How can you transform a small dining room into a space that’s not only functional but also unusual and stylish? Is there any way to ensure your dining area looks and feels spacious without having to change its unique feel? Here, I’ll share design ideas you can use to organize tight spaces with style and flair. Whether you’re working with a compact city apartment or a cozy nook in your home, these unusual ideas will inspire you to redefine what your small dining area can be.
Floating Dining Tables To Maximize Floor Space
I’ve found that floating dining tables can completely redefine the footprint of a small space. They brighten up a space and are useful in homes that have limited floor room. Hidden brackets or elegant metal rods usually connect these tables to the wall, helping them look sleek and ensuring it’s easy to clean the floor beneath them. You can make the view larger and adding under-lighting makes the set-up more enjoyable.
If you want a classy and sturdy countertop, I prefer a floating wooden plank or a light marble surface. Combining the table with slender, chairless seats makes the space appear cleaner. If you’re short on space, durable stackable or foldable chairs are great additions. Having basically no base also allows you to scoot the table around in small spaces.
I find that hanging art or mirrors over a floating table can bring a gallery feeling to a room. Architectural Digest considers small dining areas with cantilevered surfaces to be a top trend in urban spaces. I usually recommend that clients choose floating designs in open-plan studios to keep different areas visible, but separated.
Making it better yet, I would recommend installing a small wall shelf above the table for keeping plants or tableware. Soft lighting from an LED strip placed just below the table can be both fashionable and inviting. This space could gain interest with a round mirror or a panel that has some pattern or texture.
Wall-Mounted Foldable Dining Sets For Tight Spots
One of the most effective solutions I’ve implemented in tight spots is the wall-mounted foldable dining set. The table design means you can get rid of it quickly when not needed and reveal a full dining area when desired. It works well for micro-apartments as well as for breakfast nooks, where the ability to do many things matters.
Sometimes, they have a drop-leaf table that folds away against the wall and nearby chairs that either hang or are stacked. It works best to get a set with shelves for dishes and placemats that are already attached to the walls. To keep everything airy, use light wood or white or pastel finishes.
I once installed this setup in a client’s Brooklyn studio. Her apartment seemed larger once the old table was no longer in the way. Better Homes & Gardens points out that these types of units are excellent choices for small-space living and will add value to your home down the road.
One way to make this idea better is by adding a framed chalkboard panel under the folded table, giving you the option to use it as a menu board or center for notes when you’re not eating there. Another useful and attractive addition might be sconces with LED lighting mounted above the set.
Transparent Furniture For An Airy Feel
To keep small places feeling light and open, I often suggest choosing transparent furniture. When you choose a glass or acrylic dining table with see-through chairs, it looks like your room is larger than it is. This method gives the space a modern look but does not dominate a small dining area.
Typically, I choose ghost chairs that are clear polycarbonate and a glass tabletop. They are simple to clean and help the room look spacious and modern like a gallery. I enjoy using matte paints on the walls or natural fabrics, to moderate how warm the effect of the glass is.
I really love how a tv table fits into modern lofts and small dining nooks. Even Elle Decor emphasizes that clearly marked spaces can help expand the perceived floor plan in a home. People who like stylish interiors find this stylish solution useful as well.
This design would look even better if you used a brushed gold or matte black pendant light as well. Grounding the room with a splashy bowl or a unique arrangement of fruit would help make everything in the room stand out.
Corner Banquettes With Bold Upholstery
Fitting a corner banquette can help to use up unused or hard-to-fit parts of your small dining room. You get a cozy dining area that still allows plenty of room around it. Having banquettes against two walls lets me place more guests while using a built-in design.
Using vivid velvet, patterned jacquard or dark linen in your upholstery makes the banquette really stand out. High cushions or tufted backs will look good and make sitting more pleasurable. Finish up your look with a good quality compact pedestal table and if it’s marble or ceramic, it will offer a pleasing contrast.
I’ve used this idea in a few Airbnb design projects, and guests consistently mention how cozy and Instagrammable the spaces feel. According to House Beautiful, bold fabrics can actually work well in small spaces and help make the room more special.
In addition, you could have drawers installed in the banquette for more storage space. Placing lights beneath the seats can give off a light background and help the area look and feel warmer.
Dining Nooks Hidden Under Stairs
If your house has several levels, you might like a dining nook beside the stairs. Using the vertical space in clever ways allows it to serve both as great space savers and lovely decorations. I normally arrange this area by adding custom benches, a small round table and gentle lights to create a comfortable space.
Having storage underneath the bench is great for storing table napkins and cookbooks. Put a few throw pillows around and use wall lights or pendants to give the room a cozy setting. my advice is to pick a round or oval table because it will help the space feel less awkward and help people move smoothly around it
My team and I put this design into use in a Philadelphia townhome, where every bit of space counted. The family enjoyed how the unused area was made a favorite place for their morning coffee. The idea of turning under-stair spaces into useful alcoves is something I find useful, as Dwell encourages us to rethink them.
If you want to brush up the nook, I suggest displaying family photos on a gallery on the wall or putting decorative ceramics on small floating shelves. Use a heavy rug under the table to better set off the dining area.
Slimline Tables With Pull-Out Extensions
If you have little room, choose a table that you can extend when needed. They are perfect for daily use and can be extended to fit guests. I choose models that have straps that run around the sides or end, so you can place them where you like.
Pick tables that are built using sturdy tracks joined smoothly. Use stackable or nesting chairs so that you can neatly organize them when you’re done. To make a room feel brighter, you can put light oak or matte lacquer on your furniture, matching its style to modern decor.
I rely on these designs in both condos and narrow kitchens that do not have a lot of room. They rate a drop-leaf table as the best option for an apartment, whether you like to entertain or not.
An extra benefit would be a bench that can be folded and stored under the table. A small console nearby will help you easily store tableware for setting up guests.
Use Of Mirrors To Double Perceived Space
Simply adding some mirrors to your dining area can create extra space by illuminating it and giving the appearance of a more open room. Using large mirrors across a wall or with mirrored panels behind the banquettes helps make the room seem bigger.
When picking furniture, I suggest using items with cool, bright or metallic colors for the best effect. Combining a mirrored wall, a black table and sleek upholstered chairs gives any room an impressive look and a lot of space. Texture can be added to a room with an antique mirror finish without it feeling too fancy.
On several of my projects, adding mirrors has really brightened up dining rooms that lack natural light. The magazine often suggests using large mirrors in your apartment because they help to make a room appear bigger.
I also think adding vertical sconces on both sides of the mirror would balance the look. A mirror with a decorative border or etching on the glass helps make this strategy look more beautiful.
Ceiling-Hung Lighting As Functional Art
When working with a small dining space, care must be taken that all lighting adds value to the room. One of the most creative strategies I’ve used is ceiling-hung lighting as functional art. Besides saving room, it also highlights your area and creates a dramatic effect. Depending on the style of the space, these lights can look dramatic, playful or very fashionable.
I regularly choose pendant lights that are horizontal or chandeliers made from connected modules rather than those that grow upward. The use of things like brushed brass, frosted glass or matte black metal helps make the dining area sophisticated and defines its shape. Low ceilings and difficult room designs are ideal for using lights with cords that are easy to adjust.
I once put an asymmetrical pendant with many light points above a small dining table. It brought in motion and gave the room a warm feel, but without making it feel tight. Architectural Digest explains that lighting shaped like sculptures can be great for giving a space personality, without making it appear cluttered.
I think the next step for this is to add some layering. Place some dimmable sconces on the wall or install an LED light strip below a nearby shelf to add interest to your setting day and night. A statement ceiling light needs fixtures nearby to back up and coordinate with it.
Pop Of Color With Bold Dining Chairs
Adding bright dining chairs can quickly brighten up a little dining area. Since your wall and counter space is tight, decorating with accessories here isn’t possible, but chairs may be a different story. They’re your secret weapon for injecting personality.
Usually, I recommend chairs covered in mustard yellow, teal, burnt orange or even printed fabric. If your overall home is mainly neutral, the colorful chairs are sure to be eye-catching. A chair’s silhouette stays airy and light due to its slim legs made of metal or wood.
In a single apartment job, we went for white tulip chairs and a table with blush velvet chairs nearby. It instantly changed the space from being cramped to becoming very attractive. House & Garden points out that, in small rooms especially, color is the quickest and least expensive way to make a change.
Another idea is to use different chair colors to give the space a special look and mix in different textures as well. Unite these new area rugs with the rest of the space by including similar colors in your artwork and napkins or in a rug.
Window Sill Seating With Storage Below
If there’s a window in your small dining room, the windowsill can be a great place for decor. Building in benches underneath a window seat is my favorite way to make the room both comfortable and practical. Sunlight, a view and storage are all available in just one location.
You can make a seat for casual dining by putting a cushioned bench by the window. More often than not, I use lift-up lids or front drawers to organize my linens, dishes and board games. Place cushions made from washable materials on any tissue box. Put soft Roman blinds or sheer curtains around the area to softly spread the light.
One client I worked with in San Francisco enjoyed a pleasant small kitchen with a bright window. Painting the walls and putting in pale blue seating and white cabinets, we made it into a breakfast nook. She felt like her kitchen had grown twice in size and became more welcoming. Often, Domino highlights this design as a way to get as much use from a space as possible.
Include a pendant light on top and a shallow bookshelf built into one side, if you want to make the area more attractive. A little round or oval table fits this space best to preserve the soft and easy look.
Vertical Gardens As Dining Backdrops
It’s possible to create more greenery in a small dining room by adding a vertical garden. Fresh and unusual, these living walls look amazing displayed behind or beside your dining area.
Most often, I mount modular planting panels or wall planters containing herbs, ferns or succulents. You can use preserved moss or even high-quality imitation plants if your home doesn’t have great light. Having plants around gives the area shape and also softens the appearances of the other objects.
A trellis grid with small herbs in pots was put up in my breakfast area for easy enjoyment. It’s both decorative and functional—I snip basil and mint straight from the wall! Vertical gardens are frequently presented on HGTV as smart options for both tiny city apartments and those concerned about environmental protection.
A console table or sideboard is a good addition at the foot of the plant display for any dishes and stand-out pieces you own. If you have accent light above the plants, you’ll get interesting shadows and a more dynamic effect.
Layered Rugs To Define Eating Areas
Zoning an open floor plan is easy with the help of rugs. My choice in small dining rooms is to place a statement rug on top of a wider neutral rug for added comfort. This helps create a pleasing design for the eating area and allows you to walk on something soft.
When choosing materials, I pick flat jute or sisal, then put on a colorful or geometric rug on top. The blend of materials makes the dining area noticeable and well-defined in the compact home. Select simple yet durable rugs in dining sections so cleaning is not difficult.
I recently tried putting a faded Persian rug on top of a natural fiber base as a project in my studio loft. The client liked how everything came together while at the same time feeling comforting and stable. Real Simple recommends using multiple rugs to give your room depth, without making it too busy.
Another thing that would look great is including a floor pouf or bench next to the sofa for additional sitting or balance in the room’s design. A picture or a mirror in a frame above your table would add interest in a simple way.
Retro Café-Style Booths For Urban Charm
I usually suggest that small dining areas feature retro café booths as they are both fashionable and very cozy. Such booths are great for corners or walls and are perfect for apartment owners looking to add charm without using lots of space.
Often, I upholster with vinyl or leatherette in bold red, black or deep green. Often, the booth backs are sewn and the tables are furnished with small surfaces, giving the room that classic diner style. Adding wall-mounted lights or old-fashioned signs can bring your counter a pinch of style and help it be useful at the same time.
I got the idea from a bachelor pad project I designed in Chicago. Since the client was passionate about vintage diners, the booth style gave his apartment plenty of character but didn’t overpower the space. Better Homes & Gardens calls this trend “quirky comfort with functional elegance.”
To take this concept further, I’d add retro checkerboard tiles or a small jukebox-inspired speaker system. A short shelf filled with old cookbooks or memorabilia could really finish the feeling of the place.
Unexpected Artwork In Dining Zones
Introduction of some unexpected artwork is one of the easiest ways to style a small dining room. I choose to include big abstract pieces, sculptural art or neon signs to liven up the room rather than sticking to safe prints behind glass.
I’ve seen that in tiny spaces, adding dramatic art gives the area a stronger, more designed character. Often, I put up a large vertical piece against a blank wall or group pictures together closely to add interest to the space. Planning on matching your framing with other furniture—why not stick to popular choices such as black, brass or light oak?
In a thinning apartment, I hung a big black-and-white abstract sculpture behind an unadorned dining table. It dramatically changed the room and always started conversations when friends came over. According to Elle Decor, bigger items make a bigger difference in small areas than lots of small accessories.
Additionally, using a picture light above the main artwork or putting a narrow shelf below will give you the opportunity to rotate your smaller pictures. Adding metal or ceramic wall sculptures can bring an extra element of touch to your home.
Industrial Pipes As Table Legs
At first, it seems rugged, but in a small dining area, industrial pipes as table legs give you toughness, aren’t wide and are appealing. I believe that the metallic finish on raw metal provides both simplicity and boldness to small areas. Adding solid or reclaimed wood surfaces to the tops makes the area look cozy and well-balanced.
Importantly, we have used both black or galvanized pipes and a custom-cut wood tabletop. Storage units with hidden wheels require less space which helps the room feel larger. It’s also a simple way to make something that will fit exactly where you want it.
From what I’ve observed, industrial pieces like these work well in many settings. At one point, I installed them in a 6×6 ft dining space in a Manhattan apartment and it looked impressive and useful. Designer Nate Berkus and others suggest using industrial-modern style in tiny spaces, as it looks good now and will not go out of style.
If you want to upgrade this area, try including leather or bentwood chairs, a cozy rug underneath and pendant lights overhead. That step will finish the comparison between raw and refined with an artistic effect.
Floating Shelves As Built-In Buffets
Wall space is valuable in tight home designs. Putting up floating shelves is a lovely alternative to a standard buffet. This type of furniture stores and shows things without using up extra floor space. Many don’t know this, but it’s a great secret for creating a lovely dining area from a small kitchen.
Try to find wood or marble shelves that are mounted at a height just above your table. You may set up your plates, include decorative accents and insert underlighting too. It helps reach things without having to add storage containers. Plus, it’s easy to style and adapt over time.
I think this idea helps a lot when we’re renting or living in a small condo. I’ve assisted clients in enhancing their bar-height spaces using floating buffet designs. Apartment Therapy recently mentioned this method as a great choice for people who love to host but don’t have a lot of room.
You could also put some small hooks on the bottom to hang mugs or linens and use pretty trays to hold everyday items and keep the look from looking messy.
Convertible Coffee-To-Dining Table Designs
Whenever space gets tight, you simply must have a convertible table. Coffee tables that turn into dining tables make my top pick for open floor plans. This approach may seem like a trick, but the skilled engineering in today’s models is both impressive and sure-footed.
Choose dining tables that either use hydraulics or fold to make them higher or wider when needed. Most laptops have enough storage space in the model. Use wood or matte finishes so your table matches with the furniture in your living area. Such apartments and tiny homes are very good matches for these types of furniture.
I have had one in a small space measuring just 400 square feet and it was invaluable to me. Though the design was simple, there was still enough room for four people. Dwell magazine’s designers say that such pieces should be included in minimalist compact homes.
I would then bring in some stackable chairs and set up soft lights to make the space change from lounge to dining room.
Two-Tone Walls To Carve Out Space Visually
In addition to setting a mood, color can actually help create a space. Applying two contrasting colors on the walls is a smart trick I use to distinguish a dining room in tight spaces, instead of adding bulky partitions. You can make the bottom part of the wall darker to give your room stability and keep the top lighter for an airy feeling.
Although this method looks great with any paint, using matte works the best and it can also be accentuated by adding a chair rail. Coordinate the color palette and style your home’s furniture to match—a navy base and white accents, together with walnut furniture, blend for a stylish effect. Even without being bold, it’s just the thing to separate the dining space.
I’ve applied this in both urban apartments and small suburban homes. There is always an air of gentle luxury around the house. According to Elle Decor, this technique gives a space architectural charm without requiring full improvement.
It’s a nice idea to put a small wall sconce or a piece of framed art where the two colors join each other. The wall divides the part of the room further and ensures it does not feel cramped.
Wall Niches Turned Into Mini Dining Alcoves
I find that converting wall niches into mini dining areas helps make the most of your space. If you have a recessed area in your wall or anywhere an old bookshelf was, you could easily turn it into a romantic place to eat with just two.
Set a small bench or banquette into the alcove and bring a drop-leaning table right before it. Put up floating shelves or add a sconce for some extra illumination. Designers want to ensure that the kitchen nook feels different from the rest of the dining area.
I once redesigned a Brooklyn apartment where the client had an unused archway niche—now it’s a highlight of the space. Recently, Real Simple noted the way this style can merge attractiveness with convenience in small areas.
Adding some assortment of shiplap or wallpaper on the walls inside the niche will complete the space and make its purpose obvious.
Chalkboard Paint Walls For Menus Or Messages
Having a chalkboard paint wall is a fun and useful way to improve a small dining room design. It adds playfulness to the room and lets you easily stay in touch with family members, roommates or guests. It makes your décor unique and doesn’t crowd the room.
Use either a big bold display behind your table or opt for something smaller. Smooth textures are the correct base for chalkboard paint and this look blends with several interior styles. Generally, I say that light wood furniture looks best when paired with these darker walls.
A minimalist loft I previously built used this element and it soon became the most enjoyed part of the home. The Spruce explains that chalkboard walls fit well in any small area, being both practical and attractive.
Use a magnetic strip or attach a frame to the wall to help bring more shape to the space. Chalk displays are a fun way to regularly change what’s on the menu or write comments.
Vintage Suitcases Repurposed As Dining Benches
Repurposed vintage suitcases serving as benches are both lovely to look at and offer a useful seat during meals. In a tight eating area, these little chairs stand out and can be used for many different tasks.
Generally, the technique is to put old suitcases on top of each other, finishing the design by laying a cushion or upholstered foam on them. A number of them have secret compartments built into them. They make lovely additions to under a table or in a window seat without taking over.
We included it in a coastal cottage remodel and guests loved it from the start. As HGTV reports, including vintage trunks or suitcases into your space helps make it more unique in situations where space is tight.
Let’s put legs on these pieces so they are elevated off the floor and cover the upholstery with material that can be easily wiped.
Statement Lighting On An Oversized Scale
In a small dining room, making a statement with your lighting is a great way to define the area. I frequently recommend that clients use bright lighting to make the space look larger and more impressive from below. You might be surprised that having a big chandelier or pendant in a room helps anchor it and gives the space more purpose.
Oversized fixtures with clean edges and open designs are the ones I usually pick. I like to use décor made of glass, brushed metal or woven rattan the best. Because they’re semi-transparent, they enhance and don’t disrupt flowing lines of sight in your space. Larger lighting in a small space helps the design look carefully designed instead of overcrowded.
For me, the effects show up right away. A client once said their entire space felt “like a designer came in” just from this one element. Architectural Digest points out that bright overhead lighting adds elegance and attention to any tiny area.
To make this idea better, I think installing a dimmer switch is a good idea for changing the mood. In seconds, the room changes from being casual to formal and gains more design flexibility.
Mixed Material Dining Tables For Texture Contrast
Texture is key when you’re trying to add depth to a small dining area, and one of the most effective ways to achieve it is through mixed material tables. Creating interest by combining wood and metal or marble and glass, with the same space is something I like to do. Doing this helps the room appear more beautiful and appealing.
Combining a wooden top with metal legs or a concrete top with a brass base, can give the design tension and more style. Because these materials act differently with light, the area feels slightly bigger. It’s important to mix clean lines with unfinished areas in interior design.
I’ve styled a few condos using this trick and the feedback is always enthusiastic. House Beautiful says that by adding contrast between materials, small spaces seem livelier and more professional.
I’d also add accessories that have the same or a similar material as those used on the table. It unifies the room and ensures it doesn’t seem like merely an added noistructure.
Rolling Carts As Mobile Dining Storage
If you are short on storage space, rolling carts prove to be both useful and convenient even in a small setting. Sometimes I bring them to serve as place to hold food, drink or even somewhere to work while I prepare meals. They’re very versatile and attractive, mainly when selected in premium finishes.
Find carts that are narrow, have many levels and are made from metal, wood or acrylic. Your shelves might support your flatware, dishes, glasses and any type of small tabletop coffee maker. It’s better for me to have locking wheels so everything stays in place while I use my stand. Best of all, there are ways for all kinds of travelers to enjoy nature on their trips. Move them out of the way if you don’t need them.
While working on a modern loft, I included a brass-framed cart which became the owner’s favorite part. Bar carts are useful for more than drinks, as Martha Stewart Living points out; designers like them for making small spaces more efficient.
I think it’s helpful to place small trays or baskets on all of the shelves to keep things organized and nearby. Why not change the theme with each season to give your dining room a changing ambiance?
Glass Room Dividers To Separate Without Shrinking
In a small dining room, a classical room divider may seem too much and isn’t very flexible. For that reason, I lean towards glass partitions, because they maintain the sense of openness and distinguish one area from another. They take on a role of decorative art, rather than that of standard walls.
If you like an industrial look, choose from framed glass panels, sliding doors or fixed glass with metal grids. The absence of the ceilings allows light to move freely throughout the shelter. Many times, I work with them in open-plan homes where clients want a little division.
I used it most effectively in a small apartment so the dining area had a separate feel—even though the divider didn’t close off the space. As Dezeen reports, many architects are now using this style to separate space, while ensuring that any design is not closed off.
Sometimes I frost a few areas of the glass or apply a tinted film so the view is not too clear, while preserving the mood I am aiming for.
Half-Moon Tables Hugging The Wall
A small dining area needs every little bit and I find that half-moon tables that rest against the wall are a good way to optimize space. They give people a place to eat while contributing more room for pedestrians on the dance floor. These works are especially suited for dining rooms beside doorways or corridors.
Make sure the design has a flat back so it moves smoothly with the front. Wooden and marble are my top choices since their slim legs help keep the visual area of the table small. When there’s just one additional folding chair, these tables work for dinner with three.
I’ve applied this design in small Parisian spaces and each time admire how both grounded and airy the results seem. The roundup of compact dining spaces from Better Homes & Gardens suggested wall-hugging tables for tight spaces.
To complete the look, I’d add a round mirror above the table to echo the shape and visually expand the area—it’s a simple addition that makes a big difference.
Unusual Seating Like Hanging Chairs
Hanging chairs are a thrilling and unique choice you’ll often find in small dining rooms. They also give your space a pop of fun and originality, while still saving area for other uses. I appreciate that they right away tell you this isn’t a typical eating place.
You could put up a couple of clear bubble chairs or some neat macrame swings, hanging safely from beams in your ceiling. Once you’re done walking, they duck to the edge and let you walk freely. Often, I add a matching narrow bench or some floating seats to the other side of the fireplace.
Attempting this in my beach-themed house turned out great and looked really stylish on Instagram. Hanging seating is starting to catch on in new homes, says Domino Magazine, because of its visual charm and power to help people connect through conversation.
I’d recommend adding a rug that has a solid color and a reliable table to your space to give it some structure. This means the area won’t end up feeling too laid-back or messy.
Multi-Level Shelving To Frame The Dining Space
Often, I suggest dividing a large, open space by placing multi-level shelving around the dining area to make it stand out. This approach adds visual height and allows for storage, display and dividing spaces using one structure.
Pick shelves that differ in height, from warm woods, black metal or painted MDF. Mount them either once or twice on the sides of the table to give the effect of a separated space in the middle. You can place books, ceramics or plants hanging from the shelves for a softer finish.
In a recent loft project I worked on, I made the shelving serve as storage, supports for art and a way to divide the space. According to Inside Design magazine, having several uses for a shelf can help you make the most of a small room.
For a better effect, I’d set up lighting above the upper shelves to make the room look more comfy and attractive.
Sliding Doors To Reveal Hidden Dining Spots
Using sliding doors in small spaces to uncover or cover up the dining section is an excellent way I’ve found. After being closed, they clear out valuable area and combine the dining nook into the wall or adjoining cabinet unit. As soon as they’re unrolled, they provide an interesting place to work that also works very well for daily tasks. Such a design suits apartments or studios where creating different rooms without walls is necessary.
I designed and installed electronic sliding wood panels on the ceiling of a recent project, with a simple matte finish. Behind those tables was a small, private space with a family-size oval table held in a recess. Underneath the bench seating was some storage and two adjustable wall sconces were placed, along with an area to slide folding chairs behind the panel for when I didn’t need them. The use of light colors made the room lively and bronze visually softened the details of the wooden handles and lights.
What works best for me in this design is how bright and new the room feels as a result. The novelty of revealing a “hidden” dining room keeps the space dynamic. A recent Elle Decor feature explains that flexible items and sliding features are now standard in small space designs due to their usefulness and attractive effect. This is entirely in line with what that trend is about.
A simple way to use this concept is to fit rear-facing acoustic panels behind the sliding doors. Alternatively, installing frosted glass inserts allows you to see through while still keeping your privacy.
Illuminated Base Tables For A Futuristic Look
Integrating lighting with the bottom part of a dining table is one of my favorite ideas for clients that want to stick to trends and maximize the space. These tables give you light while still looking good as decor, especially ideal for dining rooms where there is little or no fixtures overhead. The luminous glow lifts the furniture up, so the room looks roomier and open.
I believe that round glass or acrylic tops on pedestal bases with integrated LEDs work well. One of my designs had a brushed aluminum base with lighting that could be changed in color. I completed the look by adding clear Lucite chairs to keep the space light. Lights can be adjusted to be dim at the table or bright when you’re working at home. It serves two purposes, helping make modern life easier for those in small homes.
My view is that this is ideal for today’s dining tables because it makes the table stand out, yet avoids filling the room with too much stuff. The magazine Architectural Digest featured similar things in Manhattans’ wealthiest apartments, stressing they are important features that don’t stand out. That’s why they fit so well into compact rooms.
We can improve on the idea by including smart lighting that can be controlled by touch. With reflective flooring or shiny tiles, you would see the space’s visual lightness and futuristic feeling grow.
Playful Wallpaper To Enliven Small Spaces
Bold patterns are often thought to make a small dining room appear busy, but this isn’t always what happens. If chosen well, playful wallpaper makes a room look more unique and keeps it from appearing cluttered. Successfully combining size, colors and lighting is the secret to a successful drawing.
I dressed up one large wall with a tropical foliage print in a matte color, matching the dining booth next to it. The other walls were left in warm taupe and the items of furniture—especially a white round marble table and velvet chairs—helped to even things out. A brass pendant hung above, shining light that made the pattern in the wallpaper seem noticeable yet not overly busy.
This style works very well in restaurants since it helps create a particular mood. It gives the first moments of your dinner a bit of celebration. Better Homes & Gardens says patterned walls can add atmosphere right away in little areas and I find this to be true. The wallpaper serves to focus your eye, not to distract you.
If I wanted to improve this design, I’d add washable wallpaper or a protective acrylic coating over the picture—most important for families or rooms used for daily dining. You could add a craft mirror or a piece of modern art on top to add contrast to a broad wall pattern.
Bold Ceiling Colors To Draw The Eye Upward
If there isn’t much area to use, I start to focus overhead for ideas. Painting your ceiling in a strong or unusual color adds height and distracts attention from how cramped the area feels. With this trick, the feel of your small dining room can change for the better.
I once painted the ceiling of a 7’x7′ dining nook in deep peacock blue while keeping the walls and furniture muted ivory and oak. Because of the high overhead lighting, the space appeared both grander and more trendy. I used a quaint matte brass chandelier titled Globe for the ceiling, along with a floating shelf, vases and curtains made from the same pattern of fine linen.
Based on what I have seen, this is one of the least discussed but most helpful design tips. Interior designer Nate Berkus recently told Domino, “If you neglect the ceiling, you are missing out on making the whole room look better.” I couldn’t agree more.
Giving your ceiling the special shine that only comes with glossy or metallic paints will add even more interest. Choosing crown molding in a strong color or adding a large chandelier, can add to the wall’s height.
If your dining room is small, it’s an ideal chance to experiment with unique ideas that are both useful and lively. You don’t have to compromise on your home’s look when space is tight—small spaces can feel luxurious with little inventiveness. Do you have a different idea or something unique you’d like to talk about? Post your ideas or questions below; we’d enjoy seeing your fresh ideas for dining at home.
