How To Fit a Dining Room Into Small Spaces

Whenever we ask readers why they don’t entertain more often, lack of space inevitably crops up as a recurring reason. Although space can definitely limit the types of parties you host (it might not be a great idea to have a kegger in your studio apartment), it shouldn’t keep you from inviting smaller groups of friends over for a dinner party. Here are five ways to make room for a dining table, even if you live in a few hundred square feet.

1. Try a round table: A compact round table usually seats more people than a rectangular one, and it can fit into tight corners. Kens’ table (shown in the first photo above) is an extra-space-saving vintage Danish modern Hans Olsen dining set.

2. Make a surface do double duty: Fold two (or three) spaces into one — a bar countertop can easily double as a dining table.

3. Use a folding table: In Emily and Meeko’s apartment, a collapsible table can be put away if they ever need more open floor space.

4. Mount your dining room table: Angela and Tania created a “murphy table” that folds flat against the wall shelving when not in use.

5. Choose an expandable table: Lauren and Stiles have an expandable table, with leaves, that can seat fewer when they’re eating alone, but make room for more when they’re having company.

Re-edited from a post originally published 11.5.10 – DF