small dining table#

The dining table is an essential piece in every home, whether you live in a spacious house or modest studio. If you’re crunched on space, you don’t have to sacrifice attractiveness for functionality—we found options of all different styles, shapes, and materials for maximizing the room you do have, making for comfortable but never cramped eating and entertaining.

To help you track down the perfect small dining table for your home, we looked at fixed and extendable models that fit anywhere from two to six people. We also talked with Seattle-based interior designer Charlie Hellstern, principal and owner of Charlie Hellstern Interior Design, for additional tips on how to choose the right small dining table for you.

Best Round#

A round table is a classic choice for small spaces because it’s easy to move around. It also fosters a cozy feel because everyone seated at the table can easily chat with one another and have equal access to food. 

Keep it simple and sleek with a solid wood piece like the Walnut Evanston 42" Wood Dining Table or make a statement with the white marble and iron Chapman Round Marble Pedestal Dining Table. If you’re dining al fresco on a balcony or patio, the Lanai 31.5" Round Fliptop Outdoor Dining Table comes with a tabletop that you can fold down for compact storage.

Best Rectangular#

If you have a narrow dining room, look for a rectangular table. While a traditional model can take up a bit of space, foldable models like the Seb Extendable Dining Table saves on space when you don’t have guests over. Then there’s the cleverly built KALLHÄLL Gateleg Table, which is not only size adjustable but also comes with a central storage pocket for tucking away essentials as big as collapsible dining chairs. If your taste leans traditional, the Winsome Wood Hamilton Walnut Double Drop Leaf Dining Table is a solid option that comes with a small drawer for utensils and napkins.

Best Square#

A small square dining table is a practical option for serving two people, but it can also be a cozy choice for entertaining four. Those who love an ornate look can furnish their space with the Three Posts Courtdale Solid Wood Dining Table, which flaunts elegant turned legs for a stylish breakfast nook centerpiece. For mid-century modern flair, we love the elegant Vena Square Oak and Marble Cafe Table. To really maximize your space, go for an expandable option like the Plumas 37.5"-57.25" Extendable Dining Table or Mateo Drop Leaf Dining Table.

How to Shop for Small Dining Tables Like a Pro #

Size and Shape#

Besides making sure that a table fits into your space, you want to make sure it has some clearance around it. Ideally, you want around 2 to 3 feet between your table and the wall (as well as other furniture pieces and appliances). This will make it easy for people to pull out chairs and get up without bumping into things.

Shape can also play a major role in how a dining table fits into a small space. Below are the three main table shapes and what you need to know about them.

Round#

Hellstern says round dining tables are popular because they’re easy to walk around, making them convenient for small rooms. Round tables obviously do not have sharp corners, so you can pack more seats along the circumference, and children and pets moving about nearby are less likely to get hurt by edges.

Rectangular#

The majority of dining tables are rectangular, and this classic silhouette can work well in a narrow space or add definition to an open floor plan. However, it’s worth considering that a rectangular table may be too big if you’re only serving two to three people on a regular basis. A small rectangular table with a built-in leaf is a sensible option if you want to extend it for hosting guests but keep it compact for everyday use.

Keep in mind that rectangular and square tables are more likely to have sharp corners. If you prefer a square or rectangular tabletop, Hellstern recommends choosing one with rounded corners to make it easier to move around.

Square#

For a party of four or fewer, a square table is a suitable compact option. Those who often have guests over should consider an extendable square table to accommodate more people. If you tend to serve lots of food, a square table may be a preferable choice to a round one since it offers a bit more surface area for the same width.

Material#

Solid wood is often the go-to material for small dining tables since it offers both a cozy feel and sturdy build. Hellstern adds that wood is also easy to repair with some sanding and will hold up the best no matter your room size. 

Wood tables with marble tops can also work as a centerpiece in a small space, but bear in mind that marble, while sturdy, can be heavy to move around. Acrylic and glass tabletops can also give a small room a more spacious feel, but they can be tricky to repair. 

If you’re on a tight budget, tables made from manufactured wood and particleboard are other common options. However, these materials do not typically last as long as pieces made from solid wood. For extra stability, consider a manufactured wood table with a steel frame. 

Features#

Small dining tables often come with extra features to help you maximize space, like extensions that live within the tabletop. You can extend these tables when you have guests over, but they fold down easily to help you conserve space on a daily basis. 

The most common table extension feature is a leaf. There are a few different types, including traditional, drop, and butterfly leaves.

• Traditional leaf: With a traditional leaf, you can extend the center section and add in a leaf. When the leaf is not in use, you can typically store it beneath the tabletop.
• Drop leaf: Drop leaves are attached to the ends of a table with hinges, and you can simply allow them to fold down when you don’t need the extra tabletop surface. 
• Butterfly leaf: With a butterfly leaf table, the center piece of the table can be folded outwards like wings of a butterfly. Different from the traditional leaf’s single section, it has two halved sections. When you want to conserve space, you can simply tuck the leaves beneath your tabletop. 

Some small dining tables also come with built-in storage space. This can come in the form of a basic pull-out drawer where you can place small items or a central storage hub that extends to the floor.

Questions You Might Ask #

What size dining table is best for a small space? #

The right size dining table for a small space ultimately depends on how small your space is, how many people you typically plan on serving, and how many appliances and objects you plan on having around your table. A 36- to 40-inch-wide table is a good starting point for serving four people in a small space, but you can opt for an even smaller size if you don’t need to accommodate as many people. You also want to account for enough clearance so it’s easy for people to navigate around the dining table without bumping into things. 

What type of dining table makes a space look bigger?#

A table’s silhouette can play a major part in making a space feel bigger. A circular table creates more negative space in a room and offers an airy feel. 

You might also want to think about leg structure. As opposed to choosing a standard table with four legs, consider a pedestal shape with one leg to lessen visual clutter. Hellstern says pedestal bases give you the most leg room and flexibility for packing in seats. She recommends pairing a pedestal table with a curved banquette to fit in more seats, especially if your guests don’t mind squeezing together a bit. If you do prefer a small dining table with four legs, tapered legs can offer a light and clean appearance.

What are some tips for making a small dining table more functional? #

When you dine, be mindful about what you put on your table so that it doesn’t get too cluttered. Hellstern suggests removing bulk from table settings—think swapping out individual place mats for a single tablecloth. 

It’s also worth noting how you use your dining table when you’re not eating or drinking. In a small space, a dining table may be your only table. Besides using it for dining, take advantage of it for working, playing games, crafting, or any other activity where you might need a tabletop surface.

Take Our Word for It#

This article was written by Stacey Nguyen, a contributing writer for Real Simple. To find the best small dining tables, she researched dozens of popular options on the market, evaluating them on factors such as size, shape, seating capacity, material, and extra features. For expert advice on choosing a small dining table, she consulted Seattle-based interior designer Charlie Hellstern of Charlie Hellstern Interior Design.