Looking for ways to maximise your space? Discover these small dining room ideas to get started.
For many of us, space is now a luxury at home. As one of the most communal areas at home, having a small dining room or kitchen space can be a challenge for many. However it’s best to look on the bright side - having less room to manoeuvre doesn’t mean that you can’t have a stylish and comfortable dining area. In fact, these small dining room ideas are here to show you it’s all about being creative and flexible.
Whether you have a small dining area or just a small corner in your kitchen, these 20 tips will help you make the most of your space. After you’re done reading our styling tips, browse our range of dining sets to get started on decorating your small dining room.
The first step to maximising your space is deciding what table shape is best for a small space. The easiest option here is to go for a round table, as it takes up less floor space and doesn’t have any corners, meaning you can fit more people around a compact table. A round dining table with a pedestal would be even better, as these have smaller footprints.
Depending on the layout of your dining room or kitchen diner, a narrow rectangular dining table could be a good small dining room idea. If you place the table near a corner, complete the look with a bench on one side for people to move in and out of their seats easily. It’s best to allow about 90 cm between the table and the closest wall where possible, so it won’t be a tight squeeze for your guests.
Even if you have a small dining room there’s a high chance you will be entertaining so it’s best to get an extendable dining table which can cater to your needs. Go for an oval-shaped dining table as its clever design fits into a compact space but extends easily. This type of table is perfect for everyday meals and all you have to do is just extend it when you’re having guests over. Just make sure you have extra chairs at the ready to seat your guests!
With space being limited, transforming the area around your kitchen island into an intimate dining space might be the solution. Connect your dining set to the kitchen island to make the most of your space. Choose a dining set in a matching colour palette to streamline the area. Pick comfy dining chairs and bar stools to make the space feel more cosy and inviting.
The open plan kitchen layout concept is a popular choice for modern homes as they offer a multifunctional space to cook, dine, work, and play. Choose this layout for small homes to make your kitchen and dining area feel more spacious. Create zones by placing your furniture strategically to define which is your dining or living area. Place your dining set near the windows to maximise on natural light and make the space feel bigger than it seems.
Another small dining room idea zoning tip - having a rug under your dining table can act as the focal point of your dining area. To pick the best rug for your dining room, match the rug with the shape of your dining table. For example, choose a square rug to frame a square table, or a round rug for a round table. However – square rugs can also work with round tables by mirroring the shape of the room so if you want to switch things up this works too.
Create a cosy and intimate dining space using wall panels to zone the area in your kitchen or living room to separate it from the rest of the space. Depending on the vibe you’re going for, light or oak wood makes your space more open and spacious while dark wood or black accents creates a welcoming feel and warms up the room, especially in winter. If you have wooden flooring this will match the wood panels. Pick other soft textures to complement the wood panelling like boucle dining chairs or fabric placemats.
Make a colourful statement with mismatched dining chairs. Before you choose which chair, take note of your table height and make sure all the chairs are the same height for a balanced look. You can play around with this trend by choosing the same design but with different colours or the same colour but different design. If you’re going for different colours choose a contrasting colour scheme for a vibrant touch.
If your dining room or kitchen diner overlooks a really nice view or is near a window, position your dining set nearby to maximise the natural light streaming in. Prioritise clean lines and a minimalist style for your dining set to draw attention to the outside view. You can also bring a piece of the outdoors inside with a fresh bouquet of flowers or a potted plant.
Decorating with limited space is always a challenge however it shouldn’t stop you from adding a touch of personality to your dining room. Install floating shelves to display decorative pieces or use it as a bookshelf. When decorating, try grouping items with a similar theme together to create a cohesive look.
Awkward corners in your dining space can be wonders in disguise if you’re unable to change the natural flow of your room. Transform an awkward corner by squeezing a dining set there and decorate around it with pendant lighting and artwork to create a small dining room area. Before choosing your dining set, take note of the corner’s measurements to get the perfect fit.
Choosing the right lighting will have a big impact on your dining room. In small spaces, it’s advised to draw the eye upwards so why not create a focal point with lighting? Start by picking lighting that matches the vibe of your room. For example, this sleek bubble light fixture matches this modern industrial dining set with its chic black accents.
A small dining room doesn’t have to be a boring one. Create a focal point with a bold feature wall which has a painted arch detail. The key here is to pick the right colour to elevate the space such as sunny yellow for a vibrant contrast. Round up the curved details with a round pedestal dining set and statement lighting.
Another small dining room idea would be to section your dining room in a bold colour palette and make it the focal point of the room. For example, go for bright blue dining chairs to make a statement and decorate around it with matching artwork. Add elegant touches with coloured glassware or vases for a sophisticated jewel tone look. Bring in other pops of colour with fresh flowers and indoor plants.
When it comes to decorating a small dining space, look out for high gloss finishes, as these reflect more light, making the room look bigger and brighter. For instance, a glossy table and chrome legs add shine and make the room feel airy and open. And of course, a strategically placed mirror will instantly open up the room. Place your mirror directly opposite windows and entrances for maximum effect.
Warm, casual and cosy - modern farmhouse style may be just what you’re looking for if you want to add rustic, natural touches to your small dining room. Wood is the base of modern farmhouse style and if you already have wooden tiling (or just a neutral base) a wooden dining set will fit right in. Opt for a round pedestal table for an elegant touch and matching fabric chairs give the set an inviting touch.
If you can’t fit a whole dining set into your small space the next best thing to do is spruce up your kitchen bar counter. Invest in a comfy bar stool if you’re working from home and make use of existing storage such as shelving to store items. And just because it’s a bar counter doesn’t mean there isn’t room to accessorise - display artwork on the walls or add knick-knacks with wall shelving.
Monochrome is having its moment right now as it gets an update with subtle neutral hues and luxe minimalist touches. Go for an off-white hue instead of plain white on the walls to prevent the look from looking too stark or sterile. For small dining rooms, choose a round marble dining set with a pedestal to bring an architectural flow to the room. Pick accessories with raw finishes and curves such as clay vases or stoneware.
Sometimes, the simple small dining room ideas are the best with a neutral colour palette. Select from grey, white, black, beige, cream or tan to start. You can layer the room with these different shades for variety. Mix different textures to prevent the look from being too one-dimensional. Bring in cosy textures like velvet with the dining chairs or add a small pop of colour with a fabric rug.
Beyond traditional flooring and countertops, the trending marble textures are now mixed with materials like concrete and terrazzo to create a bold innovative look in your home. Inject marble’s bold and luxe energy into a small dining room with a mixed marble dining table and velvet dining chairs. Add soft contrast to the room with a stylish rug and warm lighting to complete this glamorous look.
We hope these small dining room ideas inspire you to decorate your space. Want to learn more about maximising space at home? Read our small living rooms guide or small bedroom ideas to find out more.
