Want to maximize the usefulness of your apartment’s dining area? Interested in adding designer pieces, special decorations or striking light fixtures to your room? In this article, experts offer ideas for smart and attractive ways to improve and enhance your apartment’s dining space, using stylish minimalism, extra cushions and custom fixtures. Whether you’re in a studio or a two-bedroom city flat, you’ll find refined and highly practical inspiration tailored for apartment living.
We will look at steps you can take to create a chic, practical and modern dining room in your own home.
Elegant Minimalist Dining Corners In Contemporary Apartments
Limited space in my apartment means I need to be creative and using a minimalist dining spot keeps it organized, functional and comfortable. Most of the time, I am drawn to neutrals, airy decor and components like wood and metal. When you pair a simple bench with a small, low-profile table, their close quarters don’t block the rest of the room. There is nothing you need that the city doesn’t offer, yet it never feels closed off.
Most of the time, I work at a white table with black, slim legs, holding two plain, chair-less couches on one side and a narrow bench opposite them. Because space is limited in apartments, it helps to use the bench as extra storage. The main thing to keep in mind is not to use bulky furniture. Hanging abstract paintings or creating a mini gallery of frames is my choice for wall decor, so there’s no clutter.
I have discovered that the peace in minimalist spaces is the major factor behind their appeal. I once worked on a client’s apartment in Brooklyn where we used white oak tones, matte black lighting, and soft linen seating—it turned a tight alcove into a retreat-like dining nook. Apartment Therapy has praised similar interior designs because they make small areas both harmonious and simple.
For this area to be even better, I recommend installing drop leaves you can pull down from the walls in case you need extra room at the dinner table.
Sculptural Lighting Fixtures That Define the Dining Space
Sculptural lighting can be used to quickly create a section for dining in an open layout apartment space. For a distinct look over the table, I sometimes hang large pendant lights from above. By using this method, you grade the area from the main living space and heighten the space architecturally. It’s a technique I return to often for its ability to ground and spotlight a space without partitions.
Last year, I chose a black multi-arm chandelier with visible LED lights to go over a round table made from walnut wood. Things were made more interesting with this contrast, atmosphere and clear visual focal point. I made sure the walls and decorations weren’t bright so the spotlight would really showcase the space. Many people like globe pendants, curvy metal pendants or hanging glass fixtures which give their dining area a special look.
Personally, I believe lighting is the “crown jewel” of the dining setup. Elle Decor recently pointed out that the right fixture helps set the intention for a space. I also believe that this singular piece can give a room shape and character.
If I want to develop this idea beyond its limits, I’d use recessed ceiling lights or track lighting to vary the amount of light and fit the occasion.
Using Designer Furniture to Elevate the Dining Experience
Because apartments have a shortage of space, everything you put in the dining area needs to add value. I choose designer furniture as much for its good looks as for how it adapts to a small living space. With chairs such as the Wishbone or Eames Molded Plastic, your furniture will be both pleasant to use and give your home a sleek look. With these menus, the dining event appears more organized and attentive to customers.
One of my recent designs carried a Saarinen-like tulip table with mid-back chairs with boucle upholstery. It gave the room both style and practical use in a way that didn’t take over. A curved back or decorated cane design on a chair will add a textured touch and higher quality to your room. Using designer furniture gives the dining area balance which is vital if it is to be used for work, as well.
My feeling is that designer pieces add significant value to small spaces. They give you beautiful workmanship, a long lifespan and even wide uses. Dwell Magazine notes that smart furniture makes the best use of any available space. I’ve had the same thought myself.
For a stronger section, it’s a good idea to find used designer items or replicas that are expertly made but less expensive.
Compact Yet Luxurious Dining Settings for Small Apartments
A small apartment doesn’t have to mean sacrificing luxury. I usually design small dining spaces that look luxurious by using comfortable and attractive materials. Try using velvet, brass, marble and soft lighting in your space. Combining elements properly, a small area just like a café table might feel as luxurious as a hotel.
For this kind of design, I always pick a round table done in faux marble, two chairs covered in velvet with golden legs and a rug underneath. I use sculptural candleholders or glass glass domes to make the middle look elegant. Mounted scones or a compact chandelier can make your space elegant without taking too much floor area.
I put dark teal velvet chairs and brass lighting fixtures in my own place. As a result, it turned out to be comfortable, colorful and a great setting for either hosting company or eating by yourself. AD Pro recommends using reflective finishes and soft lighting to elevate small-scale setups, and I’ve found this to be a spot-on strategy.
A better option here would be to bring in a bar cart from the past or a narrow mirror sideboard for use and storage.
Statement Art Pieces to Anchor Dining Walls
I often choose a statement work of art to create interest in a dining room. In small apartments, the space on your walls is very important. A big artwork or print above the dining table helps make the area more unique and interesting. The area rug joins the dining furniture and lighting so they go together as a group.
At one point, I created a room with a long walnut table, simple chairs and added a striking black and ochre abstract canvas above. The art became the room’s emotional core. Choosing from gallery walls, big photographs or mixed-media panels all depends on how I want the apartment to feel. Choices in frame and in materials can change the mood of the decor.
From what I’ve seen, it’s important for statement art to be the right size. In the opinion of House Beautiful, placing large art in a room can make a small area appear grander. Many of my projects have experienced similar results.
I think adding a few techniques for renters to add their own decorations would strengthen this section.
Monochrome Dining Area Concepts with Chic Contrast
Having just one color scheme in an apartment dining space results in an impressive harmony of colors. Most of the time, I stick to black and white or to subdued colors such as charcoal and dove gray, to style my dining corners together. It makes designs more detailed but doesn’t create unnecessary distractions—great for busy layouts.
I really like how adding black dining chairs and a white rectangular table on a bold black-and-white rug looks. I coordinate the furniture by painting walls, using black-and-white pictures and adding chrome lamps. Quite a lot of the space’s engaging quality comes from mixing different materials: lacquer, linen and brushed metal.
I find it personally satisfying that monochrome settings look effortlessly stylish. To me, they seem as luxurious as the best restaurants in Paris or Copenhagen. Monochrome rooms are often pointed out in Architectural Digest for how classic they are and I’ve realized they make great use of apartment space.
If I wanted to take this design idea further, I’d use just a small amount of another color—perhaps terracotta napkins or green glass—to improve visual appeal without hurting the scheme.
Round Dining Tables for Space-Saving Sophistication
Round tables are always included in my apartment dining ideas. They give the place a better flow, make people want to talk and help save space. I have noticed that even a 36–40 inch table will fit four comfortably and won’t have corners intruding on the area around the table.
In most of my work, I setting pedestal-base round tables from wood or stone. They go well with curved-back chairs as well as with a wraparound banquette. Because there are no corners, the traffic flows more smoothly in open plan spaces. Square or round tables with a clean finish and nice lines tend to be my top recommendation—ideally something that is both artistic and compact.
My own experience tells me that round tables make rooms feel more cozy. In a bachelor studio I worked on, the table was made of black marble, the chairs were made of linen and we hung brass pendant lighting above. It was a real success, satisfying both its users and their eyes. In the opinion of Domino Magazine, being surrounded by a round table can seem softer and friendlier.
For this section, some folding or retractable circular tables might help those who need more arrangement with their seating.
Velvet Upholstered Dining Chairs for a Plush Finish
In apartment dining rooms, one way I like to make things look nicer is by using velvet upholstered dining chairs. The use of velvet conveys a quick feeling of softness and richness that helps soften sharp modern shapes. When a dining area is mostly neutral or just one color, this material helps add a soft kind of color and texture that doesn’t overpower the area.
A typical choice for me is a velvet chair with a gentle curve in a deep green, beautiful burgundy or navy hue, teamed with matte black or gold detailing. Having these chairs at your table raises your dining experience and encourages people to stay seated longer. Because of their ability to pack a punch with little space, I often set these near compact round or oval tables where style matters.
For me, using velvet the right way makes it timeless. Previously, I worked out a space in a small apartment where I included green velvet dining chairs and a walnut table with a brass base and this became the focus of the room. Architectural Digest often praises velvet’s ability to soften minimalist interiors, and I fully support that approach.
You should consider using velvet in your fabric choices for performance upholstery if you often entertain or have meals with family.
Incorporating Custom Built-Ins for Seamless Dining Nooks
Sometimes, built-ins are the method I recommend most when planning dining areas in in small apartments. Having a niche table with storage beneath it or shelves or cabinets, will convert an underused corner into a handy dining area. It mixes the look and the purpose of the place, making the most of the area even without looking crammed together.
Most of the time, I design the living area with a U-shaped or L-shaped bench upholstered in performance fabric or leatherette which is flush along the wall. A pedestal table and chairs make a nice complete set in this area. I recommend hanging shelves or using a mix of cupboards and special niche decorations in that space. It’s clean, efficient, and visually cohesive.
One client I worked with in San Francisco had only a corner kitchen and no separate place to eat. We incorporated walnut drawers, drawers and a marble top into the custom millwork for the bench and table which changed the room completely. The magazine House & Garden says built-ins are perfect for fitting storage and style in a small house which I think is very true.
A greater advantage would be achieved by adding USB or power outlets to the bench base or shelves, so you can perform multiple activities or charge gadgets anytime you are at the table.
Curated Decor Accents for Designer Dining Settings
How you use decor is an important factor when designing a look inspired by the best designers. When I select accessories, I keep in mind things that improve my look and don’t take attention away. Ceramic vases, interesting candleholders, beautiful traditionally-made dinnerware pieces and textured dish mats help your table look whole and cozy. To set apart your dining space in an apartment, these finishing touches are extremely important.
I usually lay a plain linen runner down the length of a small table, along with stoneware dishes and flatware without shine. In this example, a simple pendant light provides both decor and light and the shelves may display woven baskets, some white and black ceramics or a group of art books. To balance an area, avoid it being overrun by too many style pieces. As little as enough and it reveals the mindful way a person lives.
I update the table decorations in my house with dried flowers for fall and lit tapered candles for winter. Athena Calderone is one of my favorite designers because she supports using style that is both minimal and elegant. This idea is especially shown in her book “Live Beautiful.”
As an alternative, you could use gallery-style peg rails to put up only the needed items.
Playing With Geometry in Dining Table and Chair Design
Apartment dining areas can make great use of geometry as a design tool. I regularly use angled or rounded shapes to set up a sense of pace and order. Bringing architecture into your space, try using a base with many sides, a hexagon-shaped top or chairs with angled chair backs. They combine their usefulness with their sculptural quality, bringing out the best in modern home décor.
A matte oval top and an octagonal base were on the black concrete dining table that I dealt with recently. I placed low chairs with curved shells and legs around the console. The effect achieved was trendy, held to the earth and had just enough movement to it. Interaction with unusual shapes such as circles and trapezoids, adds interest and style to your small dining nook.
I think adding geometric furniture is a great idea for smaller apartments. It gives the room special character, even when the total square footage is not large. Based on information from Dezeen, sharp lines and natural curves are making a difference in how we design nowadays—and I have noted this in my work.
In addition, placing hard pieces of furniture next to soft sheepskin throws or linen-covered seat cushions will add balance and interest to the space.
Natural Stone Dining Tables for Understated Glamour
I usually advise my clients to try natural stone if they’re looking for dining room features that are timeless and upscale. Whether it’s marble, travertine, or quartzite, stone dining tables exude understated glamour. They have a stately and lasting feel and because they’re wall-mounted, they can dominate a room regardless of its size.
A round marble top and a single sculpted base usually make up my favorite arrangement. It doesn’t occupy much space, but it still feels like a luxury. I match this type of flooring with neutral beige, sand or slate upholstered chairs to let the veining stand out. They can fit right into modern or transitional areas.
My view is that a small stone table is the best addition you can make to your dining nook. It’s elegant, functional, and doesn’t go out of style. Elle Decor claims that stone is gaining popularity again as a dining table material because it is both beautiful and durable. I’ve noticed it adds tasteful elegance to tiny apartments in New York as well.
If you rent, I’d suggest looking for faux stones or overlay finishes that give the texture of real stone and are easy to transport and affordable.
Sleek Open Concept Dining Areas in Urban Apartments
You need to pick furniture for dining that matches the design and doesn’t look cluttered in built-in kitchens. When joining the kitchen to the living area, I usually use the same or similar materials and depend on rugs or light fixtures to create a smoother transition. You want the dining area to be part of the family space but separate in some way.
The design I came up with recently combined a glass-top table, acrylic chairs and a matte black pendant. As a result, the area remained clear to see through and let light move without interruption. I put a thick textured rug in the spot and chose open shelves next to it, with dishes and decorations that all go well with the same colors. The process makes the task more streamlined without losing the brand’s recognition.
I feel that these spaces do best when they are subtle. I tend to use Scandinavian ideas—light wood, light furniture with matching fabric and a few neutral pieces—to hold everything together. Sharing a single pattern across the house helps make everything in small homes feel connected, as mentioned in Domino.
I’d expand this section by sharing ways to add cohesion, for instance, placing the dining table alongside the kitchen island and using the same style chair finish for the living room coffee table.
Mirror Accents to Expand Visual Space and Light
When I’m working with a tiny apartment dining room, I always love using mirrors. If hung appropriately, mirrors let in light, give depth and make the bedroom look more spacious. I often hang a medium to large mirror on the wall beside or behind the dining table. Simply, it makes the space appear bigger and looks unique at the same time.
My personal favorite design was positioning a round brass-framed mirror above a dining bench, adding a marble-top table and navy chairs. The reflection from a window nearby made the walls seem as if they belonged to an additional room. I also rely on mirrored gallery panels, antique mirrors or mirrored sideboards for a similar result.
I have seen mirrors have a powerful effect in my work. Many can be attached with adhesive which makes them suitable for renters. Mirrors, as Apartment Therapy puts it, are excellent for saving space in small homes—I really find this to be true as well.
I’d take this a step further by including mirror finishes on cupboards or adding a mirror backsplash if the dining space leads to the kitchen.
Chic Color Palettes for Modern Dining Room Harmony
I have found that the colors in a room make the biggest difference, especially in apartments, where a single design style is essential for the whole space to connect. Going for a stylish color palette lets the dining room blend naturally with the adjoining places. Merchandise and accessories in different shades of taupe, grey, blush and green are a great fit. These colors don’t overpower but instead add elegance while maintaining a tranquil vibe—perfect for modern apartment living.
I always begin any design based on a color palette by choosing the dominant hue first. In particular, dusty rose is my starting point and I combine it with white oak furniture and gray on the upholstery. The chairs and table are given matte finishes to help the whole space feel relaxed. One way I often enrich the space is by choosing pendant lighting or dinnerware made from brass.
Having Shea McGee’s help, I even more enthusiastically agree that using darker rugs with lighter walls in a neutral design can avoid the everyday dullness that comes with similar shades. I’ve applied this to my client work, and the results always feel elevated.
I recommend adding different accessories from season to season, like attractive throws or colorful centerpiece vases, so you don’t need to change the room’s base palette.
Glass and Metal Combinations for a Futuristic Look
Adding glass and metal pieces to a dining room gives off a bold, contemporary style. Transparency and the use of reflecting elements make this idea fit well with today’s apartment dining room designs. Light-colored paint is perfect for gaps in space which makes allocating space better in small flats.
Usually, I match a tempered glass dining table and hold it with metal legs, while the chairs are faux leather or velvet, with a simple metal frame. It’s common practice for me to install a slim linear light fixture from the ceiling using metallic tubing to unite the whole room.
In one of my projects, I drew ideas from Architectural Digest, as designer Kelly Wearstler explained how you can add bold metals in a way that’s gentle on the eye. I followed the advice by using silver framed artwork and mirrored dishes to highlight the sweep of the open areas.
A further idea is that smoked or tinted glass can expertly add some mystery without making the space look dull.
Arched Architectural Details to Frame Dining Spaces
Using arches in your dining space is a classy way to set it off without changing the room’s structure. Green plants add shape and decorate the area in a gentle, designer-like way. I found that adding temporary arch decals or decorating the edge of the area with trim molding and paint works well for marking the dining area.
The dining table is placed under the arch, sitting by curved chairs and a small round light above. Curved sofas and artwork that suggests arches help create the look. Having an arched mirror in the room stretches out the view while keeping the design theme.
I tried to recreate a style found in Elle Decor, with a cute soft cream arch set above a dining area. Because of it, the focus shifted to this area and it felt like the space was planned, regardless of how open it was.
I think adding sculptural trim around the ceiling or arch-shaped shelves can become both a useful and stylish addition to any room.
Textured Walls and Panels for Visual Interest
Adding textures to walls is a way I like using in my apartment dining area to add style using a small amount of space. Using a 3D wall panel, shiplap or Venetian plaster helps bring the area alive and centers the room’s appearance.
A lot of the time, I put in slatted wood panels finished in matte black or rich walnut behind the table. Dining areas can look much nicer when upholstered wall panels are included. They’re elegant to look at and can keep noise down to create a relaxing atmosphere. You can highlight the textures in your space with accent lights to create a boutique restaurant feel.
Fluted panels were introduced to me by designers at House Beautiful and I have put this advice into practice myself. Even in small dining areas, those vertical lines make the space look taller and more refined.
I believe another way to improve this idea would be to create removable wall panels that can be easily put up or taken down with non-destructive backing.
Artisanal Touches with Handmade Decorative Pieces
Having handmade decorative items in your dining area helps to give it personality and adds to its overall design. Ceramics, baskets and glassware made by artisans, instead of mass-produced ones, give a space more character and make it unique.
This dinner table style looks great with a ceramic decoration, rustic reclaimed wood and linen of different textures. A natural beauty is in the main room thanks to the macramé wall hanging and jute rug. If I can, I put in a shelf for some curated pottery or local handmade items.
Nate Berkus pointed out to Domino that every home expresses who its owners are. I think the same way. Whenever I can, I suggest clients purchase items they can use at home such as lovely bowls or interesting candle holders.
Spotlight different pieces by designers locally and update the room with their art each season. It creates a lively place and gives openings to local creators.
Floating Dining Shelves for an Airy, Designer Feel
A dining room can look smart and open up space with floating shelves. You can use all vertical space and still highlight your design skills with them. Because of their design, they are great for use with tableware, wine bottles or decor while still allowing the space to feel free.
More often than not, I fix floating shelves above a sideboard or straight onto the dining wall. Choose finishes that match or look good with your dining room table—dark wood with dark and light wood with light. I prefer to group items like vases, plates or books and candles together in threes,. Place strip LEDs under your tree to brighten and highlight all its parts.
In a lot of their study open dining spaces, Studio McGee prefers making use of floating shelves and I’ve picked up on that strategy. In confined dining corners, open shelves are a much better choice because heavy cabinets would be too much.
Trying hidden brackets or super slim shelves will ensure the floating shelves won’t interrupt the unity of the wall.
Soft Neutrals with Gold or Brass Accents
A splash of gold or brass highlights and soft neutrals makes every eating area in an apartment look luxurious. This method is my choice when I want the style to be gentle. Neutral decorations provide a subtle background and metallic elements bring in touch and depth.
Often in my designs, pale gray or oatmeal textures are used for the walls and seating, but I add interest by including gold-rimmed mirrors, brass-legged chairs or shades with brushed brass accents. A few gold napkin holders or brass candle holders can give your home a touch of luxury that fits well.
Often in Better Homes & Gardens, this combination is highlighted and they prove how adding brass picture frames or fixtures to a table can greatly enhance any room. Since many places I’ve designed have little natural light, I use warm metals to reflect and spread light throughout the space.
A way to enhance this idea is to continue using the same brass hardware in the same color in nearby areas.
Apartment Dining Areas With Boutique Hotel Aesthetics
Turning your apartment dining area into something like a boutique hotel makes life in your home more enjoyable. Often, I look at luxury suites for ideas, since every part of their design is chosen for a purpose. In apartments that aren’t spacious, this approach saves space and makes a simple area feel like a fancy restaurant. The overall mood is terrific because of the lighting, the textures and the way accessories are chosen.
I usually begin with a round table that is walnut or marble finished on a pedestal. I set these dining chairs together with velvet or leather seating that has gold or black metal legs to match. The right lighting layers can make a big difference—a focal fixture for the ceiling with dimmable settings helps create the right mood when accompanied by candlelight sconces or wall sconces. Having a mirror or abstract piece of art on the wall helps me create that luxury feeling from boutique hotels.
According to Veranda, luxury interior designers noted that suede, brushed metals and soft leather help set the right atmosphere in a home. I try to achieve the same thing here, selecting materials that look nice and feel luxurious.
If you really want to improve this idea, place a mini bar cart or drink station in the matching wood, so it looks nice and acts as a useful feature during entertaining.
Incorporating Indoor Trees or Sculptural Greenery
Adding plants to your small dining room gives it a new sense of liveliness. I think one indoor tree or an interesting plant can function as an art piece in your home. It makes any space taller and gives it a soft, luxurious feel you are unlikely to find with other neatly made materials. Also, adding plants to your space eliminates pollutants and relaxes your surroundings.
Often, in my apartment designs, I select fiddle leaf figs, olive trees or an areca palm. I choose a tall stone or matt ceramic planter for my tree and set it next to my dining table or at the center of a banquette. If you have little room, hanging pothos planters close to the wall helps create a lovely background.
Dwell recently discussed sculptural greenery being used more in city projects which makes designs more approachable and relaxing. I also believe this and tend to suggest snake plants or monstera to clients just beginning their indoor gardens.
It would be even better to add indirect light from beneath the tree or behind the planter, to make the space look dramatic during the night.
Designer Rugs to Define the Dining Zone
When apartments do not have walls dividing rooms, rugs are perfect for creating a separate place for dining. Picking the right rug ensures the table and chairs stay put, the room is quieter and everything looks more inviting. I usually encourage investing in one that is sized and styled to fit with the furniture and look of your space.
I prefer to use low-pile rugs with geometrical or subtle natural prints in dining areas since they don’t catch crumbs and are handy to clean. Luggage made with polypropylene or a wool mix is usually very durable. I arrange the rug so that the chair legs do not go over the rug’s edges when they are all out. The fabric of the rug is matched or set off from the furniture with different shades or patterns.
As recently featured on Apartment Therapy, designer Amber Lewis mentioned that adding two rugs or vintage Turkish designs helps create more depth in a modern home. I’ve tested both schemes and they look especially nice when uncluttered and supported by simple wood furniture.
A rug pad under my rugs prevents movement and adds comfort which clients aren’t always aware of but quickly find useful after installation.
Layered Lighting Concepts for Mood and Ambiance
The atmosphere of the dining area depends on lighting more than on function. I enhance an apartment dining area by using different lighting sources. Overhead fixtures, accent lights and ambient sources are used to give your space more layers and a particular mood. It’s especially in the evening that this way of decorating can make a room feel different.
I begin by choosing a strong light point above, fitting the size and style to the table underneath. In the next stage, I put sconces on nearby walls or track lights so I can direct the lighting. Table candles, LED votives or simple lamps on a sideboard finish the job of adding a soft layer of light. Carefully combining warm and neutral lighting is very important.
House & Garden explains that it’s wise to make lighting brighter during meals and dimmer during conversations after dinner. You should consider using dimmer switches or smart bulbs to make your lighting flexibility easier.
It would be nice to add lights in the cabinetry or on the shelves which softly highlights the space and gives every surface dimension.
Mid-Century Modern Meets Contemporary Glam
Pairing mid-century modern with contemporary glam makes the dining area in an apartment look special. The fashionable lines of mid-century furniture go well with the elegant materials of glam styling, resulting in an area that has a vintage style and is still fashionable. For me, this kind of music seems like it’s never gotten old and has only updated over time.
A walnut or teak dining table topped by tapered legs helps me bring out the charm of matching velvet or boucle dining chairs in emerald or sapphire. Details made from brass are found in fixtures, chair fittings and frames around artwork. To make it stylish, combine an old sideboard with brass legs and a large pendant above the pieces.
I found my motivation from an Lulu and Georgia article that demonstrated a similar mix of textures and brushed mirrors with mid-century shapes. I’ve applied this approach in compact apartments where each piece needs to carry both style and story.
Adding a centerpiece with mirrored or shiny accents or placing trimmed metallic furniture in the area, will intensify the glamorous look.
Floating Banquettes for Seamless Urban Elegance
Ordinary banquettes are a great space management idea and floating ones are even better. These pieces are great in small apartment dining rooms because you need every bit of space. Their location on the wall and near the ceiling ensures you have a wide room and easy seating.
I tend to make the base in a color that matches the floor or is neutral. Both the seat and the backrest can be covered in soft material for comfort, with backrests having the option to be paneled or cushioned for visual variety. With a pedestal or oval table in the middle, this setting gives each person lots of room and gives the area a cafe-like atmosphere. Having floating shelves above your banquette allows you to add both style and storage.
Sarah Sherman Samuel, an interior architect, advises in Domino that it’s important to segment open-plan areas to keep traffic fluid. That’s what it achieves—letting guests enjoy their meal from a normal table without the need for a separate room.
If I were to include additional points, I’d suggest adding under-seat storage space or drawers next to the banquette to maximize storage which can be really important in small homes.
Framed Views: Aligning Dining Tables with Window Scenes
A window scene just outside the window creates a great impact when lined up with your dining table in a small apartment. Using a bigger table helps the room appear more spacious and makes everyone more comfortable at meals. If your window looks on a landscape, garden or even a quiet street, natural light and ever-changing views give the room new energy.
For the best effect in any room, I set rectangular or oval tables either side-by-side or perpendicular to the window. Minimal chairs are used so views are not blocked for any viewers. Linen sheers and Roman blinds are popular window treatments that are breathable and let sunshine into your room. Putting a single vase or bowl on the table makes the scenery the focus, instead of the decorations.
A suggestion I got from Real Simple is to treat the scene before your camera as an element of your photograph. You can improve the look by using light drapery rods, molding with arches or adding plants. This version has worked very well in apartments located in the corners since they get much less light from outside.
I think mirrors placed against adjacent walls will enhance this idea by doubling the window’s visual impact in the room.
Bespoke Dining Furniture With Artistic Flair
If you have little space at home, I usually suggest choosing unique dining furniture to make the area stylish and comfortable. These elements that were custom made fit well in the space and make it more artistic and impressive. Because space is limited in tight layouts, combining usefulness and creative design is absolutely necessary.
I usually work with a round table customized from dark-stained oak or marble composite, with asymmetric legs and have mid-back chairs made with upholstery and arched frames in the area. I make a shelving niche by hand where you can keep bottles and glasses and it can be used as a small bar or display. With their unique design, the light fixtures on the walls both add beauty and make the dining area comfortable and welcoming.
I find that people tend to be very drawn to dining sets that seem like sculptures. Based on Architectural Digest, nowadays, many consider bespoke furnishings to be both useful and valuable. It was amazing to watch how an original table, crafted by someone from around the area, became the main focus of a tight dining area in a New York loft and reminded everyone about quality local items.
One thing I’d improve in this style is making sure there is some light storage included. A bench with drawers that are part of the unit makes the area more useful without losing style.
High-End Materials in Compact Dining Layouts
A pretty dining area with limited space requires choosing rich and special materials thoughtfully. With every inch valued in a small apartment, opting for luxurious finishes like stone, velvet or matte brass can make the place look great while remaining clean.
I recently gave a client looking for a boutique feel a Carrara marble round-top table with suede cantilevered chairs. We put herringbone walnut flooring below the space and brought up matte black wall shelves with handmade ceramics displayed on them. Using a combination of stone, wood and textile resulted in depth without overcrowding the space.
I believe clients like it best when there are only essential pieces, but they’re well-made and will last for years. Elle Decor often showcases how even a single material like honed marble can completely redefine a space’s tone when used in the right proportions. It’s best to limit the choices and let the different textures stand out.
My recommendation here is to use mellow lighting such as a pendant with smoke glass or LEDs positioned below your shelves which can highlight all the different materials.
Innovative Dividers to Separate and Highlight Dining
I’ve usually relied on functional and stylish dividers to help create a dining space in an open apartment layout. They’re not meant to hide anything, but rather to highlight and praise your living space. If you creatively section the area, the dining table will become intentional and attractively shaped.
In my projects, I enjoy working with wood partitions and smoked glass panels fixed vertically. Adding screens with woven leather or mesh to your living room helps create a touch of texture and preserves the area’s openness. A long, open-backed shelving unit full of books or ceramics can separate the dining room from a nearby kitchen and living room.
In my opinion, how we design space is crucial. The magazine Dwell taught that using dividers in the right places helps to open and organize a home’s living space. I’ve noticed apartments where the addition of a freestanding brass frame full of transparent acrylic panels has transformed the dining space by adding privacy without making it fully hidden.
Just a quick note: I believe putting a rug under the dining table, adding a coordinating pattern, will visually mark the area and make it more inviting. Another way is to add a pendant or spotlight directly above the space to make it stand out from above.
Apartment Dining Spaces Inspired by Gallery Interiors
Galleries in condos often have a classic look, thanks to straight edges, carefully picked lighting and a simplified color scheme. I find that this unique design works best in apartments with low space or restricted walls.
I typically recommend using matte white or soft gray walls, accompanied by a narrow solid surface table (stone or resin) with sleek legs. If you choose dining chairs upholstered in a single color, for example molded fiberglass or linen-wrapped ones, the design will feel like something out of a museum. Putting track lighting above the table allows one to light wall art, using the wall like a background for an exhibition.
You can truly feel the person’s personality in this style. I’ve noticed many friends and clients put up general-edition prints or photos above their dining sets, so their guests can enjoy a meal in a carefully decorated setting. As Dezeen reports, gallery-inspired spaces bring emotional peace and allow users to better enjoy the design details. I’ve found that this is a concept many creative people I collaborate with agree with.
Adding a piece of velvet cushion on a chair or a festive ceramic centerpiece on the table will make the room less formal and more habitable.
Choosing the right items for your dining area requires thought to match how you want it to look and how you want to use it. Whether you’re working with high-end materials or creative space dividers, there’s always a way to make your dining space both practical and beautiful. Do you have a favorite way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day? Leave a comment below—we’d love to hear how you’ve styled your own apartment dining area!
