How to Weave a Dining Area into Your Living Space
No space for a separate dining room? Here's how to combine a living and dining space in one
Nothing quite elevates an ordinary meal like sitting down to eat it at a table, and gathering family and friends to share food together is one of life’s joys. If space is at a premium, however, chances are the dining room is first to get the boot. Don’t give up on a dedicated dining space, though. By combining living and dining areas, you’ll have the room to both relax and eat, and it can be surprisingly easy to slot in a table and chairs. Try these ideas for size…
Go for a glass table
Glass is a great choice for small rooms, as it practically disappears, the floor and walls still being visible. While the owners of this house are blessed with a large living space, the addition of the glass dining table emphasises this even more.
Browse all sorts of dining tables, including glass ones, in our product section.
Glass is a great choice for small rooms, as it practically disappears, the floor and walls still being visible. While the owners of this house are blessed with a large living space, the addition of the glass dining table emphasises this even more.
Browse all sorts of dining tables, including glass ones, in our product section.
Link the areas with colours and themes
In a tiny space, it can pay to make the living and dining spaces as one. Here, colours and shapes span the areas, from the pastel blue of the dining chair, lamp and cushions, to the purple artwork and table mats. Leafy shapes, meanwhile, run from the table centrepiece through the cushions and up to the artworks. The effect is warm and welcoming and makes for an ideal entertaining space.
In a tiny space, it can pay to make the living and dining spaces as one. Here, colours and shapes span the areas, from the pastel blue of the dining chair, lamp and cushions, to the purple artwork and table mats. Leafy shapes, meanwhile, run from the table centrepiece through the cushions and up to the artworks. The effect is warm and welcoming and makes for an ideal entertaining space.
Arrange furniture to zone the room
Try using a sofa to mark out a living area and separate it from the dining table. By facing the sofa away from the space, those sitting down can relax in peace without being reminded of any mess behind them.
Discover more ways to tuck a dining nook into a small space
Try using a sofa to mark out a living area and separate it from the dining table. By facing the sofa away from the space, those sitting down can relax in peace without being reminded of any mess behind them.
Discover more ways to tuck a dining nook into a small space
Tuck a round table in a bay
Round tables are great space savers in any setting and, when slotted into a bay, they take up little useful room. Chairs that tuck underneath complete a very neat dining solution.
Round tables are great space savers in any setting and, when slotted into a bay, they take up little useful room. Chairs that tuck underneath complete a very neat dining solution.
Shift focus to the dining table
Don’t make the dining table an afterthought. In this sociable room, the sofa takes second place to the central dining area. The bold white chairs help to create a strong zone that doesn’t get lost between the kitchen and living space. This room is clearly for cooking, eating and relaxing – preferably in that order!
Find photos of open plan dining and living rooms.
TELL US…
Do you have a living and dining room in one? What have you done to make the most of the space? Share your tips and photos in the Comments below.
Don’t make the dining table an afterthought. In this sociable room, the sofa takes second place to the central dining area. The bold white chairs help to create a strong zone that doesn’t get lost between the kitchen and living space. This room is clearly for cooking, eating and relaxing – preferably in that order!
Find photos of open plan dining and living rooms.
TELL US…
Do you have a living and dining room in one? What have you done to make the most of the space? Share your tips and photos in the Comments below.
This table for two, around the corner from the main living area, is cute and romantic. It’s also supremely practical, as it can be pulled a little way out from the wall to make extra room, should more guests arrive.