20 Small Dining Room Ideas to Optimise Space & Style
While some might have the advantage of a spacious, standalone dining room to feast in and entertain, the reality is that for most homes (especially in urban areas), dining space is a luxury. But, small dining rooms can still equal great possibilities, with even the tiniest spaces having the potential to become a stylish hub for meals and gatherings.
As the undisputed heart of the home, the good news is there's no need for a huge dining area to entertain or enjoy your meals—whether it's a cosy nook or a compact corner, with a bit of creativity, you can make it work. The trick? Choosing furniture that fits the space, adding touches that make it feel bigger and designing a layout that flows with your home and lifestyle.
With Harbour Lifestyle's furniture and accessories, you can create a small dining room that feels spacious, welcoming and entirely your own. Our 20 simple small dining room ideas will help you make the most of every inch so you can still be the hostess with the most-est and enjoy your meals in style.
How do you maximise space in your small dining room?
When it comes to small dining rooms, every inch counts and the key to making the most of your square footage lies in thoughtful design choices.
Open up narrow and cramped spaces by playing around with your layout. While no one single option will suit every space, you'll want to keep window and door placements in mind to create a natural flow and a space that works harder for you.
Multifunctional furniture is your best friend, including dining tables with built-in storage or benches that double as extra seating, while deep cabinets and wide drawers that maximise space are a must.
Choose sleek, lightweight pieces that visually expand the room, such as light, slimline furniture or mirrors that reflect light and space and create depth. These simple tricks instantly make your small dining room feel larger, brighter and more welcoming.
1. Choose extendable dining tables for flexibility in small spaces
Burford 6-10 Seater Extending Dining Table in Pebble Grey - £799
Extendable dining tables are a small space saviour and a firm favourite in modern homes. When it’s just you or a few guests, it comfortably fits in your dining area, but when the occasion calls for it, this hard-working multi-tasker easily accommodates a larger crowd.
A sleek design, paired with minimal, space-saving chairs that tuck neatly under the table when not in use, ensures the table doesn't feel bulky. With a simple pull, twist or lift, your dining area can transform from everyday casual to dinner party-ready.
2. Use wall-mounted or drop-leaf tables to save floor space
Wall-mounted or innovative drop-leaf tables are perfect for making the most of every inch in a small dining room and adding a luxurious, austere aesthetic.
Fold them up when not in use to free precious floor space and create an open feel, or adjust the length of your drop-leaf design to make extra space for eating, homework or playing a board game with the kids. When you’re ready to eat, drop the table down and enjoy a functional dining space without the clutter.
3. Opt for benches instead of chairs for compact seating options
Benches are a brilliant choice for small dining rooms, offering more seating without taking up extra space. Unlike bulky chairs, benches can easily slide under the table, instantly creating a cleaner, more open layout and encouraging a relaxed atmosphere that makes meals feel more casual and social.
From rich, warm wooden benches to stylish leather and comfortable upholstered designs, choose a bench that complements your dining table for a serious style boost without overcrowding the space.
4. Select round dining tables to improve flow in tight spaces
Round tables help soften the straight lines of a square or rectangular room and improve flow. Their round shape makes it easier to move around the space without the sharp corners of rectangular tables. A round table also fosters a more intimate and welcoming dining experience, allowing everyone to engage in conversation effortlessly.
A round table's gentle curves make a room feel more open while giving flexibility when it comes to seating arrangements, making it ideal for smaller spaces where maximising flow is key.
5. Use light colours on walls and furniture to make the room feel bigger
Airlie Ribbed Vase in Apricot - £29.99
Light colours are an easy way to make a small dining room feel larger. Soft neutrals like whites, light greys or pastels reflect natural light, creating a bright, welcoming atmosphere that feels less crowded and more open when paired with lighter furniture.
Using pale colours on walls and furniture combined with small and subtle accent pieces, like bolder lampshades for your floor and table lamps, keeps things fresh while adding depth and warmth.
6. Add mirrors to reflect light and create the illusion of space
Black Metal Slim Frame Round Wall Mirror Medium - £149.99
When it comes to small dining rooms, mirrors are your best friend, making the space feel larger and brighter. Strategically placed across from windows or light sources, they reflect natural light and visually expand the room.
A simple interior design hack, a large statement mirror on one wall or a series of smaller mirrors can also serve as a stylish focal point, adding depth and dimension.
7. Incorporate foldable chairs that can be stored when not in use
Foldable chairs are perfect for small dining rooms and spaces that need to adapt, like apartments or smaller homes, offering flexible seating without occupying permanent space. Not using them? Fold them up and tuck them away to keep the room clutter-free and open.
Choose foldable chairs that make a statement to contribute to the overall aesthetic when used. When you don’t need them, you’ve got one less thing to worry about, helping to maintain a spacious feel.
8. Use floating shelves for stylish and space-efficient storage
Floating shelves are a brilliant way to use vertical space without overwhelming the room. Keeping things organised and stylish, these sleek, minimalist pieces create extra storage for décor, tableware or even books without taking up floor space.
By going up rather than out, floating shelves keep the dining room open, perfect for both wide and narrow areas you don’t quite know what to do with. Use them to display statement pieces like plants or small sculptures or tuck away functional items like napkins or cutlery.
9. Install corner seating to maximise awkward spaces
Corner seating is a smart way to turn awkward, unused areas into a functional part of your dining room. Place a bench or a plush set of chairs in the corner to create an inviting nook that maximises seating without wasting any valuable space.
Especially useful for smaller dining areas or rooms with tricky layouts, corner seating creates a charming, edgy casual spot for meals or even a place to relax. Add a small table and some throw pillows for extra comfort, and you’ve got yourself a cosy, space-efficient dining area.
10. Choose transparent furniture like glass or acrylic tables and chairs
Keep a small dining room feeling open and uncluttered with transparent furniture. Glass or acrylic tables and chairs are visually lightweight, allowing the room to breathe while still providing all the functionality you need.
Transparent materials allow light to pass through and create an extra sense of space by blending with the room’s surroundings, almost as if they’re floating. With their sleek, modern appearance, transparent pieces elevate modern designs but work effortlessly in any interior style without overpowering the room.
11. Add vertical storage like tall cabinets or ladder shelves
Burford Display Cabinet in Warm White - £699
Making the most of vertical space is a game-changer in small dining rooms. Keeping floor space clear and your walls interesting, tall cabinets or ladder shelves can store everything from dining essentials to decorative pieces.
A walnut wooden ladder shelf with metallic accents provides open storage with an edge and adds a sense of additional height and openness. Create a stylish display by decorating your vertical storage with your favourite kitchenware, succulents and vases. By going up instead of out, you make the most of every inch without cluttering the space.
12. Use a rug to visually define the dining area in open-plan spaces
Regent Chair Set of 2 in Ivory - £449
In an open-plan space, a well-placed rug can do wonders for defining your dining area. It visually separates the dining zone from the rest of the room, helping to create a sense of structure and purpose.
Choose a rug that compliments your colour scheme and fits the size of your table, ensuring it doesn’t take over the space. The right rug can add literal and visual warmth and introduce texture or colour, making the space feel more intimate and inviting.
13. Opt for slimline sideboards to store essentials without overcrowding
Burford Large 3 Door 3 Drawers Sideboard in Pebble Grey - £599
Slimline sideboards add storage, maintaining an open, uncluttered feel in small dining areas. Sleek and narrow, these pieces have plenty of storage for storing tableware, linens and any other bits and pieces you don't want lying around.
Look for minimal designs with clean lines and practical, deep drawers or cabinets for maximum storage and to keep things organised.
14. Add storage benches for hidden functionality and seating
Storage benches combine extra seating with clever storage solutions. Invest in a drawer-style bench for easy access to smaller kitchenware or a lift-up design to store everything from blankets to larger dining essentials.
Easy to neatly tuck away under the dining table, this multifunctional piece of furniture is a must-have for any space where maximising function is key. They come in various sizes to fit in even the most awkward of spaces while doubling up as additional seating for guests.
15. Incorporate wall-mounted lighting to free up floor space
Chaplin Chrome and Glass Wall Light - £65.00
Wall-mounted lighting is a smart way to brighten a small dining room and keep floor space clear. Wall sconces or pendant lights can provide focused light over your dining area without taking up valuable room on the floor, freeing up space for seating, storage or décor.
Choose fixtures that complement the room’s style—sleek, modern sconces or rustic industrial pendants can each add a design element, keeping your space functional and well-lit.
16. Combine a dining table with a home office desk for multifunctional use
Marca Acacia Wood Dining Table - £685
In today’s world, where spaces need to work just as hard as you, combining a dining table with a home office desk is a clever way to make the most of your dining room.
A multifunctional approach to design, keep it simple with a sturdy wooden table that's easy to style or choose a more modern design with added storage to quickly tidy away cables and documents when it's meal time. Just make sure your dining table has enough surface area to comfortably hold both your laptop and dinner plates.
17. Use stackable stools as flexible and space-saving seating options
Stackable stools are the unsung heroes of small dining rooms, providing flexible seating without making the space feel cramped. When you don’t need them, simply stack them up and tuck them away to keep your room feeling open and airy.
Thanks to their sleek, minimalist design, they're easy to move and can be pulled out for extra seating when guests arrive. Versatile, practical and stylish, stackable stools are the perfect way to maximise your seating and floor space in any compact dining area.
18. Add greenery with vertical planters to keep the space fresh and airy
Kew Reactive Glaze Emerald Planter - £24.99
Nothing breathes life into a small dining room quite like greenery. Use vertical planters to bring nature indoors without losing any extra valuable floor space. You can place them along the wall, in the corners or even hang them above your dining table for a fresh look that impacts the overall atmosphere of the room.
Helping to create a more relaxing environment, popular house plants, like ferns, monstera, and palms, brighten the area and purify the air. Choose plants with different textures and heights to add visual interest while keeping the space open.
19. Choose simple, clean-lined furniture for a clutter-free look
Burford Grand Sideboard with Wine Rack in Navy Blue - £999
Simple, clean-lined furniture keeps your small dining room spacious and organised. Choose dining tables and chairs with minimal designs to avoid visual clutter, allowing the room to breathe.
Neutral tones and simple silhouettes help create a calm, sophisticated interior whilst the right furniture can transform a compact dining area into a serene, functional space that feels more expansive and inviting.
20. Use a foldable or retractable partition to separate the dining area in small apartments
A foldable or retractable partition in small apartments is a clever way to carve out a dedicated dining space. Adding practical value, a lightweight screen not only defines and divides the area with style but it also keeps the flow of the dining area open and spacious. Pull it out when you need to create separation, then tuck it away when you want an open-plan space.
Simple small dining room ideas on a budget
Making the most of a small dining room doesn’t have to drain your wallet. Repurpose existing pieces, like turning a bench into extra seating or giving an old table a fresh coat of paint for a new look.
Multifunctional furniture, such as an extendable dining table or benches with storage, save space and increase seating when hosting friends and family. Affordable storage solutions like wall-mounted shelves or floating racks can keep things neat without taking up floor space.
Simple budget-friendly updates, including stylish rugs, modern lighting or bold décor accents, can give your home an instant refresh, making a big impact without costing a fortune.
Transform your small dining room with Harbour Lifestyle
A small dining room is an opportunity to get creative with your space. Rather than being cramped or limiting, with the right furniture and design elements, even the tiniest room can become a stylish, functional space perfect for both casual meals and memorable gatherings.
At Harbour Lifestyle, we believe that every square inch can be transformed into a statement of both practicality and style. So, instead of settling for less, embrace multifunctional pieces that offer hidden storage, vertical solutions that keep things organised and décor to transform small square footage into a beautiful hub for meals and gatherings.
Ready to turn your small dining room into a space that matches your Pinterest board? Discover our collection of premium dining furniture and accessories and turn your small dining room into your very own personal banquet hall.
FAQs
What shape table is best for a small dining room?
The shape of the table you choose depends entirely on the space you're working with, but generally, round tables are a perfect choice for smaller dining areas. A round table fits into compact spaces more efficiently, ensuring every inch is put to good use and is especially beneficial for apartments or homes with limited dining space, creating a more open, fluid layout.
What colour trends make a small dining room bigger?
A light colour scheme can help make a small dining room feel more spacious, with pastels, neutrals and shades of white or cream reflecting light and creating a spacious atmosphere. Darker walls can add depth and make a space feel more open, but light tones are typically the go-to for maximising perceived size. If you want to add personality, opt for a light base and use bold accents like bright colours for a striking effect.
How to fit a dining table in a small living room?
To fit a dining table into a small living room, select a compact or extendable table that can serve multiple purposes. Opt for slimline, multifunctional pieces that fit well with the room's layout, and consider space-saving options like wall-mounted or foldable tables. Strategic placement—like using corners or placing the table against a wall—can also help you optimise the space without overcrowding.
