Five Small Dining Room Ideas
1. Versatile Dining Tables
Extendable dining tables are a practical choice for smaller rooms. They stay compact for everyday use but can be opened up when needed, making them ideal for flexible living. If you love to host but don't have a dedicated dining room, they give you the option to expand your space without permanently taking it up.
Our dining table collection includes a number of adaptable options. The Jasper Oak and Jasper Grey Washed Oak 2–4 seater tables are ideal for space-conscious dining rooms. Each one features soft curved legs, precise joinery and high-grade oak veneers, offering flexible function with a refined finish.
If you’re looking for something more compact, circular and oval tables can help maintain flow and soften the overall feel of the room. The Mason Matt Ceramic Table is available in White, Grey & Beige finishes, making it a streamlined option for dining corners or kitchen nooks. Its sintered stone top is heat and stain resistant, perfect for an every day table for a busy family, while the pedestal base provides maximum legroom and a clean, modern silhouette.
2. Tuck Away Benches
Benches are a smart way to seat more people in a smaller footprint. Unlike chairs, they tuck neatly under the table when not in use, helping to keep things clear and open, ideal for compact dining spaces.
Our Rosen Rustic Oak and Rosen Weathered Oak & Peppercorn benches are available in two sizes, each designed with the same curved profiles and A-frame legs that define the rest of the Rosen collection. They’re the perfect complement to an extendable table, adding warmth, character and versatility.
For other tonal options, the Lowry Rustic Oak, Varela Fumed Oak and Rivera Two-Tone benches all bring their own distinctive finishes while keeping that same slimline, space-efficient feel.
3. Floating & Wall-Mounted Elements
Clearing the floor can instantly make a room feel bigger. Floating shelves offer storage and display space without the bulk of a freestanding unit. Wall-mounted tables or folding designs can be tucked away when not in use, creating flexibility in even the smallest dining corners.
These solutions are particularly effective in galley-style kitchens or studio apartments where space is at a premium. They allow you to create a dining spot that doesn’t dominate the room and can adapt as your needs change.
Mirrors are another powerful tool. A mirror placed opposite a window will reflect light and make the room feel larger and brighter. Similarly, sheer curtains mounted high above the window frame will draw the eye upward, giving the impression of taller ceilings and more space overall.
4. Define Zones with Rugs & Materials
Even in open-plan homes, it’s vital to ground your dining area with texture and tone. A rug beneath the table grounds the dining area while bringing warmth and personality to the space. Choose materials and textures that complement the rest of your décor but still give the dining space its own identity.
Land of Rugs is a great option for finding stylish, affordable rugs that work well in smaller dining areas. Their collection includes everything from simple textures to more patterned styles, making it easy to find something that complements your furniture and layout.
5. Draw Eyes Upward and Let in Light
When floor space is limited, using vertical space becomes essential. Narrow sideboards or open display units make the most of the wall height without adding bulk. They also create opportunities for display, think vases, plants or framed prints that draw the eye upwards and add personality.
Lighting plays a key role here. A well-placed pendant or wall light creates visual height and anchors the space. Similarly, sheer curtains mounted close to the ceiling draw the eye upward and soften incoming light, adding to the sense of openness. Där Lighting offers a wide range of stylish pendants, glass shades and soft industrial looks that work beautifully in dining areas.
Small homes can be full of personality. For many, they’re a first step on the housing ladder, a place to put your stamp and make truly your own. With the right choices, even the most compact dining space can turn any space into a home that feels truly yours.
- 10th October 2025