Design of a Small Dining Room: 11 Tips, 38 Examples

In our small apartments, the dining area often doubles as a kitchen or living room zone (especially in open-plan kitchens and living rooms).

Today, we’d like to share several tips for creating a compact and functional dining area.

Mirrors

Mirrors can work wonders in a dining area: place a large floor mirror next to the table, and a 4-seater table will appear as if it were for 8 people. The mirror will reflect a vase with flowers, dining utensils, candles, and a beautiful tablecloth, creating a cozy atmosphere.

You can hang a small mirror opposite the table, place a rectangular floor mirror in an elegant frame, or even make the entire wall opposite the table reflective—the effect will be stunning.

Elegant Furniture and Modern Style

If you have a small apartment and can allocate no more than 3 square meters for a dining area, avoid elaborate classical styles, bulky legs, ornate chairs, or intricately carved wooden tables. Opt for lightweight, elegant furniture.

1. Transparent Furniture

An excellent way to visually expand space. Chairs and tables made of acrylic, plexiglass, or glass seem to vanish into the room, making it feel more spacious.

2. Lightweight Structures

Like Provence? Look at chairs with delicate wrought-iron backs and legs.

Drawn to industrial or Scandinavian styles? Consider chairs with metal mesh backs. Into country style? Light wicker chairs fit perfectly. Avoid heavy, bulky seating.

3. Stools, Benches, Low Backs

If your dining area is small, avoid chairs with high backs—they look too bulky. Consider small stools, backless benches, or neat chairs with low backs.

Multifunctional Furniture

Our trusted ally in designing small apartments. For a compact dining area, consider a foldable table, stackable chairs, and a kitchen sofa with storage space under the seats for dishes and food.

Dining Table

Assess realistically how large a table your family needs. If only 2–3 people live in the flat, and you don’t cook or eat at home often, is it worth taking up half the kitchen space with a large rectangular table?

Pay attention to small round or oval tables. Avoid sharp angles in small rooms (they’re harmful to clothes and energy flow, according to feng shui principles).

Natural Light

Natural lighting is crucial in small spaces. Choose light, sheer curtains and position your dining table near a window to enjoy morning sunlight and family breakfasts.

If you’ve extended your balcony into the kitchen, place the dining area there.

Artificial Lighting

Even on cloudy days or in the evening, the dining area must have enough light. Hang a beautiful chandelier above the table that emits soft, warm light. Avoid direct light that shines into eyes or casts shadows on faces.

Light Colors

It’s well known that white makes a space feel larger. Consider a white dining table and light-colored chairs. Use a cream-colored tablecloth and paint walls in soft pastel tones.

Dining Room in Dark Tones

However, if you prefer dramatic dark interiors, don’t avoid bold colors in small spaces. Dark rooms tend to blur corners, and furniture appears to dissolve into dark walls.

Smart Zoning

To make a room feel more spacious and functional, focus on visual zoning. Separate the dining area using any convenient method: a contrasting wall opposite the table (bold wallpaper, darker paint, photo wallpaper, or a full-wall artwork); lighting zoning—highlight the dining area with brighter light by hanging a lamp above the table; or a contrasting rug.