If you are living in a studio apartment or a home where space is a primary consideration, then you’ll need to think carefully about what type of dining room table and chairs will be the best fit for your space. Let’s peruse the dining room furniture options out there to see how you can maximize your space.  

Space-Saving Dining Room Furniture

Removable center leafs. If you have a small dining room or a combination living room and dining room area, then you should seriously consider this expandable option. Without a leaf, most tables accommodate four persons. When one center leaf is added, you can add two more to your table. If you purchase a dining room table with two removable leafs, then you can likely squeeze in up to ten people on the rare occasions it’s necessary. The rest of the time, you’ve got ample space for your family of four to sit down, and the removable leafs are stored handily in a nearby closet or under a bed.

Drop-leaf tables. The ultimate dining room space saver is a gateleg table, which features two drop-leafs. When the leafs are down, the table takes up minimal space and can even function as a side accent table along a wall or behind a sofa. This multipurpose dining table can be a cozy table for two when the leafs are down. It can also easily seat a meal for four when extended by one leaf, or be the perfect size for a dinner party or buffet table when both leaves are extended.

Width versus length. A square or circular dining table is often referred to as a “width” table. A “length” table is longer in length than in width, such as a rectangular or oval table. If you have a bay window breakfast nook, a round table might be the perfect fit, whereas a square one would be boxy and awkward in that setting. Alternately, a rectangular table works really well along a wall, offering you more space to move around in the room. Which dining room table will work best in your space depends entirely on how your dining room is shaped.

Find the Perfect Accents

Here are a few extra design ideas for a small dining room or kitchen area, since you likely won’t have room for the traditional china cabinet or hutch:

• Instead of a china cabinet, try a tiered shelf or wall shelf.
• Replace a hutch with a tall, tiered or ladder-style bookcase.
• Allow a sofa table or accent table to serve the purpose of a sideboard.
• In lieu of a fireplace, create the same ambiance by utilizing a chandelier candle holder or a similarly extravagant candle holder.
• Don’t forget to add floor and wall accents to complete the look you’re going for!