Anyone who thinks a dining table is just a piece of furniture might still need to realise that in many homes, this is where loved ones gather and exchange daily experiences, memories and stories, strengthening their connection and bonds. Whether enjoying an extended breakfast, catching up with family over dinner or hosting a get-together for friends, dining tables for small spaces provide the perfect spot for spending quality time together and unwinding from daily stresses.
Picking the right tables for small spaces can be a real challenge when living in the city, as with only little room to gather, it is important to choose the right size and shape to maximise your living arrangement. To create a cosy and relaxed atmosphere that fosters conversations over shared meals, a dining table should allow for comfortable seating and movement without cramping the room. Striking the right balance between size and shape can feel overwhelming with so many options available, so here is some guidance on which shapes make the best dining tables for small spaces. Additionally, learn a few tips and tricks to make your living quarters look bigger.
Round Tables for Small Spaces
Round tables are both practical and aesthetic and an excellent choice for compact spaces. Their organic shape makes for a softer, more casual look compared to rectangular or squared tables, while the design makes it easy for everyone to see each other and lets the conversation flow easily.
Because no one will get stuck in corners or at the end, round tables for small spaces encourage catching up with family and friends over dinner, fostering a sense of companionship and intimacy.
Dining tables for small spaces invite endless game nights, allowing every player a clear view and comfortable reach to the board or deck of cards. More importantly, for families with young children, curved edges create a safer environment so the little ones can run around more freely without having to worry about bumps and bruises often caused by sharp corners.
Square Dining Tables for Small Spaces
For those looking for a table that can easily be pushed against the wall when not in use, a small square dining table might be the classic choice. The clean lines can also help bring a sense of order to the dining room, and depending on the position of the legs, square tables for small spaces offer a greater seating capacity and can be extended more easily compared to their round counterparts.
In a small, more elongated space, one effective arrangement is to position the table diagonally in a corner, allowing chairs or benches to be placed along the walls to create a cosy dining nook but leaving room for foot traffic and additional furniture pieces.
Alternatively, placed parallel to a wall with chairs on the remaining three sides, this layout is particularly well-suited for narrow or galley-style dining spaces, allowing for easy movement between the table and adjacent rooms. Pushing the table against the wall when not in use will enable you to create a temporary walkway or open up the space for other activities.
Dining Tables with Extendable Leaves
Some square tables for small spaces come with extendable leaves and can transform into a rectangular shape. Such extension leaves can be quickly slotted into the centre of the table when needed to host extra guests and neatly tucked away when not in use. Imagine hosting a cosy dinner party for four and then expanding the tabletop to accommodate eight or more guests spontaneously as the evening moves on, seamlessly transitioning from an intimate celebration to a more elaborate banquet. With the extension leaves in place, the table stretches into a rectangular shape to provide ample room for additional seating, serving dishes, and the lively conversations accompanying a vibrant gathering.
When searching for the ideal table, look for high-quality options like Italian-made dining tables for small spaces crafted from walnut wood veneer or wood-ceramic blends. These materials display a timeless design and ensure your table can withstand the wear and tear of frequent use and extension.
Tips to Maximise Space
In addition to choosing the right table shape, there are some other tips and tricks to help maximise space in your dining area and create the illusion of a more open and spacious environment:
Paint the Ceiling
Paint your ceiling lighter than the adjacent walls, such as a soft white or pale blue. This simple trick can help visually expand the small space, making the room appear taller and more open.
Go for Neutral Colours
Decorate in light, neutral colours such as dove grey or a crisp white to create a bright and airy aesthetic. The calming hues reflect light, making the dining area more spacious and inviting.
Add Mirrors
If you’re looking for an even more effective way to create the illusion of a more spacious dining area, a common trick is to hang mirrors on the wall opposite a window. The mirrors will bounce back the light and cast reflections, instantly making your place feel larger and brighter.
Consider Bench Seating
Bench seating optimises a small space, and the style adds a cosy, sociable touch. Benches can be tucked neatly under the tables for small spaces when not in use, perfect for families or close-knit groups of friends.
Embrace Minimalism
In a small living space, less is often more. Avoid messy corners by regularly decluttering your dining area. Keep only the essentials on display to allow your carefully chosen dining table to take centre stage.
Invest in Quality Furniture
As tables for small spaces often double as breakfast bars, homework areas and craft stations, investing in a well-crafted piece of furniture that will pay off in both functionality and longevity. Visit Brescia Furniture on 119 Cabramatta Road, Cabramatta, NSW 2166, for expert guidance and a wide selection of dining tables. Our staff will help you find the ideal centrepiece that combines functionality, style and space-saving design to bring your loved ones together for years.
Read Also:
Style and Storage: Elevating Your Bedroom with Quality Bedside Tables
How To Create The Perfect Table Setting For Your Next Dinner Party