Vintage Red Formica Drop Leaf Table | Roll-a-Tick Patent | Space-Saving Dining or Desk Table | 1950s British Design

A fabulous red 1950s Formica drop-leaf table with the iconic Roll-a-Tick patented mechanism — and yes, it really is that red! Compact yet roomy, this clever mid-century piece can seat up to four when extended, making it ideal for kitchens, dining spaces, small apartments or as a retro desk.

The two side leaves open independently and are supported by wooden pull-out arms — a smart mechanism also seen in Ercol extending tables. The tabletop is finished in a bold, glossy red Formica, (there is a black outline detailing of possibly leaves, this is shown in our close ups?) designed to be wipe-clean, durable, and perfect for everyday use, especially around children or as a craft station.

The solid hardwood frame (likely beech) has been lightly sanded and re-oiled to restore its natural warmth while preserving the characterful signs of vintage wear. Underneath the table is the original Roll-a-Tick patent label, though no specific manufacturer is listed.

These tables were a staple of mid-20th century British homes, prized for their practicality, modern lines, and colour-pop appeal. They’re just as desirable today — both for their utility and their unmistakable retro style.

Why You’ll Love It:
• Original 1950s drop-leaf table with bright red Formica top
• Roll-a-Tick patented leaf-support system
• Each leaf opens and closes independently
• Wipe-clean surface – ideal for families, craftwork or casual dining
• Great as a space-saving desk, kitchen table, or café table
• Sturdy hardwood frame (probably beech), lightly refinished
• Seats up to four when extended
• Vibrant red surface adds joyful mid-century colour to any room

Condition Specific to this Piece :-

Very good vintage condition with age-related wear. The wooden base has been refreshed but retains minor signs of use. The Formica top has light surface scratches and a couple of chips, (shown in our photos) but remains vibrant and glossy. Mechanism works smoothly and the table is solid and stable when opened.

Approximate Measurements

Height 77 cm
Width/Length when both leaves are folded down 50 cm
When both leaves are up 76 cm
Depth 76 cm
Width between the legs 27.5 cm


Please note this listing is for the table only.

We have shown it with some chair and stool options which are currently in stock, just message us beforehand if it’s a dining set you require and we will happily put together a delivered price for all.

As hopefully you can see in our photos all these pieces work great in smaller spaces, chairs and stools stackable and table foldable, maybe they could fit into YOUR space?

CONDITION
Please bear in mind that all our vintage and retro items have had a life before you purchase them (sometimes quite a long one!) therefore they will show signs of wear and use, these may include knocks, dents and scratches, bumps and scuffs which are commensurate with age and previous use. We never sell items that we wouldn’t be happy to have in our own homes and provide images detailing any significant damage or unusual wear. Please carefully read the details and examine the images prior to purchase. All our items have been thoroughly cleaned and de-greased, re-oiled and polished (where necessary) and are fit for purpose. If you’re unsure, or would like some more information, please contact us, we’re always happy to help.

OUR DELIVERY POLICY
THERE ARE EXCLUSIONS TO OUR FREE DELIVERY POLICY - PLEASE SEE BELOW OR IF IN ANY DOUBT, MESSAGE US DIRECTLY, INCLUDING YOUR DELIVERY POSTCODE.

PLEASE NOTE THAT IF YOU PURCHASE FROM AN OFF-SITE ADVERT FOR ETSY, FREE DELIVERY WILL NOT APPLY (AS WE ARE CHARGED CONSIDERABLY MORE). TO AVOID THIS, PLEASE OPEN A NEW BROWSER WINDOW AND GO DIRECT TO OUR ETSY-POWERED WEBSITE LIGHTFOOTANDLOWE.COM

FREE DELIVERY DOES NOT AUTOMATICALLY APPLY TO ANY SALE ITEMS.

Safely delivering items you purchase in a timely fashion is both our priority and also one of the most challenging aspects of our business.

Wherever possible, we try to offer free kerbside delivery, contact-free, to most mainland UK addresses, either by ourselves or via our dedicated, trusted, couriers. This ensures that your purchases arrive in exactly the condition they were in when you purchased them, as accurately described on our site. You should expect delivery to be within 1 to 3 weeks of you placing the order. We will contact you directly with a firm delivery date and advise you in advance of a two hour delivery window.

Exclusions to free delivery apply, including where tolls or congestion zone fees apply, for which there will be an additional charge.

Free delivery does not apply to locations a long way away from our location in Cambridge or to areas of mainland UK not routinely covered by our trusted couriers - if this applies to your purchase, we will simply charge you what we are charged for delivery, less any Etsy fees, and notify you of this as soon as practicable after the sale goes through.

We are able to package and export items beyond mainland UK and have done so as far afield as Hong Kong and New Zealand. We regularly export to Northern Ireland and Eire and the majority of Europe. Please contact us directly for a tailored quotation.

When ordering, please supply us with your mobile ‘phone number, so we may liaise directly with you regarding delivery. Please advise if there are any delivery restrictions that will apply (such as anything other than ground floor access, parking and access restrictions etc.). We reserve the right to charge for deliveries outside of our standard terms.

Please note that if we are unable to deliver on a pre-arranged day, you will be charged a flat fee of £50 for re-delivery