Furniture layout and size for small living/dining room

2 years ago

Hi everyone. I'm struggling to figure out the best way to arrange furniture (and what sized furniture to buy...) for my small reception room that has to function as a combo living/dining area (rudimentary floorplan section attached). We love to host dinner parties of 6-8 people and - though it will be tight in the space - figure there has to be a way to maximize the utility of the room we have even if not perfect. I would be so grateful if you would share any thoughts you have on layout + furniture size.

In particular, I'm wondering:

I'm thinking of placing the dining table closest to the wall opposite the fireplace, and the couch on the wall opposite the windows. What do you guys think?
Would a 180cm x 90cm dining table be wildly large in the space? Should I stick with 160cm and a narrower table?
Is there a style of dining table that might feel less *heavy* in the space? i.e., i love the look of a farmhouse table and bench, but think that might feel too chunky?

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Comments (6)

tab darcy
2 years ago
Hi. I agree that the window is a good place for the dining area. Have you considered a window seat paired with an expanding table? IKEA do a good table that goes circular to oblong and would seat 6 easily, I'm sure there's bigger too. I'd have two multipurpose chairs (like blue in photo) that can be comfortable and used for dining too. If it's going to be a TV room, I'd put it on a swinging arm from the bookcase nearest the window, can go back in the corner when not in use.
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Hoole & Hare Interior Design Studio
2 years ago
Hi Annabelle,

You can definitely fit your dream dining table in the room. I have attached a couple of floor plans showing you the options.

Option 1 is traditionally symmetrical and will work well with two smaller sofas (the ones on the plan are 2100mm). Option 2 will zone the room in quite a contemporary way still giving you the dual purpose you are after (with a 2700mm sofa). Both have a 180x90 table you had in mind. It would work even better with the bench as you could have it tucked under the table next to the wall and move the table out for the dinner parties.

Hope this helps you visualise the space a bit better. Have fun designing this beautiful reception room! Any questions, don't hesitate to give me a shout :)

Vera.
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I'd keep the sofa where Jonathan has got it. Have the tv wall mounted by the sockets on a swing arm bracket with a low,slim sideboard underneath (for storage). Some of the mid century modern ones are low so may be worth a look. Opposite the sofa I'd have a console with upholstered stools/cubes underneath and a chair next to it angled towards the sofa. Hang the largest mirror you can over the console to make the room feel wider. I'd also go for a built in banquette seat with storage underneath for toys etc. I don't think you can fit a 5ft table, certainly not with a high chair unless you have one that clips on so would go for a 4ft one (we often have 6 for breakfast around ours, cosy but fine!). A pedestal table would be good hence the tulip one as Jen also pictured! I'd go for 3 dining chairs. Keep one by the console with a throw, cushion etc and push the table up to include it at the end for guests when needed. Use a rug to zone the living space so the front legs of the sofa and chair sit on it. You should also have room for a small side table next to the sofa (I make the room a bit longer than Jonathan unless I've misunderstood the dimensions?) Try cutting out paper templates of everything to size and walking round the room before you buy to get a feel of how the space will work
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So... here goes: I've used the dimensions of the Ikea Klippan sofa, so something around that size should be okay. Also put in an Ikea armchair, and I'm thinking that you could incorporate the TV into the bookcases. Perhaps you could create a bench in the niche where the patio doors are, with a small dining table and a chair. I've seen people using Ikea (I'm not working for them, I promise) Kallax shelving units to create dining benches. If it's really 1.19 m, it would fit exactly (fingers crossed). Anyway, good tip is to make a paper version of furniture you've seen, using (news)paper and sticky tape and put it on the floor in the room to see how much floor space it will take up.
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Alice Clare Studio
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
I like Vera's designs.

Tucking the table away against the wall when you are not entertaining is a great way to increase space in the room for the rest of the time. I also think an extending table could help you a lot - so you can shrink it down when you are not entertaining.

I would also advise against a farmhouse table, as they usually have very chunky legs! In a small space I always advise a table with legs which are recessed under the table top, a bit like the one below from trusty old JL (though it is a bit big for your needs). It's much easier for people to get in and out as you are not 'trapped' by the legs.

https://www.johnlewis.com/matthew-hilton-for-case-cross-8-14-seater-extending-dining-table-oak/p3161810

You don't mention if this is where you dine the rest of the time as well, or if it is just for entertaining. That will affect what you should prioritise - if you are only entertaining in here and you have another place to eat in the kitchen that will make a difference.

You could also try made.com for small furniture - I have a small living room/kitchen and got both my sofa and a chaise from there 3 or 4 years ago and the dimensions are great for the room.
PRO
Alice Clare Studio
2 years ago
Annabelle
Original Author
2 years ago
Thanks so much for the ideas and suggestions! very much appreciated. @tab darcy - unfortunately these aren't bay windows, though I do love window seating like that!

@Hoole & Hare Interior Design Studio thank you for sharing those visualizations! definitely helps to imagine the space a bit better. I think I'm still not sure whether it will all feel too crowded in the room, but good to know it could be a possibility!

@Alice Clare Studio an extendable table is a brilliant idea - thanks for the suggestion and the tip with table legs. This is where we'll dine all the time, not just for entertaining (kitchen does not leave room for another spot). Made.com is a good shout -- just had a quick browse and there seem to be a few options that would fit!
PRO
Alice Clare Studio
2 years ago
No problem! I also should have mentioned Urban Size for small furniture (https://urbansize.co.uk/) though won't have everything you need for a sitting room. I'm awaiting delivery of the first piece I have ordered from them so can't comment on quality yet!

Furniture layout and size for small living/dining room

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tab darcy

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Furniture layout and size for small living/dining room

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tab darcy

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