Need Advice on a 'Convertible' Dining Table

[ArcticPanda]

Good morning (just),

I've been tasked by the misses to try and create some sort of dining table which can be folded away neatly and discreetly. This is because we don't have a large house, and little room for a dining table to have guests round. At least not having it there permanently.

So I've come up with the idea of attempting to make a coffee table, which can unfold legs to become a dining table as well. Therefore, when guests come round, we can use the middle of the living room as a dining room.

I've attached a photo of something which might be do-able. I've thought of using locking brackets/hinges, but I worry about their strength and whether the legs would end up being too wobbly to be usable as a dining table. Apologies, I couldn't attach the photo due to having a new account.

Any idea how I'll be able to make those 'rectangles' for the legs sturdy enough to be used as a dining table?

If anyone has any other suggestions or ideas, I'd really appreciate it.

Please search "van keppel green VKG" in google images for the table I'm thinking of.

 

[marcros]

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=van+k ... 2&dpr=2.63

To save others the search.

 

[nev]

I think the second version would be more stable and simple to create if you went for e.g. a chunky 3x3 or 4x4 leg with a bridle joint(?) rounded on the outside of the elbow? unless you fancy having a go at bending your own ply. (or find two used Ikea Poang chairs )