I have an ongoing debate with an interior designer colleague about whether it’s better to have one dining area or two. If two, you usually have a formal dining room with a small dining table in the kitchen that accommodates two, four, or six people.
I like the large open-concept design with one main dining area, but our current home has a formal dining room with a small dining table in the kitchen. We almost always eat in the kitchen around the smaller table that accommodates the four of us. The best kitchen table for small spaces is one that meets all your needs without taking up too much room.
If you’re looking for a space-saving dining table for your kitchen, I have put together a guide to the best dining tables that are available for small spaces.
My Top Kitchen Tables for Small Spaces
Before I dive into my reviews of each table, here’s a quick overview of the tables, how many people can fit at each, and some of their standout features:
| Dining Table | Seating Configuration | Features |
| Stumptown Ales | 3-piece set | Walnut, small storage space underneath |
| Sunset Trading | 3-piece with drop-leaf table | Malaysian Oak, Arrowback chairs |
| Baxton Studio Andrew | 5-piece set | Expresso wood table, beige fabric seating material |
| Rudder | 3-piece set | Two benches slide under table when not in use |
| Creative Images International | 3-piece set | Glass-top table |
| Dorel Living Valerie | 3-piece set | Bistro look |
| Nelson Corner Breakfast Nook with Bench | 6-piece set | Seats up to six people with bench, seat, and nook |
| Orleans | 3-piece set | Walnut, vintage look |
| Arcadia | 5-piece set | Counter height, expresso finish with slat back stools |
| Crosley | 3-piece set | Pub style, tapered legs, and x-back stools |
| Weston Home Lexington | 5-piece set | Round dining table seats up to four people |
| Slingsbury Industrial | 3-piece set | Triple-metal legs with matching dining chairs |
| Target Marketing Systems Tiffany | 3-piece with drop-leaf table | Oval table with x-back stools |
| West Line | 3-piece set | Oval table, faux leather seats |
Throughout the guide, I’ve organized the tables either by the material they’re made of or their shape.
Wood Tables
1. Stumptown Ales 3-Piece Dining Set
This dining table option is made out of genuine walnut wood. It’s an excellent choice for a more sophisticated dining room design. The small dining table is thin yet strong and designed for two people. The top layer of the manufactured wood table opens to create even more space and a small storage area underneath.
Pros:
- Beautiful walnut wood
- Small storage space underneath
- Firm and durable
Cons:
- Some have had issues with the assembly
- No cushions, if you want to get picky
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2. Sunset Trading 3-Piece Drop Leaf Dining Set
A dining table for two people made out of Malaysian oak, which on its own sounds pretty awesome and possesses a beauty that is easily apparent. Choose between cherry, oak, and walnut finishes for a wonderfully polished tabletop. Equipped with two arrowback chairs, this table has a traditional look with classic comfort and is very suitable for small spaces.
Pros:
- Excellent wood finish
- Comfortable seating
- Drop-leaves
Cons:
- No notable downsides
Rectangular Dining Tables
1. Baxton Studio Andrew Contemporary Espresso Wood Beige Fabric 5-Piece
Choose a calming gray for your chair color, or if you like cream in your espresso, opt for the beautiful beige. At about two and a half feet, the table is as long as it is high, perfectly suitable for a small room. Slightly minimalistic with seating for four, the set will look both contemporary and stylish in small spaces.
Pros:
- Clean, minimalist design
- Seats four comfortably
Cons:
- Some assembly
- Mildly uncomfortable seating
2. Rudder 3-Piece
The two benches slide completely out of the way right underneath the table, making this unit an excellent choice for those with small space requirements.
The interior designer in me thinks the design is too basic, but the metal frame is sleek, minimal, and sturdy. For brighter, more open rooms, you can also have everything in white. This type of table would be an excellent complement to the right small space, but it isn’t exactly universal in its applications.
Pros:
- Space-saver
- Sturdy assembly
Cons:
- Not extremely stylish
Glass Tables
1. 3-Piece Dining Set from Creative Images International
This dining table will provide a stunning focal point in a small space. Sophisticated and super stylish, this glass-top dining table is the perfect setting for a dinner party.
The dining room table is absolutely begging for a glass of wine, filet mignon, and other dining essentials. The hardwood underneath provides stability and maximum legroom for dinner guests.
Pros:
- Comfortable seating
- Dinner party sophistication
Cons:
- Expensive
2. Dorel Living Valerie 3-Piece
This table is counter-height, and the curvature of the legs adds a certain sophistication. It’s a wonderful choice for a couple in search of a bistro look. I could see this design working in the kitchen or living room of an apartment.
Pros:
- Clean, airy look
- Sturdy frame
Cons:
- Difficult assembly
- Chairs don’t push in completely
Square Tables
1. Nelson Corner Breakfast Nook Set with Bench
Square tables are fairly flexible when furnishing a small room, and this little dining nook has everything a breakfast bar should have: comfort, class, and finish. Its unique and flexible design makes a small footprint but provides a big impact as a focal point of our home furniture.
Though slightly compact, the table comfortably seats six people by utilizing a bench and a chair in a nook.
Pros:
- Modern look
- Flexible and unique design
Cons:
- Not everybody’s taste
- Questionable quality
2. Orleans 3-Piece
This is an excellent and spacious dining table for a couple or a small group. The walnut finish gives it a vintage look, and you could definitely do some serious arts and crafts on this table. The set includes seating for two and an option for two more.
The Orleans tabletop is about three feet long and runs a little bit on the heavy side. It arrives fully assembled.
Pros:
- Vintage look
- Solid and sturdy
- Little to no assembly
Cons:
- Heavy
- Actual color slightly different than pictured
Counter-Height Tables
1. Arcadia 5-Piece Counter Height
With an “espresso” finish and a more traditional design, this counter-height dining table is suitable for basically any small spaces that can fit up to four chairs.
Feel free to put a centerpiece both above and below the table where there is a built-in shelf for either decoration or storage.
Pros:
- Efficient use of small spaces
- Shelf underneath
Cons:
- Slightly cramped legroom
2. Crosley 3-Piece Pub Dining Set
This traditional hardwood table is available in three different styles, so it is complementary to a wider range of small spaces. The height of the table is freeing for your legs, and the closeness makes it perfect for couples. The beautiful cross-back chairs fit nicely with the table’s tapered legs.
Pros:
- Hardwood
- Small footprint
Cons:
- Tabletop may get marks or scratches easily
Circular Tables
1. Weston Home Lexington 5-Piece
Choose from four different colors in this Weston Home dining set with a traditional round table. The variety of colors and finishes gives you more flexibility when decorating small spaces.
As far as circular tables go, this one is perfect for small spaces. The various color options make this an extremely versatile dining table, while the rubberwood makes it durable. It’s perfect for a family of four to dine comfortably.
Pros:
- Multiple finish options
- Exceptional colors
Cons:
- Round tables can be difficult to place
2. Slingsbury Industrial 3-Piece
This dining set is an excellently crafted combination of metal and wood in which each of the elements complements the other. The triple-metal legs make the tabletop sturdy. It’s the perfect table for small spaces.
Pros:
- Metal and wood
- Strong build
- Genuine material
Cons:
- None that stand out
Oval Tables
1. Target Marketing Systems Tiffany 3-Piece Dining Table Set
The drop-leaf table is a classic design that gives you more flexibility in small spaces. Open up the extendable table for even more room in a small dining area.
This expandable dining table fits snugly against the wall and makes a perfect breakfast or snacking spot. Add a flower, dim the lighting, and this small space suddenly transforms into a personal and romantic dining experience.
Pros:
- Drop-leaf
- Classic design
Cons:
- Weak material
- Scratches easily
2. West Line 3-Piece Dining Set
This is an excellent dining table that comes with seating for two but can accommodate up to six people. The long oval-shaped dining table creates a multipurpose surface that goes beyond simply eating; it would make an excellent study table or even a game table.
The seats are faux leather but comfortable and durable with quilted stitching. They are wide, but the openness underneath the table allows them to slide in.
Pros:
- Multipurpose surface
- Accommodates six people
Cons:
- Not sturdy construction
Frequently Asked Questions
What Kind of Table is Best for a Small Kitchen?
The best table will maximize the available space while providing a functional area for dining essentials. Types of small dining tables that work well in tight spaces include drop-leaf dining tables, wall-mounted or floating dining tables, pedestal dining tables, round dining tables, bar or counter-height dining tables, extendable dining tables, nook or banquette seating, island with seating, and trolley or cart tables.
What Shape Table is Best for a Small Space?
When choosing a table shape for a small space, it’s essential to consider functionality, flexibility, traffic flow, and the shape of the room. Round or square, rectangular tables with drop-leaf options, wall-mounted or floating tables, and oval tables all have their advantages depending on the space.
How to Place a Dining Table in a Small Kitchen?
Placing a dining table in a small space requires a mix of practicality and creativity. As an interior designer, I make the dining area feel integrated with the design scheme while maintaining function and traffic flow. You can even experiment with some special spatial considerations, such as placing the table against a wall or using transparent furniture. Less is more. It’s better to keep the small space as open as possible and bring in more items as needed.
Conclusion
Selecting the right dining table for a small space doesn’t mean compromising on design, function, or comfort. The dining tables highlighted in this article illustrate best kitchen table for small spacesguidelines that will help you find the best fit for a compact area.
