Creative ideas for small dining rooms and spaces are an essential for anyone looking to make the most of a cozy space without sacrificing style or function. Whether you live in a compact apartment or just want to create a warm, inviting nook, clever design choices can transform your dining area into a practical and beautiful spot. From the right table shape to smart storage solutions, we’ll help you make the most of every inch of your dining space.
How to Maximize Your Small Dining Space
While smaller spaces in your home can feel welcoming and cozy, sometimes they’re not practical. One such space is the dining room. But fear not, there are many small dining room ideas you can incorporate into your home to make your dining room cozy and functional.
There are many things to consider when decorating a dining room, and while a lot of these are covered in our Buying Dining Room Furniture Guide, this blog will specifically look at how to maximize space in a small dining room by choosing the right table (plus a few other helpful tips).
What are the Best Dining Room Tables for Small Spaces?
While the size of your table is going to be the number one thing you consider when thinking about how to decorate a small dining room, you’ll also want to think about how many people will use the table at one time. Is it usually just one or two people or do you often have larger gatherings? Think about how you’ll serve food during meals – at the table, buffet style, etc. – so that you invest in a table that maximizes the space in your dining room but is also practical.
When thinking about how to make a small dining room look bigger, it’s important to take into consideration the visual space of your table. Does the shape blend well with the layout of the room and the existing furniture? Is the table made with clean lines or intricate details? A lot of details in your table can make a small space look cluttered, so if you want a table that makes a statement, consider balancing it with decor and other furniture with clean lines and simple designs.
With limited room to work with, many people seek out small dining room ideas that help create harmony between style and scale. Other than size, table shape is one of the most important considerations. Whether you’re trying to carve out a cozy breakfast nook or design a stylish multipurpose dining area, the right shape can make all the difference. So, what are the best table shapes for a small dining room? Here’s what you need to know.
What are the Best Table Shapes for a Small Dining Room?
Which size, shape, and style of dining table is best for your small dining space will vary depending on both the size of your space and the specifics of your lifestyle. We’ll consider some of the best table shapes for a small dining space and assess some of the pros and cons of each type. Let’s break it down:
- Round
Round tables are one of the best dining room tables for small spaces as they often take up less floor space than square or rectangular tables. However, most round tables may only comfortably seat up to four people, making it a less viable option for larger households, or for entertaining purposes. They also work best in a square or almost square space. Round tables do not serve rectangular rooms well.
- Half Circle or D-Shaped Table
If you are especially short on space or need to keep the middle of the room clear, a half circle or D-shaped table is the perfect compromise. The flat side of the table allows it to be placed up against a wall while the circular half provides space for dining and retains some of the charm of a round table.
- Oval
If you prefer the style of a round edge table but require more seating accommodations than a typical circular dining table, an oval table may be your best option. Besides its aesthetic appeal, the biggest advantage of an oval table is that its narrow shape maintains space around the table while still providing enough seating for up to six people.
If you want the additional seating space of an oval table, but prefer the compact size of a round table, some extendable round tables merge the look of a round table with the extra functionality of an oval.
- Square
If you want something similarly sized to a round table but are not a fan of the curved edge, a square table may be the best choice for you. The symmetry of a square dining table not only saves space in a square or rectangular room, especially when placed against a wall, but it can also create a sense of balance in the room, helping to make a small dining room look bigger. The downside to a square table is that, like a round table, you typically can only seat about four people comfortably and they usually only work well in square or almost square rooms.
- Long and Narrow
Looking for something that can seat a crowd? Consider a traditional rectangular dining table which, depending on the layout of your dining room, may be the most practical choice for you. This shape can accommodate more people than most round or even oval tables while still minimizing the required floor space. This table shape also pairs well with bench seating, which can be pushed under the table to save space when not in use.
Some rectangular dining tables also have extendable features or removable table leaves, which allow them to be converted into something even more banquet-friendly when needed. Extendable tables may be the best option if you enjoy hosting dinner parties but need to free up space in the room when the table is not in use.
- Clipped Corner
Clipped corner dining tables, like this example from Chromcraft, are a variation on square or rectangular ones. The rounded corners of a clipped corner design may slightly reduce the space taken up in the room by the table while also providing a safer environment for families with children by omitting pointy corners.
- Boat
If you’re unsure of what a boat-shaped table looks like, it’s a combination of a rectangular or square design with curved edges. This design is the perfect compromise for larger families with a tight dining room as it provides ample room for people to gather for a meal while taking up less space than traditional rectangular and square-shaped tables. With their combination of clean lines and gentle curves, boat-shaped tables are also a great pick for anyone looking to add some mid-century modern flair to their dining room.
Choosing the right table shape is a great first step, but small dining room ideas often go beyond just furniture. In many homes, especially apartments or open-concept layouts, dining spaces pull double duty. Whether you’re sharing the space with a kitchen or living room, a few smart dining room space tips and tricks can help you create a seamless and stylish multifunctional zone.
Tips for Shared Dining Spaces
When your dining area shares space with another room, like the kitchen or living room, creating a layout that flows effortlessly is key. The goal is to maintain a clear, functional pathway while still defining each area’s purpose.
Smart furniture placement, cohesive design choices, and multifunctional pieces can help you get the most out of every square foot, but it can be hard to visualize a space based on general tips. To make it easier, we’ve pulled together specific small dining room ideas for two of the most common shared setups: kitchen and dining room combos, and living room and dining room combos.
Kitchen and Dining Room Combo
Furniture Set Up
There are many ways you can set up your dining room furniture to maximize a shared cooking and dining space. One of our favorites is a breakfast nook set up with banquette seating. Before you declare that a breakfast nook is an outdated concept, take a moment to consider the many lovely contemporary styles that put a fresh, modern spin on this more traditional kitchen piece. Whether the banquette is built into a bay window or alcove, or you simply place it against a wall, banquette-style breakfast nooks maximize seating without taking up too much floor space and can be very charming and cozy. Plus, with banquettes, you have the option of removing non-bench seating like extra chairs on the outside of the table for daily use and replacing them when entertaining a larger crowd. Some banquette benches even lift to provide extra storage, making them multifunctional in addition to compact.
If banquette seating isn’t your style, there are other ways to make your kitchen multipurpose for both food prep and dining, including tiered islands that can be used as a dining table. If your kitchen has a bar or half wall opening up to the living room, you can even choose to add some bar stools on the outer side in lieu of an extra dining table.
If you want to stick with a more traditional dining room layout, there are still plenty of shared kitchen and dining area ideas to consider, and ways you can arrange your furniture practically to balance the flow of activity in the room. Consider a break away from the norm of placing your dining room table in the middle of the room, and instead, play with pushing it up against a wall or placing it in a corner to maximize floor space. Arranging your dining room set somewhere other than the middle of the room can also create balance in a room that has more than one function, especially since kitchens can become busy, bustling spaces and may require extra space for foot traffic.
Vertical Storage
When floor space is limited, going vertical is one of the smartest small dining room ideas you can use. Tall bookcases, floating shelves, and slim wall-mounted plate racks add storage while utilizing the least amount of floor space possible.
Vertical storage not only provides storage for dishes, glassware, and cookbooks, but it also draws the eye upward, creating the illusion of a more spacious room. Opt for open shelving if you want to display everyday essentials or decor.
Living Room and Dining Room Combo
Double Duty Furniture
We love furniture that does double duty, but most people associate double-duty furniture with bedrooms and living rooms. Did you know that there are some great double-duty dining furniture options? Some of our favorite examples of double-duty furniture for the dining room include console tables that fold out into dining tables or bench seating that also provides storage.
If you can’t find a convertible table that will suit your needs, you might also consider choosing a tiny dining table and use a nearby buffet or hutch to hold serving dishes or other dining essentials, leaving you with just enough space on the table for place settings. In addition to an extra surface to place items, buffet cabinets can prove to be indispensable for miscellaneous living and dining room storage, easily tucking away items like large servingware, off-season decor, and board games.
Another popular pick for double-duty dining room furniture in a living room and dining room combo are tables that expand, with table leaves that are either fully removable or attached with a fold-out mechanism under the table. The extension can be taken out or collapsed to save space and reinserted when you need space for more people. Both extendable tables and hutches or buffets are our top recommendations for those who have limited space but love to host others in their home.
Color Coordination
Whenever you’re decorating a shared space, you’ll want to make sure the color schemes of the different areas don’t clash. That doesn’t mean you need to make your color palette monochromatic (unless that’s your preference), but rather envision your space holistically and introduce eclectic decor with care. Decorating with colors that complement one another will bring your decor together seamlessly.
If your living and dining areas occupy a shared space, you may want to introduce some elements to make the two areas distinct. One of our favorite ways to separate a dining and living room in a small apartment or home is to choose a neutral color scheme as a base and then decorate with pops of color via accent pieces that fit each area. An example of this would be to choose throw pillows that complement the cushions you use on your dining room chairs. The result is a stylish, open-concept layout that feels both cohesive and intentionally curated.
How to Decorate a Small Dining Room
We’ve covered table shapes, multifunctional layouts, and storage-savvy setups, but there are still plenty of small dining room ideas that can make a big impact. From clever lighting tricks to strategic rug placement, these final tips are perfect for putting the finishing touches on your space.
- Lighting
Lighting is an easy way to define areas in a shared dining space. Lighting over the dining room table creates a focal point, but make sure you choose a light fixture that doesn’t clutter the space. The lower your ceiling is, the more of a consideration this will need to be. If you live in a rental and can’t install overhead lighting, consider small rechargeable table lamps that you can add to the table for a cozy dinnertime ambience and tuck out of sight when they aren’t needed.
- Mirrors
Using mirrors to make a small space look bigger is a popular trick. Make sure to avoid reflections that would highlight areas of clutter, though. Instead, use the mirror to enhance the natural light in the space, create a focal point, or balance out the layout of the space.
- Open and Transparent Furniture
When decorating a small dining room, visual weight matters. Choosing furniture with see-through elements – like open-back chairs, glass table tops, or slim, airy frames – can help make your dining room feel more spacious. Also, try not to overcrowd your table with chairs.
- Customizable Furniture
If you’re working with a small space, one-size-fits all dining sets rarely make the most of your space. This is where customizable dining room furniture comes in. Whether you’re selecting the exact size and shape of your desired tabletop, choosing between pedestal or leg bases, or mixing and matching seating to fit your layout, customizable options allow you to tailor every detail to your room’s needs. You can even choose finishes and materials that coordinate with your existing decor, making the space feel more cohesive.Ready to bring your favorite small dining room ideas to life? At Room Concepts, our team is here to help you make the most of your small dining area with furniture that fits your style and your space. From smart, space-saving tables to beautiful, customizable, Amish-made furniture, our curated collection is perfect for Pittsburgh homes of all sizes. Get in touch with our team today or visit us in South Hills or Wexford to explore your options and start creating a cozy, functional dining space you’ll love coming home to.
