Adding custom storage was a big part of the renovation of this 1950s home, including creating spaces to show off some quirky vintage accessories such as transistor radios, old cameras, homemade treasures and travel souvenirs (such as these little wooden camels from Morocco and London Black Cab).

Photography of Double Concrete House

Dariusz Boron Studio

Photos by Dariusz Boron Architecture by Inter Urban Studios
Photo of a small midcentury dining room in London with white walls, brown floor and dark hardwood floors.

'Big Bang' White Oak Extendable Butterfly Leaf Dining Table

Casa Dega Design

The Big Bang dining table is based on our classic Vega table, but with a surprising new twist. Big Bang is extendable to accommodate more guests, with center storage for two fold-out butterfly table leaves, tucked out of sight. Collapsed, Big Bang measures 50”x50” to accommodate daily life in our client’s small dining nook, but expands to either 72” or 94” when needed. Big Bang was originally commissioned in white oak, but is available in all of our solid wood materials. Several coats of hand-applied clear finish accentuate Big Bangs natural wood surface & add a layer of extra protection. The Big Bang is a physical theory that describes how the universe… and this table, expanded. Material: White Oak Collapsed Dimensions: 50”L x 50”W x 30”H Extendable Dimensions: (1) 72" or (2) 94" Tabletop thickness: 1.5” Finish: Natural clear coat Build & Interior design by SD Design Studio, Furnishings by Casa Fox Studio, captured by Nader Essa Photography.

Transitional Dining Room

mimodo architects

Small transitional dining room in London with white walls, no fireplace and grey floor.

Villa à Garches I

KAST DESIGN

This is an example of a small contemporary open plan dining in Paris with white walls, light hardwood floors, no fireplace and brown floor.

Studio parisien - Trocadéro / Paris 16ème

E.G Home Concept

Ici l'espace repas fait aussi office de bureau! la table console se déplie en largeur et peut ainsi recevoir jusqu'à 6 convives mais également être utilisée comme bureau confortable pour l'étudiante qui occupe les lieux. La pièce de vie est séparée de l'espace nuit par un ensemble de menuiseries sur mesure comprenant une niche ouverte avec prises intégrées et un claustra de séparation graphique et aéré pour une perception d'espace optimale et graphique (papier peint en arrière plan)

Midcentury Caribbean Home

Cathie Hong Interiors

This artistic and design-forward family approached us at the beginning of the pandemic with a design prompt to blend their love of midcentury modern design with their Caribbean roots. With her parents originating from Trinidad & Tobago and his parents from Jamaica, they wanted their home to be an authentic representation of their heritage, with a midcentury modern twist. We found inspiration from a colorful Trinidad & Tobago tourism poster that they already owned and carried the tropical colors throughout the house — rich blues in the main bathroom, deep greens and oranges in the powder bathroom, mustard yellow in the dining room and guest bathroom, and sage green in the kitchen. This project was featured on Dwell in January 2022.

A Rural Renovation

BAKER POSEY DESIGN

We created this built-in dining nook, under the second story addition of the master bath
This is an example of a small traditional dining room in Philadelphia with white walls, medium hardwood floors and brown floor.

Logan Square: Dickens

Lugbill Designs

Photo of a small transitional dining room in Chicago with white walls, medium hardwood floors, no fireplace and brown floor.

Meridian Makeover

Tristan Gary Designs

We wanted to tie the bar into the kitchen so we created a built in bench (with storage) for the dining room area.
Photo of a small transitional dining room in Seattle with white walls and light hardwood floors.

Hollywood Actor's Off Grid Tiny Home

Tru Form Tiny

Designed by Malia Schultheis and built by Tru Form Tiny. This Tiny Home features Blue stained pine for the ceiling, pine wall boards in white, custom barn door, custom steel work throughout, and modern minimalist window trim in fir. This table folds down and away.

20 Spring Mill Rd

James Rae Designs

Inspiration for a small contemporary separate dining room in Indianapolis with white walls, dark hardwood floors, no fireplace and brown floor.

Vivienda turistica en Madrid

Aristides Gomez Sanz

Inspiration for a small contemporary kitchen/dining combo in Other with white walls, light hardwood floors and beige floor.

Alta Vista

Amity Worrel & Co.

Design ideas for a small mediterranean dining room in Austin with white walls, concrete floors, no fireplace and grey floor.

GRANT PARK GUT

WYNTER HOUSE DESIGNS | Whitney Jones

©Jeff Herr Photography, Inc.
This is an example of a small transitional open plan dining in Atlanta with white walls, dark hardwood floors, no fireplace and brown floor.

Mequon Lower Level Refresh

Brakefield Design Collective

Photo of a small contemporary separate dining room in New York with white walls, dark hardwood floors and brown floor.

Shepherdstown, Contemporary, Modern Farmhouse in the forest

Fine Line Home Design LLC

Small contemporary open plan dining in DC Metro with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a metal fireplace surround and brown floor.

Greenville Kitchen Renovation

Amanda Louise Interiors

Photo of a small eclectic kitchen/dining combo in Other with white walls.

River

Brandon Architects, Inc.

Design ideas for a small contemporary dining room in Orange County with white walls, no fireplace and grey floor.

Grand View

CxS Designs

Photo of a small beach style dining room in Other with white walls, light hardwood floors and no fireplace.

Small Dining Room Design Ideas with White Walls

A dining room can be used for casual dining, integrated into an open plan and connected to the living and kitchen areas; or as a formal space reserved solely for entertaining. While it may not be used frequently, it is a great focal point in the home, and requires little furnishings. Here's what you need to consider before you start planning a new dining room...

How will you use your dining room?

First, consider how frequently you will use the space. If you plan on using your dining room on a daily basis, a casual dining set-up with sturdy, long-lasting furniture is best. As for where you position it – well, any unused space in the home can be converted into a casual dining space, whether it be at the end of a kitchen island, or at the bottom of the stairs. A formal dining room, on the other hand, is more suited to a dedicated space, which is more common in heritage homes where space originally wasn’t at a premium. Perhaps you want your dining room to multi-task and accommodate everyday meals, homework sessions and grown-up dinner parties… If that’s the case, furniture is key. Look for versatile dining tables in either Australian or New Zealand hardwood or weathered timber for a more rustic look. These won’t show up sticky fingerprints as much and can be dressed up for guests.

What size and shape should your dining table be?

Your dining table should be able to seat all family members with some room for additional guests – each person should have at least 60 centimetres of space at the table. The right size, however, also depends on how much room you have. A general rule of thumb is to leave no less than 1 metre from the dining table to the wall or any additional furniture, so people have enough room to comfortably move around the space. Rectangular dining tables are versatile and can work in a variety of settings, while oval dining tables are more traditional and can turn any meal into an occasion. If you have a tight space to work in, a round dining table is best, and also a great option if you want to encourage conversation. A square dining table can be a dramatic addition to a dining room, but only if you have the space. It allows everyone at the table to see each other, but the bigger the table, the harder it will be able to hold a conversation with someone at the other end.

What type of dining chairs should you choose?

Once you’ve decided on a dining table, look for dining chairs that share a common design element. If your dining table legs are curved, for example, try to match them with dining chairs that have a similar curve, either in the legs or back. Next, consider the dimensions of the chair. The height of your dining chairs should allow at least 30 centimetres between the top of the seat and the top of the table. And to keep your tush happy, avoid dining chairs narrower than 45 centimetres.

How can you decorate your dining room?

Dining rooms are relatively minimal spaces, but that makes them a great place to splash a little colour through artwork, especially if yours is a formal dining room. If your dining room is lacking warmth, consider painting the walls a deep shade of red or blue, or go contemporary with black or grey. A cosy rug will make the space feel more intimate, while a sideboard or cabinet of curiosities will further personalise the space. Often overlooked, dining room lighting can also drastically alter the mood of a room, creating drama, spurring romance or encouraging conversation. Opt for soft lighting in the dining area with dimmer switches, and choose oversized pendants in large, open spaces or to make the dining area more of a focal point. Finally, add some table settings, such as a lace tablecloth for a whimsy feel, or a more basic table runner for a chic look. If you need some help designing your dining room, consider checking the Houzz directory of interior designers, home stylists, cabinet makers and more!