18 Smart and Stylish Dining Room Storage Ideas for Everyday Living
The heart of the home, your dining room, is where life happens, but it's also a place that can quickly get cluttered. Practical dining room storage ideas are essential if you want to entertain, set up a make-shift home office or make room to serve up culinary hits during family meals and dinner parties.
Whether you're working with a large space or a small layout, we've got ideas for large and small dining room storage that will keep your space organised and inviting without compromising on design.
Even in compact spaces, with the right furniture and décor pieces, you can ensure everything has its place while maintaining a beautiful, functional space.
1. Choose sideboards to add both storage and style to your dining room
Burford Large 3 Door 3 Drawers Sideboard in Pebble Grey - £599
Sideboards are a classic storage solution that never goes out of style. Providing plenty of space to store everyday dining essentials like tablecloths, cutlery, glassware and your best dinnerware sets, they also offer plenty of surface space for decoration.
The beauty of a sideboard lies in its versatility—use the surface for a stylish lamp or a decorative vase while keeping clutter at bay, or transform it into a buffet to serve appetisers and drinks trays when entertaining.
2. Use a storage bench for seating and hidden storage
A storage bench is the ultimate multifunctional piece for any home. Practical yet stylish, use it for extra seating during larger gatherings and as a handy place to store everything from blankets to board games.
With clean lines and a simple design, many come with built-in storage options, like drawers and cube storage, effortlessly complementing any space, whether modern or traditional. Add some decorative, plush cushions and place your storage bench against a wall or at the foot of a table to save space while adding character.
3. Add a larder unit to organise dining essentials neatly
Burford Triple Larder Unit in Natural Oak - £1,999
Beautiful and functional, larder units are the perfect addition to elevating open-plan kitchen-dining rooms, hiding everything away from food items to kitchen essentials.
One of the most desired kitchen and dining room features, these practical units are a perfectionist's heaven, with plenty of room to organise everything from canned goods to serving bowls and plates.
Choose a modern design to keep things looking fresh, or go for a more rustic, wooden option if your space leans towards farmhouse style. With the right larder unit, you can keep your dining room tidy while having all your dining and kitchen essentials easily on hand.
4. Select display cabinets for a blend of style and function
Burford Display Cabinet in Pebble Grey - £629.00
Display cabinets offer the best of both worlds—elegant storage and a platform for showcasing your most prized items. Whether you’re displaying vintage crockery, family heirlooms or modern art pieces, a display cabinet transforms your dining room into a personal gallery.
Sleek, glass-fronted designs keep the focus on your collection while allowing easy access when you need it. Pair it with your dining table and chairs to create a matching set, or place it near a statement mirror to reflect the beauty of your display.
5. Opt for wall-mounted shelves to save floor space
Wall-mounted shelves are a smart storage solution that maximises space while maintaining a minimalist, Scandinavian-style design. They offer plenty of room to store or display everything from your favourite books to kitchen accessories while leaving the floor clear.
Use floating shelves in your dining area for easy access to dinnerware, or add stylish vases and décor items to personalise the room and keep it looking fresh.
6. Use multifunctional furniture, like extendable tables with built-in storage
Burford 6-10 Seater Extending Dining Table in Pebble Grey - £799
Every inch counts in a small dining room, and multifunctional furniture is your best friend for making the most of smaller spaces. An extendable dining table with built-in storage is the perfect example of this—this piece doesn’t just serve as a place to gather, it effortlessly adapts to your needs. When entertaining, it expands to welcome guests, and when you’re not hosting, it tucks away neatly, providing enough storage to keep your dinnerware organised.
For small open-plan dining rooms, a piece like this allows you to maintain a minimalist aesthetic while maximising storage and flexibility. Plus, it’s perfect for those last-minute family meals or get-togethers with friends.
7. Use cabinets to maximise vertical storage in small dining rooms
Burford Display Cabinet in Navy Blue - £699
As one of the busiest rooms of the home, the dining room requires optimal storage space, making vertical storage in smaller rooms an absolute must.
Tall cabinets help make the most of commonly overlooked wall space, utilising height and offering hidden storage for anything you need to keep out of sight, like linens, ceramics or extra cutlery. A clever way to make your room look bigger, going vertical frees up floor space, ensuring your dining area stays functional while looking stylish and clean. Select a cabinet design that ties in with the rest of your décor to maintain a sleek, cohesive look.
8. Incorporate storage baskets for an affordable and flexible solution
Bali Grey Kubu Rectangular Storage - £55
Storage baskets are one of the easiest and most affordable ways to add organisation to your dining room. Available in various sizes, shapes and materials, use baskets to stash everything from napkins and placemats to wine bottles or toys.
Place them on shelves, underneath your sideboard or even next to your dining table for quick access. Pair a classic wicker basket with a modern storage cabinet, or stack a few baskets under your console table to add a bit of texture and style and to keep your space neat.
9. Choose console tables for slimline storage in compact spaces
Chalbury Console Desk in Warm White - £399
Console tables are a stylish and practical storage option for smaller dining rooms, offering slimline storage without overwhelming the space. With their narrow profile, console tables are perfect for tight spots, like entryways or behind the sofa, where they can hold everything from keys to serving trays.
A console table with additional drawers or shelves can house cutlery, table linens or decorative items, keeping them within arm's reach. Add a vase of fresh flowers, a statement lamp or a wicker basket with blankets underneath your console for extra style points.
10. Use wine racks and bar carts for a sophisticated and organised look
Burford Grand Sideboard with Wine Rack in Navy Blue - £999
Wine racks and bar carts add an air of sophistication to any dining room while keeping your beverages neatly organised.
Small wine racks fit neatly into the corner of your dining room and large holders create a focal point and allow you to stack spare bottles or show off your entire collection in style. If you love entertaining, an art-deco-inspired bar cart with gold accents adds glamour and is the perfect spot to store glasses, mixers and spirits.
11. Install corner shelving units to make use of awkward spaces
In a small or oddly shaped dining room, corner shelving units are a fantastic way to make the most of otherwise unused space. The perfect fit for awkward corners, corner shelving units provide additional storage for dinnerware, books or decorative items without taking up floor space.
Choose a design with open shelves for easy access and a minimal look, or opt for a closed design if you prefer to keep clutter hidden.
12. Use dressers to combine dining storage with display opportunities
Burford Large 3 Door 3 Drawers Sideboard in Warm White - £599
A classic staple, dressers are an opportunity to add personality and character to your dining room. A beautifully crafted dresser provides general space for dining essentials and a stylish surface for displaying decorative accents.
Display elegant vases, personal photos or unique collectables that make your space feel personal. A carefully chosen dresser works beautifully with modern and traditional dining room furniture, helping you organise while adding texture and style to your room. Highlight your display by adding a statement lamp or pendant lighting fixture to create an elegant focal point that ties the space together.
13. Choose bookcases to store dining accessories and décor creatively
Burford Large Bookcase in Natural Oak - £499
Bookcases in the dining room? Absolutely. As the saying goes, if something isn't broken, don't fix it, and bookcases are a clever, versatile addition to add extra storage (and that doesn’t have to include books.)
Providing more than enough space for your favourite dining essentials, they also become a focal point for your favourite décor. Use the open shelves to display elegant serving trays, wine glasses or curated collections of art pieces that showcase your personality.
14. Incorporate small dining room storage ideas like foldable chairs with hooks
Maximising space in a small dining room often requires creativity, and foldable chairs with hooks are the perfect example. Great for when you need extra seating, these chairs can easily be tucked away or hung up, keeping compact spaces open and clutter-free.
Pair them with a minimalist dining table or a simple sidebar table, and you have a flexible, stylish solution that doesn't sacrifice comfort. When you need extra seating, simply pull them out, and when you're done, hang them up to keep the room tidy and create more space.
15. Add pull-out drawers or under-table storage for compact spaces
Burford Triple Larder Unit in Natural Oak - £1,999
In smaller dining spaces, thoughtful storage can transform the way you use the room. Under-table storage keeps dining essentials conveniently within reach yet out of sight, making your space feel open and organised.
For larger items like trays, blankets or seasonal décor, under-table storage provides a discreet solution. Pair these storage options with a slim dining table or compact chairs to create a practical dining area that works hard without feeling crowded.
16. Use storage trunks as statement pieces that double as hidden storage
Storage trunks are a fantastic, multifunctional addition to any dining room, offering space for hiding away dining essentials or seasonal items. Available in various sizes and styles, storage trunks can be a bold design statement, effortlessly adding character to your space.
A vintage leather trunk sourced from an antique shop or online marketplace can double as both a chic coffee table and a convenient storage solution. Whether you use it to stow away linens, board games or extra serving pieces, a storage trunk does it all.
17. Select ladder shelves for a trendy, space-saving option
Gallery Natural Wood Veneer and Black Metal 5-Shelf Ladder Unit - £265
Ladder shelves are a stylish way to add storage and personality to your dining room. Choose a sleek matte black mixed with a natural wood finish for a contemporary feel and a trendy new addition to your space.
Store dining essentials, display a collection of artful vases, or introduce lush houseplants to bring texture and vibrancy into the room. A space-efficient solution with an interesting twist, ladder shelves work beautifully in both compact spaces and open-plan layouts.
18. Add rolling carts for flexible storage that can be moved when needed
Rolling carts are the epitome of flexibility in a dining room setting. Mobile and versatile, rolling carts are great for easily moving your storage wherever needed—whether for extra space during a dinner party or tucked away when not being used.
A sleek, industrial-style cart with a metal frame and wooden shelves makes a practical yet chic addition to any dining room, providing storage on demand. During dinner parties, simply wheel it next to the dining table for easy access to drinks and snacks, and then tuck it away when you need more space.
Create an organised haven with Harbour Lifestyle
Finding the right storage solutions for your dining room can transform the space into a stylish and functional hub. With the right storage solutions, you can transform your dining area into a stylish and organised haven where everything has its place.
Whether it’s a stunning sideboard to house dining essentials or sleek shelving to display art and décor, every piece should combine design and function in equal measure to create a home that feels calm and inviting.
Let Harbour Lifestyle help you create a dining room that's as practical as it is stylish. Explore our collection of dining room furniture, featuring beautiful storage solutions that fit your space and reflect your unique taste and personality.
FAQs
What can I put in my dining room instead of a table?
If you're looking for alternatives to a traditional dining table, consider a stylish bar or counter-height table, a bench seating area, or even a cosy nook with built-in seating. For something more casual, a coffee table surrounded by chairs provides a laid-back dining experience. Or, create a multifunctional space with a small desk or console table that can be used as a workspace or mini bar.
How do you fill an empty space in a dining room?
Fill empty space in your dining room by adding statement furniture pieces like a large floor vase, a sideboard or a console table.
Wall art, mirrors or a unique light fixture can add a designer element, bringing the room together and adding visual interest. Don't forget to play with textures, like adding a rug, plants or decorative accessories to fill empty space and make it feel more inviting.
How do you use an unused dining room?
Depending on your needs, an unused dining room can be transformed into a home office, reading nook or even a home gym. Comfortable seating, a functional desk, or storage solutions can help repurpose the space for work or relaxation.
How to maximise space in a small dining room
In a small dining room, opt for compact and multifunctional furniture, such as extendable tables or benches with hidden storage. To save floor space, keep the layout open by using slimline storage units and wall-mounted shelves. Choosing light colours and incorporating mirrors can also create the illusion of more space while keeping the room airy and bright.
