Making the best of a small dining space

Some homeowners may aspire to have expansive dining rooms with seating for 12 beneath a stunning chandelier. That kind of space certainly makes hosting dinner parties easier. However, modern homes typically have small space that require homeowners or renters to be resourceful when entertaining guests.

Hosts may not be able to expand their dining spaces, but there are some clever ways to maximize every inch of a small dining room and even some intelligent solutions for those without dining rooms.

Create the illusion of more space. Eating areas can be made to feel more significant with a few tricks. A mirror on the wall will reflect light and make the room appear larger. In addition, a large-scale patterned floor or oversized artwork on the wall may make the room appear more spacious.

Maximize seating. Chairs can take up a lot of room in a dining space. To maximize seating availability in smaller dining rooms or in spaces where you need to create a seating area, look to bench seating. These ideas can help create an instant cozy nook and save on space. Benches are incredibly dynamic pieces of furniture. Purchase one for the foot of your bed but pull it out to add seating at those holiday meals.

Let space lead furniture choices. Select a table that will fit comfortably, depending on the size and shape of the room. A round, pedestal table may take up less real estate in a smaller room than an oblong or rectangular one. Many tables are expandable with built-in leaves. Drop-leaf tables do for dining spaces what Murphy beds do for guest rooms. A mounted drop-leaf table can be popped up for entertaining, folded back down, and tucked away when the area needs repurposing.

Select a narrow table and low-profile chairs if you have a narrow, galley-type dining space. Our made-to-order pieces have the customizable option you need to ensure the best fit for your dining space. Benches, again, are a lifesaver in narrow areas.

Utilize the kitchen island. Many modern homes have no dedicated dining rooms but, instead, kitchens that open to living rooms. Homeowners with kitchen islands can utilize large islands as dining areas, and they’re accessible places to enjoy casual meals with stools pulled up to the island. We carry a full range of stool heights and options in wood and other materials. Come in to see what style or size will work best. Whether you want something that will tuck away and be almost unseen or something to become a star in your space, we have options to meet any need.

Invest in storage pieces. A simple buffet can store silverware, table cloths, wine glasses, and more, but it also serves double-duty as a bar or server for a buffet.

Petite dining spaces can be functional when space is maximized, and design tricks are called into action. Come see us to explore all the intelligent solutions we can offer.