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12 Ways to Make a Dining Table Work in a Small Space
Check out these creative ideas for slotting a dining area into a difficult space
Casual is key when it comes to dining spaces these days. Anything goes – eclectic seating, dining tables that double as work stations, and materials that range from reclaimed timber to contemporary solid surfaces. It means that a dining table can work in virtually any space – the trick is thinking outside the box.
Create an all-in-one space
Working a kitchen-dining-entertaining area into one space isn’t easy, but Australian cabinet-makers and joinery team Dimensions by Design made it seem easy. The timber dining table with slender legs is complemented by light-as-a-feather chairs and a substantial banquette seat. With the TV positioned right beside the fridge, we can see why this is one of the most popular spots in the house!
Working a kitchen-dining-entertaining area into one space isn’t easy, but Australian cabinet-makers and joinery team Dimensions by Design made it seem easy. The timber dining table with slender legs is complemented by light-as-a-feather chairs and a substantial banquette seat. With the TV positioned right beside the fridge, we can see why this is one of the most popular spots in the house!
Track down a reclaimed table
When the owners salvaged this rustic high table, they knew the size and style would fit perfectly within the centre of their contemporary kitchen. The bench takes on various guises – a breakfast bar, workbench, homework zone and a handy serving table on special occasions.
When the owners salvaged this rustic high table, they knew the size and style would fit perfectly within the centre of their contemporary kitchen. The bench takes on various guises – a breakfast bar, workbench, homework zone and a handy serving table on special occasions.
Appreciate the view
The lush greenery in the garden set the scene when the owners were designing this dining space. The large table is surrounded by different seating options – comfortable banquette seating and upholstered chairs. It’s a clever mix of formality and pure relaxation.
Check out more space-savvy banquettes
The lush greenery in the garden set the scene when the owners were designing this dining space. The large table is surrounded by different seating options – comfortable banquette seating and upholstered chairs. It’s a clever mix of formality and pure relaxation.
Check out more space-savvy banquettes
Tuck it away
Although this dining space is a decent size, it also doubles as a thoroughfare, due to the door and stairway positioned to one side. It means the table needs to be placed against a wall – fortunately, only four chairs are required most of the time. When friends and family visit, the table is moved to the centre of the room, providing plenty of space to spread out.
Although this dining space is a decent size, it also doubles as a thoroughfare, due to the door and stairway positioned to one side. It means the table needs to be placed against a wall – fortunately, only four chairs are required most of the time. When friends and family visit, the table is moved to the centre of the room, providing plenty of space to spread out.
Dine inside and out
When designing this space, the owners understood that light was key in this long galley kitchen. During the build, they soon realised the breakfast bar could work from inside or out – a perfect option that can make a quick meal more picturesque or be used to keep an eye on the kids playing in the garden.
When designing this space, the owners understood that light was key in this long galley kitchen. During the build, they soon realised the breakfast bar could work from inside or out – a perfect option that can make a quick meal more picturesque or be used to keep an eye on the kids playing in the garden.
Opt for multipurpose
We all know the importance of storage in a busy kitchen, so this clever shelving unit with an attached timber table is effective and stylish. Beautifully crafted, the table can be folded away – a gentle nod to the classic picnic table.
See more ways to fit a dining area into a small space
We all know the importance of storage in a busy kitchen, so this clever shelving unit with an attached timber table is effective and stylish. Beautifully crafted, the table can be folded away – a gentle nod to the classic picnic table.
See more ways to fit a dining area into a small space
Space-saving idea
When this compact kitchen needed a makeover, award-winning design firm Minosa stepped in. The team came up with a clever idea that provides plenty of room for diners and cooks. The back of the island bench is trimmed, allowing room for the table to be placed right up against it. At the other end, the table can easily be extended, so up to 10 guests can be seated comfortably.
When this compact kitchen needed a makeover, award-winning design firm Minosa stepped in. The team came up with a clever idea that provides plenty of room for diners and cooks. The back of the island bench is trimmed, allowing room for the table to be placed right up against it. At the other end, the table can easily be extended, so up to 10 guests can be seated comfortably.
Dine in an atrium
A conservatory offers an abundance of light. This space is so warm and inviting, the owners decided to add an extra dining table to the playroom so they can dine with a view.
A conservatory offers an abundance of light. This space is so warm and inviting, the owners decided to add an extra dining table to the playroom so they can dine with a view.
Island bench extension
Stainless-steel surfaces and open shelving add an industrial touch to this kitchen/dining zone. The effect is softened by the warm timber tones and feminine lines of the hanging light. The kitchen also has a custom island bench that merges into a timber drop-leaf table.
Stainless-steel surfaces and open shelving add an industrial touch to this kitchen/dining zone. The effect is softened by the warm timber tones and feminine lines of the hanging light. The kitchen also has a custom island bench that merges into a timber drop-leaf table.
Elegant but compact
This beautiful floor-to-ceiling unit offers both shelving and seating. The light-filled space makes the area an inviting place for up to six guests to dine – quite impressive in such a small space.
This beautiful floor-to-ceiling unit offers both shelving and seating. The light-filled space makes the area an inviting place for up to six guests to dine – quite impressive in such a small space.
Double-duty table
Come on, admit it – there are some nights where dinner is served on the sofa, so rather than letting your dining table take over a minimal space, it’s a good idea to place it against a wall. Here, personal objects and a delicate wall mirror transform the table into a decorative console. And the ottoman tucks neatly under the table, making sure no space is wasted.
TELL US…
Is your dining area tiny? Tell us how you make it work for your household in the Comments below.
Come on, admit it – there are some nights where dinner is served on the sofa, so rather than letting your dining table take over a minimal space, it’s a good idea to place it against a wall. Here, personal objects and a delicate wall mirror transform the table into a decorative console. And the ottoman tucks neatly under the table, making sure no space is wasted.
TELL US…
Is your dining area tiny? Tell us how you make it work for your household in the Comments below.
This upholstered modular unit with timber legs could work easily in a living room, but the owners found a new place – in the corner of the kitchen. Its sophisticated look adds a touch of glamour to the tight space, topped off with a Tulip-style side table.