Which shape dining table is best for a small room?

As previously mentioned, Simonpietri loves bringing an oval table into a small dining area. Oval tables appear larger than they really are and are able to fit more people around them because of the lack of hard edges, so long as one won’t overwhelm the space, according to Simonpietri However, if an oval table does feel too excessive for your dining area, Odom suggests going with an expandable option that comes with a leaf or two, ensuring your everyday dining experience is comfortable while allowing you to squeeze in a few more loved ones when you need to.

How can you fit a dining table in a small space?

Fitting the right table in your small space is all about knowing the room’s dimensions and how much it can handle, according to Simonpietri. It’s important to not get too greedy with the size of your dining set, as you may not be able to comfortably get out of your seat or move around the table otherwise. “Firstly, always measure,” says Molly Kidd of Oregon-based design firm Light & Dwell . “If you are not a designer, try taping out your rug, table, and some other furniture in your nook to really get a feel for how tight or large those dining pieces may feel when living and working around them.”

How should you set a small dining table?

You can follow proper table-setting etiquette no matter how small your dining table is, according to Odom, who suggests opting for beautifully adorned napkin rings over a centerpiece to bring in texture and color without taking up extra space. And you don’t need a ton of space to bring a sense of character to the table, according to Kidd, who loves setting small ones with textured linens, antique miscellaneous glassware, taper candles, and bud vases. She also loves to mix modern flatware with heirloom dishes to create a stylish scene. “All of these elements will create height and depth in the right places and give a nice juxtaposition of old age and modern touches,” Kidd says. If you’re really short on space, set the table with your must-have pieces first and then see how much space you have left over to fill in with the fun stuff, starting from the center of the table, according to Simonpietri. She loves using organic decorations for tables, such as vines or branches, because they can easily be cut, clipped, and woven to fit your spatial needs. mall-scale vases that can hold tea candles or teeny bouquets can also bring something special to the table without hogging much square footage, according to Simonpietri.

The Best Small Dining Room Sets, According to Designers

Best Small Dining Sets for a Range of Spaces and Styles — Food & Wine / Marcus Millan

Investing in a dining set you’ll enjoy for years to come is no simple task, and that’s especially true if you’re working with minimal square footage. You’ll have to consider the size of the set, how much space you and guests will have to move around the dining area, your design preferences, whether you’re looking to outfit an indoor or outdoor dining space, and even how much effort you’re willing to put into assembly (if at all). You’ll also want to consider the type of seating offered — are you looking for plush chairs, wooden benches, or countertop stools? Frequent hosts will find it important to ensure there’s plenty of table space to showcase a stellar dinnerware collection and favorite wine glasses for impromptu cocktail parties and supper clubs.

While all of these factors may seem a bit overwhelming, especially considering the array of options available through online retailers these days, there’s no need to stress. We’ve asked three design pros for their guidance to make selecting the best small dining set for your personal style and functional needs easier than you’d imagine, whether you’re shopping for value or splurging.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Castlery Kelsey Dining Table with 4 Chairs at Castlery.com

Jump to Review

Best Splurge:

Williams Sonoma Home Round Iron Bistro Table & Parisian Dining Chairs at Williams-Sonoma

Jump to Review

Best Extendable:

Winston Porter Leaf Solid Wood Dining Set at Wayfair

Jump to Review

Best Counter Height:

Ebern Designs Counter Height Breakfast Nook Dining Set at Wayfair

Jump to Review

Best Elegant:

Kathy Kuo Home Dark Brown Aluminum Dining Collection at Kathykuohome.com

Jump to Review

Best Modern:

Article The So Fresh and So Clean Bundle at Article.com

Jump to Review

Best Mid-Century:

Christopher Knight Home Curved Leg Rectangular Dining Set at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Farmhouse Styler:

Birch Lane Piedmont 5-Piece Extendable Dining Set at Birchlane.com

Jump to Review

Best Round:

Joybird Toscano Dining Set at Joybird.com

Jump to Review

Best bench:

Best Choice Products Bench Style Dining Furniture Set at Target

Jump to Review

Castlery

View On Castlery.com

Pros: If you aren’t totally short on square footage, this set gives you bang for your buck in terms of design.

Cons:The table may be too large if you’re limited on space and budget or if you’re afraid of buying something too precious due to small children or pets.

Susana Simonpietri of Brooklyn-based design firm Chango & Co. says she is a huge fan of oval dining tables for small spaces, as the shape makes your table appear larger than it really is and the lack of sharp edges allows you to squeeze more people around them. While one of the pricier picks on our list, this dining set snagged the Best Overall spot for its beautiful design, rave customer reviews, ease of assembly, and the option to choose from fabric or leather chairs to up the style ante. The stunning table top is made from Carrara marble, while the base of both the tables and chairs feature a walnut stain and copper feet caps for a luxurious yet livable scene. It’s also protected under a one-year warranty.

Price at time of publish: $2,200

Materials: Rubberwood, Carrara marble, copper, foam, and fabric upholstery
Table Dimensions: 63 x 35.4 x 29.9 inches
Chair Dimensions: 19.7 x 21.3 x 32.3 inches

Williams Sonoma

View On Williams-Sonoma

Pros: This is an excellent find for those seeking out an investment piece and fans of a more mismatched aesthetic.

Cons: It’s the most expensive set on the list and may not appeal to those looking for a uniform look.

Simonpietri loves more of a smartly mismatched look than a streamlined set when it comes to the dining area, and this “perfect pairing” of an iron, glass, and marble table with Parisian-inspired bistro chairs achieves a well-collected look. The tabletop has a 42-inch diameter, meaning it should fit well in most small spaces and can be adorned with two, three, or four chairs for whatever suits your needs. Plus, you can pay a bit extra for white glove delivery for maximum convenience.

Price at time of publish: $3,895 - $4,595

Materials: Carrara marble, glass, iron, rattan
Table Dimensions: 42 x 42 x 29.25 inches
Chair Dimensions: 20 x 20.75 x 33.5 inches

Winston Porter Valletta Butterfly Leaf Solid Wood Dining Set

Wayfair

View On Wayfair

Pros: Frequent hosts will love that there is plenty of room to seat six when needed, but it will suit two or four comfortably for everyday living.

Cons: Storage space is needed for a 12-inch leaf.

If you’re seeking a versatile dining space that is apt for two most days but can accommodate up to six for supper clubs and birthday parties, this extendable dining set may be just right. Available in your choice of a mahogany or wood finish, this set can be purchased in a three-, five-, or seven-piece dining set depending on how many chairs you’d like to have around. The table’s length totals 53.5 inches with the leaf addition and is 41.5 inches without. While customers reported relatively easy assembly, you can also add on expert help as well as a five-year warranty for additional fees.

Price at time of publish: $630

Materials: Solid wood, rubberwood, linen upholstery
Table Dimensions: 41.5 x 31.5 x 39 inches (without leaf); 53.5 x 31.5 x 29 inches (with leaf)
Chair Dimensions: 18 x 19 x 35 inches

Ebern Designs Tabiatha 2-Person Counter Height Breakfast Nook Dining Set

Wayfair

View On Wayfair

Pros: City-dwellers looking for a cozy space to enjoy meals will also score some much-needed storage space for kitchen essentials.

Cons: The dimensions of the set may not be well-suited for families with small children, and some shoppers may be interested in more upscale materials.

We’ve found just the set for cramped city apartments and oddly shaped nooks in need of a spot for lingering over coffee and sipping wine late into the night. This clever counter height dining set comfortably seats two with a 36-inch table, leaving plenty of room for newspapers and pitchers of orange juice. Plus, the table is equipped with three deep storage shelves for housing your must-have coffee accessories, top cooking essentials, or a handful of your favorite cookbooks. While the set is not made of real wood or leather, this fact may be a pro to some, as it’s very easy to clean. Plus, the table top comes in three different finishes to suit your design preferences.

Price at time of publish: $225

Materials: Manufactured wood, iron, fabric
Table Dimensions: 19.7 x 36 x 36 inches
Chair Dimensions: 15 x 17 x 36.2 inches

Kathy Kuo Home

View On Kathykuohome.com

Pros: The set strikes a perfect balance of high design, luxury, and comfortability.

Cons: This set will not seat more than three comfortably, and the price point is at the higher end of this list.

This swoon-worthy dining set would feel right at home overlooking a vineyard in Napa or an upscale ranch in Texas for a modern and luxurious take on classic farmhouse living. This set is built to last, as the table is made from cast aluminum and finished in an antique rust while the wooden chairs are covered in a durable twill, and we love the mismatched look. The dining table is 42 inches wide, so there is room to slide in an extra chair or two if you set the table smartly (keep reading to check out our experts’ top tips for setting small tables). Premium white glove delivery is available if you don’t want to lug these items inside yourself.

Price at time of publish: $2,700

Materials: Wood, cast aluminum, antique rust, heather beige twill upholstery
Table Dimensions: 30 x 42 x 42 inches
Chair Dimensions: 32.25 x 25.5 x 25.25 inches

Article

View On Article.com

Pros: Color aficionados will love the array of customizable options and the fair prices.

Cons: The chairs may be a deterrent for those seeking more comfort from their dining set, especially if it will be a multi-purpose area for working from home.

Love modern, Scandinavian-inspired design? This five-piece dining set may be the find for you. The customizable bundle offers two wood finishes for the table and nine different colorways for the chairs to help you create the dining area of your dreams. While the seating may not exactly be plush, you can always continue in the Nordic design tradition and outfit your chairs with sheepskins to complete the look. The good news is, you’ll get a 30-day satisfaction guarantee with your purchase to make sure it’s suited to your needs.

Price at time of publish: $927

Materials: Solid wood, molded plastic
Table Dimensions: 29 x 47 inches
Chair Dimensions: 34 x 18 x 24.5 inches

Christopher Knight Home Idalia Curved Leg Rectangular Dining Set

The Home Depot

View On Amazon View On Home Depot

Pros: Shoppers can snag the mid-century modern look for less without sacrificing on style.

Cons: Those who are extra-short on square footage may not have the space for the set, and there is no option for help with assembly.

This wallet-friendly pick offers a balance of value and style, along with Amazon Prime’s speedy shipping rates. The set includes a 42-inch dining table and four dining chairs with plenty of room to sit comfortably, with your choice of four distinct models depending on your finish and color preferences. Plus, the rounded edges will allow you to squeeze in an extra chair or two when the occasion arises. Amazon offers the option to add on a five-year indoor furniture protection plan for an additional fee for those who want peace of mind in a warranty.

Price at time of publish: $680

Materials: Medium density fiberboard with a walnut veneer, rubberwood, fabric
Table Dimensions: 35.43 x 59.06 x 29.53 inches
Chair Dimensions: 19.69 x 21.46 x 30.91 inches

Birch Lane

View On Birchlane.com

Pros: Lovers of the farmhouse look will score multiple amenities, from extendable table space to extra storage.

Cons: Shoppers who want something simple and don’t need all the extra room may find this set more of a hassle than it’s worth.

We love this farmhouse-inspired dining set as it checks a lot of boxes shoppers may have: It’s extendable, counter height, and sneaks in a bit of extra storage space. Plus, you can choose from a uniform style in Farmhouse White or a more collected look in the Weathered Driftwood option. While the table is a comfortable 36 inches wide to fit a variety of small spaces, it can seat up to eight people when the removable leaf is inserted. Five-year protection plans and white glove delivery and assembly are available for those interested.

Price at time of publish: $2,182

Materials: Solid wood, manufactured wood, and rubberwood
Table Dimensions: 36 x 36 inches (without leaf); 36 x 53 inches (with leaf)
Chair Dimensions: 43 x 20.75 x 22 inches

Joybird

View On Joybird.com

Pros: Mid-century modern fans will love having this stylish showpiece that is smart on saving space.

Cons: There are no extendable options, and the dimensions may be too large for some extra-small dining areas.

Joybird’s ultra-stylish Toscano Dining Set is sure to elevate any kitchen or dining area. Offered in three cushion options, this set is cleverly crafted to maximize open space when not in use while offering plenty of square footable for intimate dinner parties, as the table measures 52 inches wide. We love the mix of its conversation-starting design, comfortability, and sturdiness. No assembly is required, and five-year protection plans are offered for an extra fee.

Price at time of publish: $2,190

Materials: Walnut veneer on plywood, foam, fabric
Table Dimensions: 52 x 52 x 30.5 inches
Chair Dimensions: 18 x 15 x 29.5 inches

Best Choice Products 3-Piece Bench Style Dining Furniture Set

Target

View On Target

Pros: This set offers efficiency and durability, and it’s a great deal.

Cons: There isn’t any versatility in seating arrangements, and you may want to invest in cushions to make the set more comfortable.

Our most affordable pick of the bunch, this bench-style dining set is available in three finishes to suit fans of industrial, modern, or Scandinavian style. The 45.5-inch table is well-suited for a party of four and offers ample dining space for fewer. Engineered wood and a metal crossbar design ensure this set is durable for those with small children, pets, or adults who are just prone to spills. However, there is an option to add on a two-year protection plan for a small fee, as well as a generous 90-day return policy.

Price at time of publish: $170

Materials: Wood laminate, metal
Table Dimensions: 45.5 x 29.5 x 29.5 inches
Bench Dimensions: 40.5 x 12 x 17.5 inches

Factors to Consider

Size

The amount of square footage you can allot to a dining set is the most crucial element to think about when narrowing down the best set for your small space.The architecture of your space should dictate your layout decisions in a dining area, according to Bradley Odom, an Atlanta-based interior designer and founder of Dixon Rye.

It’s important to consider how much space each chair can be comfortably spaced out from a wall or walkway and to not force a table into a space that can’t handle it from an architectural perspective, according to Odom. A good rule of thumb for small spaces is to avoid tables larger than a 48 inch width, and you may want to think even smaller if you’re extra-tight on space or are working with odd architectural features. However, you may be able to eek out more table space, if that’s a top priority, by avoiding placing chairs on the longest ends of the table or positioning one of the longer ends of the table against a wall.

Design

Dining sets are a major investment, unlike, say, those new throw pillows in a trendy print you saw on Instagram. It’s important to find a set that matches your personal design style but won’t feel outdated within a few months, or even years, of your purchase. You may want to consider a more timeless dining set if you are planning to stay in your home for several years instead of opting for a set that fits the aesthetic du jour.

“First off, you must consider functionality,” Odom says. “For everyday use, you don’t want a table and chairs that overwhelm the space, so consider expandable tables that can take a leaf or two. Also consider materiality: Keep the table in light materials or lucite to keep it visually airy. Wood and metal chairs can also often offer more transparency than large upholstered chairs.”

Dining sets with slim chairs will help fit more around the table when the need arises, according to Simonpietri, who also says it’s important to select a table with a base that isn’t limiting. She prefers tables with pedestal bases, as those with lots of legs can make seating arrangements hard to configure.

Assembly

Consider how much time and effort you’re willing to spend on the assembly of your dining set, as some sets may require several hours worth of work. Some brands offer assembly services, depending on your location, for an additional fee if you want to enjoy your purchase without the headache of table and chair construction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which shape dining table is best for a small room?

As previously mentioned, Simonpietri loves bringing an oval table into a small dining area. Oval tables appear larger than they really are and are able to fit more people around them because of the lack of hard edges, so long as one won’t overwhelm the space, according to Simonpietri However, if an oval table does feel too excessive for your dining area, Odom suggests going with an expandable option that comes with a leaf or two, ensuring your everyday dining experience is comfortable while allowing you to squeeze in a few more loved ones when you need to.
How can you fit a dining table in a small space?

Fitting the right table in your small space is all about knowing the room’s dimensions and how much it can handle, according to Simonpietri. It’s important to not get too greedy with the size of your dining set, as you may not be able to comfortably get out of your seat or move around the table otherwise.

“Firstly, always measure,” says Molly Kidd of Oregon-based design firm Light & Dwell. “If you are not a designer, try taping out your rug, table, and some other furniture in your nook to really get a feel for how tight or large those dining pieces may feel when living and working around them.”
How should you set a small dining table?

You can follow proper table-setting etiquette no matter how small your dining table is, according to Odom, who suggests opting for beautifully adorned napkin rings over a centerpiece to bring in texture and color without taking up extra space. And you don’t need a ton of space to bring a sense of character to the table, according to Kidd, who loves setting small ones with textured linens, antique miscellaneous glassware, taper candles, and bud vases. She also loves to mix modern flatware with heirloom dishes to create a stylish scene.

“All of these elements will create height and depth in the right places and give a nice juxtaposition of old age and modern touches,” Kidd says.

If you’re really short on space, set the table with your must-have pieces first and then see how much space you have left over to fill in with the fun stuff, starting from the center of the table, according to Simonpietri. She loves using organic decorations for tables, such as vines or branches, because they can easily be cut, clipped, and woven to fit your spatial needs. mall-scale vases that can hold tea candles or teeny bouquets can also bring something special to the table without hogging much square footage, according to Simonpietri.

Our Expertise

Lauren Wicks is a freelance writer and editor with more than five years of experience writing for lifestyle brands, including home and design publications. For this piece, she interviewed interior designer and Dixon Rye founder Bradley Odom, along with Susana Simonpietri of Chango & Co. and Molly Kidd of Light and Dwell. She used their expert advice, along with market research and her own expertise to curate this list of best small dining sets.