Whether you love to host Thanksgiving dinner every year or invite guests over on occasion, it can be tough to come up with the right design if your dining room is small. From choosing the correct furniture to storage and more, we have eight clever small dining room ideas to help you make the most of this space. Be sure to visit our dining room furniture store in Green Bay for inspiration and read on to discover how you can make your small dining room as welcoming as possible.
1. Try a Console Bar Table
A bulky or oversized table might not work in a small dining room, but that doesn’t mean you can enjoy a beautiful table in this space. Consider dining room tables featured in a slender console-inspired shape rather than something big and bulky. A bar-style console dining table adds casual flair to the room and pairs nicely with either bar or counter-height dining room chairs. Not only will this help you save on floor space, but it also helps to create a much more relaxed atmosphere.
2. Scale Down Your Furniture
Large dining room furniture is appropriate for a grand dining room, but what if your space is small? Consider picking out tables and chairs that are pared down and don’t have a lot of ornate details that can make them larger. A sleek pub table and matching stools is a great choice, as are single pedestal dining room tables. The goal is to find something you like that’s roomy enough for guests, but that also won’t take up every single square inch that you have available. Dining benches are also a great alternative to traditional dining room chairs since they can be tucked under the table when not in use.
3. Focus on Your Storage
One of the most important small dining room ideas to remember is that storage is key. If you have a lot of tableware or linens, keeping everything organized will make your dining room less cluttered. Try a low-profile buffet or credenza rather than a tall cabinet with a hutch. These modern dining room cabinets still give you plenty of storage space, but their shorter height keeps the eyes focused upward, which can make your dining room feel larger. Whatever you choose, just make sure that you have enough room to keep your glasses, silverware, and plates nicely together.
4. Don’t Forget the Lighting
You probably think of furniture first when you’re looking for small dining room ideas, but don’t forget to include lighting in the mix. The right lighting can really elevate your dining room and also make it look and feel much bigger than it really is. Replace old bulky chandeliers with something sleek and modern that won’t take up as much room overhead. A simple pendant installed right over your dining room table adds a stylish touch and plenty of light without being overwhelming. Recessed or flush mount ceiling lights are another great option for small dining rooms. You’ll find a range of great lighting options at our dining room furniture store in Green Bay.
5. Tips for Open Dining Rooms
If your dining room flows into the living room or if you have an eat-in kitchen, making the most of this space is even more challenging. A nice banquette seat placed against the wall will give you more room and it’s also a perfect spot for enjoying your morning breakfast. Use an area rug to create a sense of separation and definition in open floor plans. This will help you create a separate area for eating meals with your family and hosting dinner parties. Choose sheer curtains in this room to allow more natural light to flow in.
6. Look for Storage Tables
Storage dining room tables make it easy to keep small items close at hand without cluttering the room. These tables often include a drawer or two underneath, providing you with a handy place to store your plates, napkins, and silverware. If you don’t have room for a separate cabinet or credenza, storage dining room tables are an excellent alternative. Extendable tables are also a great choice. This design usually includes either a leaf on each end or a separate section in the center so you can make your table larger or smaller depending on your needs.
7. Choose Colors Carefully
The colors you choose can affect any room, and the dining room is no exception. Avoid painting the walls too dark or using dark dining room furniture, as it can make the space seem much smaller than it already is. Whenever possible, try softer hues and lighter tones for your floors, walls, and furnishings. You can always add pops of color by dressing up your table with a beautiful tablecloth, plates, or a nice centerpiece. Another easy way to add more color is to cover your ding room chairs with slipcovers to protect them and to give the dining room a fresh dose of color.
8. Mix it Up
To give your small dining room some personality, don’t be afraid to mix and match a few different patterns, colors, or styles. You can choose a variety of dining room chair designs to go with your table to create a fun, eclectic look. Hang ceiling-to-floor curtains over the windows, which will make the room look larger to the eye. You can also add a patterned area rug rather than choosing funky prints on chair upholstery. The rug will really ground the room and keep it anchored, but you’ll still get to enjoy a bit of fresh color and pattern in the space. A feature wall can also bring personality to your dining room. No matter what type of colors, materials, or dining room furniture you choose, keep these tips in mind to ensure that you’re able to maximize your space in the best way possible.
Related: Transforming Small Kitchens: How to Integrate a Modern Kitchen Island into Limited Spaces