Buying a dining table is an inherently grown-up purchase. It’s not like accepting a hand-me-down futon or filling your wall with recycled art. And if the need for a table outweighs the square footage you have, a small dining table can do the trick. So, we tapped a few of our favorite designers to pick tables they deem perfect for small spaces—whether that’s a first apartment, a cozy breakfast nook, or city living with a small kitchen.
Catherine Branstetter, an interior decorator based in Nashville, recommends tackling the challenge from an emotional angle. She suggests a table that “allows for easy conversation, and one that has comfortable chairs around it that you can sit in for hours.” Breegan Jane, an interior designer often seen on HGTV, takes a pragmatic approach to selecting tables for tiny spaces she designs. “Functionality is also something to keep in mind,” she says. “A very heavy piece may be hard to move around, which you might need to do if your small space needs to be multi-purpose.”
However you spin it, limited square footage should never get in the way of gathering people you love, working someplace other than your bed, or hosting a game night. Read on for nine shoppable picks.
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Classic Home Killian Round Dining Table
A simple table in a small space with a flattering round shape is a great place to start. Feel free to let your creativity shine through the chairs you choose to pair with your pick. Breegan recommends multifunctional seating that’s foldable or “can easily be tucked away underneath the table when not in use.” If you’re keen on showing a little personality, “consider a statement chair that can serve as an office chair, dining chair, and extra seating for entertaining.” Total small space brilliance.
Dims Logos Table by Christian Heikoop
This investment piece is the perfect way to signify your commitment to city living for years to come. Understated in its design, but certainly outspoken in its metallic colorway, just imagine the dinner party tablescape opportunities that await. Note: The table will be available for pre-order shortly, and delivery will start in September 2022.
Floyd The Table
If you know apartment living, then you know Floyd. The Detroit-based brand has cemented itself as the urban dweller’s go-to for high quality and highly transportable furniture. This wood top table with metal legs is no exception. Although it’s not small by any means, it is highly versatile thanks to its narrow length. This might be the perfect all-in-one workspace, dining, and laundry folding table.
Webstaurantstore Flash Furniture Round Cafe Table
Available in eight colors and made of durable metal, this cozy cafe table is the ultimate table for a small space—indoor or outdoor. Its easy-to-wipe-down top makes it a coaster-free tabletop. Instead of selecting a table that fades into a sea of neutrals, consider going bold with a primary color made of metal.
Hay Two Color Table, Round
“I’m a big fan of round tables,” Catherine says. “Not only are they the best for good conversation, but they’re also great for seating as many around the table as possible, and easy to walk around.” As a bonus, this table from Hay feels like a conversation piece all on its own.
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Inside Weather Almond Vienna Dining Table
It’s all in the rounded corners. “While shape matters a lot, I find that the most important thing when selecting a table for a smaller space is for the table to have rounded edges. It creates a much softer look,” explains New York City–based interior designer Nicole Cohen. This table can be made to accommodate custom measurements—a small-space dream come true.
West Elm Box Frame Drop Leaf Extendable Dining Table
Versatility is the name of the game in the case of this West Elm drop leaf dining table. “Flexibility is key for a small dining table. As we have learned over the past two plus years, a dining table can function as a workstation, homework spot, or a place to entertain and play games—all in one day!” shares Britt Zunino of Studio DB. Tuck this table against a wall, a small-space tip from Sara Cukerbaum of SLIC Design, to keep the table out of the flow of traffic.
Raymour & Flanigan Clara Square Counter Table
Colson Horton, an interior designer and stylist in Nashville, loves a glass tabletop for a small space. It’s easy to see why. “In a small space, take advantage of a table with a unique shaped base or texture to add character to the room, such as one with a tamboured wood base or a colorful marble with a glass top,” Colson advises. This pick is great for the truly tiny spaces where counter height bar stools keep things from feeling too crowded on the ground.
Industry West Lark Terazzo Dining Table
Picture a singular pendant, maybe with a pulley you can raise and lower, over a pedestal table. Keren Richter of White Arrow explains why the vignette is her favorite for small spaces. “You want to create a sense of openness despite a small footprint and a round pedestal table. Its curved edges allow you to move around easily without bumping into any corners, and create a striking, simple focal point.”