Home » Misc » Apartment dining area

Apartment dining area


25 Tiny Apartment Dining Rooms that Save Space and Multitask!

Adding a dining area to the already tiny urban apartment feels like an extravagance at times. It is easy to understand why many homeowners struggle to create the perfect dining area in the small apartment where every square inch matters immensely. But with the right amount of creativity and proper planning you can easily add a smart dining area without sacrificing too much space. This lovely little niche can also double as a work area in the tiny apartment or act as a cozy conversation nook when needed. The idea here is to create a dining space that interacts with the kitchen, living area and other areas next to it effortlessly.

Small kitchenette and dining area inside the vintage industrial Budapest loft

The small apartment dining room comes in a wide range of shapes and styles and is definitely not a dedicated room cordoned off by four walls. It is an area of the open plan living that interacts with the kitchen next to it or sits in the corner, giving you an escape from the rush that surrounds you. The size and style of the dining space depend on your personal preference and your lifestyle. If you are looking for smart ideas that redefine your tiny apartment, then these ingenious dining spaces come in pretty handy indeed.

Combine it With the Kitchen

Combining the dining area with the kitchen is the easiest and best way forward when it comes to small apartments. Here you can not only save space but also create an ergonomic setting where both the kitchen and dining area feel like one. A common style helps immensely and or those who do not really need an exclusive and spacious dining area, a small breakfast nook will do just fine. It can double as a convenient dining area for a couple and you will not have to spare additional area for an exclusive dining room.

Kitchen workstation also acts as a partition between the tiny kitchen and dining areaMinimal kitchen and dining room rolled into oneSmall kitchen and dining of the tiny industrial loftKitchen counter and dining table rolled into one inside the colorful tiny apartment

Windows and Natural Light

In the tiny apartment, a flood of natural light makes a big difference and placing the dining area next to the window gives it that additional, cheerful panache. It also allows you to enjoy the view outside and take in the city skyline after sunset. A window seat next to it all with built-in storage can make this tiny dining area even more efficient while a punch of bright color also seems apt in these light-filled areas.

Gorgeous attic apartment dining area is bathed in ample natural lightGallery wall for the tiny apartment dining area with Scandinavian styleStudent apartment tiny dining space between the small kitchen and the living areaPolished little dining in the apartment corner with built-in storage and city viewsGray walls bring sophisticated panache to the tiny dining area

A Circular Dining Table

When it comes to space-saving dining tables, nothing beats the circular table with a pedestal stand. This frees up leg space and the lack of edges also allows you to tuck the chairs in when they are not in use. The small, round, white dining table is the perfect addition in an open plan living already clad in neutral hues. If you feel that the round table is not the one for you then you might want to give the oval dining table a shot as it moves away from the mundane even while saving space stylishly.

Apartment with movable walls and a tiny dining area with shabby chic styleCircular dining table in white for the small, minimal dining areaIt is the dining area that sits at the heart of this open plan livingTiny dining area inside the Barcelona apartment with a unique table and 3 chairsAcrylic chairs combined with round white table to create a lovely dining area

Striking Pendant Lights

The pendant light above the small dining area does much more than just illuminate it beautifully. It creates a space within a larger open plan living that has its own individuality and helps in delineating space without using any boundaries. An oversized pendant above the petite dining area is a trend that is currently hot and something you can try out easily. This accentuates the dining area even further while the large pendant also anchors the space stylishly.

Open plan living allows this small apartment to showcase a relatively large dining areaUnique and cozy student apartment dining area is a gorgeous space-saverUsing the wall as support for the dining table saves up plenty of space!Beautiful copper pendant lighting for the dining area inside petite Paris apartmentLovely dining area inside the small Taipei City apartment with natural edge dining table and oversized pendant

What Works For You

Creating the perfect dining area in the small apartment is all about finding the solution that works best for you. Sometimes it can be in the corner to create more space for all the other décor in the apartment. Then there are occasions when the tiny dining area sits at the heart of it all and becomes the showstopper. Make sure though that the style of the dining area matches with that of the living space and dining next to it to create a more curated apartment.

Finding the right space for the dining area inside the small urban apartmentSpace-savvy dining area for the small Scandinavian style apartmentTiny table in the apartment is used as both work table and dining tableA transparent table for four inside the tiny Sao Paulo apartment!Breakfast nook and tiny dining area rolled into one inside this urban apartment Sherry is a blogger who loves to live her life to the fullest. She enjoys everything associated with design, décor and stylish modern trends. Born in California, Sherry has grown up on open ranches and in a wild setting, which has defined her taste for design and developed her interest in examining how structures and homes interact with the beauti[. ..]

Next Post

Dining room ideas for apartments: 11 ways to style a small dining space

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

(Image credit: Future / Davide Lovatti)

There are a host of dining room ideas for apartments that can maximize space without compromising on aesthetics.

'When styling a smaller dining room in an apartment, it’s important to strike the balance between function and form,' states Sue Jones, OKA Co-Founder and Creative Director.

And Wayfair’s Resident Style Advisor, Nadia McCowan Hill, agrees: 'It’s essential to create a space that is easily adaptable, somewhere you can play host, dine alone or even spend time focused on hobbies and mindful pursuits such as crafts or reading – all while looking chic.' 

Dining room ideas for apartments

From utilizing large mirrors to bounce light around the room to installing practical but pretty banquette seating, there are so many dining rooms ideas you can use for small spaces.

'Designing a dining room in an apartment can be challenging, especially if you are limited on space,' says Louise Wicksteed, Design Director at Sims Hilditch . 'If you are working with a smaller space, we suggest choosing a room with lots of natural light, this helps to open the room up and sets an inviting and social mood.'

1. Make the table a stand-out piece

(Image credit: Albion Nord)

Bring a whole new meaning to table talk, and make the table itself the star of the show in a small dining room. After all, it's the piece you gather around to while the away the hours making memories with loved ones.

'Of course, the most important piece in a dining room is the dining table itself and so the key is to make this a stand-out feature in the room,' says Camilla Clarke, Creative Director at Albion Nord . 'In our recent project in Holland Park (above), we have used strong sculptural shapes and natural materials to add tactility and interest. 

'Oversized live edge timber tables are especially effective if you want to create a showstopper piece or put focus on your dining table decor. '

2. Opt for a round or oval table

(Image credit: Polly Wreford)

Apartment ideas for living can sometimes be shorter on space, so a round or oval table is a practical choice. As well as being sociable – you can always squeeze one more in – it's a more compact and versatile shape.

'For a sociable set up, consider a round table; they are great if you’re limited on space,' suggests Sue Jones, OKA Co-Founder and Creative Director. 'Finish the look with a selection of velvet cushioned chairs – the comfiest accompaniments to leisurely evenings with friends.'

And Elliot Barratt, of Elliot James Interiors , concurs: 'Oval dining tables are great for apartments where space is often at a premium as it removes any corners and allows for easy access around the dining space.'

3. Keep your color scheme curated

(Image credit: Violet & George)

'The dining area is often linked to another room or between two rooms so it is important that the decor and furniture choices link the spaces together,' advises Cherie Lee, of Cherie Lee Interiors .  

Louise Wicksteed, design director at Sims Hilditch , emphasizes the point, adding: 'If your dining room is attached to the kitchen in an open plan design, then keeping a similar color scheme helps to create flow between the two.'

This beautifully designed room by Violet & George (above) shows how keeping a similar scheme throughout can open up the space and create a cohesive look. We love how the matte black table and pendant ties in with the dark kitchen island and door framing; even the artwork is in keeping with the sleek look.

4. Choose stylish yet space-saving banquette seating

(Image credit: Simon Brown )

A built-in bespoke banquette seating area can often be added to a kitchen and is a great space-saving dining room idea for an apartment. As well as being sociable and practical, you can also use it to add color and pattern to the room with beautiful fabrics and cushions.

And if you don't want to go fully bespoke, you can always make the most of bench seating by positioning it flush to the wall to save space.

Interior designer Raili Clasen suggests: 'For apartment style dining, installing a small bench up against a wall is a great look and space-saver. Add a cool treatment such as wood siding or wallpaper to the wall and the small space becomes a visual moment.'

5. Don't be afraid to add ornate details

(Image credit: Violet & George)

You don't have to live in a sprawling country manor to enjoy a dash of grandiose detailing. Use ornate dining room wall ideas to dress up the space.

The space designed by Violet & George above is a lesson in how to dress a dining table. Plus, it shows how you can create a grand aesthetic with brass wall lights, rococco mirrors, vintage art and a pretty ceiling pendant. Velvet chairs add a sumptuous finish as well as a splash of color.

Nicky Mudie, of Violet & George, says: 'The key thing is that the dining room is likely to be in the centre of the living space as there often isn’t a separate room, so it needs to look fantastic and not only be a functional dining table but also a good looking central hub for hanging out and playing games.  

'You need to be able to dress it beautifully to elevate it for special events – and make it functional the rest of the time while ensuring it looks good in the centre of the living space.' All it takes is a few good dining table styling tricks to nail the aesthetic.

6. Play with print and color

(Image credit: Studio Duggan)

Breathe life into an apartment dining room by adding colorful printed fabrics to the seating. This works particularly well on bench and banquette seating, and helps to create mood-boosting visual interest, especially in a modern dining room, as shown in the space by Studio Duggan above.

7. Put an emphasis on comfort with oversized chairs and sofas

(Image credit: Violet & George)

Substitute a bench for a small sofa to make your dining room ultra-inviting, or use large, squishy chairs in place of traditional choices. 

Large, armed, comfortable dining chairs help to create a statement in any space, and they give the impression of a larger space in a kitchen diner or open plan scheme. What's more, they can also double up as additional living room seating when required.

8. Make the most of multi-functional furniture

(Image credit: Cherie Lee Interiors)

Ensure your dining room works as hard as possible by utilizing clever furniture. 

'Multi-functional furniture is a must have for making clever use of the space,' says Wayfair ’s Resident Style Advisor, Nadia McCowan Hill. 'Opt for extendable tables, sideboards and shelving units , perfect for storing extra cutlery and dinnerware for last minute soirees when you are feeling extra sociable.

'A stylish serving trolley or drinks cabinet decked out with refreshing tipples, twinkling candles and draped greenery makes a showstopping addition to any apartment dining area, ideal for cozy nights in.'

9. Use lighting to create defined zones

(Image credit: Kitesgrove)

Dining rooms in apartments are often part of an open-plan space, so using lighting to help define your separate spaces is a handy design trick.

'Pendant lighting or chandeliers over the table give the dining area a focal point, help to zone it off, and also give it a more intimate feel,' says Elliot Barratt.

This stylish room by Kitesgrove (above) perfectly highlights how a statement pendant  not only adds chic flair to the space but also fully defines the 'dining' zone.

Below, K&H Design used lighting to great effect in a London apartment. Katie Glaister and Henry Miller-Robinson, Co-Founders of K&H Design, explained: 'In this New York loft-style apartment in Knightsbridge, we created a sophisticated dining area by zoning the space with an elegant Lambert & Fils Dot Line Suspension pendant in brushed brass, by day it disappears into the background and by night it creates moody and atmospheric lighting to dine by.'

(Image credit: K&H Design)

10. Utilize large mirrors to give the illusion of space

(Image credit: Sims Hilditch)

Oversized mirrors will help to bounce light around a room, helping to give the illusion of space and make it feel bigger.

If you're feeling daring, take a tip from the designers at Sims Hilditch and create a whole mirrored feature wall for a dramatic style statement that really opens up the space.

11. Embrace bar-height dining

(Image credit: Brent Darby / Future)

Is your apartment particularly space-starved? Don't panic, you can create a 'dining room' in your kitchen with a kitchen island or breakfast bar. 

'Bar height dining is perfect for an apartment,' says Cox & Cox Product and Creative Director Dani Taylor. 'It can be used for dining, or indeed as a bar if you're entertaining. Perfectly compact for a smaller space, stools can be tucked under out of the way.'

Or choose statement, comfortable bar stools if you have the room; try adding a printed, colorful fabric, or sumptuous velvet for an elevated finish.

How can I decorate my dining room apartment?

Dining room ideas for apartments may be short of space but can still make a stylish impact in your home. A carefully designed studio apartment that incorporates plenty of bespoke and multifunctional furniture that is tailored to the space can achieve a sense of comfort and convenience that belies even the smallest dining room.

Select a dining table and chairs that are in proportion to the size of your room – oversized cabinets, banquettes and armchairs can make a small room feel narrow, so instead look out for benches and foldable seating. Furniture that is the same color as your walls tends to blend into the wall, making it look wider, and make sure you hang mirrors on your dining room walls to create the illusion of space in the room.

Ruth Doherty is an experienced digital writer and editor specializing in interiors, travel and lifestyle. With 20 years of writing for national sites under her belt, she’s worked for the likes of Livingetc.com, Standard, Ideal Home, Stylist and Marie Claire as well as Homes & Gardens.

Why do we need a dining room in the interior of an apartment? Of course, there are different cases when there is not enough living space for its placement.

But if the territory allows you to arrange a dining room, then you should not immediately abandon this idea.

Contents

At the moment, many apartments are built in a modern smart type, when the dining room, kitchen and living room are combined. This is done in order to save space and put it together to the maximum. The kitchen combined with the dining room has such wonderful features as:

Please note! There is only one drawback: there is a need for a powerful hood, since steam can come from the kitchen after cooking. nine0003

Such a large number of advantages will convince any apartment owner, if he is going to give up the dining room in the apartment. For a competent layout of the dining room - kitchen, you can use some ideas.

Make a multi-level floor

This solution will create a zoning effect that doesn't even exist. It is enough to install some podiums at 20 -25 cm, and the dining room will take on a completely different look.

In addition to podiums, different floor coverings can be combined. For example, for the dining room - parquet, and for the kitchen - laminate. This will create contrast and unusualness. nine0003

Add light

Place a large light above the dining room to create visual separation and additional lighting.

The contrast of colors for the individual zones will show the great imagination of the owner. For example, use neutral colors for the kitchen, and bright and juicy ones for the dining room. Such zoning will make the boundaries between zones.

The design of the kitchen-dining room must be thought out in advance in order to avoid miscalculations and make a competent and rational layout of the zone. nine0003

Eco-style

This interior will best fit into any apartment. For it, you can choose massive and wooden structures, stone finishes or natural textiles in the form of linen, cotton;

Classic

Unbeatable. The symmetrical design is strict in execution, but attracts the eye due to its interesting presentation. Woodcarving, chandeliers - everything is luxurious;

Modern

Also a popular design. It includes dark shades, strict forms, transparent furniture and minimalist decor. nine0003

Do not deny yourself such a luxury as a dining room in the apartment. Firstly, this is a great solution for the whole family who likes to gather for joint meals. Secondly, it looks luxurious and shows the wealth of the owner. Thirdly, it will create another reason to meet with relatives for a gala dinner without interference!

🔥 Dining room design (64 photos) - see the best ideas for your apartment from a design studio in Moscow!

The canteen is a great place where after a hard day all family members gather for dinner and share news, and on weekends they meet guests and treat them with various delicacies. That is why its interior should be comfortable, cozy and attractive. We know how to make the perfect dining room design and are ready to share our ideas! nine0003

Many people dream of a spacious, bright dining room. Unfortunately, the area of ​​most apartments is so small that you have to organize a dining area either in the kitchen or in the living room. But this is not a reason to be upset, because a few tricks will allow you to get an excellent result.

Read more

64 photos of the best ideas!

Dining room design

Looking for Dining room design? I tried and picked up for you not just a selection of ideas from the Internet, but the best works of interior designers from our studio! nine0003

2 in 1: dining-kitchen or dining-living room

When designing a kitchen-dining room, take care of zoning the space. You can separate the working area from the dining area:

  1. using finishing materials of different textures/colors;
  2. by organizing a complex lighting system;
  3. arranging the furniture in a certain way.

Quite often our customers ask us to organize a dining room in the living room. This decision seems to us even more justified. Thinking over the design of the living-dining room, you should be guided by the already known recommendations. nine0003

Organizing several functional areas in one room, make a visual border, but in such a way that the unifying design elements can be traced.

Components of a successful interior

Regardless of whether you decide to organize a dining room in the living room/kitchen or a separate room for it, there are several important points:

  1. Use practical finishing materials such as washable wallpaper, wood, stone;
  2. Prefer light shades - beige, gray, white. Do not refuse bright touches, for example, colorful curtains, contrasting chairs or an unusual composition on the wall; nine0012
  3. Add details that bring comfort. It can be a vase of fruit, a pot of house plants, pictures in stylish frames or modular, united by a common theme;
  4. Choose practical furniture.

    Learn more