Small space, big style! Discover 20 inspiring living room ideas with dining tables that maximize both functionality and aesthetics.

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Go Monochrome

@citychicdecor / Instagram

If you don’t want your dining table to take up much visual space in your living room, opt for a color or material that corresponds with some of your other furniture. Doing this will ensure that it doesn’t stand out significantly. Here, a white plaster bistro table blends in nicely. It feels like it’s barely there while still serving its purpose.
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Maximize Window Views

@hattiekolp / Instagram

If you have a large bay window or a row of windows in your living room, that would be an ideal spot for a table. Its low height won’t block the sunlight from streaming in, and you can appreciate the view outside as you sit and sip your morning coffee.

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Curl Up With a Book

@heatherbien / Instagram

Placing a table next to your bookshelf is an excellent idea, too. It might inspire you to enjoy a good read as you dine solo or take a mid-day lunch break. You can even pretend you’re relaxing in your very own coffee shop.

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Cozy Up Your Space

@_thegrandapartment / Instagram

If you’re worried about your table looking harsh next to your living room accents, consider cozying up your dining chairs with sheepskin. This simple, affordable hack adds an instant softness to this nook.

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Design a Joint Bar and Dining Setup

@shoebox.designs / Instagram

Placing your dining table beside a bar cart or table makes for easy entertaining. When guests come over, let them know they’re welcome to help themselves to a refill whenever they wish.

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Opt for Pieces That Complement Your Existing Furniture

@mariannesides / Instagram

Make sure that the dining table you choose complements your living room’s aesthetic. In this space, a black table and set of wishbone chairs coordinate beautifully with the tall black bookcase and picture frames behind it.

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Set Up a Table for Two

Wit & Whimsy

A peтιтe bistro table is a good option for those who reside solo, don’t eat at home much, or simply don’t have much space to work with. Set out two chairs so that you can still host a friend now and then.

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Design a Hybrid Work/Dining Space

@elizabeth_malm / Instagram

If your dining table doubles as a workspace by day, set it up to inspire maximum productivity. Make sure the area is distraction-free and in a nook that evokes calmness. In this space, a sconce above the table makes it easy to work and read even when it’s gloomy outside.

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Incorporate Chic Accents

@tulipsforthetable / Instagram

Decorate your tabletop with accessories and accent pieces. Here, brᴀss candle holders complement the living room’s brᴀss picture frame, lamp, and light fixtures. You can absolutely never go wrong with fresh flowers in a classic vase. Also, the pink spiral candles add a fun touch.

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Opt for Extra Seating

@styledbymegan_x / Instagram

If entertaining is important to you, note that many small-sized tables can still accommodate up to four chairs. This setup proves that you don’t need a ton of square footage to host a dinner party.

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Pull Up a Chair

Design: Zarifi Design / Styling: Jess Finessed / PH๏τo: Armhed Louis-Jean

At The Parker, these dining chairs are positioned perfectly for entertaining, allowing guests at the table to interact with guests in the main living room. Having enough seating for friends can always be an issue, so creative layout solutions like these always come in handy.

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Maximize Your Entryway

@pistachiobyelaine / Instagram

Setting up your table in the entryway allows it to double as a console table for keys and mail. Just remember to quickly clear it off at the end of every day so you can still sit and dine comfortably.

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Divide and Conquer

Jessica Delaney PH๏τography

Consider splitting up your living room so that one half serves as a makeshift dining room. You probably need less space than you think for your sofa and coffee table. This way, you can easily enjoy the best of both worlds.

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Scatter Your Living Room Accents

Nicole Alexandra Design Studio

This cozy dining area incorporates a blanket ladder, round mirror, and table lamp, which help to bridge the gap between the living room and dining room.

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Have Fun With Favorite Colors and Materials

Nicole Alexandra Design Studio

Choose a table and chair set that speaks to you. Why not have a little fun with pink and marble, for example? By no means do today’s dining setups need to be ultra- serious. Consider styling the table with a funky vase and dried flowers.

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Place the Table Behind Your Couch

Design: Rozit Arditi / PH๏τo: Claire Esparros

Use your couch to divide the main living area of your space from the dining area. In this example, the couch is positioned for easy TV watching and lounging, while the dining table has a separate section.

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Work a Credenza Into the Mix

@purely_nora / Instagram

To ensure your eating area blends well with your living room, style a credenza with accessories that reflect your aesthetic. These accents don’t have to be dining related. Here, a vase, stack of books, and table lamp are the perfect accessories.

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Try This Open Floor Plan Trick

Design: Tina Ramchandani / PH๏τo: Jacob Snavely

Here is another example of a dining table placed behind a sofa, which helps to break up this room’s open floor plan. This table features two chairs as well as a cushioned sofa-like booth.

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Bridge a Gap

Design: Tina Ramchandani / PH๏τo: Jacob Snavely

Again, this open floor plan features a kitchen and living room combo. Placing a table between the two spaces helps to make them appear more cohesive.

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Keep It Close

Design: Margaret Costello / PH๏τo: Kirsten Francis

This square dining table is close to the living room’s seating area making it excellent for entertaining. Fill the table with drinks and snacks, and allow guests to serve themselves with ease as they lounge on the couch.