Designing a small dining room can feel like a challenge, but with the right layout, furniture, and styling, you can make even the most compact space feel inviting, open, and functional. Whether you’re hosting family dinners or enjoying a quiet meal for two, smart furniture choices and clever styling tricks can help you create a space that feels both practical and elegant.
Below are some smart ways to set up a small dining room featuring beautifully crafted dining furniture.
1. Choose an Extendable Dining Table for Flexibility
When floor space is limited, flexibility is key. A extendable dining table lets you enjoy a compact setup day-to-day while expanding when guests arrive.
The Percy 6-8 Seater Extendable Dining Table – European Oak is a perfect example. Crafted from solid European knotty oak and peppercorn wood, this piece blends rustic and industrial elements for timeless appeal. The matte black steel sled base provides striking contrast against the warm wooden top, while its extendable design lets you seat four to six people comfortably, or up to eight when extended. It’s ideal for small dining rooms where adaptability and style are equally important.
2. Opt for Light Tones and Simple Lines
Lighter tones and clean lines visually expand a small dining area, creating a bright and open atmosphere.
The Western Rectangular Dining Table – Oak / Grey is a great choice for this look. With a striking ash veneer top and creamy grey painted legs, it brings a soft, elegant contrast to your dining room. The combination of rustic charm and modern sophistication makes it versatile enough for both traditional and contemporary interiors. Its 200cm length still fits beautifully in narrow spaces thanks to its slim profile and balanced design.
3. Try a Round Table for Better Flow
A round dining table can be a game-changer for small dining rooms. Without sharp corners, it encourages better flow and allows for easier movement around the space.
The Newport Round Dining Table – Natural combines bold contemporary design with the warmth of solid Mahogany timber. Its pillar-style base and expansive circular top create a balanced look that suits both modern and coastal-inspired interiors. The round shape also fosters conversation and intimacy, making it perfect for family dinners or casual entertaining.
4. Incorporate Multi-Purpose Seating
In a small dining area, every piece should earn its place. Dining benches are excellent space-saving seating solutions because they can slide neatly under the table when not in use.
The Elliot Leather Bench – Black offers practicality and texture. It features a solid Mindi timber frame and a handwoven genuine leather seat, adding warmth and craftsmanship to your setup. This dining bench works beautifully with modern, industrial, or Scandinavian-inspired dining rooms. It can also double as entryway or lounge seating, making them a flexible choice for small homes.
5. Add Smart Storage Solutions
Storage plays a vital role in keeping a small dining room organised and clutter-free. A sideboard or buffet unit provides a convenient place to store dining essentials like cutlery, tableware, and linens.
The Kobus 2m Sideboard Unit – Natural offer generous storage while maintaining a sleek, natural look. Made from engineered wood with an oak veneer finish, it features sliding doors for easy access and a sturdy plinth base for stability. Its visible wood grain and vertical timber detailing add warmth and visual texture, complementing a variety of dining styles.
6. Style with Intention
Once your furniture layout is set, complete your dining room with thoughtful styling. Use mirrors to reflect light, pendant lighting to define the dining zone, and textiles like rugs and cushions to add comfort. A few well-chosen decor pieces atop the Kobus Sideboard Unit can bring personality without cluttering the room.
Creating a stylish and functional small dining room is all about smart choices — furniture that adapts, colours that open up the space, and designs that balance beauty and practicality.
