Save on Space with These 17 Small Dining Tables (2024)

Save on Space with These 17 Small Dining Tables (1)

When you’re living in a small space, it’s easy to skip buying a dining table and eat your meals at your kitchen counter or on the couch. But the best small dining tables can create a separate dining area without eating up too much valuable square footage.

No matter what size dining table you’re shopping for, you want to consider your overall room size and style and how many people will be dining with you on a regular basis. With a small dining table, maybe you really only need one seat for daily use, but you’d appreciate an expanding option to accommodate a few more friends for game nights or book club dinners.

“Measuring (and re-measuring) is always important when shopping for furniture, but when you're working with a smaller space, every inch counts,” says Kathy Kuo, interior designer and founder of Kathy Kuo Home. “You really don't want to wind up with a table too large for your space. And don't forget to also measure the height and clearance to make sure your preferred dining chairs will fit.”

For the best small dining tables, our suggestions span 48 inches or smaller for the tabletop. This should be just enough space for dinner plates and a few serving dishes, but this size won’t feel overwhelming in a smaller home or apartment.

Aside from measuring for space, shape plays an important role. Square or rectangle tables can be pushed against a wall to save space, but round tables are often considered more space-efficient while also allowing for conversation to flow among all diners. Of course, you also don’t want to neglect style, so you might consider modern, traditional, or the ever-trendy midcentury-modern options, too.

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Why You Should Get It

  • This table is made with high-quality materials at a budget-friendly price, and it shifts from a smaller round table to a larger oval table to seat more guests.

Keep in Mind

  • There is no built-in storage for the center panel, so you’ll have to store it separately from the table when you’re not using it.

The Astrid Mid-Century Round Extendable Dining Table from Threshold meets several criteria for a reliable table, and that’s why we’ve crowned it as the overall winner for the best small dining tables. The price is budget-friendly, and the round-to-oval shape is particularly space-efficient. This table comes in three color options: a light wood, a warmer brown finish, or black, so it can mesh well with any style, not just midcentury modern decor.

While it’s not always easy to find solid wood furniture at an affordable price, that’s not the case here. This table is made entirely from rubberwood, from the table frame to the tabletop. Thanks to the drop-in panel that slots into the center, the table can seat two to four people comfortably, with room left for a vase of flowers or a few serving dishes.

The leaf needs to be stored separately from the table, which can be a hassle when you are limited on space. Fortunately, the leaf is only about 12 inches wide, so it isn’t too difficult to find a place to hide it. Chairs are sold separately.

Product Details: Dimensions: 40 x 30 x 40 inches (unextended); 52 x 30 x 40 inches (extended) | Material: Solid rubberwood | Seating Capacity: Two to four | Shape: Round, oval

Why You Should Get It

  • The pop-out leaf makes it easy to save space or accommodate another guest as needed.

Keep in Mind

  • Even extended, this will only fit two or three people comfortably.

Many extendable small dining tables use a flat leaf that is stored separately from the table, which isn’t always ideal in small spaces. If you’re short on storage space, a drop-leaf table like this pick from Charlton Home may be a good fit. When it’s not in use, the panel drops down and stays attached to the table, so you won’t need to find a storage spot for the leaf.

The rectangular shape is helpful if you need to push the table against the wall to free up additional floor space, while the rounded leaf offers extra room to seat a third guest.

This table comes in two color options: black and a white frame with a natural wood tabletop. While this solid wood table does expand, even when the leaf is raised, it will only comfortably seat up to three people.

Product Details: Dimensions: 39 x 29 x 30 inches (not expanded); 43.75 x 29 x 30 inches (expanded); | Material: Solid rubberwood | Seating Capacity: One to three | Shape: Square or oval

Why You Should Get It

  • This is a table that will grow with you, as it can be built into six different configurations to seat from one to 12 people.

Keep in Mind

  • Unused panels need to be stashed away separately.

The Transformer Table is certainly a splurge, but it’s incredibly versatile as it can be built into six different table sizes. At its smallest size, it resembles a console table, so you can use it as an entryway console table or beside the couch as a side table. It can expand to seat four, six, eight, 10, or a whopping 12 people when you add the included panels.

This table is made from solid wood that is treated to better protect against heat, scratches, and water. This piece of furniture, while expensive upfront, can give you a good cost per use. This should last you a lifetime, and the brand includes a lifetime warranty to guarantee it.

The silhouette is minimalist, but the table comes in six finish options, including a very light Canadian birch, a warm American walnut, and a modern smoked hickory.

One drawback to keep in mind is that when any number of the five extra tabletop panels aren’t in use, they need to be stored separately. Also, this table doesn’t include seating with the price, although the company sells similarly extendable benches separately or in bundles with the table.

Product Details: Dimensions: 37.5 x 30 x 18 inches (smallest configuration); 37.5 x 30 x 118 inches (largest configuration) | Material: Solid wood | Seating Capacity: One to 12 | Shape: Rectangle

Why You Should Get It

  • The legs include adjustable feet to ensure the table stays even.

Keep in Mind

  • While the base looks like wood, it’s actually made of metal.

A glass tabletop can help make a room look more open since it’s not as visually obstructing, but this trick works best when paired with a sculptural, attractive base. The Aunnika dining table has a midcentury modern look with its angled, faux wood legs (which are actually made from metal) and a thin glass top. Because the tabletop is glass, though, you’ll want to invest in some attractive placemats or trivets before placing a hot plate or serving dish down on the tabletop.

The steel base is durable and sturdy, but it has a walnut finish for a more natural look that will match most chair materials that you decide to pair with the table. The table, which spans just under 40 inches, fits up to four people.

Product Details: Dimensions: 39 x 30 x 39 inches | Material: Steel, glass | Seating Capacity: Two to four | Shape: Round

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Why You Should Get It

  • This counter-height table is compact but includes four stashable stools and multiple color options.

Keep in Mind

  • The included stools don’t have backs, so they aren’t the most comfortable seating option and may not be ideal for kids.

Small space-dwellers know the value of going vertical as it's a great way to maximize tight square footage. That principle rings true with this counter-height dining set, which has four small stools that stash underneath the tall table when not in use. This space-saving design makes room for four diners, but the tabletop can double as a desk or countertop when you’re not seated to eat.

If you’re concerned about finding a table that suits your style, this table is also a good option. It comes in several finishes, including a black or white faux marble, rustic wood, and light or dark wood options.

One thing to note is that the stools may not be comfortable for everyone because of the lack of back support, and tall bar stools aren’t a great seating option for small children.

Product Details: Dimensions: 47.24 x 36.42 x 23.62 inches | Material: MDF, metal | Seating Capacity: Four | Shape: Rectangle

Why You Should Get It

  • The table marries modern and classic styles, and it is made with quality materials like real marble and steel.

Keep in Mind

  • Carrara marble requires special care to prevent etching or discoloration.

Modern interior design tends to incorporate sleek materials and minimalist silhouettes, which is exactly the case for the Erno table from Article. The combination of a brass-colored steel pedestal and real Carrera marble tabletop is both modern and timeless, so it will still be on-trend many years from now.

The Carrara marble tabletop makes this table more of an investment piece, and the material requires special care. You’ll want to keep coasters easily accessible, as marble is a porous stone. Spills will need to be wiped quickly with gentle cleaners to avoid etching or discoloration on the surface. But that extra TLC is worth the energy—well-maintained marble can last many decades.

Product Details: Dimensions: 43 x 29 x 43 inches | Material: Carrera marble, steel, plywood | Seating Capacity: Two to four | Shape: Round

Why You Should Get It

  • This versatile furniture piece can fold down into a small sideboard or out into a dining table to seat four comfortably.

Keep in Mind

  • There isn’t a spot to store chairs or stools when the table is in its sideboard form.

If your home is short on storage, you’ll find plenty of it in the center of the Kennet table from West Elm. It has two open shelves, great for displaying cookbooks or ceramic dishes. There’s also a drawer and a closed compartment with an adjustable shelf to stash additional items, like your favorite placemats, linen napkins, and other dining essentials.

This table has a drop-leaf on each side to seat additional people. With both sides down, you can style it against a wall as a sideboard table with storage. When you extend both drop-leaf sides, the table spans 60 inches and seats four.

The table frame is made from solid wood, while the tabletop, shelves, and doors are made from engineered wood with a veneer finish. As an added bonus, West Elm offers a white glove delivery service so you don’t have to pull out your tool kit and to set up the table.

Product Details: Dimensions: 20.25 x 29.5 x 32 inches (unexpanded); 60 x 32 x 29.5 inches (expanded) | Material: Solid wood, engineered wood | Seating Capacity: Two to four | Shape: Rectangle

Why You Should Get It

  • This square table pulls double-duty with central storage, including a space to hang wine glasses.

Keep in Mind

  • The central storage may limit leg room.

To make the most of a space, furniture that doubles as storage is key. That’s why the Edwinton table makes the list of our best small dining tables. This square table is just under 48 inches lengthwise, but it sits at counter-height to make more space for its central base with storage.

The open center won’t hide things away, but it is great for holding extra plates, cookbooks, or other pieces you don’t mind putting on display. As a bonus, underneath the table is a stemware rack, so you can also stow wine glasses.

This bonus storage space makes this table more functional for a small space, but keep in mind that the larger central storage can limit leg room, especially when four people are seated. The table also only comes in one color, espresso, which might not be suitable for all decor styles.

You won’t need to assemble the table yourself as it comes with white glove delivery service. It also comes with a one-year warranty.

Product Details: Dimensions: 47.25 x 35.75 x 47.25 inches | Material: Solid wood; MDF | Seating Capacity: Four | Shape: Square

Why You Should Get It

  • The table is sturdy with an intricately carved pedestal base.

Keep in Mind

  • The blue and mocha colorway may look different than the listing photo, depending on the lighting in your home.

The Cambridge Place dining table offers a classic look without taking up much space, thanks to the 42-inch round tabletop. The two-tone color, available in either mocha and blue or mocha and a warm white, makes this table look like it belongs in a charming cafe.

The thick pedestal is strong and sturdy, but it leaves plenty of space for guests to stretch their legs. Plus, it features an ornate, carved design for visual appeal.

If you’re hoping to find a specific blue color to match your existing decor, keep in mind that the blue and mocha option for this table can look more green in certain lighting. If you’re concerned, you might opt for the warmer white table instead.

Product Details: Dimensions: 42 x 30 x 42 inches | Material: Wood | Seating Capacity: Four | Shape: Round

Why You Should Get It

  • This dining table has a rustic look and solid construction, with an interesting pedestal that offers visual appeal.

Keep in Mind

  • The solid wood base makes this table fairly heavy, weighing about 92 pounds.

While modern and midcentury modern styles dominate the market for smaller dining tables, you can still find great options that tap into a more rustic feel. Whether you’re decorating the cottagecore space of your dreams or want something to blend with modern farmhouse decor, a small rustic dining table will fit the bill.

This table is charmingly rustic, with a vintage black or ashwood finish. The pedestal style allows for more leg room and a sturdy base, and the unique construction resembles support beams in an agricultural building.

While the pedestal and frame are made from solid rubberwood for durability, the tabletop is made with engineered wood but finished to mimic natural wood grain. At over 92 pounds, this table is pretty heavy, too. Once you find the perfect spot for it, you might not want to move it around much.

Product Details: Dimensions: 47.25 x 31.5 x 47.25 inches | Material: Solid wood, engineered wood | Seating Capacity: Two to four | Shape: Round

Why You Should Get It

  • Each 12-inch leaf can expand, so the table can sit two, four, or even six people comfortably.

Keep in Mind

  • The natural mango wood tabletop needs extra care to prevent staining and scratching.

Rather than the round, drop-leaf table you remember from your grandparents’ dining room, this more modern version is rectangular. With both leaves down, it’s a small and stylish square dining table to fit even the smallest spaces. With one leaf up, four people can sit around the table for dinner with elbow room to spare. Prop up both leaves, and you can even fit six people around this surprisingly spacious table.

The design features dark bronze-coated steel legs and a solid mango wood tabletop for a modern yet versatile appearance. The legs are thin, offering more space for people to sprawl out. This is also a more sustainable pick, as the wood is taken from mango trees that no longer produce fruit.

The natural wood will require some care to avoid damage, such as being diligent with coaster and placemat use and wiping up any spills as soon as they happen.

Product Details: Dimensions: 24 x 32 x 30 inches (not expanded); 48 x 30 x 32 inches (expanded) | Material: Solid mango wood and steel | Seating Capacity: Two to six | Shape: Rectangle

Why You Should Get It

  • This table is a statement piece designed to last many years.

Keep in Mind

  • The table weighs 193 pounds, so it may be difficult to move if you want to rearrange furniture.

A pedestal dining table has one central base, rather than three or four legs. The pedestal is great for opening up leg room beneath the table and making the table visually look like it takes up less space. But it also offers a chance to make a statement, which is exactly what the Winslow Pedestal Dining Table does. The pedestal is thick and clad in wood-finished slats, which comes in beige, light brown, and beige with a white marble top.

The table comes in a round shape with a 48 inch diameter, which is enough to fit four people comfortably. Despite its small size, the table is quite heavy at 193 pounds, which you’ll want keep in mind if you plan on moving or rearranging your furniture in the future. However, it does come with white glove delivery, so you won't need to assemble the table yourself.

Product Details: Dimensions: 48 x 30 x 48 inches | Material: Rubberwood veneer | Seating Capacity: Four | Shape: Round

Why You Should Get It

  • This small dining table combines style, quality, fair-trade materials, and functionality.

Keep in Mind

  • The veneer top is vulnerable to heat, so keep trivets handy for serving dishes.

If you want a table with a classic and timeless design, consider the midcentury expandable dining table from West Elm. The wood finish will suit most interior styles, but the best feature of this table is the extending tabletop. A separate, drop-in leaf fits into the center of the table, expanding it from 39 inches long to 55 inches long.

The table frame is made from kiln-dried, solid eucalyptus wood, so it is durable enough to last many years. The wood is Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified, giving it some points for sustainability. The table is also made in a factory that is Fair Trade Certified.

There are a couple things to consider before purchasing, though. The leaf that extends the table doesn’t store in the table, so you will need some space in a closet or spare room to stash it. And while the table frame is made from solid wood, the top has a veneer that is sensitive to heat.

Product Details: Dimensions: 39 x 32 x 30 inches (unexpanded); 55 x 32 x 30 (expanded) | Material: Solid eucalyptus, engineered wood top with walnut veneer | Seating Capacity: Two to four | Shape: Rectangle

Why You Should Get It

  • This midcentury modern table is budget-friendly and easy to assemble but looks like a high-end vintage score.

Keep in Mind

  • Angled legs, popular in midcentury modern furniture, work best when placed away from a wall.

Midcentury modern decor, first popular in 1940s to the 1960s, has had a major resurgence in recent years. That’s likely because it combines a warm, natural style with functionality—an ideal combination for the best small dining tables. This Weston table from Living Spaces has a classic look to suit most decor styles, but the square shape with rounded edges helps boost its functionality.

The shape may best be described as “squoval” as it offers the best of both worlds for round and square tables. It’s squared enough that it can nudge up against a wall when you only need one or two seats accessible, and the rounded edges offer the look and feel of a space-efficient, round table.

The Weston table is made from solid rubberwood for strength and durability, and the finish is an acacia wood veneer, a standard look for midcentury modern furniture. As such, it should blend well with any other existing midcentury modern decor you may have. An added bonus is that this table is easy to assemble on your own.

Product Details: Dimensions: 40 x 30.3 x 40 inches | Material: Rubber wood, MDF | Seating Capacity: Two to four | Shape: Square with rounded edges

Why You Should Get It

  • The chairs nestle snugly into the table frame when not in use to save space.

Keep in Mind

  • The small, low-back chairs won’t be the most comfortable option for everyone.

Chairs that tuck into a table can save a lot of space in smaller homes when no one is using the dining table. That’s the case for the Latitude Run compact dining set, one of the best small dining tables if you want to maximize your floor space. The four wood, padded chairs tuck into the table, with the back of each chair fitting into the edges of the tabletop like a puzzle.

The set comes with four dining chairs and a 42-inch table in white, gray, or walnut tones, so it’s easy to find a set that will match your decor. The walnut set has chairs with faux leather, while the gray and white colorways have fabric coverings for the seats. The chairs have extra-low backs and small seats to save space, but this can be uncomfortable for some diners, especially if dinnertime conversation goes on for a long time.

Product Details: Dimensions: 41.3 x 29.6 x 41.3 inches | Material: Solid rubberwood, MDF | Seating Capacity: Four | Shape: Round

Why You Should Get It

  • The aluminum set is durable but still lightweight for easy transport.

Keep in Mind

  • It only comes in bright teal, which may not fit every style.

When shopping for an outdoor dining table, material is an important consideration. If the table will be outside in inclement weather, it needs to be durable enough to withstand heat, sunlight, rain, and snow. This lattice-patterned bistro set from The Pioneer Woman is rust- and fade-resistant to withstand multiple seasons of use. The set is made of aluminum, which makes the pieces durable yet still lightweight for easy transport around your patio or inside during the colder months.

We tested this table ourselves and didn’t notice any wear, even after heavy rain and hot summer days. While the bistro-sized tabletop isn’t big enough to eat an entire meal, it’s just the right size to set down drinks, snacks, or a light meal. The chairs are also on the smaller side, but we still found them supportive.

Keep in mind, the table only comes in bright teal, which may not fit in every patio design.

Product Details: Dimensions: 23.6 x 26.5 x 23.6 inches | Material: Aluminum | Seating Capacity: Two | Shape: Round

Why You Should Get It

  • At just 30 inches, this brightly colored table will fit just about anywhere.

Keep in Mind

  • This table will only fit one or two people comfortably.

To make the most of a small space, this 30-inch, round bistro table from Urban Outfitters will do the trick. The slender pedestal offers a little more leg room for this ultra-small table. What makes this metal table stand out is the color and pattern. It comes in a vibrant green or orange color with cutouts that resemble light rays from the sun.

As a bistro table, this isn’t meant to fit four people for dinner. Instead, it works best for one or two people enjoying some mugs of coffee and snacks. Although this table is rated for indoor or outdoor use, the manufacturer recommends storing it inside or covering it during rain or snow.

Product Details: Dimensions: 30 x 30 x 30 inches | Material: Metal | Seating Capacity: One to two | Shape: Round

The Bottom Line

We chose the Threshold Astrid Mid-Century Round Extendable Dining Table as the overall best small dining table. We liked that this round table can extend into a longer oval shape to fit more guests comfortably, and the solid wood construction is built to last. While the design is certainly midcentury modern, the multiple color options allow this table to camouflage into most interior styles. As an added bonus, this table comes at a lower price point than many similar tables on the market.

What to Know About Small Dining Tables Before Shopping

When shopping for the best small dining tables, there are several factors you should consider before deciding on the one that seems right for your home. The size is obviously important when you’re working within a smaller space, but everything from the shape to the material can help make your space look bigger and feel more functional.

Style

When shopping for the best small dining tables, don’t forget to consider style. While it’s tempting to spring for the smallest or least expensive option out there, you also want to find a table that will work with your space.

For farmhouse decor, a more rustic style or tables with a natural wood finish will look best, while midcentury modern fans will appreciate a minimalist table with angled legs in a walnut- or acorn-colored finish.

With style, you should keep in mind the location and shape of the table legs, as these can impact leg room for diners. Plus, the right table legs can make a room look more open and larger. For example, hairpin legs allow more light through to provide a more open and airy look.

“Pedestal bases allow for more leg room, while trestle and four-legged bases offer stability, especially if the surface is heavy,” explains Artem Kropovinsky, an interior designer and founder at Arsight.

Material

The material can really shift the look of your space and determine the durability and functionality of your table. For instance, a glass table can make your dining area look larger by eliminating visual blocks, but glass may not last as long as a solid wood table.

“Materials play a pivotal role,” Kropovinsky says. “For longevity, consider solid woods like oak, walnut, or teak. They age gracefully, growing richer with time.”

You can also experiment with tables that utilize multiple materials to not only maximize durability but also create more visual interest.

“For a small table, we like to find one that visually packs a lot of punch, either with a mix of materials or a single statement material,” says Tama Bell, interior designer and founder of Tama Bell Design. “Often, we like a combination of metal and marble or stone or a beautiful wood species. When it is smaller, we want it to feel special and create a design impact for leveled-up scale.”

Seating Capacity

A small dining table is typically going to service four or fewer people, but that doesn’t mean you have to be cramped together. Features like a drop-leaf or extendable dining tables can give each diner more elbow room, plus extra surface area for serving dishes.

If you need a small dining table for just yourself or you and a partner, look for options that seat two to four people. If you want to entertain from time to time, or you’re looking to invest in a table that can adapt as your life changes in the future, opt for an expanding table that will seat four to six people.

Shape

Dining tables often come in round or rectangular shapes, although you can also find more triangular tables or organic shapes, too. But when it comes to finding the best small dining tables to fit into a tight area, circular tables and square or rectangular tables are the most efficient.

Without sharp corners, round tables have less limitations on the number of seats, so you can usually fit more people comfortably at a round table. However, if you want to maximize floor space, a square or rectangular table can be placed against a wall or in a corner, sacrificing a seat or two in favor of more space when you have fewer people dining at the table.

Your Questions, Answered

How many people can sit at a small dining table?

A small dining table will usually accommodate two to four people. A small dining table accommodating four or fewer people is commonly about 48 to 60 inches on the tabletop. A table seating six or more guests should be about 78 inches or longer. Then, when you are ready to arrange the chairs, aim to leave about 24 inches between each chair to give each diner plenty of elbow room.

How far should a dining table be from the wall?

The dining room table should be about 42 to 48 inches away from the wall if you plan to use all sides of the table. This gives plenty of space to pull the chairs out and for guests to sit comfortably. However, if you are really tight on space but still want to use all sides of the table, leave at least 18 inches of space between the dining table and the wall.

What dining table shape is best for small spaces?

The best dining table shape for small spaces is typically round. Round dining tables have less surface area, so they take up less space. If you are looking for a round table that is particularly space-efficient, consider a round pedestal dining table. The single, central leg offers more leg room while taking up less space.

Who We Are

Paige Bennett is a freelance writer and editor with over six years of experience researching and reviewing home, food, and beauty products for a variety of brands and publications. To choose the best small dining tables for this article, Paige considered size, shape, material, seating capacity, functionality, and customer reviews. Paige also interviewed interior designers Kathy Kuo, Artem Kropovinsky, and Tama Bell for insights on shopping for small dining tables.

Save on Space with These 17 Small Dining Tables (2024)

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