Kitchen Tables Designed to Elevate Your Small Home
Finding space for a kitchen table in a compact home can feel like an impossible puzzle. But the right table style and size can transform even the tiniest kitchen into a stylish, multifunctional hangout space.
Follow these tips to discover kitchen tables tailored for small homes that still seat your family and friends in style.
Measure Your Kitchen to Find the Perfect Table Size
Before shopping for a new kitchen table, take time to carefully measure your kitchen's dimensions. Note the length and width, accounting for any walls, islands, or built-ins that take up space. For kitchens under 8 feet wide, a table around 3-4 feet wide can typically fit without crowding.
Opt for a compact round or square shape over rectangular to maximize seating in a smaller footprint. And don’t forget to measure room for chair clearance on all sides—at least 32 inches from the edge of the table is ideal.
Recommended Table Sizes for Small Kitchens
- Under 6 feet wide: 30-34 inch square or round
- 6-8 feet wide: 36-42 inch square, round or rectangular
- 8-10 feet wide: 40-48 inch rectangular or oval
Choose Between Bench vs. Chair Seating
Bench seating on one side of a compact kitchen table can allow you to squeeze in more people. Benches take up less space than individual chairs. But benches do limit mobility for getting in and out of the table.
Chairs take up more room overall but allow people to sit and stand more easily. Opt for compact chairs with vertical folding designs if space is extra tight.
When to Use a Bench
- One side of table presses against a wall or kitchen edge
- Table is in a narrow galley kitchen
- You regularly host larger gatherings
Chair Options for Small Spaces
- Backless stools tuck neatly under when not in use
- Vertical folding chairs slim down storage
- Nesting chairs stack together when not in use
Materials for Small Space Kitchen Tables
The right table material can make a small kitchen feel open – not cramped. Solid hardwoods like oak, maple, and walnut have an inviting warmth. But lighter tempered glass or metal tables avoid a bulky look.
For outdoor kitchens, choose weather-resistant materials like teak wood, aluminum, or cast iron. And don’t forget bar stools with drainage holes.
Best Materials for Small Kitchen Tables
- Hardwoods: Oak, maple, walnut
- Metal: Wrought iron, aluminum
- Glass: Tempered glass top
- Outdoor: Teak, aluminum, cast iron
Table Styles for Small Homes
Certain table shapes and designs work especially well for opening up compact kitchens.
Farmhouse
A farmhouse plank table adds rustic character to even the most modern kitchen. Opt for painted legs over bulky wood pedestals to maintain an airy feel underneath.
Modern
Clean lines and sleek materials like polished chrome or glass lend a contemporary vibe. A round table keeps the look light.
Bistro
High-top bistro tables with two stools tuck neatly into corners. An ideal space-saving solution.
Clever Tricks for Expanding Table Capacity
Certain design features allow small kitchen tables to accommodate the occasional dinner party or family feast.
- Leaves - Many tables include removable leaves to widen the surface for more place settings when needed.
- Lift-top - A mechanism allows the center of the table to lift up for more elbow room.
- Nesting - Stackable nested tables can be pulled out for extra surface area and tucked away after.
Multi-functional Kitchen Islands
While not a dining table, a kitchen island maximizes seating and storage in small kitchens. Opt for a slim, linear island on wheels to create a flexible breakfast bar.
Look for islands with storage cubbies, shelves, and other built-ins to consolidate appliances and cookware out of sight. Then roll the island anywhere you need extra counter space or seating.
Don't despair if your kitchen measures only a few feet wide. The right compact table design, from a space-saving pedestal base to a bistro table tucked into a corner, can make even the tiniest kitchen both stylish and functional.
Focus on measuring the room accurately, choosing bench versus chair seating wisely, and selecting the proper table shape, style, and materials for an open feel. With smart planning, it's possible to create a small space kitchen table area perfect for both casual meals and special get-togethers.