How to seat 12+ guests in a small home (Transformer Table unboxing)

Check out Transformer Table & get $100 off using my code: TITCHENER100
transformertable.com/discount...
(valid site-wide on purchases over $999)
💻 Get my desktop wallpapers:
www.danieltitchener.com/store
🛋 Apply to be featured in my Architect Redesigns series:
www.danieltitchener.com/archi...
⚙ My recommendations and gear:
www.amazon.co.uk/shop/danielt...
🛋 Check out our furniture from Article:
Outdoor Living bit.ly/3LN4mZk
Kezia Sofa bit.ly/3oZuRlE
Redondo Ottoman bit.ly/3Ll2IwK
Solina Stool bit.ly/3AKrhy6
Cilo Ottoman bit.ly/3VxkEsH
Olara Ottoman bit.ly/3VpehaM
Hume Pillow bit.ly/42eX8Tx
Stitch Pillow bit.ly/3p3Gzvy
Narro Table bit.ly/44jSFAK
Burrard Loveseat bit.ly/3nBgRxR
Denman Chair bit.ly/3OvuiHm
Seno Sideboard bit.ly/3PG23X7
Gira Floor Lamp bit.ly/3PLqTov
Texa pouf bit.ly/3yO5YKE
Esse Counter Stool bit.ly/3aRivVN
Solina Stool bit.ly/3aXv8ik
🔗 Links/Socials:
Website: www.danieltitchener.com
Instagram: @danieltitchener
Twitter: @dantitchener
TikTok: @danieltitchener
Nebula: nebula.app/danieltitchener
🚫 I do not use online platforms other than those listed above. Beware of impersonators in the comments section.
Correction:
2:38 According to the Transformer Table website the table is a "Blend of Oak wood & veneer sourced in North America and France"
Disclaimer:
This is not design advice, nor can I give you design advice. Everything in this video is conceptual and is for entertainment purposes only and not for the purpose of providing design advice. Nothing in this video should be construed to form an architect client relationship. You should contact your own architect to obtain advice regarding any particular project. When hacking furniture, you do so at your own risk.
This video was sponsored by Transformer Table (product gifting only) #gifted #ad

[@DanielTitchener]

I've owned this dining table for half a year (at time of writing) and need to make a few things clear: (1) "Solid Oak" - When I made this video I misunderstood the wording on TT’s website stating it's "MADE WITH solid wood" - it's not “ALL” made of solid wood. Big difference. It's a "Blend of Oak wood & veneer". Is it 9% veneer or 99%? I’m either very stupid or TT should make this clearer. In their defence, the removable panels are heavy to move around, so using veneer here might actually make sense. The outdoor version’s removable panels are significantly lighter. (2) Wood can warp - Some of our panels don't align perfectly, which can make it hard to match some of them together now. TT does state this in the instructions and provide guidance on how to deal with it. I’ve also noticed hairline gaps appearing at a couple of mitred corners, but nothing very noticeable and likely to be easily remedied with their included aftercare kit. (3) Costco versions - There are different versions of this table. Ours is Version 4.0, which is available direct from TT, which holds up very well to marks and scratches. We use our Oak version daily without placemats/coasters and you wouldn't even notice. (4) Dining bench - These are inherently very hard to sit down at alongside four legged tables. Folding chairs are still more comfortable and lighter to set up. I don’t use our bench with the table, however it’s still very handy and versatile. Despite this, I can’t find anything else that’s quite as versatile out there. If there is, please let me know!

[@leonchan974]

Some words of caution! We tested The Transformer Table at our nearby Costco during a brief moment where TT showcased their product in-store. We didn't go through with the purchase. Having an expandable table is really enticing since we have a small space, but we had to make sure the quality reflected the high price we'd be paying. Our in-person look at the table showed two key flaws: 1) The table scratched VERY easily. Sitting down, we could see every little dent and scratch on the wood. Even a light press of a fingernail could leave a lasting mark. Costco had the American walnut wood on display so maybe that particular wood is more sensitive than the Scandinavian oak in this video. 2) When the table is fully extended, there was a visible dip in the areas where the table was not supported by legs. It was apparent before dropping down our eye-level to the tabletop when it became obvious. (Note the table did not have items resting on top.) Now, will it cave with food and plates? Probably not, but I expected better quality for the price. Lastly, I strong urge people to look at not just TT's website which has filtered out critical reviews. The table is still sold on Costco's site. The reviews are more balanced there.

[@grashi]

This was super helpful. Thank you!

[@leechin5890]

Costco bought out the older version. I was lucky to find the new version in Canadian birch on local marketplace for half price. Per TT the newer version 4.0 the finish is better.

[@ninjacat4536]

It is a terrible product, but even more terrible is the price for the low quality. I bought it at costco and returned it.

[@DanielTitchener]

Thanks for sharing! I can't share my experience with the Costco versions, but to my knowledge these things were remedied in Version 4.0. I completely agree that you should definitely check out unfiltered reviews before making any purchase this large.

[@lesleyegbert4807]

A friend of mine paid in to the original kickstarter for these tables and hers has stood the test of time through many dinner parties! I'll probably buy one myself someday.

[@jameslongstaff2762]

This is a commercial I enjoy watching

[@george8660]

why did i just voluntarily watch a 6 min advert

[@DanielTitchener]

🤣

[@caesar98]

It's not really my style but I love the idea for small spaces. My apartment is ~ 25m² studio and I made it a priority to have a dining table after eating at my desk or sofa for my entire student life

[@cheska9999]

Wow! That's some wildly cool furniture design!

[@aa-fw2pw]

Really interesting! Please do some videos on staying minimal when you have kids. I was always super minimal but when my 3 year old and 1 year old daughters came along, it was really difficult to stay minimal.

[@mzudsiri]

I really like The Minimal Mom’s content for added kids!

[@user-km5lm4ne8t]

Ha! Beat you to it! Bought the "cheapo" version of the expanding table off Amazon. Am in the process of sorting through lift-top coffee tables for the living room. Our family is online quite a lot, so having multi[ple computer surfaces is ideal. However, I credit you with getting me thinking about how this unique family lives instead of what most people do. I have also purchased cool floor lamps with task lights for the living area and an arc lamp for the dining table. I followed your lead by buying a bench that really fits against the wall and under the table to maximize our floor space as the living and dining areas are combines in one room. Thinking about getting a couple of C tables for an end table by the sofa so that we can also use the lounge part of the sectional sofa for another computer spot. Thank you for revealing how much I had been accepting assumptions without thinking it all thtrough! Now contemplating what to put inside some glass doors to shelving so the "storage stuff" is completely separate from the display stuff.

[@ScottLe]

THANK YOU DANIEL!!! I have been looking everywhere for something like this for our small space as well! We recently gave up one of our rooms for our baby girl and barely have space for a dining room table and or coffee table. We definitely want to see if this is something that can work in our space. I also really appreciate you making content that is renter friendly since not a lot of people can afford to buy homes and need renter friendly alternatives to decorate and furnish our space. You’re the absolute best.

[@frenchschnitzel]

“The potential to completely change our lives” 🙃

[@andojay]

I’ve been eyeing that table forever

[@ninjacat4536]

I wanted to get it, went to actually see it at costco and was disappointed with the low quality, specially for the high price.

[@MrJacobegg]

Wait, they have this at Costco? Getting to see it in person and look at the quality (or lack thereof) up close would be awesome.

[@norawotton5440]

What a way to ‘create space’!

[@sammieeg1592]

Looks great but then the price is sooo expensive so doesn’t make it as accessible

[@vonnnner]

True, but the amount of money saved in not having to rent an apartment with the additional square footage of a dining room makes this purchase pay for itself many times over.

[@TGYtco]

That is brilliant!! And beautiful.

[@SF-ru3lp]

Super... all items... I 've seen that table a few times. It is the ladt word in dining room tables. Thank uoh, Daniel for thd the great demos! I saw another marvellous solution in a video some time ago (might not suit your spaces dimensions). It was the use of an office electric standing desk as a kitchen island and when lowererd, as a dining table. G Ire

[@jinlu4]

Aww I love the group photo at the end!! ❤️

[@wretchedworm]

this is so clever!

[@anitajohnson782]

It's great you can use more of your spaces for more of the time 👍

[@williamsstephens]

Makes me wish I were young and just starting out - this is the best setup I've ever seen! I'm thinking of buying it for my daughter. By the way, it comes in several stain colors.

[@haakman123]

I loved it, and imagined the table tops fitting inside the oversized legs. But no, it was not so.

[@nniiiccoo__]

Love your videos @DanielTitchener ! Where do you buy the glass mugs? Love them so much and can‘t find them online. Thanks!

[@shirleyburnham2782]

Fantastic x

[@evalindell2757]

We have an old table that folds in our house. It is 35 cm wide when folded and we can very easily fold half the table up for just the two of us and if we fold both sides up we can seat 8 -10 people around it. It is standing at the same place all the time just larger or smaller depending on how many we are. And acctually we have been 16 but then we added another table as well that we have in storage. But then we ran out of glasses, cuttlery and chairs 🙃😂

[@jsbenitez0]

Duuuuude that is brilliant. I wish i could get stuff like that were i live. But sadly cant.

[@PTRAINBOY]

That's brilliant

[@RobEbbutt]

A really good buy for your small apartment, Daniel. Well done!

[@meowmeow-op7lp]

628 sq ft unit is big, I am living in a 300 sq ft studio. Love to have this dining table, although a shorter version will suit me better. 😊

[@luiscrawford1249]

If it was 2k id definitely consider it haha. Looks great though. Were currently trying to find the right table for our small apartment. Very tricky!

[@lordofgraphite]

Amazing

[@evanvandenberg2260]

Hi Daniel, Whats the plan with the short throw projector with this setup? I see its been put underneath the one bench, that obviously requires some setup each time to use it. Is it just a matter of not using it often or do you have some quick way of setting it up (pre-bundled cables that just plug in and its off to the races).

[@zazyto]

One of the Mobily Fiver tables has a storage for its panels as well.

[@1slowliving]

great find! My current table is melamine covered over plywood, and has been in the family for 35+ years. Looking to downsize my space and this is a budget find compared to the TT shown here

[@SiouxsieAngel]

Is there a closet in the bedroom? Have you considered moving your desk into the closet to make an office nook and then just doing a slim wardrobe? Tucking your desk away would be optimal.

[@MockingTruth]

Impressive

[@MrTVervolg]

I love the idea of an extendable dining table, but for me the table should be able to store the extra panels, so you don't need to buy an extra coffee table to store them. The bench looks awesome!!!!

[@user-km5lm4ne8t]

I forgot to add that I got two accent chairs and am using two "shelf-like" desks where the desk top pivots (360 degrees) on wheels. That means it goes from a longish side table to a desk by just swinging around the desk top to the front of the chair!

[@tjbren576]

All those hard edges and sharp corners? After raising 6 kids, I've learned crisp edges and kids don't go together well. (The hairy legs were nice though!)

[@sAviOr11312]

I really like your videos and understand how this fits into what you do, but please do include the price clearly up front when presenting. You do this in your other ones like with your IKEA ones which tend to be much more affordable. As a viewer, I'm expecting pricing in the same range as the other things you give recommendations for, (its fine if its not, but please do show that) as having to click through to find out that all the pieces are so far out of my budget is a bit of a let down.

[@shanewhite9385]

It's literally just clicking a link, it's really not that hard to find the price. Plus, retailers may change their pricing so inclusion in the video isn't a good idea.

[@moritz_schoenermann]

Very nice. I guess I do not have this in my city. BTW Could you put the wall lengths of your apartments floorplans? Also healthshakes receips welcome!. :)

[@NoGattsuNoGlory]

Please give a long term review. Is there also discount code?

[@angelcr-z3328]

I'm surprised you didn't go with Expand - did you reach out to them?

[@RainMakeR_Workshop]

I've been thinking about trying to make one of these expanding tables. As the ones I can find for sale online are all the wrong dimensions for what I want. I want a table that's 2'x4' and expands in 2' intervals. So it could be 2'x4', 4'x4', 6'x4' all the way up to 8'x4'. Aside from working at it and dining. A table like that would be perfect for boardgames, wargames, skirmish games and TTRPG's.

[@SIC647]

Probably because all other countries use the meter system, so there is less of a market for furniture made in Imperialistic measurements. You probably have to look for companies where all steps of production takes place in USA

[@RainMakeR_Workshop]

@@SIC647 Aye, here in the UK we mostly use metric. But we use imperial for most wargames. As I said though, I'm looking at building one myself rather than blowing a small fortune.

[@Inchard]

@@RainMakeR_Workshop I guess the main difficulty is finding that telescopic aluminium system

[@RainMakeR_Workshop]

@@Inchard Yup. They either cost pretty much the same as the table itself, or they not built for the load, or you have to do some janky DIY connecting of multiple slides.

[@innerparakeet]

What is the name of your storage bench/ side table?

[@WanderingCrow]

It's definitely an investment, but if it suits your needs, and considering it's made out of solid wood (so we can expect a long life with proper care), it's definitely a good investment

[@jasonyeung9310]

we have the older model coffee table from Transformer Table, and the new model is more ergonomic. Sad that they made the change after we purchased ours. Good to see the company continuously improves their product where needed.

[@TransformerTable]

Thank you so much Jason, our new 4.0 lift top coffee table is 100% compatible with your 3.0 table panels, and since it completely conceals the panels within it, you can select any finish you want without worrying about the mismatched panel colors showing from the ends! ✨

[@jasonyeung9310]

@@TransformerTablethat’s good to know! Unfortunately, I’m not sure what I’d do with an extra coffee table 😂

[@dorahernandez3989]

Where did uou buy your stoage bench prior to your coffee table purchase. Not a fan of the coffee table to store the leaves.

[@soulexplorer76]

I'm glad I watched this video because it made me realise that this kind of solution would not be for me: - It is not suitable if you have elderly relatives/guests, or guests with physical issues (such as back pain to name a very common issue). You would have to provide chairs. I myself would not want to sit on a bench, I like to be able to lean back... and not against a wall (and at 47 I wouldn't consider myself elderly 😉). Benches are also, in my point of view, not practical because, unless you're seated at one of the ends, you're stuck there in the middle and it's a hassle if you want or need to get up for whatever reason. - The whole setup takes up quite a lot of space with the table and the seating, even if one of the benches is pushed up against a wall (which also means that you have to have a whole wall that is free...). So you would have to have very little furniture in the first place. I can understand not wanting to have a very long table on a day to day basis, for a family of four for instance it would not make sense, but yet have the possibility to entertain 12+ people now and then. I still feel you would need a larger space in the first place. - You may be able to seat 12+ people around the table, but if you have a small space, is there any room for gathering elsewhere? Or is it all happening around the table? 🤔 That is not how I personally would want to entertain company but... 😌 I must admit I was quite disappointed at first by the video but in the end it turned out to be very eye opening to what I feel would suit me or not. So thank you! 😊

[@Samtagri]

How much moneys?

[@piplup10203854]

The Coffee table is definitely something I'm interested in. I am tempted on the dining table as well. It's not that I don't have the space for a more permanent bigger table but I really like the idea of just stowing it away :) I'll definitely keep it bookmarked though

[@lisakilmer2667]

I'd like to know what you think after a year of using that table. It looks very flimsy. The "transforming table" was invented about 400+ years ago as a gateleg table. No leaves to store: they just fold down. Modern ones can also be flimsy, but a vintage one might be a better solution for small spaces.

[@designunlimited6215]

Loved seeing the review, thanks! ... have only ever seen fast 10 second bites of this table previously. For your own situation it might work for occasional dinner parties while your child is in a movable cot, but a baby is not that size for long. It might become less of a workable solution?

[@infopubs]

Or perhaps it will become the child's school desk/workspace in the future?

[@designunlimited6215]

@@infopubs ... that's true. However it's a rather bulky - as well as expensive! - work desk. Plus no more dinner parties. Combining multiple functions in small spaces is notoriously difficult, which is why I subscribe to this channel. I love the way Daniel creates inexpensive, functional and aesthetic solutions. This table, however is pretty pricey.

[@timmyswoop3781]

I can’t find the bench that houses the projector 4:38

[@ndae8107]

You should do a video on lighting rooms properly.

[@johnbolt2686]

Why don’t you have wall art

[@andrei0525]

came back to comment, expecting an absurd price, but about 2000€ for the table and bench is honestly not bad at all...not cheap, but considering the versatility, not expensive either

[@P0WERMIC]

too angular for toddlers and kids running around

[@ChicagoChicago27]

Very good option! But honestly, I would just move into a bigger space. It helps… u can have company freely, you can have family sleep over… you spend so much time in your home-it’s important for me to have the space I need.

[@ryannatividad3137]

There is some truth to this, but in an increasing number of places, moving into even a slightly larger home could easily turn into an incredibly expensive proposition that is not even possible for some, and a hardship for most. They live in Vancouver, one of the most expensive housing markets in the world. Even excluding their other financial and life goals, I can see why they are choosing to stay in their nice, but modestly-sized apartment for now. As someone who spent most of their adult life thus far in homes ranging from small to tiny (with roommates or my partner), flexible furniture and layout creativity are essential, and solutions like these even offer lessons for larger homes as well.

[@MyFocusVaries]

​​@@ryannatividad3137So true. With the recent rate of rent increases, even moving to the same sized apartment would cost them more, so staying in the same apartment makes sense. And the location in downtown Vancouver has a lot to offer in walkability, which isn't available anywhere else in the broader geographical area.

[@ujai5271]

Love the idea, hate that this is a 6 minute ad that doesn't tell me anything about the price (although '100 dollars of purchases over 999' gives a grim indication).

[@mcheddadi]

time to take the wall down between the living and dining room maybe?

[@SIC647]

The dining room is simultaneously the daughter's bedroom.

[@arcadia485]

I like the concept but it's too rustic for my taste. Also, I had a similar coffee table, it was great on some regards but it gets filled with junk very easily and it becomes very heavy and difficult to move when you want empty space in in the middle of the living room to exercise etc.

[@englishimbecile]

I got one a couple of years ago in white lacquer. In my small house it's ideal, and replaces a big old dark dining table and chairs. With 0 or 1 leaf I use it for working, and with all 4 leaves it stretches to 2.5 metres. I've easily had 8 people round it. I was dubious at first but it's terrific. The only problem is storing the leaves, especially in a small home. Thanks Daniel

[@coughfee_beans]

What I always find funny with this kind of stuff is that those companies somehow think that people CHOOSE to live in smaller spaces. It's always about money. Expensive furnitures will never work for smaller apartments. Their table is more expensive than my wooden multifunction pool/ping pong/dinning table.

[@coughfee_beans]

@@infopubs I don't buy big places myself but nothing tiny. I currently have 800 sq ft to myself and with my ex we had condos between 1400 and 1900 sq ft since she has 2 kids. People with enough money to have the space they need are more likely to buy adapted and expensive furniture but the problem is that they likely don't need it much. People on a tighter budget have to get smallers places and therefore cannot afford those fancy solutions.

[@coughfee_beans]

@@infopubs Good for you two but unless you're super minimalist it just doesn't work. No space for real desks, a big dinning table, a functional kitchen, comfortable bathroom, walk-in closet, storage space or kids.

[@coughfee_beans]

@@infopubs I said if you're not a minimalist. You can't have all the furniture people in bigger places have. I know what 600 sq ft is, I visited 2 but they were definitely too small to fit everything, have an island and a WIC.

[@Callme-DS]

HOUSE TOUR???

[@user-xs3db6ox3q]

Cool design but in my opinion, little bit too big for your apt, the leg has sturdy feel and it is asking for more grand place for it to be placed in!

[@TransformerTable]

Thank you! 118 inches is the longest it goes however there's no need to completely extend it in order to take advantage of its space saving functionality on a day to day basis, and, it's at the ready when a special occasion calls for it✨

[@davenelson8592]

It feels very weird that you have nothing on your walls. Gives an unfinished vibe.

[@Spoot1RHGL]

I also think it looks a bit too ikea-y/pre-school in style but it sure is super convinient and clever

[@rianamohamed300]

Omg Danielle, i have the daunting task of renovating my home. Need to include a bathroom, bedroom n study, and renovate my kitchen. Need urgent help. Im not like you. Im left brained, the math and science type and dont have an inkling of design n creativity. Really scared.

[@regular_and_normal]

I am sorry but you are living my hell.

[@outrageous-alex]

Just saying, that doesn't look like oak, looks like ash or pine. Even the website says it is a mix of oak and veneer. So saying "Solid Oak" is wrong on many levels.

[@kirillparhomenko6166]

In that last shot of the room it doesnt look very pleasing tbh. Just a casket in the middle of the room

[@natashadame4397]

I think the table while it's beautiful, it's too bulky and angular. I'd contemplate moving into a bigger space of apartment in a cheaper area.

[@stevemccrory9130]

Could cope with a table, but not for up to 12 people. If they made a smaller version, for up to 6 guests, then my interest would be greater. Twelve people would be giving me crowd anxiety. The coffee table is on the radar. Disappointed the ottoman is not available separately.

[@jameslongstaff2762]

It goes up to 12 people, but you can also make it for 6 people

[@stevemccrory9130]

@@jameslongstaff2762 A maximum 6-seater version would halve my crowd anxiety. Would never need or look at a 12, and the price would be more reasonable too, hopefully.