Small dining room inspiration
24 Small Dining Rooms That'll Make You Think Big
By
Stephanie Montes
Stephanie Montes
Stephanie Montes is a design and decor expert and writer who shares her knowledge of lifestyle trends, decorating, and painting. She also writes for Elite Daily, Hello Giggles, Brides.com, Elle.com, and Byrdie.
Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Updated on 11/02/22
The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto
Space is a state of mind, but it can be difficult to think big when you lack physical square footage. If you've given up on that tiny space you should call a dining room and resorted to TV dinners on the couch night after night, allow us to inspire a much-needed redesign. Ahead, 24 tiny places that prove you can turn even the smallest amount of unused space into a formal dining room. Because even a small studio apartment in the city deserves a designated area for candle-lit dinners and early-morning coffee breaks.
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01 of 24
Spin Me Round
Courtesy of Dazey Den
If you're in need of extra seating in a tight space, swap the common square table design for a circle-shaped table. Without four getting in the way, you'll be free to comfortably fit more chairs.
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02 of 24
Feeling Cornered
Courtesy of Ashley Montgomery Design
One of the best space-saving ways to create a dining area is to install a corner bench off of the kitchen for a breakfast nook. And the best part is if done correctly, your breakfast-nook bench can double as extra storage underneath. Dress it up with pillows and a comfy cushion and you'll be sure to enjoy this space morning, afternoon and night.
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03 of 24
Fake It 'Till You Make It
Courtesy of Calimia Home
If you don't have an entire corner to spare, you can opt for a single bench to fake a kitchen nook for morning cappuccinos. To save space, push a bench up against a wall and hang a cushion back using a curtain rod and hanging pillows.
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04 of 24
Double Up
Design: LAVA Interiors, Photo: Ariel Camilo
If you end up eating your meals in the kitchen any way, we recommend making your small space multifunctional. Placing a larger table in the middle of your kitchen not only converts it into a formal dining room, but it pulls double duty as a functional kitchen island as well.
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05 of 24
On The Road Again
Design: Pure Salt Interiors, Photo: Vanessa Lentine
This stylish Airstream is proof that you can fit a dining room in even the smallest of spaces. The brown leather bench seating is the perfect place to curl up with a good book on a rainy afternoon, and the tiny table makes for a cozy breakfast, lunch, and dinner nook. And if you can do this in a trailer, imagine what you can do in an apartment.
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06 of 24
Think Big
@thisgirlathome/Instagram
Just because you're working with a small dining space, doesn't mean this nook doesn't deserve the attention you'd give the larger rooms in your home. Stylish touches like a bold paint color, gallery wall setup, a centerpiece, and hanging greenery will make your tiny dining room look and feel like a significant space.
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07 of 24
In The Spotlight
Design: Michelle Berwick Design, Photo: Larry Arnal
Sometimes the most difficult part about carving a dining room out of limited square footage is establishing it as its own space. Hanging a statement pendant directly over your dining table will quite literally give it the spotlight it deserves. Doing so will create a much-needed separation from other areas, making it an established space with its own purpose.
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08 of 24
When One Becomes Two
@jillianguyette/Instagram
If you have a single room to work with, who said you can't create two rooms in one? Position a rug in the living room and use the negative space as the perfect placement for your dining area. All you really need is a spare corner to sit and enjoy your meals.
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09 of 24
Eat Where You Work
Design: Michelle Berwick Design, Photo: Larry Arnal
The truth is, you really don't even need a designated dining area to enjoy your favorite meals. Instead of designing a formal dining room, enjoy the perks of a larger kitchen when you take up unclaimed counter space. However, if you like putting labels on things, push a table up against the island for a casual dining area that feels less like a cooking space.
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10 of 24
Breakfast With a View
@sarahecrowley/Instagram
Rather than positioning a setup in the middle of the room, pushing a squared dining table up against a window or wall is the quickest way to save space. Plus, if you have a free window in your apartment, you'll love the feeling of enjoying your morning coffee, while soaking in the views. And the best part is you can pull the table out when you're entertaining and scoot it back in after they leave to maximize your small space.
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11 of 24
Float On
@katiemackmusic/Instagram
There's no space too small to establish a formal dining space. This tiny apartment proves you don't even need room for the legs on a table. Mount a tiny table onto an empty wall for a floating breakfast (and lunch, and dinner) nook that barely takes up any space at all.
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12 of 24
Neutral Walk
Courtesy of Ashley Montgomery Design
Sometimes the best approach for combating minimal space is to work with an equally minimal color palette. Incorporating bright whites and natural décor accents will give the illusion of a larger room. Looking at this light and airy dining room, you wouldn't even notice that it's lacking in space.
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13 of 24
Light As a Feather
@marisavitalephoto/Instagram
Bulky furniture will always make a small space feel even smaller. When designing your small dining room, opt for minimal stools without arms to save space. Pair your stools with a dining table that mimic the same minimal design to give the illusion of a larger, airier space.
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14 of 24
Out In The Open
Courtesy of Ashley Montgomery Design
If you have even the slightest bit of extra space between your kitchen and living room, consider making this your formal dining room. Establish a clear separation between your tiny dining room, your living room, and your kitchen by positioning your table and chairs on a rug and hanging a pendant light or chandelier above.
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15 of 24
What a Concept
@vchinphoto/Instagram
If you're working with a studio apartment or a small open concept layout, a bookcase or modular shelving double duties as a cute breakfast nook, while also creating added storage. It's a win-win, especially in a place where storage is of the essence.
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16 of 24
At-Home Bistro
@myscandinavianhome/Instagram
The smallest table with the biggest impact is none other than the French-style bistro table. This minimal black table with a marble top feels modern and will make your kitchen the most Instagrammable spot in town. And if you didn't believe you could comfortably fit three chairs at it, here's photographic proof.
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17 of 24
Meet Me At The Bar
@torihartz/Instagram
No matter how small your apartment is, there's always room for a place to enjoy a meal with family and friends. If you have an empty wall, you have the space to mount a shelf that doubles as a breakfast bar. Pull up some stools and you've got yourself a 24-hour space to dine.
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18 of 24
Let's Take This Outside
@cozydwellings/Instagram
If you don't have space for an indoor dining area, don't force it. Instead, take it outdoors for a roomier al fresco dining experience. A formal table and even a hanging pendant light will make it feel comfortable and homey.
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19 of 24
Wallflower
@amandakirkpatrickphoto/Instagram
Wallpaper prints draw visual interest to the walls, making them dance around the room. Adding additional focal points throughout the room, like brightly colored chairs, a shiny backsplash, hanging pendant light, and honeycomb tile floors, create the illusion of a larger space.
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20 of 24
Mirror, Mirror, On The Wall
@apartmenttherapy/Instagram
No matter how small (or big) a space is, it can always benefit from a large wall-to-wall mirror setup. The reflection instantly creates the illusion that any room is larger than it really is. We also love how the mirrored pendant lamps in this small dining room add even more sparkle.
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21 of 24
Light and Dark
@ellie.lillstrom/Instagram
High contrast designs have a way of making any space feel bigger. This deep navy shade on the walls, paired with bright whites and black accents make this small dining room feel like a quiet space at the back of a trendy restaurant.
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22 of 24
Minty Fresh
@ellie.lillstrom/Instagram
With the right color combo and a built-in nook, this mint-colored breakfast bistro and checkered floor setup doesn't even feel small. This cute retro-inspired kitchen proves the quality of style always reigns supreme over the quantity of a space.
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23 of 24
So Fresh and So Clean
@amandakirkpatrickphoto/Instagram
Clean lines and minimal decor will always leave more room for negative space. The more negative space, the bigger any room will appear. This desert boho setup feels modern and makes for the perfect place to have a cocktail after work.
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24 of 24
All Of The Above
Courtesy of Charlie Interior Design
This stylish breakfast nook checks all the small-space decorating boxes, maximizing this little area. The corner bench seating along the wall, a round table, dedicated overhead lighting—it all works together to make the most of the limited square footage. And the best part is it doesn't lack on style one bit.
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Whether you love cooking and hosting or prefer to enjoy your favorite takeout order alone, a comfortable and well-decorated dining room will always make mealtime better. But if you add size limitations to the dining room design mix, you've got yourself an extra challenge to work around. But have no fear! we're here with tons of designer examples of small dining rooms with plenty of functional and design advice to accompany each, so you can figure out how to make the most of your own. Keep reading to see 13 small dining rooms from designers, and then incorporate you're favorite aesthetics and solutions from each into your own dining room!
1
Get a Lazy Susan
Laura Resen
A lazy Susan is perfect for smaller spaces. These clever contraptions are basically just trays that rotate and they make it easier to get items (like salt and pepper) around the table without having to reach over anyone. A round one sits at the end of this small dining table in a room designed by Chloe Warner, where interior glass doors ensure that the light flows through to adjoining rooms, too.
2
Blend It Into the Kitchen
Stephen Karlisch
Unlike chairs, a bench can seat more than one person (a handful of kids!). Even better if the bench is built into the island, serving as a natural transition into a more formal dining space right off the kitchen. In this kitchen-meets-dining room by Jean Liu, the bench was added onto the opposite side of the island to double the room's use case and blend the more practical kitchen with the formal gathering area.
3
Turn Storage Into Decor
Cara Fox
Open shelves are often the best storage option in a tight space, but you have to fill them wisely. Coordinating plates and serveware, like this classic blue and white collection, add a decorative element with a culinary tilt. The plates were the jumping-off point for everything in this preppy and sweet dining room designed by Cara Fox.
4
Choose Dual-Purpose Furniture
Leanne Ford Interiors
If you have to sacrifice part of your dining room for a home office, get the best of both worlds by choosing furniture that can perform well for both tasks. This roomy farmhouse table in a home designed by Leanne Ford can function as a great place to spread out for larger creative projects and serve as a perch for a few work-from-home folks. But, when mealtime rolls around, it can also function as a dining room.
5
Pair a Round Table With a Banquette
Brie Williams
Two chairs and a corner banquette is a classic combo for a reason: it's a highly efficient use of space that also leaves plenty of room for fun. Together, they transform a bare corner into an elegant eating space, but it can also be a great backdrop for meetings and work. In this vivacious dining room nook designed by Ariene Bethea, the matching table and chair set creates just the right dose of cohesion.
6
Cozy Up to the Walls
Paul Costello
Often considered a design no-no in other rooms, placing furniture against the wall frees up space for walking in a narrow dining area that shares the living room and/or kitchen. A long rectangular or oval table like the one in this open-concept space by Barrie Benson can also be great as a buffet table for parties.
7
Choose Shelves Instead of a Cabinet
Lauren Waters
China cabinets or sideboards are lovely, but their bulk can dominate a room and uses space inefficiently. Floating shelves or custom built-ins, on the other hand, can be customized to fit your needs (fill the whole wall with them, if you like!) and offer more flexible storage than standalone pieces. They're an especially good addition to a room with high ceilings, like this loft designed by Lauren Waters.
8
Assess Your Priorities
Emily J Followill
If you live in a rental or aren't ready to make any permanent changes, having a storage piece to keep your collections stored and organized is still a good idea. In this small dining room, designer Lathem Gordon forewent a large dining table so there was space on the floor for a display cabinet.
9
Create a Booth
Francesco Lagenese
Both built-in bookcases and banquettes are meant to be directly next to the wall, offering as much seating, storage, and open floor space as possible—so when combined, they're a like small dining room superhero. And two banquettes are better than one! This clever set-up makes room for an entire family in a tight corner—and offers hidden storage under the seats.
10
Choose a Table With Leaves
Victoria Sass
Invest in a dining room table with extendable leaves so you can collapse them when not in use. It's a simple fix but it really does make all the difference. In this Scandinavian-style dining room designed by Victoria Sass of Prospect Refuge Studio, four chairs are tucked around the table, but it could seat 6 as is, and even more when fully extended.
11
Work the Room's Angles
Osklo Studio
In this space by Osklo Studio, a custom sofa accommodates the quirky shape of the room. The table and chair can also move aside when the space needs to serve as a more formal sitting room. Even if you can't splurge on custom seating, rethinking the angle of your dining room setup could help you squeeze in more space or get the most out of a living room that needs to accommodate a living area, too.
12
Sneak in Under-Seat Storage
Tamsin Johnson
The built-in banquette is also a sneaky storage solution in this eclectic dining nook designed by Tamsin Johnson Interiors. Hidden drawers beneath the cushion can house things like placemats, napkins, and more. The paint color and the grooves in the exterior of the drawers match the cabinetry in the adjacent kitchen for a seamless look.
13
Invest in Mirrors
KARYN R MILLET
Employ this bit of visual trickery to make any small room seem bigger: A mirror's reflection is great at faking extra space and bounces light around the room to make it seem airier. For a more traditional and formal look, opt for antiqued mirrors, as Celerie Kemble did here.
Hadley Mendelsohn Senior Editor Hadley Mendelsohn is House Beautiful's senior design editor and the co-host and executive producer of the podcast Dark House.
Small living-dining rooms - 135 best photos of interior design of the dining room trend
Apartment for a couple of respectable age
Ksenia Erlakova
Inspiration for home comfort: a small neoclassical (modern classic) living-dining room with gray walls, medium-toned parquet floors and brown floors
Kitchen-living room with greenery
Valeria Veselova
Fresh design idea: a small living-dining room in a modern style with beige walls, porcelain stoneware floors, stucco fireplace front, beige floor, horizontal fireplace and wooden walls - great photo
GRANT PARK GUT
WYNTER HOUSE DESIGNS | Whitney Jones
©Jeff Herr Photography, Inc.
Stylish design: small living-dining room in the neoclassical (modern classic) style with white walls, dark parquet floors and brown floors without a fireplace - the latest trend
Chic Condo Renovation
Lux Pad Interiors
Photo of a small modern living-dining room with light parquet floors, gray floors and beige walls without a fireplace
Tupelo
Crowell + Co. Interiors
Design ideas for a small nautical living-dining room with white walls, light hardwood floors and brown floors without a fireplace
Remarkable Renovation - Upper West Side, NYC
Kayne Designs
Dining area within the larger living room is defined by a built-in bookcase which houses wine storage. Drawers underneath hold dining and household items. Expandable dining table accommodates day-to-day meals as well as larger parties. Refurbished chandelier helps bridge the traditional interior with a more modern feel. Photo: Heidi Solander.
Biosca Apartments
Volta_
Stylish design: small modern style living-dining room - the latest trend
Hide & Seek House
Cathie Hong Interiors
We lovingly named this project our Hide & Seek House. Our clients had done a full home renovation a decade prior, but they realized that they had not built in enough storage in their home, leaving their main living spaces cluttered and chaotic. They commissioned us to bring simplicity and order back into their home with carefully planned custom casework in their entryway, living room, dining room and kitchen. We blended the best of Scandinavian and Japanese interiors to create a calm, minimal, and warm space for our clients to enjoy. nine0007
Dream Cottage with a View
Mary Hannah Interiors
Fresh design idea: a small living-dining room in a marine style with white walls and medium-tone parquet floors without a fireplace - a great photo of the interior
Un piso Memphis para estudiantes
Imaisdé Design Studio
wifredo meléndrez
Fresh design idea: a small living-dining room in a modern style with light parquet floors, beige floors and white walls - great interior photo
Freeport Tiny House
Marvin Design Gallery by Eldredge Lumber
Integrity from Marvin Windows and Doors open this tiny house up to a larger-than-life ocean view.
Homely inspiration: small country-style living-dining room with blue walls, light parquet and brown floors without a fireplace
Nordican - Rénovation studio 20m² Paris 15e
NEVA Architecture Intérieure - Interior Design
accessible est La mezzanine grâce à une échelle en métal faite sur-mesure, escamotable, pour le jour et la nuit. Les rambardes sont faites dans le même materiau. La coin nuit est matérialisé par une autre couleur bleu plus foncée, et des étagères y sont installées pour gagner en rangement. Le salon fait face à une télévision murale. Le coin salle à manger est materialisé au plafond par cette jolie suspension en papier origami. L'ensemble mène au loin à la salle d'eau, en passant devant le dressing miroité. La jolie cuisine linéaire toute hauteur blanche ikea, avec son plan de travail en bois clair, et sa crédence en carreaux de ciment, semble dire bienvenue ! https://www.nevainteriordesign.com/ Liens Magazines: Houzz https://www. houzz.fr/ideabooks/108492391/list/visit-privee-ce-studio-de-20-m%C2%B2-parait-beaucoup-plus-vaste#1730425 Côte Maison http://www.cotemaison.fr/loft-appartement/diaporama/studio-paris-15-renovation-d-un-20-m2-avec-mezzanine_30202.html Maison Creative http://www.maisoncreative.com/transformer/amenager/comment-amenager-lespace-sous-une-mezzanine-9753 Castorama https://www.18h49.fr/articles/avant-apres-un-studio-vieillot-de-20-m2-devenu-hyper-fonctionnel-et-moderne.html Mosaic Del Sur https://www.instagram.com/p/BjnF7-bgPIO/?taken-by=mosaic_del_sur Article d'un magazine Serbe https://www.lepaisrecna.rs/moj-stan/inspiracija/24907-najsladji-stan-u-parizu-savrsene-boje-i-dizajn-za-stancic-od-20-kvadrata-foto.html
Safavieh Home Furnishings
Design idea for a small neoclassical (modern classic) living-dining room with white walls, dark parquet floors and brown floors without a fireplace
Shutters
Best Blinds
country style dining room with blue walls without fireplace c
19 IDEAS AND INSPIRATION FOR A MODERN LIVING ROOM WITH DINING ROOM
Contents
The living room combined with the dining room is an increasingly common solution in our houses and apartments Separate dining rooms are now a rarity. Interior design always starts with the living area, that is, the living room, dining room and kitchen. When arranging a living space, first of all, it is necessary to focus on the functional arrangement of the interior and the style in which we want to decorate it. We need to consider whether we want to furnish an elegant living room or a cozy modern living room. Scandinavian, glamorous or maybe loft style. nine0003
LIVING AND DINING ROOM DESIGN OR HOW TO DESIGN A LIVING AND DINING ROOM BEAUTIFUL AND FUNCTIONAL.
The most common solution in modern construction is the design of a living room with a kitchen and a dining room in one open space. It is recommended to combine the living room and dining room into one living area. the living room and dining room located in the same room is a very functional solution. When organizing the interior of the living room with the dining room, you need to ensure that both areas are organized in a coordinated manner in terms of style. What should be considered when organizing each of these zones separately? Let's start with the interior design of the seating area in the living room. nine0007 The living room should perform the function of rest, relaxation, hospitality. How to equip a functional and beautiful living room?
Placement of a sofa or corner sofa in the seating area of the living room depends on its size and layout.
in the living room are well suited for light living room solutions that optically provide more space.
When designing a living room, we must first take care of the functional layout of the interior.
And how to decorate the dining room in the living room? nine0007 The design of an open-plan dining room connected to the living room should be stylistically consistent and not overload the living area.
Modern dining room - beautiful table with chairs and appropriate lighting.
The dining room should be well integrated into the living room space.
Dining area lighting, table.
Provide enough space for a table and chairs so that you can sit and rise comfortably from the table.
Combining the living room and dining room is a practical solution. Designing your dream living and dining room involves making a number of key decisions that will determine how the final living and dining room layout will look like. That is why it is a good idea to create a design for yourself, even if only on a piece of paper. The living room is the most important interior in our apartments and houses, and its arrangement is the starting point for the rest of the rooms. Therefore, it is worth deciding on the services of an interior designer who will draw up a professional project for the living room and dining room for us. nine0003
MODERN LIVING ROOM WITH DINING AREA.
How to furnish a modern living room with a dining room? How to functionally combine the living room and dining room in one interior? The coordinated arrangement of the living room and dining room is important. A modern dining room in the living room should not overwhelm the interior. It should be comfortable and located as close as possible to the entrance from the kitchen. The location of the dining area in the living room should be well thought out in terms of practicality. Architects can arrange a modern living room in a variety of ways. nine0003
See how you can furnish a modern living room with a dining area. Look at the options for combining the living room and dining room.
Both the modern dining room and the modern living room are the most common options in our homes and apartments. It is necessary to equip a functional living room and a properly located dining area. But we also need the interior design to be properly selected, stylistically consistent and consistent with our taste. In addition, you need to take care of the optical separation of the dining area and the living area. nine0003
SEPARATION OF THE DINING AREA FROM THE RECREATION AREA IN THE LIVING ROOM.
As a rule, we choose the location of the dining room between the living room and the kitchen. In the case of a living room with a kitchen, placing a table with chairs in the space between the living room and the kitchen naturally delimits the dining area. There are several ways to separate the dining room from the living room, of course, it depends on the layout of the interior and its size.
use of two different types of floor, ceiling.
use of an openwork wall, planks. nine0003
modern wall with flower pots.
MODERN COZY LIVING ROOM WITH DINING AREA.
We can arrange a cozy living room with a dining area in different ways. Well-chosen colors, as well as decorations and accessories that warm the interior of the living and dining room, provide a cozy decor for the living room. Making a cozy living room, do not forget about the tree. Warm curtains and curtains on the windows will also add coziness.
SCANDINAVIAN LIVING ROOM.
Scandinavian style is ideal for both small apartments and large houses. Undoubtedly, it is one of the most popular. The Scandinavian style is dominated by white, beige and gray colors, complemented by wooden elements. We must not forget to use appropriate decorations that will give the living room and dining room a character and a stylish Scandinavian arrangement. When designing a living room with a dining room in Scandinavian style, white is the basis of interior design. The living room should not have a comfortable sofa or corner sofa. Accessories will be fashionable:
wicker baskets, coasters,.
wicker flower pots.
hanging flower beds.
white brick.
HOW TO FURNISH A SMALL LIVING ROOM WITH A DINING AREA?
The layout of the dining room with the living room can often be found in large apartments and houses. Unlike those cases when we come to furnish a small living room, and there is also a dining room in it. When you have a large living room, its arrangement seems simple. Combining the dining room with the living room is most often found in small apartments and houses where it is not possible to place the dining room in a separate room. The most important rule when arranging a dining room with a living room is to create an integral room, divided into functional and combined zones. What solutions are good for furnishing a living room? What colors are suitable for use in small dining rooms with a living room? How to furnish a small living room? How the small living room will look depends largely on whether we can optically enlarge the small living room at the expense of the dining room. We can do it like this:
use of light colors such as white, beige and soft grey.
use of light furniture with smooth fronts.
well-chosen interior design style: Scandinavian, modern.
use of several types of lighting.
The interior design of a small living room with a dining area must be extremely carefully thought out and planned to the smallest detail.
HOW TO FURNISH A SMALL LIVING AND DINING ROOM? BEAUTIFUL AND FUNCTIONALLY FURNISHED LIVING ROOM. nine0149
Furnishing a large room in an apartment building can be a daunting task. This interior very often performs several functions at once. This is the living room, bedroom, dining room and home office, as well as the main storage area. A small living room combined with a dining room in an apartment building is all the more difficult to equip. How to combine needs, expectations and reality? The arrangement of the living room is extremely important, so it is worth considering everything to the smallest detail.