The Small-Space Round Dining Set That Made My Tiny NYC Apartment Feel 10x Cozier

There’s something about a round dining table that makes me want to invite people over. I picture a few friends gathered around, a bottle of wine in the middle, and dinner stretching well past dessert. Of course, finding a table that leaves enough room for everyday life matters, too.

The Dayalane Drift 47.5-Inch Round Dining Table With Payson Chairs Set caught my eye for its sculptural base and warm wood finishes. It has the kind of interesting silhouette I look for in furniture, with coordinating upholstered chairs that make putting together a dining area feel a little less daunting. Plus, it’s compact and fits in my (let’s be real) tiny kitchen that’s also my living room. Read on to learn more about the Dayalane dining table.

The round top of this table lends itself to a more casual setup. Everyone sitting at the table can face eachother, which is part of why I like this shape for dinner with a few friends. Just keep the dimensions in perspective: This is nearly a four-foot-wide table, so I’d measure the dining area carefully before calling it a small-space solution. The accompanying Payson chairs have upholstered seats and gently curved backs, with rubberwood frames. I like the softness they add alongside the table’s more substantial base. Buying them together also takes the guesswork out of choosing a chair style, although the brand notes that the wood tones can vary slightly between pieces.

I tested the walnut table with four Payson chairs for my kitchen/living room hybrid. The brand actually offered to send a Taskrabbit to help me get everything set up, so I didn’t have to assemble it myself, but the Taskrabbit was in my apartment for about 40 minutes. While I didn’t watch him super closely, I could hear he was using a power drill to help assemble it all. Once it was all set up and in place, I was so happy with how it looked. It’s all very warm and inviting, the textures of both the wood and table base, mixed with the white fabric chairs feels so much cozier than my last setup.

For everyday meals, it can very easily fit four placemats, plates, and silverware, plus a bouquet or serving platter in the middle. The pedestal on the table allows for a lot of movement underneath the table, which I’m not used to. The legs of my old table were always in the way, so that is an unexpected, but delightful, pro. The chairs feel cozy but supportive — I can work there all day and feel comfortable without my back hurting. I also (of course) did spill almost immediately, but it was easy to clean using my tried-and-true Folex. 

For ongoing care, Dayalane recommends wiping the tabletop with a soft, dry cloth and addressing spills immediately. Coasters and placemats can help protect the finish, and the brand advises avoiding harsh chemicals and household cleaners.

I’d put the Drift on your shortlist if you’re furnishing a breakfast area or an apartment dining space and want a table with some visual interest. Its fluted base gives you a focal point to decorate around, and the chair bundles make sense if you’re starting with an empty room. I styled it with rattan placemats every day, but I’m excited to style it up for dinner parties and holidays with color and textures. While it’s such a statement piece, it’s nice that it’s also neutral enough to dress up. 

Buy: Dayalane Drift Table and Payson Chairs