How to Stylishly Add a Dining Setup to Your Small Living Room (2024)

Just because your living room is small doesn't mean you can't work a dining table into the mix. Small apartment dwellers have become masters at carving out nooks for eating and entertaining. Below we're sharing 20 of our favorite small living rooms with dining tables. You might be in the market for a bistro table for just one or two people. Or you might want a table that can accommodate more guests. Regardless, the ideas below will inspire you to incorporate a table into your small space stylishly and effectively.

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Go Monochrome

If you don't want your dining table to take up much visual space in your living room, opt for a color or material that corresponds with some of your other furniture. Doing this will ensure that it doesn't stand out significantly. Here, a white plaster bistro table blends in nicely. It feels like it's barely there while still serving its purpose.
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Maximize Window Views

If you have a large bay window or a row of windows in your living room, that would be an ideal spot for a table. Its low height won't block the sunlight from streaming in, and you can appreciate the view outside as you sit and sip your morning coffee.
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Curl Up With a Book

Placing a table next to your bookshelf is an excellent idea, too. It might inspire you to enjoy a good read as you dine solo or take a mid-day lunch break. You can even pretend you're relaxing in your very own coffee shop.
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Cozy Up Your Space

If you're worried about your table looking harsh next to your living room accents, consider cozying up your dining chairs with sheepskin. This simple, affordable hack adds an instant softness to this nook.
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Design a Joint Bar and Dining Setup

Placing your dining table beside a bar cart or table makes for easy entertaining. When guests come over, let them know they're welcome to help themselves to a refill whenever they wish.
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Opt for Pieces That Complement Your Existing Furniture

Make sure that the dining table you choose complements your living room's aesthetic. In this space, a black table and set of wishbone chairs coordinate beautifully with the tall black bookcase and picture frames behind it.
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Set Up a Table for Two

A petite bistro table is a good option for those who reside solo, don't eat at home much, or simply don't have much space to work with. Set out two chairs so that you can still host a friend now and then.
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Design a Hybrid Work/Dining Space

If your dining table doubles as a workspace by day, set it up to inspire maximum productivity. Make sure the area is distraction-free and in a nook that evokes calmness. In this space, a sconce above the table makes it easy to work and read even when it's gloomy outside.
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Incorporate Chic Accents

Decorate your tabletop with accessories and accent pieces. Here, brass candle holders complement the living room's brass picture frame, lamp, and light fixtures. You can absolutely never go wrong with fresh flowers in a classic vase. Also, the pink spiral candles add a fun touch.
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Opt for Extra Seating

If entertaining is important to you, note that many small-sized tables can still accommodate up to four chairs. This setup proves that you don't need a ton of square footage to host a dinner party.
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See Also
55 small living room ideas that will maximise any tiny space
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Pull Up a Chair

At The Parker, these dining chairs are positioned perfectly for entertaining, allowing guests at the table to interact with guests in the main living room. Having enough seating for friends can always be an issue, so creative layout solutions like these always come in handy.
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Maximize Your Entryway

Setting up your table in the entryway allows it to double as a console table for keys and mail. Just remember to quickly clear it off at the end of every day so you can still sit and dine comfortably.
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Divide and Conquer

Consider splitting up your living room so that one half serves as a makeshift dining room. You probably need less space than you think for your sofa and coffee table. This way, you can easily enjoy the best of both worlds.
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Scatter Your Living Room Accents

This cozy dining area incorporates a blanket ladder, round mirror, and table lamp, which help to bridge the gap between the living room and dining room.
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Have Fun With Favorite Colors and Materials

Choose a table and chair set that speaks to you. Why not have a little fun with pink and marble, for example? By no means do today's dining setups need to be ultra- serious. Consider styling the table with a funky vase and dried flowers.
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Place the Table Behind Your Couch

Use your couch to divide the main living area of your space from the dining area. In this example, the couch is positioned for easy TV watching and lounging, while the dining table has a separate section.
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Work a Credenza Into the Mix

To ensure your eating area blends well with your living room, style a credenza with accessories that reflect your aesthetic. These accents don't have to be dining related. Here, a vase, stack of books, and table lamp are the perfect accessories.
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Try This Open Floor Plan Trick

Here is another example of a dining table placed behind a sofa, which helps to break up this room's open floor plan. This table features two chairs as well as a cushioned sofa-like booth.
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Bridge a Gap

Again, this open floor plan features a kitchen and living room combo. Placing a table between the two spaces helps to make them appear more cohesive.
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Keep It Close

This square dining table is close to the living room's seating area making it excellent for entertaining. Fill the table with drinks and snacks, and allow guests to serve themselves with ease as they lounge on the couch.