The Best Kitchen Table Ideas For Dining In Small Spaces

As far as we're concerned, small space dwellers are some of the savviest design enthusiasts around. After all, it's difficult to fit your belongings into a place where square footage is limited. And to do it all with style? Now that's a feat worth celebrating.

You might've figured out how to incorporate vintage decor or store a lifetime's worth of stuff in your teeny, tiny quarters, but you're probably still stumped on what to do about a kitchen table. While you sometimes need a surface to rest your cup of coffee or a heaping bowl of spaghetti (other than the countertop), conventional dining tables take up a lot of floor space.

Want to make the most of your place? We're sharing small kitchen table ideas, the best online shopping destinations for affordable styles, and a few of our favorite picks, below.

1. Use a folding table.

Ready to put your DIY muscles to work? Consider incorporating a pullout table into your built-in cabinetry. It's out of sight (and out of mind) when you need extra floor space but can turn into a desk or small kitchen table at a moment's notice. Let Katie and Eric from Mountain Modern Life show you how it's done with their stylish home on wheels.

​Get the look​: Design Within Reach Flip Table, $1,685

It's Pretty Nice

Depending on the style, some small kitchen tables have bulky bases that ultimately take up ​a lot​ of space. Lisa from It's Pretty Nice dares to defy gravity by installing a floating kitchen table. The open space will make it seem like you have more room. Or you can place bins or stacks of retro cookbooks where the base should be for added storage.

​Get the look​: Latitude Run Clarabelle Drop Leaf Dining Table, $199.99

Little House Big City

A breakfast nook has been on our wish list for as long as we can remember. (You know, along with an open-concept floor plan, bay window, and exposed brick walls.) But just because you're working with a small space doesn't mean you have to kiss your design dreams goodbye. Create a compact dinette with a round dining table and slim benches. Bonus points if your seating has a dedicated space for storage á la this setup belonging to Chloe Joy from Little House Big City.

​Get the look​: Andover Mills Breakfast Nook Dining Set, $469.99

Kitty Cotten

For every space-wasting kitchen table, there are a handful of chairs taking up even more precious real estate. If you're looking to decrease your dining set's overall square footage, purchase chairs or barstools that can comfortably nest under your table. Kitty Cotten's rustic, multimedia combination gives the dining area a modern farmhouse look while remaining incredibly functional.

​Get the look​: Trent Austin Design Counter Height Dining Set, $249.99

Bonjour Vintage

If you want a convertible small kitchen table — but aren't looking to start a DIY project — take a cue from Madeleine over at Bonjour Vintage and invest in a drop-leaf option. Known for its space-saving powers, this style takes up less real estate than most dining room tables. And when you have guests over, you can add the leaf and turn it into an extendable dining table to make room for your loved ones.

​Get the look​: Three Posts Ketter Drop Leaf Dining Table, $409.99

Ready to buy your own small kitchen table? Here are five trusted shopping destinations to get you started.

​West Elm:​ You know and love West Elm for its sleek, midcentury-inspired pieces, so it shouldn't come as a surprise that the store also has an extensive array of drop-leaf tables — the perfect piece for anyone who loves to host family and friends.

​Wayfair:​ With hundreds — if not thousands — of small kitchen tables and regular discounts, you'll have no problem finding a style that appeals to your budget and design aesthetic.

​Article:​ Yes, there is such a thing as too many options. Thanks to its ultra-curated inventory and direct-to-consumer business model, Article streamlines the entire shopping process from start to finish. You can shop these sleek, small kitchen tables from the comfort of your sofa — and have your pick delivered right to your doorstep in no time.

​The Home Depot:​ While you may think of The Home Depot as a one-stop shop for your latest renovation project, the truth is that the mega-retailer has an impressive home decor section, too. From drop-leaf surfaces to bistro tables, and everything in between, there's bound to be something for your home.

​IKEA:​ From floating surfaces to folding kitchen tables, IKEA always brings its practical, Scandinavian A-game to the world of small spaces.

1. West Elm White Marble Round Bistro Table, $499

West Elm

Sometimes it can be tough to find modern tables for small spaces, but this pedestal table is exactly what you need for fun brunches and afternoon teatime. This perfect-height dining table is also great for you and your partner to share a moment over a meal without crowding your kitchen with hefty furniture. Plus, the neutral marble design will pair well with all of your decorating ideas.

2. West Elm Midcentury Oval Expandable Dining Table, $699-$799

West Elm

Looking for a small dining table that's super functional? This solid wood table is ideal for your midcentury modern dining area. Host dinner parties or create a gathering space for the whole family to share a mid-day lunch. Its sleek design makes it ideal for either a compact kitchen or small dining room.

3. Ktaxon 3-Piece Dining Set with Wine Rack, $109.99

Walmart

If you're looking to furnish a very small kitchen, a bistro table is definitely your best bet. This dining set includes two chairs and a compact table, making it ideal for your daily meal needs. Put this set near a well-lit window and create the dreamy breakfast nook that you've wanted for years.

4. East West Furniture 3-piece Small Kitchen Table Set, $725.99

Overstock

You will adore this solid wood piece if you're looking for a warmer, classic dining set. Place it in your kitchen or dining room to complement a country-chic aesthetic. Add some fresh flowers to the wood top so you can decorate your kitchen without using up precious space.

5. Article Seno Walnut Rectangular Bar Table, $469

Article

This solid wood pub table will create a great vibe in your small space. Pair it with darker, moodier colors to create a modern space, or snag some minimalist stools to truly lean into the midcentury modern aesthetic. You can also repurpose this versatile table in your living room or use it as a mini-desk.

6. Driness Grey Drop Leaf Table, $338.99

Overstock

Drop leaf tables are ideal for compact spaces as they can easily fold up or down, depending on how much surface space you need. Use this model in your kitchen or dining room depending on your unique floor plan and make hosting dinner parties a breeze. In terms of decorating ideas, find some minimal chairs and place your favorite bottle of wine in the center to make your kitchen look oh-so-sophisticated.

7. West Elm Box Frame Drop Leaf Expandable Table, $649

West Elm

Transform your dining space or small kitchen with this wood-top kitchen table. Its sleek silhouette is ideal for a compact space as it won't feel heavy in tight corners. By pairing it with some comfortable kitchen chairs, you'll be on your way to a cozy breakfast nook.

8. Oren Ellis Besednice Dining Table, $353.99

Wayfair

Nothing opens up a compact space quite like glass. Go ultra-modern with this small dining table and discover how easy decorating your kitchen can be. The metal legs give this piece a bit of pizzazz, so you can create an aesthetic that feels unique.

9. Red Barrel Studio Breakfast Nook Dining Set, $779.99

Wayfair

Share some casual moments with this light-colored dining nook. It will brighten up your dining space, allowing the energy of the compact room to feel more open. And as a bonus, the corner seats lift up, offering extra storage. If you enjoy a pop of color and comfort, be sure to add your favorite pillows to the nook for a little extra warmth.

10. World Market Glavin Cafeteria Table, $999.99

World Market

The Glavin Cafeteria Table is a throwback to old-school cafeterias, with dark wood, black finishes, and seats that swivel out from below. When not in use, the stools tuck perfectly into place directly under the table. This option allows for more tabletop surface area since you're saving space with the included, tucked-away seats.

11. George Oliver Stalcup Dining Set, $799.99

Wayfair

Don't forfeit your style for space. If you're someone who needs a pop of color, look towards this dining set that features a modern, marble-inspired dining table and vibrant green chairs that tuck nicely under the corners of the table.

12. Litfad Mid-Century Modern Folding Dining Table, $783.58

Litfad

Optimize your space by going modular with your kitchen table. This selection from Litfad reworks itself, creating unique tables in varying sizes to fit each day's specific needs. When not in use, both leaves can be folded down and placed against a wall, with the pedestal base becoming extra storage. For an everyday meal, you can place the base against the wall and pull up one side. And, for a full dinner party, unfold each side to reveal a complete dining table.

13. Homary Modern Folding Dining Table with 4 Chairs, $1,099.99

Homary

At a slightly higher price point, this drop-leaf folding table from Homary includes a coordinating set of chairs. Similar to the selection from Litfad, this table can be reworked and refolded to become the table you need at any given moment, whether that be no table, a small three-top against the wall, or a full-range dining table. And if you're worried about four chairs taking up too much space, don't! The chairs can be folded up and placed in their designated storage place under the table.

14. MM Melisen Wall Mounted Folding Table, $109.99

Amazon

This wall-mounted folding table available on Amazon is ideal for smaller spaces and smaller groups, whether that be a solo breakfast or a dinner for two. The versatile option can fold down when not in use and can double as a desk or kitchen table. And, though we don't anticipate your dinner getting up to 110 pounds, this floating table ​could​ hold it!