Small Dining Rooms Can Still Make a Big Impression—Here’s How
We found budget ideas for both formal and functional spaces.
Making the most of a small dining room can be tricky, but limited space doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style. The right decorating ideas and layout can make the room feel more functional, inviting, and personal without a major budget. From eye-catching wallpaper to built-in seating (and even DIY built-ins), these ideas show how to give your dining area more style and purpose.
Built-In Seating
Make the most of every inch of your space with built-in seating. Style it with your favorite patterned pillows—a decor trick design pros swear by.
Fresh Wallpaper
Small spaces present the perfect opportunity to go bold with pattern. Hang wallpaper to create a focal point in your small dining room.
Circular Table
Sometimes, all it takes is a sleek, round table to make a small area appear much larger and easier to navigate.
Statement Tablecloth
Draw attention away from your limited square footage by dressing your table with a brightly colored tablecloth. It's also a surefire way to mask stains.
Folding Screen
Give your dining area a cocoon-like feel with a folding screen that can easily be moved from room to room.
Mirrors Galore
Mirrors can help a cozy space feel much brighter. Hang your favorites (flea market finds count) behind your dining set to allow light to bounce around the space.
Saturated Hue
Don't be scared of walls awash in saturated hues, like teal. Any small dining space can benefit from a jolt of color.
Bold Lighting
When it comes to lighting, the bolder, the better. A simple gold globe pendant can pull your cozy dining space together in an instant.
Nautical Look
Opt for a nautical-inspired palette of white and blue to make your space feel more airy.
Dinner Table Sectional
Create the perfect dining spot by tucking a square table and a sectional in the corner of your kitchen. This laid-back arrangement can also serve as a homework station for kids.
Two-Tone Walls
Pair classic wainscoting with a bold wall color to breathe life into your small dining room.
Art Everywhere
Whether you choose to frame postcards, flea market finds, or pieces you inherited from a family member, art is a great solution for a small dining space.
Natural Light
Natural light is crucial for small spaces. Infuse yours with as much as possible by placing your dining set directly in front of your windows.
Layers of Pattern
Express your style—and create a lively look—by mixing a slew of patterns throughout your small dining area.
Colorful Seating
Refresh your small dining area with colorful chairs that show off your design aesthetic.
Monique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand's home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, "What's in My Cart."
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