Small space living often means making sacrifices or compromises when it comes to space, and the dining room is often one of the first rooms to be made smaller or shared with other spaces. For some, dining tables are centers of the home, especially around family mealtimes or when hosting guests. With some creative thinking, designers and small-space enthusiasts alike have created clever small space dining room ideas that can help anyone create a beautiful and multifunctional dining area.

Table Talk

When setting up your dining area, the dining table is the star of the show, even in small spaces. A perfect small space dining table can turn any room from “tight” to “just right,” and you have plenty of options to choose from.

Like all small space solutions, storage is key. Multipurpose storage tables help you tackle two problems in one. They provide storage solutions for your linens, your centerpieces, and other things that you may keep in a china cabinet or other bulky storage option. All that storage beneath your feet allows for extra room to grow and gather.

If you’re someone who loves hosting but doesn’t want to navigate around a bulky table every day, extension tables are a wonderful solution. Space-saving extension tables can reduce to four or even two person tables for your family to enjoy day-to-day and can extend large enough to seat up to twelve people for when you’re ready to party. Extension tables are also a great choice for those who use their dining table for more than dining (makeshift office, puzzle station or craft space included), and who may like to expand their table space from time to time. Unsure where to put enough chairs for all your guests? Many have turned to beautiful folding chairs. Different from the canvas ones dotted around soccer fields in the summer, these chairs can be tucked away or even hung as decor on the wall until it’s time for your next soiree.

When it comes to small space dining tables, being put in the corner may be a good thing. Small space dining designs will often feature a nook or banquette solution, which utilizes an often-ignored area of the room. Mixing a bench against the wall with dining chairs can give a cozy booth feel to your small space dining without feeling cramped or crowded. This is a great opportunity to once again bring in those multifunctional storage pieces! Storage benches are a classic go-to small space storage solution, and storage dining benches are one of the best ways for you to save space while serving a meal.

No Room? No Problem!

If you’re carving out space for your dining room in a larger space, rugs are an excellent way to help establish a distinct dining space. Pick a large rug, big enough so that all four legs of your chairs (or bench) sit nicely on top of it. Too small and you run the risk of shrinking your space even more.

Low profile seating is a great choice here, especially if your small space doesn’t have a separate room for dining. Lower-to-the-ground seating helps the eye travel and keeps the space from seeming visually cluttered.

Finally, one of the best ways to establish a dining-room feel even without the room is to situate an eye-catching light fixture above the table. It’s a great solution to brighten up your dining experience, allows for you to add a bit more personality to the space, and helps with the visual differentiation between your dining area and the rest of the home.

Don’t be afraid of small-space dining, embrace it! A host of very creative ideas awaits you so that you can end your day surrounded by family and hot food. What could be better?

Want more ideas for updating your dining space. Read our Dining Room Dilemma blog post.

Learn more about choosing the best size dining set for your space here.