Making the most of a small living and dining space requires a mix of creativity and practicality – think adaptable furniture, vertical storage, and visual trickery. Here are our top tips for optimising space in your small living and dining area and transforming your compact space into a stylish, functional haven.
In a small dining room, a wall-mounted or double drop leaf table can be a game-changer for maximising space. Flat-pack furniture stores like Ikea offer a range of both, either of which can be easily folded down when not in use, but provide a functional surface for meals or working when required – in short, they’re perfect for creating a dining setup that does not dominate the room when not required.
Complementing the wall-mounted table, foldable chairs – or stackable stools – offer a seamless solution for seating (bonus tip: follow this through to the living room with nestable tables you can easily pop out when guests are over.)
If you’re looking for a more classic or understated look, look for a drop leaf table – for example, IKEA’s KALLHÄLL gateleg table which has two folding drop-leaves that allow you to adjust the table size, from 2-4 seats, according to your needs and has storage for two folding chairs in the centre.
Ample lighting can significantly impact how spacious a room feels – try incorporating a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting to eliminate dark corners (LED lighting is ideal) and make the room feel inviting.
Avoid heavy drapes that can block natural light, and instead, opt for sheer curtains or blinds that allow light to filter through.
When floor space is limited, it is time to think vertically.
Install wall-mounted shelves, racks, and cabinets to make use of the often-neglected wall space. Floating shelves can hold books, decorative items, and even small plants without taking up floor space.
Tall bookshelves can draw the eye upwards, creating an illusion of height in the room. If your shelving is likely to do some heavy lifting, it pays to have a carpenter install it to avoid costly mistakes and ensure it is mounted safely.
Look for coffee tables or ottomans with storage, sofa beds that can accommodate overnight guests (or a weekend movie marathon) or a bookshelf on castors that can be wheeled off the wall and used as a privacy screen as required.
Another option for multipurpose furniture is a little more bespoke – built-in benches or seating nooks along walls or corners can be a smart solution that can function as both seating and storage.
By incorporating hidden compartments beneath the seats, you can efficiently store items like extra dinnerware or linens – minimising clutter, keeping the area organised and optimising space.
With a help of a carpenter, you can also customise the design to fit the layout and style of your room perfectly, maximising the available space to its fullest potential.
Pro tip: ask them to help you make the most of the rooms’ corners –if they are not suitable for built in seating, they may be ideal for some vertical shelving.
A light colour palette – across walls, floor coverings, window treatments and furniture, make a space feel more open and airier. Whites, light greys, and soft pastels can all help to visually expand the room and using the same colour or a similar shade throughout the living and dining area can create a cohesive look that makes the space appear larger.
When it comes to choosing your accessories and accents – such as throws, cushions and floor rugs, ensure you stick to a cohesive colour scheme; while a bit of colour adds personality, too many clashing colours or styles could make the space look cluttered.
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Mirrors are a fantastic tool for visually enlarging a room. Place a large mirror on one wall to reflect light and create an illusion of depth – it not only makes the space seem bigger, but also enhances the overall aesthetic appeal.
Mirrored furniture pieces, such as coffee tables or sideboards, can also contribute to the sense of openness.
It comes as no surprise, but if you are working with a small living and dining area, less is often more.
Embrace a minimalistic approach to decorating and furnishing; choose a few statement pieces rather than overcrowding the space with too many items.
A clutter-free environment not only looks better but also feels more spacious and relaxing.
There are several design tricks you can use to create the illusion of a larger space.
Hang curtains higher than the actual window frame to give the impression of taller ceilings and/or opt for furniture with exposed legs to allow light to flow underneath, which gives a feeling of openness.
Vertical stripes in your décor, for example through wallpaper, rugs, or decorative items – can elongate the walls, making the room appear taller.
Rugs are a versatile tool for defining separate zones within a small space.
Use a rug to visually distinguish the living area from the dining area, even if they share the same physical space. This subtle differentiation helps organise the space and gives the illusion of separate rooms.
Got a small (or large) job for a cabinet maker or painter? Find a trusted tradie for your living and dining room Reno.
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