10 Living Dining Ideas to Transform Small Spaces: My Favorite Small Living Dining Combo Ideas from 10+ Years of Design ExperienceClara W. InteriorsJan 20, 2026Table of Contents1. Floating Dining Table2. Sofa-Back Dining3. Bench Seating with Storage4. Round Table Magic5. Area Rugs to Define Zones6. Mirrors for Visual Expansion7. Narrow Console + Stools8. Extendable Tables9. Lighting as a Divider10. Built-in Wall Niche DiningFAQFree Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREELast year, a client asked me to fit a full farmhouse dining table into her 18-square-meter apartment — and still have space to watch Netflix. At first, I laughed (quietly), but it sparked a challenge I love: making the impossible feel effortless. Combining living and dining spaces is like playing design Tetris — every piece must fit perfectly, and when it does, you barely notice the compromises. Small spaces often force big creativity, and today I'm sharing 10 living dining ideas that have worked wonders for me and my clients.1. Floating Dining TableA wall-mounted drop-leaf table is a lifesaver when space is tight. It doubles as a dining surface and a work spot, then folds away when you need extra room. I once used a room planner to test different heights and positions before installation — it saved us from blocking a window.save pin2. Sofa-Back DiningPlacing a slim dining table directly behind the sofa creates a visual divider without adding walls. It’s a great option for open-plan apartments, though you’ll need to ensure the sofa height works with the chairs.save pin3. Bench Seating with StorageBuilt-in benches along a wall not only save floor space but also offer hidden storage for table linens or board games. Just remember: custom work can cost more upfront, but you’ll thank yourself later.save pin4. Round Table MagicRound tables soften corners and improve flow in tight rooms. I’ve used this trick in narrow city apartments where square edges made the space feel cramped.save pin5. Area Rugs to Define ZonesA rug under the dining table visually defines it as a separate zone, even if it’s just a meter from the sofa. Choose a durable, easy-to-clean material to handle spills.save pin6. Mirrors for Visual ExpansionPlacing a large mirror behind the dining area can double the perceived space and bounce more light into the room. I've even combined this with a free floor plan creator to test sightlines before making any purchases.save pin7. Narrow Console + StoolsA slim console table against a wall with bar stools can be your breakfast spot by day and a buffet area by night. Ideal for those who entertain occasionally but don’t want a permanent dining set dominating the room.save pin8. Extendable TablesGo for a table that expands when you need it and folds away when you don’t. Just note — the mechanism quality varies, so test before buying.save pin9. Lighting as a DividerUsing a pendant over the dining spot and a floor lamp in the living area subtly marks each zone. Lighting choices can elevate even the most compact layouts.save pin10. Built-in Wall Niche DiningCarving a shallow niche into a wall for banquette seating can make the dining area feel intentional, not squeezed in. I worked on an apartment where pairing this idea with a kitchen layout planner allowed us to align storage seamlessly with the cooking area.save pinFAQQ: Can I really combine a full dining setup in a 20m² room?A: Absolutely, with the right furniture scale and layout planning, it’s doable without feeling cramped.Q: Is custom furniture always necessary?A: Not always — modular and adjustable furniture can achieve similar results for less.Q: How important is lighting in a living dining combo?A: Extremely. It helps define areas and can make the whole space feel taller and wider.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