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Space-saving dining tables that don't compromise on style. Folding Picnic Chairs
Tired of eating from the sofa? Having a large enough dining space or dedicated dining room in the home comes at a premium, but that's where a small dining table comes in. It's time to invest in a compact dining table that will fit in the tightest of spaces, whether it's in your kitchen or living room, and is super stylish to boot, too.
Like any other furniture in your home, measuring the space is the first thing you need to do before purchasing a dining table. Measure the length and width of your allocated space and to avoid a cramped dining environment, subtract 80-100cm from each dimension. 'It's important to give your table around 90cm of space on all sides,' the design experts at Heal's tell us.
When you've found a table you like, and before you buy, check if it will work in your space. Cut and stick together sheets of newspaper to the size of your table, and lay the template on the floor to give you a sense of how it will fit.
Square and rectangular tables will fit into corners, can be pushed against a wall if you don't need to use all sides, and will line up neatly with other furniture.
But round tables are more versatile for compact spaces, like this Scandi-style Odette table from our very own House Beautiful Marketplace. Circular tables are good for conversation and feel more inclusive, making it easier to talk not just to your immediate neighbours but everyone. A round table can visually free up floor space and, if you choose a glass top (like the clear tempered glass Enzo round dining table from John Lewis), can create the illusion of a bigger room.
Karen McLaughlin, Head of Category Furniture at Very, explains: 'If your dining area is small or limited, a round table will help keep the space open rather than constricting you and will avoid protruding corners.'
Look for multifunctional designs, specifically space-saving dining tables with leaves that fold down, especially useful if your dining table doubles up as a work desk during the day. Or, opt for a folding dining table that you can store and completely fold away when not in use.
It's also worth looking into small dining tables with a bench – these are actually great space-savers, even if you need to seat four people, because the benches can fit underneath. 'Armless chairs can visually enhance the space and enable you to easily store them underneath the table. Keeping the tones light will allow the space to feel airy and bright,' adds Karen. Alternatively, if you entertain regularly, an extending dining table might work for you, enabling you to seat more guests than usual when required.
The longevity of a dining table means it needs to work across changing themes and decor, so staple colourways like black, grey, brown and white will remain on-trend and timeless.
As a rule of thumb, a square table measuring 90cm x 90cm, or a 90cm diameter circular one, will seat four people snugly. For six people, a rectangular 150cm x 90cm table, or a circular 130cm diameter design will work. For eight people, allow a table of 200cm x 100cm, or 150cm diameter.
So on that note, shop the best small dining tables.
This design combines industrial style and mid-century Scandinavian design. The perfect contemporary dining table for city living, it boasts a beautifully crafted solid American oak top with powder coated metal legs.
Looking for something a bit different? This hexagonal dining table is as much beautiful as it is practical. The natural wood grain from the solid timber tabletop, combined with tapered brassy legs, makes this a luxe addition to your home.
Striking a balance between function and beauty and oozing timeless appeal, this round, light oak small dining table is perfect for Scandi interiors.
Practical and stylish and with Ercol's signature curves and elegant lines, this solid oak table is perfect for compact rooms. The mid-century modern style has a circular tabletop with a turned pedestal set on a circular base.
Handmade by Itojo in their Lancashire workshop from carefully selected reclaimed wood, this round dining table exudes character and texture. It sits on heavy-duty steel legs – you can choose from hairpin or box legs (pictured).
Ideal to use as an additional dining space in your kitchen, this compact table and stools set in oak and black is the ultimate space-saver. Why? Because the seats can easily slot under the table in cube form.
This small dining table, crafted from oak veneer and plywood, has Scandi-style splayed legs and a lacquered coating for extra durability. Top with a tablecloth or stylish runner to protect from sticky fingers.
This wood-effect dining table and chairs set only takes up 1m by 1m space, keeping your room neat and tidy. The matching chairs, with faux leather padded seats, neatly tuck under the table.
Perfect for a family of four, this round dining table has slender, oak-effect legs and a white top. It's giving us modern Scandi vibes.
Made from solid American oak and oak veneers, this flip top table converts from a small four-seater square table to an eight-seater rectangular one in an instant. It's ideal if you ever need to extend the table for entertaining.
Finished with a timeless wood grain effect, this compact round dining table is the perfect choice for smaller spaces. The black colourway is striking and bold.
With a drop-leaf design, this oak dining table has hinged sides which can be folded down when not in use. Ideal for a dining room where space is at a premium.
A dining table that definitely deserves centre stage, we love the sloping wooden slats here on the base, finished off with a rounded table top.
Neat and tidy, this contemporary glass round dining table for two is perfect for small open-plan spaces, or in a kitchen, and its lightweight design will give you an uncluttered feel. You'll be pleased to know that the surface top is made from clear tempered glass which is easy to keep clean.
Perfect for breakfast for two, this three-piece breakfast table features three shelves for additional storage. The compact design ensures less space is taken up, making it ideal for a kitchen, and the stools tuck neatly under the table.
Perfect to use as a freestanding breakfast bar in the kitchen, this bar table creates an instant worktop and dining space. It comes with matching grey stools.
Perfect for smaller spaces, place this table against the wall or use freestanding. The leaf folds out easily when you need more space. Bonus: the pull-out drawer is handy for napkins and coasters.
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