I gotta hand it to my couch — it’s getting some serious butt time! I binge-watch Vanderpump Rules on that thing every evening (#TeamAriana), and I even WFH on my couch when I’ve had enough of working at my bedroom desk and want to snuggle up under a cozy blanket with my dog. But it doesn’t end there, folks. As I only have a teeny-tiny apartment, I’ve also been eating breakfast, lunch, and dinner sitting on my couch, off my coffee table as I don’t have a dining room. Sure, I have a space in my living room that’s probably meant to be filled with a dining room table — but do I use it for that purpose? Nah. Well, your girl is about to change as she's been researching dining tables for small spaces.
Quick Menu:
1. Modern
2. Extendable
3. Drop-leaf
Yep, in an effort to become more of an *adult* I’ve decided to stop my couch-induced hunchback in its tracks and eat like a real person! Hooray!!!!! Of course, I’ve had to be a little picky when choosing a dining table for my rental, as I only have a small space to work with. I can’t have anything too big, and I’ve been searching for something that has space-saving qualities that mean I can tuck it away if I decide to throw a rager with all of my friends (okay, a small party for five).
Thankfully, I’ve searched the internet for small dining tables so you don’t have to! Prepare to make me your new bestie, because I’ve found everything from small modern dining room tables to drop-leaf and extendable dining tables. Yep, I’ve covered it all, and I’m convinced that you’ll find the PERFECT dining room table for your small rental below.
The best dining tables for small spaces
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Modern dining tables for small spaces
Think you have to sacrifice style and modern luxury when buying a small dining table? Think again, y’all. There are so many modern dining tables out there, and they’ll all fit perfectly in a small dining room, or in the nook of your living room if you don’t have a separate space. These things are modern and functional and are great if you’re someone who really loves to turn your rental into a home and splash your personality everywhere. So, carry on living your best modern life with these modern dining tables for small spaces, you trendsetter!
Made from: Glass, Iron
Size (in.): H29.5 x D31.5 x L47.2
Seats: 4
Price: $199.99
I mean, how cute is this modern dining table? Not only is the glass top with the gold legs A VIBE, but the make-up of this table is absolutely perfect for those who are working with a small space. Being able to see through glass instantly makes a room feel bigger, and the open trestle base and tripod construction of the legs are also super roomy — giving you more space for your legs, and more space for general dining activity! And if you want to upgrade your dining space even further, match up your modern dining table with a modern rug. You know you want to.
Made from: Concrete, Glass
Size (in.): H30.9 x D30
Seats: 2
Price: $399
If you’re looking for a stand-out piece for your rental apartment, then look no further! I am totally obsessed with this small Urban Outfitters dining table, and what I love the most is that I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like it before. With a quirky base made from literal concrete (what the heck?!), this table is topped off with glass to create a modern addition to any home. As it’s a bistro table, there’s only really room for two people here — but you could probably squeeze three dining room chairs if you really wanted to.
Made from: MDF, Metal
Size (in.): H36 x W36.2 x D19.3
Seats: 2
Price: $135.99
Have I just found you a small modern dining room table that ticks every single box? Yuh-huh, I think so! Not only is this table being sold for a bargain price, but it’s not just a table. This 3-piece set comes complete with a bar table AND two stools! And as if that wasn’t enough, the table also comes with three shelves, which makes it a perfect option if you’re in need of some extra storage. The whole shape of this set is super modern, and you can also configure this set in a way that works specifically for your small space.
Extendable dining tables for small spaces
Okay, okay. You probably think of your grandma’s house when you think of extendable dining tables, but we’ve gone through an extendable dining room table revolution since your Gam-Gam bought her ugly thing back in the 1940s! Not only are these tables now super chic and stylish, but they’re amazing for those who don’t have a lot of space to work with. Although you can keep these tables small when you’re dining solo or with your housemate, you can also extend them when you need a little extra space! And we love that flexibility for a small space, right?
Made from: Wood
Size (in.): H29.5 x W47-63 x D31.4
Seats: 6 - 8
Price: $217
I love a white dining room, and this would be the perfect li’l addition to a white dining room, right? But thankfully, it’s not *too* little. Although this space-saving dinner table is nice and compact — while still offering enough space for you and your besties — it also expands! By pulling out the extendable leaf in the middle of this table, you can instantly have eight seats at your disposal. And if you’re not a fan of the marble effect (even though it’s beaut), there are a few different styles and color options to choose from.
Made from: MDF Veneer Acacia, Rubber Wood, Poplar Wood
Size (in.): H30 x W42 x L42-58
Seats: 4 - 6
Price: $501
Ugh, natural wood tables are timelessly classic. And if you’re into the farmhouse vibe, this probably tickles your pickle. It features a round tabletop, which is perfect to create clean and constant lines in a small space and is made from some seriously durable wood that will last a lifetime. But the best bit? It’s super easy to insert the 16” leaf into the center of the table, and this will turn your round dining table into an oval table that’s ready and raring to seat 6 people. Sure, it’s a little pricier than some of the other tables for small spaces in this guide, but how could you turn down the beauty of poplar wood?
Made from: Wood
Size (in.): H30 x W36 x L60-72
Seats: 4 - 6
Price: $330
Just look at those rounded edges, y’all. Ooh, they’re some good rounded edges! Yep, this sleek and sophisticated extendable dining table will look perfect in any small space, and without giant legs taking up too much space, your room will instantly look bigger. But that doesn’t mean that you have to turn away your dinner guests. Extended, this table can comfortably sit 6 (!!!!) people. And personally, I love seeing the grain that really shines with natural wood color. But if you’re looking to add a darker shade to your mid-century modern room, this extendable dining table also comes in black or brown!
Drop-leaf dining tables for small spaces
I’m the BIGGEST drop-leaf dining table fan, as these really do hit the nail on the head when it comes to practicality and functionality in a small space. Not only can they be made smaller and bigger depending on how you want to use them, but most drop-leaf tables give you the benefit of having a dining room table with at least one flat side. This means that you can shove it against a wall to keep it out of the way! Genius, right?
Made from: Wood
Size (in.): H29.1 x D31.5 x W9-55.1
Seats: 4 - 6
Price: $179.99
This amazing dining table has not one… but two drop leaves! It really has taken space-saving up a level, and you can’t deny that it’s pretty cute?! But the main reason why I’m totally buggin’ over this drop-leaf table is the fact that it’s SO versatile. In its smallest form, you could shove it against a wall and have the perfect li'l breakfast nook for one or two people. In its slightly bigger form, you have a small table with space for four chairs. And in its biggest form, you have space for 6 people! But it doesn’t even stop there. This table also has two center shelves for extra storage!
Made from: Wood
Size (in.): H26 x W30 x L30-43.75
Seats: 4
Price: $134.99
You can never go wrong with a classic black dining table, can you? No, I thought not. And if you’re looking for a simple-but-effective black dining table that offers so much more additional surface space, then Target has got you covered. Not only is this dining table for small spaces an absolute STEAL, but it’s also a great size. If you’re just eating your breakfast by yourself, you can place the square table up against a wall out of the way. But when your pals come around and you need some extra space, you can flip up the drop-leaf addition and seat 4 pretty comfortably. How cute would this table look with a monochrome rug underneath it? So chic.
Made from: Wood
Size (in.): D23.5 x L31.5
Seats: 2
Price: $77.99
I get that drilling holes into a wall is a major no-no for some renters. But if you have a nice landlord (they exist, right?) that allows you to do what you please, then this wall-mounted drop-leaf table could be your saving grace. Without any legs to contend with, you can just attach this table to the wall and save some extra space in the rest of the room. And while it’s perfect for those who only need space for two, the kicker with this product is that it can also be folded into a storage shelf when you don’t need it as a dining table! So clever.
FAQs
What dining tables are best for small spaces?
There are so many different styles of space-saving dining room tables out there, but there are a few specifics that these tables often follow. Tables that measure around 60 inches in diameter are best when you want to comfortably seat four people around the table, but obviously, you can go smaller if you prefer to dine solo. And when it comes to size, dining tables for small spaces are almost always round. Without corners to bump into, this shape also creates on continuous flow for the eye to follow, making a room look much bigger than it actually is. But if you can’t find a round dining room table that you like, why not opt for a drop-leaf style instead? This way, you can push it up against the wall!
How do you maximize space in a small dining room?
If you have a dining room in your apartment, no matter how small it may be, it can be easy to fall into bad habits of using this space to store your things. But professional declutterer and organizer Catherine Hamilton-Cooper (AKA Declutter Bird) wants you to stop doing that RIGHT NOW. She told me that it’s always best to “organize for your space, not your stuff.” Of course, that doesn’t mean that you can’t store *some* things in your small dining room, but the main focus should be on making sure your small dining room table and chairs take up the most space. “You can have the most wonderful storage solutions, but if you are trying to store and fit in far too many items for the space you have, it’s never going to work and your room will look cluttered,” says Catherine. And before you start buying storage, this organizing queen wants you to “thoroughly declutter and keep only what you really need, use and love, and consider if your dining room is the rightful ‘home’ of each item you are keeping.” Yep, she knows what she’s talking about, folks.
How we chose these small dining tables
All of the dining tables for small spaces in this guide have been chosen because the Real Homes team believes they are some of the best on the market. We always make sure to choose ones that are rated highly by customers and those that won’t break the bank.
Where to buy a small dining table
Still looking for the best dining room table for your small space? Check out our favorite retailers below.