Ingenious, Unconventional Dining Table Ideas
These clever dining ideas prove that you don't need a dining table to serve up a great meal
A dining table can be an imposition for some households – devouring precious floor space and delivering precious little. As much as we’re conditioned to believe that a dining table is a necessary household staple, it turns out that there are many ways you can do without one – and win. Whether you have a space-starved home or prefer eating in front of the TV, here are some ways you can enjoy great mealtimes without a dining table.
During mealtimes, the counter folds down and the corner modular storage units underneath double-hat as on-demand seats. The central unit slides back to give way to a comfy little dining nook.
In another version of the same concept, an edgy wooden plank folds upwards to form a bijou dining area. Matching chairs that could otherwise be used as bar stools or living-room seats perfectly complement the pop-up counter.
2. Adjustable coffee table
A coffee table that winds up becoming a dining table is a clever way of making one space work twice as hard.
In seconds, this height-adjustable coffee table is transformed into an inviting meal counter, serving up scrumptious grub to hungry home diners. Note how the olive sectional effortlessly masquerades as a quirky diner-style booth.
A coffee table that winds up becoming a dining table is a clever way of making one space work twice as hard.
In seconds, this height-adjustable coffee table is transformed into an inviting meal counter, serving up scrumptious grub to hungry home diners. Note how the olive sectional effortlessly masquerades as a quirky diner-style booth.
3. Accent table
Put a tall accent table to good use by using it as a makeshift dining table.
In this home, a tall glass table, takes centre stage in the foyer, anchored by a dramatic chandelier, seemingly just a surface for eclectic curios, flowers and fruit. During mealtimes, however, the table metamorphoses into a vibrant dining area – all you need is a couple of seats (see them in the next picture).
Put a tall accent table to good use by using it as a makeshift dining table.
In this home, a tall glass table, takes centre stage in the foyer, anchored by a dramatic chandelier, seemingly just a surface for eclectic curios, flowers and fruit. During mealtimes, however, the table metamorphoses into a vibrant dining area – all you need is a couple of seats (see them in the next picture).
A little distance away, blue barrel-shaped stools, stowed away under a table in the hallway, join the accent table to create a cosy mealtime arrangement for two.
4. Kitchen island
A kitchen island is a great place to share meals – it allows for easy transfer of dishes, quick access to the kitchen and breezy conversations over a cook-out.
This mint-green Mumbai kitchen by SEA Group Germany shows us how it’s done. Brown bar stools provide valuable seating at the open bar counter. They can be tucked inside when not in use, reducing clutter and unlocking channels of negative space.
Here’s how to choose the perfect kitchen and bar stools
A kitchen island is a great place to share meals – it allows for easy transfer of dishes, quick access to the kitchen and breezy conversations over a cook-out.
This mint-green Mumbai kitchen by SEA Group Germany shows us how it’s done. Brown bar stools provide valuable seating at the open bar counter. They can be tucked inside when not in use, reducing clutter and unlocking channels of negative space.
Here’s how to choose the perfect kitchen and bar stools
Tip: If you’ve got limited real estate on your island, increase your counter space by creating a table extension on the side.
5. Portable bench
A bench with casters can play various roles in your home – as a sideboard, as a kitchen island or as a dining table. Roll one over to your sitting area to create an ad-hoc dining space.
Thanks to a rolling bench, this earthy dining set-up can be pulled apart and the elements arranged separately, to create a living space.
A bench with casters can play various roles in your home – as a sideboard, as a kitchen island or as a dining table. Roll one over to your sitting area to create an ad-hoc dining space.
Thanks to a rolling bench, this earthy dining set-up can be pulled apart and the elements arranged separately, to create a living space.
6. Flexi worktops
Is it a workstation? A breakfast counter? Or a dining table? Why not make it all three? A flexi worktop gives you the option of assigning a single surface multiple roles throughout the day – as a breakfast counter in the morning, as a workstation by noon and as a dinner table by night.
This versatile worktop is a lesson in multifunction, operating as a workspace-cum-meal platform.
Is it a workstation? A breakfast counter? Or a dining table? Why not make it all three? A flexi worktop gives you the option of assigning a single surface multiple roles throughout the day – as a breakfast counter in the morning, as a workstation by noon and as a dinner table by night.
This versatile worktop is a lesson in multifunction, operating as a workspace-cum-meal platform.
7. Side tables
Let’s face it. With changing lifestyles, TV dinners are becoming something of a norm. This means that the flat surfaces around your seating area can be new-age alternatives to the dining table. Invest in sturdy side tables to play host to your dishes and drinks!
This living room presents an array of surfaces that could easily be used during mealtimes. With the kitchen in such close proximity, it wins for its easy access and multitude of mini tables.
Let’s face it. With changing lifestyles, TV dinners are becoming something of a norm. This means that the flat surfaces around your seating area can be new-age alternatives to the dining table. Invest in sturdy side tables to play host to your dishes and drinks!
This living room presents an array of surfaces that could easily be used during mealtimes. With the kitchen in such close proximity, it wins for its easy access and multitude of mini tables.
8. Breakfast ledge
No kitchen island? No fear. Create a kitchen window and install a deep platform to serve as a breakfast counter.
This charming kitchen cut-through takes on a café-style vibe, thanks to pared-back decor and two casual bar stools. You can almost smell Sunday morning aromas wafting out to eager home diners.
Read more:
5 Unique Dining Solutions Perfect for Tiny Spaces
Smart Tables & Seating That Maximise Small Dining Spaces
Tell us:
Which of these dining table alternatives do you see yourself replicating? Tell us in Comments below.
No kitchen island? No fear. Create a kitchen window and install a deep platform to serve as a breakfast counter.
This charming kitchen cut-through takes on a café-style vibe, thanks to pared-back decor and two casual bar stools. You can almost smell Sunday morning aromas wafting out to eager home diners.
Read more:
5 Unique Dining Solutions Perfect for Tiny Spaces
Smart Tables & Seating That Maximise Small Dining Spaces
Tell us:
Which of these dining table alternatives do you see yourself replicating? Tell us in Comments below.
Sponsored
Considering you use the dining table only three times a day, give or take a few, why opt for a space-swallowing fixture that serves as a permanent roadblock in your home? Instead, go for a folding wall platform that neatly tucks away when not in use.
In this compact kitchen, a wooden folding wall platform opens out to reveal a bespoke dining counter.