PublishedApr 29, 2019 5:15 PM EDT (a PSA for the space-starved)
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While there are certain design faux pas we just hate to see (likehanging artat skyscraper height or letting window drapes pool at ankle level), there are other rules we don’t mind bending every once in a while. One such decorating ‘no-no’ is pushing the dining room table against a wall. If you’re like us, you probably agonized long and hard over yourdining tablebefore swiping your card. And while it’s only natural to want to flaunt your prize to the best of its ability, sometimes we have to sacrifice showmanship in the name of, you know, actually fitting in our apartments.
In our dream world, we’d all have dining rooms large enough to seat every friend, family member, and acquaintance we’ve ever made. Not only is a symmetrically minded room visually pleasing, but a solid anchor to center the space is genuinely easy on the eyes. But let’s chuck the rulebook out the window for a hot second. Sure, shoving your beloved table aside might cost you a seat or two, but doing so can actually lend the room a more intimate vibe—not to mention free up a sliver of precious floor space.
Ahead, ten unconventional dining layouts that proudly embrace this so-called faux pas. Keep reading for our top tips on pulling off the look in a way that feels natural, cohesive, and not at all like you just gave up.
With little access to natural light, this breezy dining space—which, no, is not in an apartment, but is instead situated inthe trendy officeof event and design planning firm23 Layers—could have easily gone dark and dingy. Luckily, the room’s whitewashed walls and minimal white table give the place a bright, airy feel. In fact, this streamlined space is so cohesive that the table appears to continue straight through the wall, drawing the eye up to the color-coordinated bookshelf (a bonus detail we can’t quit).
Similarly, this decidedly tinier scene also plays games with depth and dimension. Because the two-seater table effortlessly blends into the adjacent wall, it gives the impression that the surface is receding into thin air. The sliver of exposed brick seemingly bursting through the crisp painted barrier only furthers the visual trickery. Hogwarts called, they want their disappearing table back.
The problem with most tiny dining tables is that squeezing a third person onto the shortest end is an Olympic sport. And even if they successfully pull up a seat, their knees are likely in combat with an obstructive post or stray leg. Instead of opting for a traditional rectangular table, designer and artist Malene Barnett went for a larger square surface with ample room for guests. Not unlike the rest ofher Carribean-cool townhouse, the most intriguing moments come courtesy of bold color details and space-savvy solutions. Smart cookie.
Whether you’re lacking a proper dining room or simply craving an eat-in kitchen nook, uniting the dining table and the kitchen island is a clever way to sync your cooking and dining zones—as this technicolorManhattan Beach homeproves. Already a central hub for food and chatter, this seamless marriage makes it delightfully easy to plop food on the table the second it leaves the oven. Lazy? Maybe. Genius? Definitely.
If you’re lucky enough to have an open floor plan, it can feel counterintuitive to shove the end of your dining table against a wall when you’ve got space to center it. But when an incredibly wide, empty space is begging for direction and division, a table abruptly jutting out from the wall can act as both a visual and physical barrier. In thisrustic-industrial Brooklyn apartment, the dining table extends a sense of separation, while mixed seating leans into the overall casual vibe.
From a strictly aesthetic standpoint, the table-wall combo works actual wonders in small, rustic settings. Inthis sweet, Scandi cottage,a simple farmhouse table, textured walls, and antique lighting cook up an incredibly cozy vibe. Ultimately, this close-knit setup will force—ahem, encourage—all tablemates to engage in conversation and connect. Personal space optional.
Just because your 300-something-square-foot apartment doesn’t have a dedicated dining space doesn’t mean you should surrender your right to a civilized spot to eat.This sun-drenched Swedish studiomasters its space problem by setting the table’s longer side against the wall. Going parallel helps you conserve whatever precious floor space you have left. Genius, really.
Got a third roommate or a penchant for hosting intimate gatherings? A table with an extendable leaf is a solid fix for expanding your usual party of two. Take a cue from this teeny artistic apartment and pull up an equally teeny stool on the adjustable end. Skipping the third bulky chair makes it easier for the host to weave between kitchen and table without doing the awkward sideways shuffle.
Have we ever told you how much we adore round dining tables? Of all the reasons to love a tabletop with some curve to it, flexibility reigns supreme. Huddled near the corner ofthis joint dining-living room, this antique wood stunner just barely kisses the wall, allowing enough room for a proper place to sit. Romance, but make it ergonomic.
For those ready to really commit to the bit, opt for a wall-mounted piece that, by design, only has three functioning sides—like this sleek version with a single standalone leg. Once dressed up with your go-totablewareor an unexpectedfloral arrangement,this utilitarian approach feels both chic and instinctive. Weirdly wonderful.
Want more dining room inspiration? (We’ve got you, space-challenged friend.)How to Mix and Match Your Dining Room Chairs and Actually Pull it OffDining Room Alternatives For Tiny ApartmentsUpdate Your Dining Room With These Stylish and Affordable Chairs
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Lydia Geisel has been on the editorial team at Domino since 2017. Today, she writes and edits home and renovation stories, including house tours, before and afters, and DIYs, and leads our design news coverage. She lives in New York City, where she’s personally tested every space-saving trick in the book.
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