Depending on the size and layout of your home, there are a few places you can keep your dining table. A designated dining room is the top choice, but what if that isn't available? Whether you live in a spacious home or are short on space, you can still find the perfect placement for your dining table. Worry not, we researched how to place your dining table in different rooms.
Traditionally, most dining tables are placed in a dining room. But, if your home lacks this option, there are still a few other great places. Make your dining table a welcome space for guests, brunches, and gatherings by choosing one of the following areas:
- Dining Room
- Living Room
- Kitchen
The dining table is more than a functional piece of furniture, it helps define the use of the space in which it resides. In this guide, you'll learn how to make the most of your home's best attributes by properly placing a dining table. Continue reading to learn how your dining table placement creates a more inviting home.
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Time To Set The Table
It's not always easy deciding where to place specific types of furniture. After following your bliss and figuring out treatments for your walls and floors, finding the right placement for a dining table can be a challenge in an open floor-style apartment or cramped studio. If you are short on space or need to get creative, there are more than a few ways to improvise a dining space by using your table, lighting, and existing fixtures.
The Dining Room
The optimal place for a dining table is the dining room. A dining room often has sideboards or shelving to stow away fine china, glasses, or show off wine bottles. Typically, a dining room may have a large centered window in the room for dramatic natural lighting, and a visually stunning chandelier hanging from the ceiling.
More modern dining rooms may lack rigidly defined walls that create a room and are often adjacent to the kitchen or living room. Visually, it is essential to align a dining table in the dining room so that it's prominent. The placement of the table should be balanced, and give guests enough room to sit comfortably, easily move around the table, and exit their seats without interference.
For more dining room tips, check out How To Fill Empty Space In The Dining Room.
The Living Room
You can still dine in style with a table in the living room, which is a common move if you live in a small space. Some homes often lack a dining room or come with a combination living room and dining room. In these instances, it is a good idea to place a dining table in the living room so it complements the other furniture but doesn't overpower the space.
Place a dining table in a living room so it creates its own realm, visually, and provides ample space for anyone to walk about the room without problems.
The Kitchen
Instead of ferrying dishes from the kitchen counter to the dining table, why not shorten the distance? A kitchen with ample space or a corner by a sunny window is an excellent place to have a table.
A table in the kitchen allows one to enjoy their hot cup of coffee, any needed spices are steps away, and clearing a table of dirty dishes after meals take minutes. Many homes have eat-in kitchens when a dining room isn't an option.
How Do You Place A Dining Table In The Living Room?
The layout of your living room will help you when placing a dining table. A common placement for a rectangular dining table is against the back of a couch. If your living room is close to a kitchen that is not big enough to accommodate the table, use your dining table as a room divider.
Do make sure that your table is not blocking any doorways, isn't too close to the entryway, and allows for ease of movement in the living room. Give your table a minimum of 30 inches of space surrounding it. This way you can easily get into and out of your chair, and avoid hitting nearby furniture.
If you have a generously sized living room, consider placing your dining table opposite or perpendicular to your couch. Center your dining table between a pair of windows, or align it underneath a light hanging from the ceiling. Or, if you must, tuck your dining table into a corner. Surround your table with potted plants, a light fixture, or create a wall with a cabinet or bookshelf to designate the dining area. An area rug also does a great job of identifying the dining space.
How Much Room Do You Need For A Dining Table?
Even if you are not living in a spacious home, you still need to give your dining room plenty of space so you don't feel cramped. Opt to ensure that your table has a minimum of 18 to 24 inches. It is better to shoot for a distance of 36 inches beyond the edge of the table. Also, you want to make sure any chairs placed with the table are a minimum of 24 inches apart so dinner guests don't have to constantly bump into one another while eating or passing a dish.
What Other Furniture Does A Dining Area Need?
Prepare to splurge if you have a spacious dining area, as a dining table looks elegant with nice chairs or benches. You can add a buffet, bar cabinet, rolling carts, and a well-chosen area rug to nestle under the table and chairs.
If you wish, heighten the drama of your dining area by adding tasteful art, living plants, and floating shelving. Don't forget you can make a statement by adding a chandelier or changing up the wall sconces to designate your dining area too.
Storage Cabinet
Check out this antique-style storage cabinet on Amazon.
Bar Cabinet
Check out this chic bar cabinet on Amazon.
Make sure you have the 5 must-have items in your dining room.
Which Shape Is Best For A Dining Table?
Let the area in which your dining table is going to be placed dictate the best shape. If you are short on space, choose a narrow, streamlined rectangular table. Place it against a wall with seats surrounding it, or choose bench seating.
Check out this cottage dining table on Amazon.
Larger rooms look good with a dining table that is square, rectangular, or round. Cozy eat-in kitchens or nooks in the corner are suitable for a small round table or a square table that can accommodate a minimum of two people.
Check out this modern small round table on Amazon.
In Closing
![Stylish and modern dining room interior with design furniture, Where To Place The Dining Table In Your House? [3 Options]](https://homedecorbliss.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Stylish-and-modern-dining-room-interior-with-design-furniture-1-1024x683.jpg)
Dining tables are not solely for placing in dining rooms. Since some homes lack a defined dining room altogether or combine the living and dining room area, it's time to get creative. Enjoy eating at a dining table placed in a living room or kitchen as an attractive and practical option. Depending on the size of your space, you may want to select a dining table that is small and round, square in shape, or narrow. You can use your dining table placement to visually block off a designated space for dining, which is great in open style homes.
Don't miss out on our other insightful dining table guides:
Should Dining Table And Chairs Match?
![Stylish and modern dining room interior with design furniture, Where To Place The Dining Table In Your House? [3 Options]](https://homedecorbliss.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Where-To-Place-The-Dining-Table-In-Your-House-3-Options.jpg)