Smart Tables & Seating That Maximise Small Dining Spaces

Small apartments in the city or tight suburban layouts -- we have it all covered for creating cosy dining experiences

Anuja Abraham 23 September 2017

Houzz India Contributor. I am currently pursuing my passion for writing while learning something new everyday about the field of architecture, interior design and styling.

Houzz India Contributor. I am currently pursuing my passion for writing while learning... More

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When you lack a dedicated space to set up a dining table, it is time to think outside the box and make the most out of small nooks and corners in your homes. You could either set up multipurpose furniture that serves different needs through the day, or bring home stackable, foldable or extendable tables and chairs that can accommodate more guests. The idea is to move away from the regular two-, four-, six-seater dining-set options that take up too much precious space. These pieces and designs allow for unhampered movement in high-traffic areas, creating the illusion of more space. Here are some innovative furniture ideas that can put the squeeze on tiny dining spots.

Contemporary Dining Room Contemporary Dining Room

Prop it against a partition
In this open-plan space where a dedicated space for a dining table seems tough to manage, half a bench stands propped by a wall outside the kitchen. Perfect for an intimate meal for two!

Osborne Architects

Make multipurpose furniture
We all know how useful Murphy beds are for tiny bedrooms. Use the same logic when building a dining space in or near a busy kitchen. This table swings open, propped on frame legs, when needed. The rest of the time it is the shutter for a shallow cupboard. The design smartly incorporates clever shelving units, useful for storing plates, jars, tumblers and more. These table and shelves are beautifully crafted with a teak finish that matches the rest of the decor, so the table-cum-shutter blends into it.

Louise de Miranda

Get a folding table…
The Swedish extendable and folding table is ideal for changing configurations in extremely small spaces. The table can be folded back to bare minimum usage – it can become a console or side table on most days – until special occasions when it can be unfolded to easily host over six guests.

The Decor Fix

…Or a drop-leaf table
This classic drop-leaf table is an another version of the extendable table. The wings or the leaves of the table can be propped up or let down as per requirement. It leaves a small footprint when nestled against the wall and can be adjusted to accommodate two to six people.

angela adams

Cut a few corners
Following closely on the lines of the drop-leaf table, this dining table rests against a wall and its outer corners are replaced by a rounded curve that will not obstruct a path round it. The fluid shape, which can easily double as a coffee table or an afternoon reading corner, is ideal for small homes that do not give you the advantage of bringing in big pieces of furniture.

Red Lily Renovations

Use kitchen islands to host dinners
This idea works for homes with kitchens that have space for a kitchen island. In most homes it doubles as a breakfast table but, in compact spaces, think of the kitchen island as a permanent fixture to host guests, too. Bar stools nestled against the island clear the space around the table for easy navigation. You will have to make sure your kitchen is ready for the guests as well, though!

Rad Design Inc

Invest in a high-top table
High-top tables make for a casual, airy sort of dining space. The high-top table offers extra space around the legs, extending the line of vision, making the room look and feel bigger. The high chairs perfectly complement this setting.

Ashley Campbell Interior Design

Bench the corners
For Indian homes with irregular layouts, banquette seating is the perfect answer to optimal space utilisation of corner areas. The benches are a real space saver as they are low and utilise far less space than a chair that has to be tucked away after every meal. Also, the perk of having a bench is that it can accommodate another person at the table without needing an extra chair.

Alexandra Immel Residential Design LLC

Pro Tip: The benches can be built with lift-up tops or drawers to accommodate additional storage – a huge bonus in a small kitchen or living room

Transitional Living Room Transitional Living Room

Create a dining booth
Utilise the nooks and corners to set up a private booth. Take a cue from this space where a comfy bench rests against the wall to create a snug dining booth. The neat round table-top makes it easy for one to go round in and out of the booth. It contrasts vividly with the sturdy rough-hewn rustic legs, making an eye-catcher of a dining spot.

See more pictures of round dining tables

Casabella Interiors

Exhibit opulence
Wish to make your dining area functional and comfortable without losing out on elegance? Then understand proportions and curves when designing for smaller areas. A round pedestal table clears the ground area for two to four chairs to be tucked in while other elements like muted grasscloth wall covering, an elegant chandelier, a mirror and glass lamps add a touch of luxe to the whole decor. This makes the area looks graceful and curvy, without letting the room feel boxed in or over-decorated.

Read more:
How to Live Large in Small Apartments
Compact Kitchen Layouts that Perfect for Small Apartments

Tell us:
Share your experiences and ideas with us for creating small and comfortable dining spaces in the comments below