By: Kristine Nelson | Published: January 31, 2025

10 Small Dining Room Ideas to Maximize Your Space

Short on square footage? Make the most of every inch and show off your great taste with these small dining room ideas! From creating a cozy corner to picking the perfect furniture, you’ll find clever tips for transforming even the tiniest spot into a dining area you’ll savor.

1. Create a Dining Nook

Got a corner to spare? Transform it into your go-to dining spot! For maximum space efficiency, use benches to create a banquet, complete with hidden storage beneath the seats. Pair it with a compact round table and plush throw pillows to complete the look.

A dining nook featuring a round table and minimalist dining chairs

2. Choose a Round Table

Round tables are sleek, stylish and perfect for small spaces! They can fit into tighter spots and make the room feel more open. Pro tip: A pedestal base eliminates legs, so you can squeeze in a few extra chairs when needed.

A dining area featuring a small round table with a pedestal base

3. Consider a Table for Two

Keep it simple with a small table designed for two. Whether it’s a foldable option or a modern design, a compact table is the ultimate space-saver that doesn’t skimp on charm.

A small round bistro table and two chairs

4. Hang a Statement Light Fixture

Make your dining area pop with a bold pendant or chandelier. A dramatic light fixture not only defines the space but also draws the eye upward, giving the illusion of a taller, more spacious room.

A distinctive pendant light above a small dining area

5. Maximize Your Eat-In Kitchen

Make the most of an eat-in kitchen with a round table. The lack of edges means more room to move and extra space for chairs, making it great for entertaining and everyday dining.

An eat-in kitchen featuring a dining area with a small round table

6. Opt for a Table with an Extendable Leaf

Extendable tables are the ultimate small-space dining hack. Use a hidden leaf to expand your table for guests, and then shrink it back down for everyday use. It’s like having two tables in one!

A round dining table with an extendable leaf

7. Use a Loveseat as a Dining Bench

Don’t have an entire corner to spare? Create a dining nook anywhere! A cushioned loveseat along a wall serves as cozy seating; pair it with a small round table and minimalist chairs, and then top it off with wall art or a mirror to define the space.

A corner dining nook featuring a loveseat as a dining bench

8. Utilize Compact Seating

Choose chairs and benches that can be tucked away under your dining table when not in use. Pro tip: Armless or slim-profile designs are perfect for keeping things tidy and visually light.

A wooden dining table with benches that tuck under

9. Craft a Gallery Wall

Show off your personality! A gallery wall full of your favorite art, photos and decorative accents creates a distinct dining zone and makes the area feel uniquely yours—all without taking up precious floor space.

10. Think Multifunctional Furniture

Get the most out of your square footage with dual-purpose furniture. Think space-saving pieces like our Jozy Drop-Leaf Dining Table, which folds down for a compact console table when not in use, or a storage bench.

The wooden Jozy Drop-Leaf Dining Table with Jozy Dining Chairs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a small dining room called?

A small dining room is often called a nook or a dinette. A nook is typically integrated into the kitchen, while a dinette is a small space next to it.

How can you separate a dining room and living room in a small apartment?

Use creative solutions like a sofa, a folding screen or an area rug to establish distinct zones. You can also define the spaces with accent walls or lighting.

What table shape works best in a small dining room?

Round tables are ideal for maintaining flow and flexibility in tight spaces. Alternatively, square or rectangular tables work well when pushed against a wall.

How do you maximize seating in a small dining room?

Incorporate banquets or benches to fit more people comfortably. Pair these with a round table and choose extra stools or chairs that can be easily stored when not in use.

Kristine Nelson – Home & Entertaining Expert

When not planning and directing location photography for World Market, Home and Entertaining Stylist Kristine is our resident DIY queen! Whether it’s with sewing, home renovation or paper crafts, her superpower is turning imagination into reality. Kristine is obsessed with architecture and modern design, and loves estate sales, flea markets, hiking, biking, skiing and snowboarding.