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It’s a cruel joke, trying to make a small dining space both stylish and functional” at the same time. I’ve been there myself, cramming all the chairs together, knocking over dishes and asking myself if it is just me being hopeless, or was my dream dining room actually a dream.
You happened to be very lucky because I’ve tested and approved 10 game changing ways of turning your small dining area into a functional space that I will discuss in this blog. I’ve got tricks for awkward layouts, zero storage and the struggle of eating in a space that somewhere feels too big for your small dining table. And the best part? These can be pulled off without needing to hire an interior design company in Dubai. It doesn’t take much creativity and perhaps a swing by IKEA to get you around the Christmas dilemma you’re feeling right now. Let’s do this!
10 Genius Ways to Make Your Tiny Dining Room Work Like Magic
- The “Floating Wonder” – Wall-Mounted Tables
Image source: https://invisiblebed.com/products/wall-mounted-dining-study-table
There’s no reason to take up valuable flooring space when you can mount your dining table to the wall. At first it made me sceptical, but getting a wall mounted drop leaf table was the best thing I ever did. When I don’t need it, I simply fold it down to free up space. Moreover, it reminds me that I actually live in one of those fancy tiny homes on Pinterest.
Budget: 80 AED to 200 AED
- The “Multi-Tasking MVP” – Benches with Storage
Image source: https://www.bhg.com/kitchen/eat-in-kitchen/banquette-bench-storage/
Benches are not just for aesthetics; they’re more like storage ninjas. There used to be a lot of random kitchen gadgets, linens, extra plates and more in my space. I then got a bench with storage and suddenly, I had a place to store my clutter. Bonus: It seats more people than chairs ever could, so when my friends come over, they don’t have to go for the person who got there first.
Budget: 150 AED to 300 AED
- The “Disappearing Act” – Foldable Chairs & Tables
Image source: https://ksagar.com/?k=351156515
If it folds, it stays. That’s my rule. These clunky, heavy chairs occupied so much space; even when nobody was sitting in them. Now? I have nice, smooth, foldable chairs that I can squash on a wall or in a corner when I don’t use them. I do not trip over chairs anymore and my space just feels immediately bigger. Win-win
Budget: 100 AED to 250 AED
- The “Mirror Magic” – Optical Illusions for Days
Image source: https://homebliss.in/home-interiors-decor/8-cool-mirror-makeover-ideas/
Trust me, mirrors work just like magic. I put a big old’ mirror on my dining room wall, and luckily all of a sudden, my small space appeared to be a respectable double the size. The glow up to my dining room was like overnight. Both will give you extra light bouncing around, making the room super airy, should you place it across from a window.
Budget: 70 AED to 200 AED
- The “No Rug, No Problem” – Zone with Lighting Instead
Image source: https://haroldelectricals.com/products/harold-electricals-golden-crystal-hanging-light-set-of-3-for-living-room-and-home-decor
Others find that a rug defines a space. Using lighting is what I’d say I would rather do. Working fairy lights, a stylish pendant light or even some fairy lights can define the dining area and work well to give it a cosy, separate vibe while still consuming no space. Rugs are a hassle, especially since I’m a messy eater, it’s like one wine spill and all cleaning becomes a big nightmare.
Budget: 50 AED to 180 AED
- The “See-Through Trick” – Glass & Acrylic Furniture
Image source: https://micropure.co.in/?m=454954912
A trick I learned: if you can see through it, it doesn’t visually clutter the space. That is why I got rid of my heavy wooden table and replaced it with a glass one. It feels almost invisible, yet I still have a functional spot to eat, work, and pretend I have my life together.
Budget: 200 AED to 500 AED
- The “Wall Wizardry” – Vertical Storage Wins
Image source: https://www.houzz.in/magazine/clever-storage-spaces-in-dining-rooms-stsetivw-vs~98836556
Floating shelves were a significant change—not for my whole life, but definitely for my dining space. Instead of leaving my table clogged with condiments, napkins, and who knows what else, I added up a few shelves on the wall and all of a sudden everything had a home. My two favourite things, stylistically and functionally speaking, it looks good.
Budget: 60 AED to 150 AED
- The “Skinny Queen” – Slim & Narrow Tables
Image source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/557813103845096972/
Newsflash: You don’t need a giant, clunky table for a proper dining setup. I was also able to get my hands on a slim, narrow table and its chef’s kiss perfect. It fills against the wall, avoids getting in the way of walkways, and still holds an audience when I need it.
Budget: 180 AED to 400 AED
- The “Corner Conqueror” – Built-In Seating
Image source: https://www.bhg.com/rooms/dining-room/themes/small-space-dining-room-decorating-ideas/
Create a corner if you have one. I had such a mess in my dining nook before I finally caved and constructed a bench in said dining nook. It’s just needing some DIY effort (and maybe a drywall obscenity every now and again) that can create a cozy little corner that’s thoughtful and wall space saving. Totally worth it.
Budget: 250 AED to 600 AED (or DIY: 150 AED to 300 AED)
- The “Barely There” – Minimalist Magic
Image source: https://www.designcafe.com/blog/dining-room-interiors/minimalist-dining-room-designs/
The truth of the matter: as you accumulate stuff, your space starts to feel smaller! My dining area was cluttered with random decorations and extra chairs once I used to have centrepieces. When I decluttered and I only kept what I used, my space went big straight away. Forget it if it doesn’t accomplish something.
Budget: 0 AED (Just get rid of junk!)
Final Thoughts
However small your space, your dining place should work for you at the end of the day. I had the house, filled with bulky furniture and lots of unnecessary decor to prove that it doesn’t make it stylish with clutter. However, once I adopted a space saving approach with furniture, some sneaky storage hacks and a bit less is more attitude, my room was still a dining area, but at least it felt intentional, cozy and even lovely (for real).
Therefore, if you’re stuck, size does not matter, smart design does. If you want pro level results without losing your sense of strategies, you can always hit the Interior designer in Dubai to strike magic. However, if you’re like me and are a fan of DIY win then … Truth be told, you have everything you need to transform your small dining room into a totally big vibe. Now go make it happen!
