Small Space Dining

Photo by Kate Jackson Design

Sorry for the few weeks silence, over Easter I was away for a week and since returning I have thrown myself into my art, hence this overdue post. Generally, I post images of homes with large dining rooms, however not everyone has the opportunity of a luxurious dining space, so, if your looking to down size or need some space saving ideas, then read on.

Small dining areas - The versatile circular table

Creating a dining area in a small space can be quite challenging and a problem I have had to resolve in my current home. My open plan living area is too small to have a dining table permanently set up, however I have overcome this issue by using a circular drop leaf table which doubles as a console when not in use. When I host a dinner or lunch, I simply bring it forward a few feet, open both sides and I have a table that will easily seat 8 people.  

Round tables are perfect for small spaces, they are an appealing shape and it's usually easier to squeeze in a few extra people. A circular table uses less space than a square or rectangular table and seats more people than a square table of the same diameter. Choose a circular table with a centre pedestal and it is even easier to squeeze in extra people with no corner legs to get in the way. If I had a large dining area, personally I would choose a rectangular table, however if your limited with space circular is the way to go and they are a far more suited to easy conversation. There are many styles of circular tables available today, I have selected a few designs below;

Tables 1 - 4 from Trade Furniture Company   Table 5. West Elm

1. Brooklyn Oak Round Dining Table 

2. Reclaimed Indian Iron Cranked Table 

3. White High Gloss Table 

4. Outdoor Rattan Round Table 

5. Parker Mid Century Round Dining Table 

A small dining area with a circular table can look fabulous as spotted on Pinterest below...

Interior design by Lauren Liess

Images via Pinterest 1|2|3|4|5|6|7
(I have added links to original sources where possible)

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and continue to have fun over the holiday period. If you didn't entertain because you felt you had limited space try a circular table for dining, I think you will be surprised.

Lee oxo

Ideas For My Dining Area - With a French Touch of Course!

I'm still on a mission to create a dining spot in my open plan living area.  I will be hanging a mirror adjacent to the table,  the reason being to create a feeling of more space.  Much of the time the drop leaf table will be folded down and against the wall in front of the mirror. I aim to create an attractive vignette of French style accessories on the table top when not in use.  I have created a mood board beneath to give an impression of the final look.  All of the products below are from Layla Grace I intend to purchase my accessories in New Zealand, achieving a similar style.  I am excited about changing this area in my home and will be sharing a before and after with you as I did with my bedroom makeover. 

I have a collection of blue ginger jars so this could be another idea of accessorizing & layering....

Helpful hint: Use an odd number of items when grouping

I am currently sanding and preparing the antique pine drop leaf  table I purchased ready for applying the French wash finish.  I will share with you step by step renovating my table next week.  I will be purchasing my paint from Porters Paints who specialise in paint finishes. I phoned them last week and they were incredibly helpful so I intend to visit armed with my fan deck of  pantone colours to enable them to match my chosen colour. I'm probably going to paint the legs and skirting of my table in a soft grey/green and then use the French wash over the top. My table is prepared including re building a piece of moulding on the leg that was missing,  I will discuss this and the product used when I write the full post.

I have discovered a great 5 minute video on how to accessorize and would like to share it with you. I have posted it on my Interior Design page so please click "here" to view.

Hope your having a lovely week

Lee oxo