Dining Solutions for Small Spaces and Apartments

Australian housing is getting smaller. With property prices pushing more people into apartments and townhouses, and new houses being built on ever-smaller lots, the dedicated dining room has become something of a luxury. Yet our desire to gather around a table for meals hasn't diminished—if anything, the pandemic years reinforced how important shared meals are to our wellbeing and relationships.

The good news is that limited square metres don't mean you have to sacrifice a proper dining experience. With clever furniture choices, smart space planning, and a few design tricks, you can create a functional, attractive dining area in even the most compact home. This guide explores practical solutions for small-space dining that Australians are using successfully.

Understanding Your Space

Before choosing furniture, analyse your available space honestly. Consider not just where you'd like a dining area, but where one would actually function well given traffic flow, proximity to the kitchen, and daily routines.

Potential Dining Locations in Small Homes

• Kitchen nook: A corner of the kitchen, often against a wall or window
• Living room edge: The boundary between kitchen and living in open-plan spaces
• Balcony or outdoor area: Underutilised in many apartments
• Multifunctional zones: Areas that serve as workspace by day, dining by night
• Wide hallways: Sometimes overlooked as potential dining spots

Measure your chosen space carefully, remembering to account for chair movement (at least 60cm behind each chair for sitting and standing).

Space-Saving Table Options

Round and Oval Tables

Round and oval tables are ideal for small spaces because they have no corners to bump into and allow flexible chair placement. A round table can accommodate one extra person more easily than a rectangular table of similar footprint. A 90cm round table comfortably seats 4 and fits in remarkably tight spaces.

Drop-Leaf and Extendable Tables

These transformable designs offer the best of both worlds: a compact table for daily use that expands when you have guests. Drop-leaf tables fold down to as narrow as 30cm when not in use—perfect for apartment kitchens where every centimetre counts. Butterfly-leaf and pull-apart extendable tables offer similar flexibility.

Wall-Mounted and Fold-Down Tables

For truly tight spaces, a wall-mounted fold-down table can be a game-changer. These tables attach to the wall and fold flat when not in use, completely freeing up floor space. They're available in various sizes, from small breakfast bars for two to larger designs that seat four or more.

Counter-Height and Bar Tables

Taller tables with bar-height stools can work well in small spaces, particularly in kitchen-adjacent areas. They take up similar floor space to standard tables but can feel less imposing due to their narrower proportions. They also double effectively as kitchen workspace or breakfast bars.

Pedestal Base Tables

Tables with a central pedestal base rather than four legs offer better legroom and easier chair placement in tight spots. Without corner legs to navigate around, they're more comfortable for diners and easier to squeeze past in narrow spaces.

Chair Solutions for Tight Spaces

Stackable Chairs

Stackable chairs can be stored in a closet or corner when not all are needed, freeing up valuable floor space for daily living. Many modern stackable designs are stylish enough to leave out, but having the option to store them is valuable in small homes.

Folding Chairs

Today's folding chairs have come a long way from the flimsy metal designs of the past. Well-designed folding chairs can be comfortable, attractive, and sturdy. Keep a couple on hand for guests without sacrificing daily living space.

Bench Seating

A bench along one side of your table can seat more people in less space than individual chairs. Benches can slide completely under the table when not in use, and backless designs have an even smaller footprint. Against a wall, a bench also eliminates the need for clearance behind that seating position.

Stools

For bar-height tables or casual dining setups, backless stools are more compact than chairs and can tuck completely under the table. Counter-height stools work well with kitchen islands that double as dining surfaces.

Design Strategies for Visual Space

Beyond furniture selection, design choices can make your small dining area feel larger and more welcoming.

Choose Light Colours and Transparent Materials

Light-coloured furniture feels less imposing than dark pieces. Glass or acrylic tables virtually disappear, maintaining visual flow through the space. Light timber like oak or ash creates warmth without visual heaviness.

Mirror and Light

A mirror positioned to reflect your dining area can effectively double the perceived space. Ensure adequate lighting—a well-lit space feels larger than a dim one. Consider a pendant light over the table to define the zone without taking up floor space.

Minimise Visual Clutter

Keep your table clear when not in use. Store placemats, centerpieces, and condiments elsewhere to maintain a clean surface that doesn't dominate the room. Simple, streamlined furniture designs feel less bulky than ornate pieces.

Use Vertical Space

Wall-mounted shelving above or near your dining area can store dining essentials, reducing the need for additional furniture. A small floating shelf can hold napkins, salt and pepper, and other table necessities.

Multifunctional Dining Solutions

In very small homes, furniture that serves multiple purposes is essential.

Desk/Dining Hybrids

Many Australians now work from home at least part-time. A table that serves as both workspace and dining table can be more practical than two separate pieces. Look for designs that clear easily—a clean desk by day transforms into a dining table by evening.

Kitchen Island Dining

If you have a kitchen island, consider whether it can double as your dining surface. Add stools on one side for casual meals. This approach works particularly well for couples and small families who don't need a large separate dining table.

Coffee Table Conversion

Lift-top coffee tables that rise to dining height offer an interesting solution for studio apartments. You can dine comfortably from your sofa—not ideal for formal entertaining, but perfectly practical for everyday meals.

Making the Most of Your Setup

Daily Habits

In small spaces, habits matter. Clear the table after each meal, push chairs in, and keep surfaces uncluttered. These small actions prevent your dining area from visually overwhelming the space.

Strategic Storage

Keep dining essentials close but tidy. A small sideboard, kitchen drawer, or wall-mounted shelf dedicated to placemats, napkins, and candles means you can set a proper table quickly without having to hunt for items.

Embrace Casual Dining

Small-space dining is often more casual than traditional dining rooms—and that's okay. Focus on creating a space that encourages you to actually sit down and eat, even if it's not the formal dining experience you might have imagined.

Real-World Examples

Consider these scenarios Australian apartment-dwellers have successfully implemented:

• The breakfast nook: A 70cm round table with two chairs tucked into a kitchen corner, a pendant light defining the space
• The wall solution: A wall-mounted drop-leaf table with two folding chairs stored on wall hooks nearby
• The flexible rectangle: A 120cm extending to 180cm table in the living area, with stackable chairs—two out daily, two more added for guests
• The bench approach: A 140cm table against a wall with built-in bench seating on one side, two chairs opposite

The best solution for your space depends on your specific dimensions, lifestyle, and priorities. Don't be afraid to experiment—furniture arrangements can always be changed until you find what works.