Small living rooms can be effectively designed to include a dining table without feeling cramped. Here are 20 ideas to stylishly integrate a dining table into your small living space.
Go Monochrome: Choose a dining table color or material that matches your other furniture to minimize its visual impact. A white plaster bistro table, for instance, can blend in seamlessly. Set Up a Table for Two: A petite bistro table is ideal for solo dwellers or those with limited space, allowing for occasional hosting of a guest. Bridge a Gap: Placing a table between a kitchen and living room in an open floor plan can help create a cohesive look. Maximize Window Views: Large bay windows or rows of windows are perfect spots for a table, as their low height won’t obstruct sunlight and allow for enjoying the view. Include a Workspace: If your dining table doubles as a workspace, set it up in a calm, distraction-free area with good lighting for productivity. Complement Existing Furniture: Ensure your dining table complements your living room’s aesthetic, like a black table with wishbone chairs matching a black bookcase. Curl Up With a Book: Placing a table next to a bookshelf can inspire reading while dining or during a lunch break, creating a coffee shop vibe. Cozy Up Your Space: Add softness to your dining area with sheepskin on dining chairs, a simple and affordable way to enhance the space. Install a Home Bar: Positioning your dining table near a bar cart or table facilitates easy entertaining and allows guests to help themselves. Tweak the Layout: Use your couch as a divider between the main living area and the dining area for a well-organized space.In this example, the couch is positioned for easy TV watching and lounging. The dining table has a separate section. Try This Open-Plan Trick. Design: Tina Ramchandani / Photo: Jacob Snavely. Here is another example of a dining table placed behind a sofa, which helps break up this room’s open floor plan. This table features two chairs as well as a cushioned sofa-like booth.
Incorporate Chic Accents. @tulipsforthetable / Instagram. Decorate your tabletop with accessories and accent pieces. Here, brass candle holders complement the living room’s brass picture frame, lamp, and light fixtures. Fresh flowers in a classic vase are always a good choice. Also, the pink spiral candles add a fun touch. Opt for Extra Seating. @styledbymegan_x / Instagram. If entertaining is important to you, note that many small-sized tables can still accommodate up to four chairs. This setup proves you don’t need a ton of square footage to host a dinner party. Pull Up a Chair. Design: Zarifi Design / Styling: Jess Finessed / Photo: Armhed Louis-Jean. At The Parker, these dining chairs are positioned perfectly for entertaining, allowing guests at the table to interact with guests in the main living room. Having enough seating for friends can always be an issue, so creative layout solutions like these always come in handy. Maximize Your Entryway. @pistachiobyelaine / Instagram. Setting up your table in the entryway allows it to double as a console table for keys and mail. Remember to quickly clear it off at the end of every day so you can still sit and dine comfortably. Divide and Conquer. Jessica Delaney Photography. Consider splitting up your living room so that one half serves as a makeshift dining room. You probably need less space than you think for your sofa and coffee table. This way, you can easily enjoy the best of both worlds. Scatter Accessories. Nicole Alexandra Design Studio. This cozy dining area incorporates a blanket ladder, round mirror, and table lamp, which help bridge the gap between the living room and dining room. Play With Colors and Materials. Nicole Alexandra Design Studio. Choose a table and chair set that speaks to you. For example, have a little fun with pink and marble. Today’s dining setups don’t need to be ultra-serious. Consider styling the table with a funky vase and dried flowers. Incorporate a Credenza. @purely_nora / Instagram. To ensure your eating area blends well with your living room, style a credenza with accessories that reflect your aesthetic. These accents don’t have to be dining related. Here, a vase, stack of books, and table lamp are the perfect accessories. Keep It Close. Design: Margaret Costello / Photo: Kirsten Francis. This square dining table is close to the living room’s seating area making it excellent for entertaining. Fill the table with drinks and snacks, and allow guests to serve themselves with ease as they lounge on the couch. Find the Dining Table Shape That Is Right for You.jpeg