When you have limited space to work with, every decision you make is critical.
Your choice of tables, chairs, or other decorations in your dining room can dramatically alter the look and feel of the space. An erroneous decision can make your room appear cramped or even prevent you from walking from one side of the room to the other. Even so, you can turn a small dining room into a welcoming space for a get-together with a few foolproof design tips and tricks.
Whether your dining room is a designated room, part of the wider living space, or set against a random stretch of wall, making the most out of your dining space can go a long way in ensuring a fabulous spot for family gatherings and entertaining guests.
The application of a few small dining room tricks can work wonders in making your space appear roomier, improve ease of movement and provide additional storage in a small floor plan.
Furniture Style
As with other small spaces, a round dining table with slim legs and a minimal profile is the ideal furniture option for a small room. This style not only fits aesthetically into a limited dining area but also allows more space for extra chairs to be added whenever necessary.
The choice of table material is at your discretion, although a transparent glass table or something of a lighter hue can make the place feel more open. Furthermore, because darker woods or industrial options like heavy metal can wear down the room significantly, the preferred option is something monotone, chic and modern.
Speaking of dining chairs, there is a spectrum of chair selections that fit immaculately into a small dining room to enhance the space, so perhaps start by eliminating chairs with high backs. These can look completely out of proportion when combined with a smaller table while also being visually daunting and uneasy on the eye.
A chair that can completely slot under the table is a must. If your chairs come with arms, ensure that those can also be tucked neatly beneath the table, or you could end up sitting a fair distance away from the dining table.
Just like the table, the material of the dining chair is not an absolute deal-breaker, although transparent acrylic chairs do give a more open and spacious impression, imperative for a tiny space. Otherwise, choose fabric chairs to add a splash of personality to the dining area.
Optimal Arrangement
A good way to arrange dining room furniture is to match the shape of the table with the shape of the room to maximise seating. This means having a dining table that is proportionate to the dining room so that no unused space is left unturned.
While not ideal, flushing a rectangular or square table against a wall contributes to the impression of an expansive room. However, this restricts the number of people you can fit at the table, as one side cannot be used.
More importantly, you should place the table in a manner that allows any traffic to flow smoothly around it. No matter where in the room your table is, aim to maintain a minimum of one metre of space on any side where chairs will be placed, enough space for the chairs to slide out. Also, ensure to have adequate room between each seat; otherwise, your family and guests will be jostling each other for elbow space. Keeping a close eye on measurements for your furniture arrangement can be tricky and time-consuming, but it is worth the effort to ensure that everybody is comfortably seated.
Seating Options
Having too many unused seats lying around can further clutter an already cramped dining room. Hence, the objective is to only display as many seats as you require on a daily basis.
There is no need to sit around unused chairs for most of your meals. Keep the chairs you use regularly around your table and store all extra seats elsewhere, only bringing them out when you have guests over.
If you lack storage space for extra furniture, another option is to borrow chairs from the bedroom or even outdoor chairs. Is the extended family visiting for Chinese New Year? Feel free to grab a few seats from elsewhere and fit them around the table. Of course, remember to return them to their original location once guests leave and the chairs are no longer needed. Another method to optimise your available seating is through the use of compact chairs.
Dining benches are a great choice for smaller dining rooms. They occupy minimal space and can be slipped under the table after use. A sleek dining bench, in particular, can infuse the room with a sense of openness while lending an appropriate visual touch. Another option is to retain a few dining chairs and replace the rest with benches. If you have a square or rectangular dining table, mix and match an equal number of chairs and benches on each side. That way, you get a good combination of both seating options while keeping the dining room area minimalistic.
Stay Functional
Any space can be made functional if designed intelligently.
The best way to maximise a small space is to install built-in shelves onto a wall rather than having standalone cabinets for your dining room essentials like tableware, or dining extras such as Chinaware, linens, and tissues.
Moreover, sideboard and buffet hutches can serve a dual role of additional table and storage space. Any extra food, drinks, or tableware that do not fit your main dining table can be placed here. This is ideal for all the extra dishes and cutlery that guests can help themselves to.
Sideboards and buffets are mostly flushed against the wall to save space. And when not needed to serve your dining needs, they can be used as general storage for your knick-knacks.
Imbue Decorative Elements
Decorations are the cherry on top of your small dining room.
Pieces of artwork and decorations work perfectly in a dining room with high ceilings. They immediately capture the attention of anyone who enters the room and draws their eyes upwards to other parts of the dining area, making it appear more expansive than the actual room size.
Mirrors are also great for establishing an illusion of space. They add depth and dimension to any room by reflecting light from every corner of the space back at you.
