From apartments and terrace townhouses to country cottages and semi-detached homes, Brits have mastered the art of living in small spaces. Furniture can have a big impact on how your home feels and functions, which is why so many renters and homeowners decide to invest in a small round dining table. You’ll also see households taking advantage of clever features like built-in drawers and extendable leaves.
Want to know more about how to make the most of your small space? Get the scoop on our favourite small extending dining table and chairs sets, as well as some clever interior design tips designed to maximise space, in our complete guide.
A quick look at UK housing stats
Before we get stuck in, let’s take a closer look at some interesting stats about housing in the UK. The latest data reveals that semi-detached homes are the most common housing type in the country, accounting for more than 30% of national stock.
Things are a little different in London, where around 50% of people live in flats, apartments and maisonettes. Compact and affordable, these types of small spaces allow people to live in the capital without breaking the bank.
The best dining tables for small spaces
Now we know more about just how many Brits live in compact homes, let’s introduce some of our favourite dining tables for small spaces.
Dining tables with extendable leaves
Small spaces don’t have to mean trimming down your guest list. If you love to entertain but don’t want to cramp your space with large furniture, small dining room tables with extendable leaves offer all the extra space you need, on demand.
Perfect for compact kitchens and dining rooms, the clever design includes extension leaves that can be slotted into the centre of the table when you’re hosting extra guests. When they’re not in use, simply slot them under the tabletop and out of sight.
If you’re looking for a dove grey dining table with extendable leaves, you’ll love our collection crafted from high-quality pine and acacia wood. Built to host everything from birthday dinners to Christmas brunch, our Florence Grey Rectangle Extendable Kitchen and Dining Table is the ultimate space saver. Add one leaf to seat a few extra guests or install both for the ultimate dinner party table. When fully extended, the table can easily seat up to eight people.
The design takes cues from French farmhouses, where tables are laden with cheese, charcuterie and baguettes. And of course, a good bottle of wine. The acacia wood top is naturally heat and stain-resistant, so you won’t need to worry about spills.
Dining tables with built-in drawers
Hidden storage is one of the best ways to maximise space in compact homes. In our navy blue dining table range, you’ll find clever designs like the Florence Large Pedestal Round Dining Table. Designed to comfortably seat up to five people, this small round dining table is ideal for families.
The hardwood acacia top is naturally antibacterial and treated with an oil guard to protect against stains. From splattered breakfast cereal milk to spilt Pinot Noir, a quick wipe clean is all that’s needed to clean up.
A pair of hidden drawers set this small round dining table apart from other models you might have seen. The drawers fit seamlessly into the design, with rounded edges making them virtually invisible. Use them to store anything from cutlery and napkins to bills and paperwork.
Round dining tables
Round dining tables not only look great but generally have a smaller surface area than square or rectangle-shaped tables too. This makes them a savvy choice for small spaces. The fluid lines of circular tables also minimise sharp lines in your dining space and help create a softer, more casual look.
If you’re a social butterfly, nothing sparks conversation better than circular small dining room tables. Perfect for large groups, round dining tables keep the conversation flowing and ensure nobody gets stuck at the end of the table.
Love to host board game nights? Round tables mean the board can be placed in the centre of the table and easily accessed by all players. Whether it’s a game of Monopoly with the kids or an evening of Catan with friends, a small round dining table enhances the playing experience for everyone.
If you’re looking for family-friendly options, round dining tables also offer some great benefits. The lack of sharp corners is a game changer when it comes to minimising bumps and bruises. For the ultimate space-saving solution, invest in a small round dining table with extendable leaves. With the option to add a centre leaf, you can instantly transform your kitchen into a dinner party-ready space.
Square dining tables
If you’re looking for furniture that can easily be pushed against the wall, a small square dining table is a great option. The right-angle design means your table will sit flush against the wall and allows you to maximise every inch of space.
Want the best of both worlds? Our Florence Grey Square Extendable Dining Table can be transformed into a rectangle in a matter of seconds. Simply prop up the hinged leaf to unlock additional space. Extending this small square dining table is a great option if you’re hosting extra guests for dinner, or if you need more space to tackle that 2000-piece jigsaw.
Tips to maximise space in your dining room
Dining tables for small spaces aren’t the only way to maximise space in your home. Below, we cover some insider tips and tricks on how to unlock extra storage and create the illusion of more space.
Add a mirror
Mirrors are one of the easiest and most effective ways to create the illusion of more space in your dining room. As well as casting a reflection, they bounce light around the room to make the space feel larger and brighter. You’ll be amazed at how much of a difference a mirror can make. If you’re short on floor space, hanging wall mirrors are a great option.
Opt for neutral colours
Many interior designers swear by neutrals when it comes to furnishing compact spaces. Light dove grey and white dining tables create a bright and breezy aesthetic in even the smallest dining rooms. Looking for a green dining table? Our sage green colourway is soft, earthy and neutral.
Furniture in neutral colours also gives you the freedom to redecorate at your leisure. If you want to add a splash of colour, you can always accessorise tables for small dining rooms with a vibrant table runner or placemats.
Invest in high-quality furniture
Furniture used in small spaces generally undergoes a lot more wear and tear than items in larger homes. For example, in the average London flat, the dining table often moonlights as a breakfast bar, study desk and work-from-home station.
If your furniture receives a lot of traffic, it’s worth investing in high-quality pieces. Not only is our light oak dining table range crafted from premium woods, but each piece is coated with a matte lacquer to protect the paintwork from chips and scratches.
Pair your table with matching chairs
Matching chairs instantly elevate the look and feel of your dining room. While it can be tempting to settle for a quirky mismatched set, making the effort to coordinate your small extending dining table and chairs will help create a seamless look.
This can make a big difference in small spaces, where mixing different styles can look a little clumsy. We like to give our customers options, which is why we’ve designed kitchen chairs to match all of our tables for small dining rooms.
Consider bench-style seating
Whoever said kitchen chairs have to be single and straight-backed? Mixing things up with sociable bench-style seating is a fun way to add intrigue to your dining space without compromising on function.
Our wooden dining benches are designed to slot neatly beneath the matching rectangular tables. Opt for a colour-coordinated set or mix things up with different shades. For example, we love a white dining table paired with a navy blue bench.
Bench seats can also work well with a small round dining table placed in a corner. Use a pair of benches to create right-angle seating around a pedestal round dining table. The combination of rectangular benches and a round table is an incredibly efficient use of space. Not to mention a fantastic way to transform a defunct corner into a beautiful dining space.
Use it as a cosy breakfast nook and dining space for up to four people and add extra chairs when you have guests. Add a pad to the bench seat and prop throw pillows up against the wall to enhance comfort and add a pop of colour.
Marie Kondo your space
If you’re looking for a little spring cleaning inspiration, get your Marie Kondo fix on Netflix. The adorable tidying guru will help you sort through your cluttered kitchen and keep only what you need and love.
It can be an incredibly revitalising experience and you’ll be amazed at just how much of a difference a good spring clean can make. With a clutter-free dining space, you can focus on what really matters – spending time with your friends and loved ones.
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