10 Dining Ideas for Small Apartments: Creative dining solutions to make the most of your apartment spaceLena Q. DwellSep 24, 2025Table of Contents1. Wall-Mounted Foldable Tables2. Bar Table as Divider3. Built-in Benches with Storage4. Round Tables for Flow5. Extendable Tables6. Floating Shelves with Pull-out Surface7. Window Nook Dining8. Glass Tables for Visual Space9. Dining + Workspace Combo10. Corner BanquetteFAQFree Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREEI once had a client who insisted on a dining table big enough for eight… in a 35㎡ apartment. It was like trying to fit a grand piano into a phone booth. That project taught me that small spaces force you to be clever, and dining areas are the perfect playground for creativity. Today, I’m sharing 10 dining ideas I’ve used (or rescued clients from) to make small apartments both functional and charming. And yes, you can still host friends without eating on the bed. Check out how this room planner helped me crack a tricky layout once.1. Wall-Mounted Foldable TablesI love these because they disappear when you don’t need them. Mounted to the wall, they flip up for dining and fold down to free your floor. Just remember to invest in sturdy hinges — no one wants their noodles sliding to the floor mid-bite.save pin2. Bar Table as DividerUsing a slim, counter-height table to separate your kitchen from the living area works wonders. It’s a dining spot, a prep surface, and a social hub all in one — but choose stools that tuck completely under to save walking space.save pin3. Built-in Benches with StorageBenches along a wall or under a window create cozy dining spots and hide storage for table linens or seasonal dishware. I once fit a rice cooker and wine bottles in a client's bench — talk about hidden luxury.save pin4. Round Tables for FlowRectangular tables can feel like barricades in tight rooms. A small round table keeps movement fluid and invites conversation. Bonus: no sharp corners to bruise your hip on.save pin5. Extendable TablesPerfect for those who occasionally host. Keep it small day-to-day, then extend it for guests. Just plan your surroundings so the extended size won’t block key pathways — I learned that after trapping myself between a table and the fridge once.save pin6. Floating Shelves with Pull-out SurfaceGreat for ultra-narrow dining areas — a floating shelf doubles as a desk, and a concealed pull-out panel transforms into a dining zone. I modeled one using a free floor plan creator to avoid awkward chair collisions.save pin7. Window Nook DiningIf you’ve got any kind of bay or deep window, add a slim table and cushion seating. Natural light makes even the tiniest corner feel expansive, though you might have to shuffle plants around before meals.save pin8. Glass Tables for Visual SpaceGlass tops trick the eye into thinking the space is bigger. Of course, fingerprints and crumbs will become your new nemesis — but nothing a quick wipe can’t solve.save pin9. Dining + Workspace ComboIn small apartments, furniture has to multitask. I designed a setup where the client used one table for both laptop work and dinners — and a lazy Susan to swap between work tools and tableware.save pin10. Corner BanquetteA space-saving queen. Built into an unused corner, it anchors the dining area and can seat more people than separate chairs. My trick? Add under-seat drawers to hide the chaos. I recently tuned one of these layouts in a kitchen layout planner for the perfect fit.save pinFAQQ: What’s the most budget-friendly dining idea for small apartments?A: Wall-mounted foldable tables or second-hand extendable tables can be very affordable and work beautifully.Q: Are round tables always better for small spaces?A: Not always — in very narrow rooms, a slim rectangular table against the wall may work best.Start for FREEPlease check with customer service before testing new feature.Free Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREE