Tips for Decorating a Small Dining Room

Dining rooms come in all sizes and provide inviting meal time with family and friends. However, not everyone has a large formal eating area and must make do with a small dining space. Whether you are condo decorating with a breakfast nook or a small dining room, knowing how to maximize your dining area is the key to remaining functional and stylish.

Consider the following handy tips to help make your small eating area feel roomy and welcoming.

Compact Dining Set

The larger the table, the more you close in on your dining room’s walls and throughways. No one should have to squeeze their way by to get to their seat, and this poses a safety risk in addition to the imposition. People carrying dishes and drinks, hot or cold, have a greater chance of dropping or spilling piping-hot items. 

Shop for and organize your dining table according to the maximum number of people who will use it daily—the more compact, the better. However, to accommodate guests, look for tables that have hidden extensions for more creative dining experiences like buffet-style eating.

Round dining table sets take up less room and don’t have sharp corners to bump into in small spaces. Lastly, consider glass rather than solid wood. While you may have more fingerprints to manage, glass makes the room appear more spacious and less bulky.

Use Decor Wisely

Every inch is valuable real estate in small spaces, even dining rooms. Therefore, anything that protrudes into your square footage needs to be a “must” to continue occupying the space. 

For example, a lovely console or hutch may look attractive and even practically hold the good dishes, but in a small dining space, perhaps it can double as a television stand in the living room instead. Likewise, decorative floor vases, curtains, and even area rugs can physically and visually reduce your dining room. Instead, opt for light-filtering blinds and wall art, and keep all flooring wall-to-wall.

Make Use of Nooks & Corners

Every inch of space is valuable in a small home and condo decorating. For example, one way to add more seating in a small dining space is to install built-in benches against the wall. Benches offer another storage opportunity for tablecloths, dishes, or seasonal decorations. 

Should windows make this concept impossible, try butting the table to the end of the kitchen island or counter. In some custom kitchen designs, a folding dining table hides within the countertop or just behind and pulls out with support on one or two legs. 

New innovations are available to help utilize every inch of space, including multi-use furniture and storage options. Don’t be afraid to investigate your options and visit design showrooms in your area.

Choose Bright Colours

Choose decor and furniture on the lighter, brighter side to keep your small dining space feeling as open and expansive as possible. When it comes to paint colours, the brighter, the better, as they will reflect light more. Opt for light fixtures that provide adequate lighting at every time of day, especially if you lack windows.

Another idea is to avoid dark, heavy-looking furniture in contrast to your bright surroundings. While contrast is acceptable, it also breaks up the room, making it appear smaller. The more your tones blend, the larger the dining room will look.

Get Professional Help

Don’t struggle with your small dining space or condo decorating alone. If you live in Ontario’s North West and need help, trust the creative designers at Dusk to Dawn Interiors. They have the knowledge and skillset to enhance any space and listen carefully to your design goals.

Make your small dining room grand by scheduling your design consultation online or calling 807-346-9890 today!