Selecting the right furniture for your dining room can make a huge difference in how spacious and inviting the room feels. The goal is to choose pieces that maximize the sense of openness while providing ample storage and seating. With some strategic planning, you can create a dining area that feels larger than its actual square footage.
Use Glass and Transparent Materials
Glass is magical when it comes to opening up small dining spaces. Glass table tops, for instance, allow you to see the floor underneath which makes the room appear more expansive. Glass front cabinets are another excellent choice – they provide needed storage without blocking views or making the room feel closed in. Consider a glass chandelier as well to allow light to filter through. Mirrors are another transparent material that can lend a spacious feel when strategically placed.
Go for Round or Oval Shapes
The shape of your dining table can impact how large your dining room feels. Round and oval tables with curved edges have an open appearance compared to boxy rectangular shapes. A circular glass table is ideal for creating a flowing, roomy aesthetic. Pedestal bases also expose more floor space as opposed to tables with wide, chunky legs. If you need to seat a large group, two oval tables pushed together can deliver that spacious round look.
Choose Light Colors
Lighter colors naturally make spaces feel more open and airy. Paint your dining room walls a soft, neutral hue like greige, airy blue or light tan. White is another excellent choice that reflects light and keeps the space feeling bright. For furnishings, stick to lighter woods, painted finishes or transparent acrylic chairs. You want materials that don’t appear heavy or dark. A pale area rug under the dining table can also lend an expansive look.
Maximize Vertical Space
Draw the eye upward with tall furnishings and architectural details. Floor-to-ceiling drapes, a statement chandelier and high-back dining chairs all work to expand the sense of vertical space. If your dining room has high ceilings, install curtain rods or art near the top to capitalize on the height.Floating shelves are another way to lead the eye up and create the illusion of a loftier room.
Keep Furniture Minimal
No matter the size of your dining area, less is more when it comes to furnishings. Too many pieces can make the space feel cluttered and smaller. Stick to the essentials – a table, 4-6 chairs and a china cabinet or buffet for serving. If space allows, consider a slim console table behind the dining table for visual interest against the wall. But in general, limit accents and accessories to keep things clean and open.
Add Architectural Interest
Structural elements like columns, artwork niches and stately moldings all lend visual intrigue while playing up a room’s sense of grandeur. If your dining room has any unique architectural details, highlight them. Wall sconces and track lighting also draw attention upward, expanding the perceived space. Minimal furnishing allows these striking design aspects to shine.
Extend Space with Mirrors
Mirrors effectively double the feeling of depth in any room. In a small dining area, strategically place mirrors to create the illusion of a larger space. Position a statement mirror above a credenza or sideboard to expand the view. You can also hang mirrors opposite windows to reflect light and views outdoors. The reflective quality makes the dining room feel bigger both visually and energetically.
Use a Rug to Define the Space
Rugs work wonders at delineating a dining area within an open floor plan. An area rug underneath the table and chairs provides clear spatial boundaries so the dining zone doesn’t feel squished. Make sure the rug is large enough that furniture legs sit on it rather than floating off. The rug visually expands the footprint of the dining space for a roomier feel.
Incorporate Hidden Storage
Maximize every inch of your dining room for concealed storage. Bench seating with lift-up tops offer seating and sly spots to stash extra serving pieces, tablecloths and dining accessories. A console table behind the dining table can provide cabinet storage as well as a perfect buffet staging area. Sideboards and hutches are designed specifically for expanding your dining storage options while retaining an airy feel.
Accent with Plants
The vibrant energy of living plants does wonders for opening up indoor spaces. Greenery in the dining room instantly livens both the mood and aesthetics. Place taller leafy plants like dracaena or palms in the corners to draw the eye up. Low pots of trailing ivy or philodendron skirting the perimeter add freshness without clutter. A pair of trees makes a stylish statement flanking a console or sideboard.
Let in Natural Light
Abundant natural light instantly makes any room feel more expansive. Remove heavy drapes and shades to allow light from windows to flow freely into your dining space. To balance privacy and illumination, install sheers or blinds with adjustable slats. Position the table near the windows to bathe diners in light. Wall sconces and pendant fixtures provide ambiance for evening while maintaining an airy feel.
Create Contrast with the Wall Color
Playing with color blocking is a clever visual trick for small spaces. If you have a single accent wall, paint it a dramatically darker or lighter color than the other dining room walls. The contrast frames the accent wall while the color recedes, expanding the perceived space. An all-white dining room gains dimension with one deep charcoal gray wall. Bold color choices showcase your personal style in a smaller footprint.
| Furniture Type | Space Maximizing Options |
|---|---|
| Dining Table | – Round or oval shape |
| – Glass top | |
| – Minimal or no base | |
| Dining Chairs | – Clear acrylic or transparent |
| – Upholstered backs, open underneath | |
| – Armless | |
| Storage | – Glass front cabinets |
| – Console tables | |
| – Sideboards | |
| – Bench seating with storage |
Conclusion
It’s possible to make a small dining area feel open, breathable and expansive. The key is furniture that doesn’t visually weigh the space down coupled with light colors and strategic use of glass and mirrors. Clever storage solutions like benches and consoles also streamline clutter without confinement. With the right furnishings and a bit of creativity, you can transform even the most petite dining room into a comfortable, inviting space.
