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Open-concept living rooms may dominate Pinterest boards, but not everyone has that luxury. Many homeowners in Ottawa, Gatineau and Kingston live in condos, townhomes, or apartments with wall-enclosed dining rooms. These smaller spaces come with unique challenges: how do you fit a functional dining set without making the room feel cramped?
The good news is, you don’t need a massive open floor plan to enjoy stylish, functional dining furniture. Michelle MacLellan, Interior Designer at La-Z-Boy Hunt Club, recommends Canadel dining furniture as one of the best solutions for compact dining rooms. Canadel specializes in custom, high-quality dining tables, chairs, and storage options that can be scaled to fit nearly any space.
In this guide, we will walk through six expert tips for furnishing a small dining room, along with examples of Canadel tables and seating designed to maximize comfort and style without overwhelming your home.
In This Article…
The very first step when furnishing a small dining room is to take careful measurements. Even a difference of just a few inches can change whether a table fits comfortably in the room. You will want to measure not only the length and width of the available floor space, but also account for walking paths and the clearance needed to pull out chairs.
Michelle advises, “Measuring first ensures you know exactly what will fit. This prevents purchasing a dining table that looks great in the showroom but overwhelms your home.”
By knowing the exact dimensions, you can select a table that allows for movement around the room without feeling cramped. If you are unsure about how to measure correctly, refer to our guide on 'How to Measure a Room for Furniture' for step-by-step instructions.
This smaller arrangement works well for couples or small families. For those who rarely host large gatherings, it may be better to dedicate space to comfort rather than extra chairs. In very tight corners or kitchen nooks, a two-and-a-half seating arrangement is often ideal.
This means you have two permanent seats with one additional chair that can be brought in only when needed. By planning around your actual usage rather than a traditional full set, you will maximize both space and functionality.
One of the best-kept secrets for small dining rooms is the drop-leaf table. These tables have hinged sections that can fold down when not in use, keeping the table compact. When you need more space, you simply lift the leaves, instantly creating more seating room.
Canadel’s Core Collection includes rectangular-to-round drop-leaf tables that can sit neatly against a wall while still looking stylish. These tables are especially popular in older Ottawa homes and urban condos, where the dining area may be small but still expected to handle family meals or dinner with friends.
Drop-leaf extensions give you the flexibility to expand only when needed, which is invaluable in a smaller space.
The best furniture for small dining rooms is simple in design and light in appearance. Bulky chairs with arms, oversized upholstery, or tall backs can make a room feel crowded. Instead, look for slim dining chairs without arms, stools, or benches that can tuck fully under the table. This helps keep the area open and easier to navigate when not in use.
Glass tables are another excellent option. Collections like Canadel’s Downtown Collection feature round glass dining tables that make a small room feel more spacious by allowing light to pass through. This creates an airy and less heavy appearance compared to solid wood.
Michelle notes: “Avoid anything too puffy or oversized because it makes the room feel crowded. Armless and backless seating options are ideal for maximizing flow.”
By keeping your furniture streamlined, you ensure the room feels both comfortable and functional rather than cluttered.
The overall shape of your room should influence the type of dining table you choose. This approach ensures balance and prevents wasted space.
Canadel makes this easy since most of their tables are customizable in size. The narrowest table width they offer is 36 inches, which makes it possible to scale a design you love to better fit your home. This flexibility means you do not have to sacrifice style when furnishing a smaller dining space.
To learn more about Which Canadel Table is the Right Shape & Size, take a look at this article.
Small dining rooms should still feel finished and intentional. One simple way to achieve this is with an area rug.
As Michelle suggests, “Adding a small area rug can make the room feel full and decorated.” Rugs define the dining area and add texture, making even the smallest space feel complete.
If you have a little extra wall space, consider adding compact storage pieces. Canadel’s Loft Collection includes buffets and hutches that are designed with smaller proportions. These provide valuable storage for dining essentials while also serving as a stylish focal point.
In some cases, these pieces can double as bookshelves or multi-purpose cabinets, making them a smart choice for multifunctional living spaces. To learn more about Area Rugs Belonging in Dining Rooms, take a look at this article.
What size dining table is best for a small room?
For apartments, condos, and townhomes, a table that is 36 to 44 inches in diameter (round or square) is usually the most practical. Larger tables can overwhelm the room and make movement difficult.
Are round dining tables better for small spaces?
Yes. Round tables are often recommended for small dining rooms because they eliminate sharp corners, make seating arrangements more flexible, and create smoother traffic flow around the table.
How do you maximize seating in a small dining area?
Benches, armless chairs, and stools are all effective choices because they can tuck fully under the table when not in use. Benches with cushions or cube-style seats can also be used to seat multiple people without taking up much space.
What dining table shape saves the most space?
Square and round tables are generally the best space-savers. When paired with drop-leaf or butterfly extensions, they provide extra seating without permanently occupying more floor space.
Now that you know what kind of dining room furniture works well in a small space, why not check it out yourself?
La-Z-Boy is a proud partner with Canadel. Further, American Drew, Kincaid, and Hammary are subdivisions of La-Z-Boy Incorporated that offer a wide range of dining room furniture. With such a large selection, we have much to choose from for small dining room spaces.
Visit Canadel’s Kanata Location, as well as the La-Z-Boy Ottawa, Gatineau & Kingston Locations to find some of the best high-quality furniture pieces to add to your dining room.
For personalized shopping advice, book an appointment online or talk to an interior designer in person. To learn more about La-Z-Boy Dining Furniture, take a look at this comprehensive Dining Room Furniture Buyer’s Guide.
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