Enjoy a meal in styleeven in a small spacewith these dining room design ideas.

Turn a smalldining roominto an inviting gathering space with these no-fail design tips and tricks.

One way to approach this punch in of area is to think of the dining table as multipurpose.

Dining area with bench and woven chairs

Credit: Helen Norman

This flexibility allows you to get the most use out of the space.

The narrow shape allows traffic to easily flow around while still allowing for at least six chairs.

Look for one with a pedestal base for even more space.

Pass-through dining room

Credit:Brie Williams

White benches with striped cushions contribute to the light-hearted, comfortable look.

Here, a bench creates a banquette-punch in seat and pairs well with two mid-century cafe chairs.

Set against a white backdrop, a chestnut pedestal table brings a traditional, homey touch to the corner.

Modern farmhouse dining room

Credit:Edmund Barr

A small window banquette seats two to three people and provides extra storage in the drawers below.

Simple chairs are lightweight and easy to reposition, allowing seating all around the table.

A lantern-style light fixture draws attention to the space and differentiates the area from the rest of the kitchen.

Small kitchen dining room

Credit:Helen Norman

Pillow Power

This dining nook mixes rustic and modern styles with ease.

The midcentury table and chairs blend seamlessly among the cozy, neutral details of the corner banquet.

If youre building a banquet, be sure to think about back support.

Dining area in front of window with booth seating

Credit: Philip Harvey

Here, a mix of throw pillows allow guests to settle in comfortably.

Trick the Eye

Dane Tashima

Working on a small scale doesnt mean you have to sacrifice style.

The trick is finding items in your style that are the right scale for the room.

Eclectic dining room

Credit:Laurey Glenn

Narrow furniture legs help keep this segment of the house feeling open and light.

Small dining room furniture, like this four-set pedestal table, is a good starting point.

Simple wood chairs with cane details add stylish, low-profile seating.

Dining table with window seat

Credit:Carmel Brantley

A piece of modernart connects the dining spaceto the color in the adjoining room.

Built-in Back Rest

When quarters are tight, opt for extra comfort.

Drawers in the base of the banquette provide extra storage space while the three-sided wrap-around bench provides plentiful seating.

dining room nook

Credit: Emily Followill Photography

And even if your space is small, be sure to think about contrast in scale.

The large black and white tiles give this space a grandeur and presence that small tiles wouldnt.

Try a Colorful Rug

Creating a dining area can be difficult with a narrow open floor plan.

white breakfast nook with wood ceiling

Credit:Edmund Barr

Define the dining roomwith a large area rugthat will easily accommodate a small dining set.

This midcentury-style dining set has simple legs that leave the room open and inviting rather than heavy.

A patterned area rug features warm colors that play up the wood’s rich maple finish.

Modern style small dining room

Credit:Dane Tashima

A small built-in bench with a cushion provides extra seating and adds a sense of comfort.

A large window dressed in simple window treatments brings in light to help the room feel more spacious.

Embrace Traditional Style

If you havetraditional homewith no formal dining room, fear not.

black caned back chairs at dining table

Credit: John Bessler

you’re able to make any space feel traditional with the furnishings you choose.

Narrow dining tables make for intimate, dynamic gatherings and fun, maximalist tablescapes.

A round cafe table is the perfect size to shop for to complete this cozy look.

dining room with wall art

Credit: Annie Schlechter

If you find yourself regularly eating somewhere other than the table, consider this space-saving option.

Simply fold out the table when you have guests, and tuck it away when you need more room.

Pattern Play

A variety of patterns adds interest to this small dining room.

Minimalist modern dining room

Credit:Kim Cornelison

Black-and-white striped walls provide a striking backdrop for colorful furnishings.

Patterned cement floor tiles introduce vintage character that pairs well with antique bistro chairs.

Floral fabric on the cushioned banquette bench adds a splash of personality.

Booth dining seating with rustic bench

Credit: Edmund Barr

This simple setup demonstrates how todefine a small dining nookwithin a larger kitchen area.

A rounded banquette bench works well with an oval-shaped table.

Create Visual Flow

Employ pops of color to enliven a petite dining area.

Breakfast nook

Credit:Hector M Sanchez

Vintage decor, like theframed and canvas artwork, also adds character and hints of color to the space.

Anchor the Room in Bold Color

Small dining rooms are often nooks carved out of larger spaces.

Unify the dining area with the surrounding spaces by employing similar design characteristics.

Dining area in front of window with booth seating

Credit: Erin Kunkel

Small dining room furniture, including minimalist chairs, providesadditional seating to the kitchen banquettewithout overwhelming the space.

Start with a comfy cushioned bench that can serve as seating for multiple people.

Mount wall art above the bench to draw the eye and distinguish the area.

Modern dining nook

Credit:David A Land

Finish off the dining room with a pair of minimalist chairs.

Here, their wood tones complement the bench upholstery color, creating a unified look.

This setup is a flexible solution for small spaces,especially in apartments.

wood dining table black chairs

Credit: David Tsay

A nook is usually in the kitchen, while a dinette is attached to the kitchen.

There are a few simple ways to do this.

White and blue dining area

Credit: Jean Allsopp

open kitchen dining area

Credit: Lincoln Barbour

Traditional style dining room

Credit:Kim Cornelison

Dining room with narrow table

Credit:Patrick Biller

Corner banquet dining

Credit:Annie Schlechter

Fold out dining table

Credit:Ann VanderWiel Wilde

Dining room with vintage decor

Credit:Werner Straube

dining nook with black and white stripes on wall and floral cushion

Credit: Nathan Kirkman

Nook dining area with booth seating and wooden table

Credit: Erica George Dines

Corner dining area with bookshelf and pink and white chairs

Credit: Tria Giovan

Corner dining area with booth seating and display shelf

Credit: Edmund Barr

Corner dining area with booth seating and blue and white chairs

Credit: Laura Moss