Make Any Small Living Space Shine With These Compact Dining Sets
Incorporating a dining area into a small living space can be a decorating challenge. Limited square footage makes it difficult to comfortably fit a dining table and chairs while still leaving room for living room furnishings. However, with some strategic space planning and the right selection of compact, multifunctional furniture, you can create a stylish dining nook that makes the most of every inch.
Read on to learn how to make any small living space shine with a cozy dining area.
Optimizing Small Living Spaces
When dealing with a room that doubles as both living and dining space, a little creativity goes a long way. Here are some approaches to open up your limited square footage.
Utilize Vertical Space
In a small living space, it's essential to make use of vertical storage and display space. Install shelves or a hanging rack right above the dining table to store extra dishes, table linens, or decor. A pegboard is also a great way to keep dining essentials like napkins, utensils, and salt and pepper shakers organized while freeing up precious tabletop real estate.
Incorporate Lighting
Proper lighting is crucial for any dining area, but especially in a living room pull-double-duty as a dining space. Consider hanging pendant lights in a row above the table to provide focused task lighting. Table lamps in corners of the room also help create a cozy ambiance for dining.
Opt for light colors and finishes that will reflect light and make the space appear more open and airy. Dark colors tend to feel confining in a small area.
Define the Dining Area
Visually demarcating the dining zone in your studio or open concept living area helps differentiate it from the living room portion. Use a rug underneath the dining table to define the space. Hang a unique light fixture over the dining table or install a special backsplash tile behind it to further distinguish this area.
Built-in Dining Areas
If you're doing a major renovation, consider incorporating built-in dining nooks or banquettes. These customized spaces are integrated right into the architecture, saving precious square footage compared to freestanding tables and chairs. Built-in bench seating also provides storage for tucking away spare dishes or tableware.
Clever Storage Solutions
The best way to keep a small dining area looking neat and spacious is to incorporate storage solutions that tuck away visual clutter. Built-in kitchen cabinets, roll-out drawers under bench seating, or shelving units surrounding the dining nook all provide concealed storage space for dining essentials.
Choosing the Right Compact Dining Set
Given the spatial constraints, choose furniture pieces carefully to make sure your dining set fits proportionately within the room.
Size Matters
Consider both the dimensions of the table itself as well as the amount of clearance needed for seating when choosing dining furniture. Round tables can fit into tight corners better than bulky rectangular ones. bench seating also allows you to fit more people around a table compared to chairs.
Space-Saving Designs
Look for dining tables and chairs with space-saving attributes like leaves that fold down or tuck away, nesting design, stackable capability, and chairs that slide neatly under the table. These features allow you to stash away pieces when not in use so the room can transition flexibly between dining and living space.
The Right Dining Chairs
Chairs with a smaller footprint work best in compact dining areas. Opt for thin legs and armless chairs that tuck closely under the table. Stackable chairs can be folded up and stowed out of sight.
Extendable and Convertible Tables
Expandable dining tables allow you to accommodate extra guests for larger gatherings. Look for tables with removable leaves that can be inserted into the middle or end. Some even convert into coffee tables, desks, or consoles when not being used for dining.
Materials and Maintenance
In a small space, lightweight materials like metal, glass, and lucite can help a dining set appear less bulky. Durability is also key since scuffs and scratches will be more noticeable. And opt for tables and chairs that are easy to clean so your dining nook constantly looks its best.
Style Ideas for Small Space Dining Areas
Just because your dining area is compact does not mean it has to feel cramped or cluttered. With the right cohesive style, your small dining nook can look pulled-together and inviting.
Scandinavian Style
With its emphasis on light, bright colors, natural materials, and minimal accessorizing, a Scandinavian-inspired style is perfect for making a small space feel open and airy. A round, white pedestal table surrounded by woven mid-century chairs emanates Scandinavian flair.
Industrial Style
The streamlined, no-fuss aesthetic of industrial interiors also translates beautifully to petite dining areas. Iron pipe furniture, a reclaimed wood table atop a concrete floor, and exposed brick walls give an edgy, modern vibe to even the coziest dining nook.
Coastal Style
Bring a relaxed, beach house feel to your studio dining space with hallmarks of coastal style like light blue and white color schemes, weathered finishes, and natural textures like rattan or driftwood. The breezy, laidback vibe makes a small dining area feel inviting rather than cramped.
Any tiny home or apartment can carve out a comfortable spot for dining with smart use of space and furniture. The key is choosing flexible, well-designed dining sets that serve their purpose without cluttering up your limited square footage. The dining nooks highlighted here prove that cozy and elegant dining areas can shine in even the smallest living spaces.