearrange from place to place, to take out into the garden or on the veranda;
- Water and dirt repellent coating makes it easy to remove food contamination. Wet cleaning with household cleaning products is sufficient;
- resistance to high temperatures. You don't have to worry about hot cup marks on the countertop, as is the case with many other materials;
- variety of colors and options. The ability to choose a unique option in accordance with the style of the interior;
- financial savings. Plastic tables are much cheaper than their wooden and metal counterparts. Transparent plastic can successfully imitate glass, while the cost will be several times cheaper.
The disadvantages of this product include the properties of some plastics, such as toxicity and fragility. However, modern manufacturing technologies make it possible to minimize these undesirable factors. To clarify the quality of products, it is advisable to ask the seller for a certificate of conformity to consumer standards.
Forms and designs
When starting to choose a model of a plastic table, you should at the very beginning decide on its size. The parameters will depend on the intended placement area, the number of seats, as well as on the general design of the premises.
The shape of plastic tables can be very different: round, square, oval or rectangular.
- Round and oval tables look good in spacious rooms and outdoors.
- Rectangular are classics and will suit any interior.
- A square plastic table can be conveniently placed in a small kitchen area.
Since plastic is a rather malleable material and can take any shape during manufacture, tables made of this material can also have non-standard configurations: triangles, polyhedrons, trapezoids.
Often plastic products are combined with other materials. The plastic table top can be on a folding metal frame - transforming tables are convenient for carrying and storage.
Round and square tables can be equipped with mechanisms and additional parts, when unfolded, the table turns into a larger oval or rectangular table, respectively.
A collapsible plastic table, as a rule, is divided into a removable table top and folding legs. Such a structure is easy to fold, carry and remove if it serves only for receiving guests.
Tabletop overlays
The working surface of kitchen and dining tables must combine good performance characteristics: do not absorb substances and odors, be easily cleaned of food contamination, interact steadily with hot objects.
For cladding countertops, postforming is often used - a method of processing a plane with paper-laminated plastic. The finishing material covers the entire surface by hot application and smoothly passes to the ends of the countertop. The latter allows you to make the edges of the table rounded, smooth, not requiring edging. The table top is obtained completely "packed" in plastic using a seamless method.
Postforming worktops are available both ready-made and custom-made. In addition to their functional properties, such overlays with facing plastic also serve as a decorative ornament. They can imitate wood, stone and other materials. It is used most often on surfaces made of laminated chipboard and MDF boards.
Criterias of choice
Plastic is a lightweight and inexpensive material with a huge variety of shapes and colors, so choosing a table suitable for the interior is not difficult. When choosing, you should take into account the performance of the model, size and purpose.
For an everyday dining table, a square version is suitable, with the possibility of transformation in case of the arrival of guests.
For a very small kitchen, the best option that saves precious meters is a countertop mounted on the windowsill. It is convenient to fold it upright, freeing up space. Folding compact stools can be purchased with it.
For garden plots, picnics in the country and summer verandas, a plastic table will be the best option, not afraid of the scorching sun and sudden rain. The transforming table can be easily folded, and plastic chairs for it, as a rule, have a shape that is convenient for stacking. These kits are easy to assemble and store in the utility room. Stationary plastic tables with a voluminous umbrella that protects from the sun and rain are also suitable for open spaces. The umbrella is attached to a rod installed in a hole in the middle of the table.
For living rooms and bedrooms, models made of plastic and metal on wheels are suitable. It is convenient to place a tea set, fruits and sweets on them. A table on wheels can replace a regular tray: you don't have to go to the kitchen several times for cutlery and dishes.
When choosing a plastic table, you should pay attention to the following nuances:
- The quality of the plastic. Durability and non-toxicity are basic requirements. Pay attention to the smell of the product. Food grade plastic should be free of foreign odors and harmful colorants.
- When choosing a product, give preference to domestic manufacturers, they are more reliable than Chinese counterparts.
- Before buying, check the availability of components, fittings, as well as the general appearance of the furniture. The product must be stable and free from defects. Transformer models should be disassembled and reassembled to ensure that they are in accordance with the instructions.
Interior options
Plastic furniture fits perfectly into modern interiors in the style of minimalism and high-tech. In combination with metal, glass and wood, plastic is able to decorate the interior and make it as practical as possible.
In terms of color, the dining or kitchen table does not have to be the same color as the kitchen set. Within acceptable limits, it can contrast with the color of the main furniture, but at the same time carry its own individuality and complement the interior design.
A round white table on one curly column leg is perfect for the bright juicy colors of the furniture set. It will refresh the interior, visually increase the space. The table top and chairs made of transparent plastic will add lightness and airiness to the interior. Especially if the interior of the room is replete with dark deep tones.
The rich colors of plastic furniture will become the main accent in the kitchen of neutral shades. For example, light green pieces of furniture can be successfully accentuated by emerald green tabletops and chairs. The beige headset will be matched with chocolate or nut-colored plastic.
Photo printing is often used to decorate countertops covered with plastic facing. This decorative element is popular and can be either integral art panels or a separate ornament.
Children's plastic tables for food and games are made, as a rule, from the most non-toxic compounds. They must have all sharp edges rounded. Often children's tables are used for drawing, so they are equipped with all kinds of drawers and pencil cases.
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