The right home furnishings can transform a small, cramped dining room space, making it practical, comfortable and inviting.
Don’t let the challenges of decorating a small dining area stop you from entertaining family and friends. Make the most of your limited square footage and showcase your style with these smart, space-maximizing tips.
No. 1: Start with the Dining Table
A simple round dining table with a pedestal base is a good choice for a small room. Look for one with removable extension leaves or drop-down sides, as it will allow you to easily accommodate groups of different sizes.
No. 2: Choose Space-Saving Seating
Armed dining chairs are bulky and take up tons of floor space. Slender armless chairs are a better option – you’ll be able to squeeze more friends and family around the table if your chairs are on the smaller side.
No. 3: Add Flexible Home Furnishings
For the balance of your dining room furniture, choose pieces that can multitask. A corner hutch can display your china at the top and store your linens out of sight in the lower drawers or cabinets. A storage bench is another smart multitasker, giving you extra seating along with space to house your essentials.
No. 4: Hang Simple Window Coverings
Ornate, fussy swags and valances can overpower a small dining room. Choose simple panels instead for a streamlined look. And, you may want to hang them above the windows – mounting the curtain rod near the ceiling can make the space feel taller and less cramped.
No. 5: Select a Limited Color Scheme
Too many colors can make a dining room seem hectic. Stick to two main colors and one accent color throughout the space for a calmer, more harmonious look. Not all the home furnishings need to be a solid shade, but steer clear of using busy patterns in large amounts.
No. 6: Let in the Light
Lighting up a small space can make it feel more expansive. Hang an interesting compact ceiling light or low-profile chandelier over the dining table, and illuminate the dark corners with wall sconces. For maximum effect, strategically place mirrors on the walls.
No. 7: Go Easy with Decorative Accessories
A dining room without decorative accessories isn’t warm and welcoming, so you need special touches that express your individual style. Rather than displaying multiple small photos, artwork and knick-knacks, however, select a few large-scale accessories to keep the space from looking too cluttered.
Would you like more expert interior design tips? The professional design staff at Guild Hall Home Furniture Store can offer personalized advice for decorating your small dining room. For inspiration and help selecting the right home furnishings, visit our Salt Lake City showroom today.
