Tips to Maximize Space of Your Dining Room

Small dining rooms and areas are inherently a lot more difficult to design than compact bedrooms and tiny living spaces. We often complain about the lack of available space in our own homes to find an excuse for pretty much every design conundrum. But for the imaginative, space is definitely not a constraint.

Want to realize the potential of your small dining room? Whether your table and chairs are crammed into the tiniest of rooms, or are just stealing a corner from another space in the house, there are lots of things you can do to make meal times a pleasure.

Make it a family matter

Create a fun, friendly kitchen-diner that the whole family can enjoy. Blend a corner banquette with white walls and white décor to make it nearly invisible. Built-in bench seating is an incredibly efficient use of space, especially in smaller rooms. Employ additional chairs and stools alongside whenever extra seating is needed. Use see-through furniture for a look that visually blends into a scheme rather than dominating it. Elsewhere, stick to a primary palette – it is the easiest and simplest way to create a cheerful mood in your home.

Build in Seating and Shelves

 Both built-in bookcases and banquettes are meant to be directly next to the wall, offering as much seating, storage, and open floor space as possible — so when combined, they're a like small dining room superhero.

Keep it minimal

Look to abstract modernism when designing a dining room – its linear furniture and sharp, clean lines are perfect for a compact space. Incorporate a counter top that is almost shelf-like in its appearance, while bar stools with slim, spindle legs are a great choice for minimal and compact schemes. Continue the less-is-more approach on the walls and flooring.

Use Walls Wisely

Often considered a design no-no in other rooms, placing furniture against the wall frees up space for walking in this narrow dining area. Folding chairs stored neatly on the opposite wall can easily be grabbed when company arrives.

Work every inch

Don’t let a small dining room restrict you. Increase the space in a narrow dining room with a slimline table and wall-hung accessories. If you have a large family or a continuous stream of guests visiting then a small, circular table may not be an option for you. Instead, invest in a slender table that will fit neatly into a narrow space, such as a kitchen-diner, conservatory or even a hallway. Free up floor space with wall-hung lighting on pivots that can be positioned over your table to provide efficient task lighting. Wire it up to a dimmer switch for an ambient glow – ideal for intimate meals. Finally, punctuate the scheme with artwork and table decorations to add character and personality.

Think beyond your space

If you don’t have a separate dining zone, take a look around your home. If the occasion demands, or you just feel like it, why not set up a temporary dining area in an underused space? Position a slimline table in a narrow corridor or hallway. Keep the space fuss-free and bring in furniture from other rooms or use pieces that can be folded away, stacked or moved around at a moment’s notice.

Make it multi-functional

Few of us have the luxury of a separate dining room these days, but however limited space might be it’s important to incorporate storage into your scheme wherever you can. Build a low-level, storage bench – it may take up a little floor space, but it will declutter and streamline your space while providing extra seating should you require it. If you can, have it made to match the rest of your furniture for a scheme that is cohesive and considered. Using low-level storage will also free up wall space – display a collection of framed prints that will add character and interest.

Collect Matching Dinnerware

Open shelves are often the best storage option in a tight space, but you have to fill them wisely. Coordinating plates and serve ware, like this pretty creamy collection, add a decorative element with a culinary tilt.