5 Tips for Designing a Stylish, Space-Saving Dining Room in a Small Apartment

Small apartments often lack a dedicated dining area due to limited floor space. This requires a designer's help in strategic planning. Today, we've compiled five design tips to help small families create a satisfying dining area. We hope you'll find some inspiration.

01. Transforming a Hallway into a Dining Area

A 60-square-meter home lacked a dedicated dining room. The designer repurposed the original 4.5-square-meter hallway and surrounding area to create a 10-square-meter circular dining area. The resulting renovation is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, creating a spacious and welcoming atmosphere upon entering.

▲ Hallway (before renovation) vs. Dining Room (after renovation)

02. Using an Island as a Dining Area

For smaller apartments, creating an open dining area and kitchen allows for an integrated kitchen and dining space. The island countertop serves as both a workspace and dining area, making the dining area more convenient and providing a sense of space.

03. Practical Dining Tables

Booths are relatively space-saving and convenient for both dining and storage, making them a great addition to small dining rooms.

Designers recommend the following three key points when designing a booth:

① The backrest can be slightly tilted for greater comfort;

② The booth depth should be minimal, ensuring comfort for both pillow placement and sitting;

③ Flip-up storage booths can be inconvenient for accessing items.

04. Tips for Choosing a Dining Table

A large dining table can replace a sofa or coffee table.

Small apartments prioritize functionality and practicality, creating multifunctional spaces to achieve multiple uses. For example, a large dining table in the living room can easily accommodate dining, work, and family activities.

Convertible Dining Tables: Flexible and Practical

Some families require flexible dining room use. For regular use by a couple or two or three people, a retractable dining table can be extended for gatherings, accommodating a larger group.

▲Convertible dining tables can accommodate up to 6-8 people dining at a time.

Can the dining table be retracted? A dining table like this will definitely make small apartments more flexible! It's comfortable for two people to use, and folds up when not in use for a more spacious look.

A portable dining table is also very suitable for small spaces. It can be used by one person for work or two for leisure and interaction. It's simple and practical.

A small dining table creates a cozy dining area.

When space is limited, a round table is relatively more space-efficient than a square table. A round table with a diameter of 1 meter can seat about 4 people at a time without appearing cramped.

05. Dining Area Storage Tips

We believe that small dining areas are hard to come by. To optimize them, it's important to make good use of the surrounding vertical space and create beautiful and practical wall storage designs to enhance the atmosphere.

Minimalist Western Kitchen Cabinets

Design a custom sideboard below the window next to the dining table. Place small appliances like the water dispenser, coffee maker, or oven here, eliminating the need to worry about them collecting fumes and creating a difficult-to-clean environment. Add plants and paintings for a warmer feel.

Built-in Appliances

If the kitchen and dining area is adjacent to the north balcony, don't waste the approximately 1 square meter of space! Make good use of it to accommodate a combination oven and steamer, as well as a dishwasher, to further enhance storage capacity.

Note: This renovation involves pre-installed plumbing and electrical work, so be sure to discuss the design plan with your designer beforehand.

Open Storage

In addition to custom cabinets, open storage options are also an option. Shelves, niches, and shelves are all well-suited to small dining room storage.

Constructing a small dining area requires careful space design and planning. If you have any small apartment renovation questions, contact Jizhizhuang for more small apartment renovation examples and highlights, or to have a designer help you achieve your desired transformation.