The Top 53 Small Dining Room Ideas
“I have a dining room done in different shades of white, with white cushions embroidered in yellow silk: the effect is absolutely delightful and the room beautiful.”- Oscar Wilde
Creating a beautiful dining room is like setting the stage for a wonderful event. It’s the room where you spend time with family and host meals while entertaining guests. While large stately dining rooms look beautiful on social media and in design magazines, not all of us have that kind of space in our home.
These small dining room ideas are perfect for getting you inspired. You can design the perfect dining room for your home. It all starts with the shape, style, and design of the table and chairs you choose. Then you’ll finish it by adding fixtures and decorative elements. The final result is a beautiful small dining room with plenty of seating for everyone.
1. Furniture Ideas for Small Dining Rooms
The easiest and traditional approach to buying your dining room furniture is to buy a single set. It will come with a table and chairs. You buy the set, place it in your small space, and you’re done. However, this isn’t your only option.
Source: @cottonwoodandrose via Instagram
Source: @gubiofficial via Instagram
Source: @infinityfarmhouse via Instagram
Source: @life_is_rosy_at_number_21 via Instagram
Source: @myhomecanvas1502 via Instagram
Source: @pedigofurniture via Instagram
Source: @sar.ahhome via Instagram
Source: @the_bougainvillea_tree via Instagram
Source: @yanademidovich via Instagram
If you have an open floor plan, then consider coordinating your dining room furniture with your living room furniture. They don’t have to match perfectly, but they could be a similar design aesthetic or style. This helps the rooms flow from one to the next.
A more creative option is to mix and match your furniture. Buy a table from one set, and some chairs from another, and more chairs from a third set. Look for pieces that complement each other but are different enough to look purposefully chosen. Choose chairs in pairs for a balanced look. Place matching chairs across from each other.
2. Bench Ideas for Small Dining Rooms
If you have a small room or narrow space for your dining area, then you may not have enough for a full table and chairs dining set. This is when you need to get creative with your setup. Instead of having chairs that go all of the way around your table, consider having banquette seating on one side.
Source: @bill_kowalczuk via Instagram
Build a bench into the wall with a cushioned back and seat. Then line your table up to the bench and place chairs on the other side. This reduces the amount of space you need and increases the amount of seating you have. Consider the amount of cushioning the bench has; it needs to be cushioned enough for the people sitting on it to be comfortable for the whole meal.
3. Lighting Ideas for Small Dining Rooms
The traditional lighting solution for a dining room is to hang a chandelier from the ceiling over the table’s center. A traditional style of chandelier will have a candle look to it. This is reminiscent of chandeliers from a time before electricity. For an elegant look, a crystal chandelier is perfect. It will glitter and shine in the light.
Source: @housebird_homestaging via Instagram
Source: @it_takes_two_diy via Instagram
Source: @princess77482 via Instagram
These aren’t your only options, though. Modern light fixtures could replace your chandelier with a caged, tiered, drum, bowl, or pendant light. Whatever type of light you choose, make sure it generates enough light to illuminate the entire table. That way, no one eats in the dark. It can help to put the light on a dimmer switch to adjust the level of light to suit the dinner’s mood.
4. Ceiling Ideas for Small Dining Rooms
Your dining room tends to be simpler when it comes to the amount of furniture and decor that’s in the space. This allows you to get fancier with the ceiling design. Additionally, your dining room is where you have a nice dinner and entertain company so that it can be a fancier space than the rest of your home.
Source: @designkonstruct via Instagram
Source: @lauragormaninteriors via Instagram
You could add decorative LED strip lighting to illuminate a tray ceiling. If your ceiling is flat, consider painting a decorative design or adding intricate scrollwork pieces. Tall ceilings can look beautiful with coffering. You could add these three-dimensional grooved wood pieces later to a flat ceiling.
5. Small Dining Room Kitchen Ideas
Some smaller homes don’t have a separate formal dining room. If you’re facing this situation, then your kitchen table becomes your dining table. The breakfast nook is now your more formal dining area. You can then look to your kitchen island to create a more casual dining area.
Source: @johanson80 via Instagram
Source: @masha.faynberg.design via Instagram
Source: @our.kent_.home_ via Instagram
Source: @town.house27 via Instagram
Source: @zillahleigh_home via Instagram
Source: @davisandbowringestateagent via Instagram
Source: @interiorsbymonet via Instagram
Use a smaller table that seats four or six in your breakfast area. Choose a fancier table to elevate the space and make it look more refined. Then place barstools at your kitchen counter for a casual eating spot. Place at least two barstools; having only one will look strange.
6. Interior Ideas for Small Dining Rooms
You don’t have to have a dedicated dining room to have a dining table. You can dedicate a portion of your living area. This strategy works great in apartments where you have a small kitchen and a larger living room.
Source: @carmeniris_interiors via Instagram
Source: @theclosetmoth via Instagram
Source: @thehaywirehome via Instagram
Physically divide the space so that one area has your entertainment furniture. Place a couch, coffee table, end tables, and TV here. Then in the other half, you can place a small dining table and chairs. Adding separate lighting for both spaces so that you can occupy each space separately without having to light the entire space. Placing a rug in each space also helps to define them.
7. Wall Decor Ideas for Small Dining Rooms
The walls of your dining area have a captive audience. People are sitting at the table for a period of time eating. Why not give them something interesting to look at? So say goodbye to the plain white walls or those boring beige walls.
Source: @atinycape via Instagram
Source: @prettypinkpad via Instagram
Source: @thefontaineflat via Instagram
You could paint the walls a bold color or apply a bold wallpaper. Another option is to hang upper cabinets. You could have a combination of cabinets and open shelving. This creates additional storage space and a display area. If you don’t need more storage, then create a gallery wall. Select several framed pieces of art and artfully arrange them on the wall.
8. Traditional Small Dining Room Ideas
A traditional dining table is made of wood with matching wood chairs. The seats and sometimes back of the chairs are upholstered with fabric. The type and style you choose will depend on how fancy you want your dining room to be. Some sets have simple carvings and cotton printed fabric. Others are very ornate with intricate designs and expensive silk embroidered fabric.
Source: @anna_design_co via Instagram
If you’re looking to buy a traditional dining set, look for pieces that are described as gothic revival, regency era, or Victorian. Renaissance-inspired furniture will have a luxury feel. Rococo inspired furniture is more understated and less flashy.
9. Contemporary Small Dining Room Ideas
You can give your small apartment a contemporary feel by hanging modern art on the wall. Another idea is to add a bold graphic print by laying a rug on the floor or hanging wallpaper on the wall. Another modern approach is to keep everything very simple with a dark color on all of the walls and open shelves to display artwork.
Source: @anyhomemade via Instagram
If you have space along one wall, you can place a sideboard. This is a small cabinet where you can set additional dishes for serving or store your linens and flatware.
10. Luxury Small Dining Room Ideas
You can create a feeling of elegance in your dining room by choosing more expensive materials. Cover your wood brown floor with an antique Persian rug. Choose a wood table with an intricate wood design for the tabletop. Or, instead of wood, you could choose a table that has a granite or marble countertop. Another beautiful option is a table with inlays to create an intricate design.
Source: @osdesignstudio via Instagram
Source: @ourhomeatno.5_ via Instagram
Continue this approach with the rest of the room. The chairs could be upholstered with silk, velvet, or leather. These expensive fabrics are beautiful but also harder to clean. They may not be the best option if you have messy eaters or children.
11. Modern Small Dining Room Ideas
Modern dining tables have clean lines and are lacking in intricate carving or design work. They may have a table with a single central support. The chairs could have slim metal legs. You could have white chairs and a metal table. Or you could have a sleek set of black dining chairs and a leucite table.
Source: @daarq_arquitectura via Instagram
Source: @nwhit via Instagram
Source: @patchyellow via Instagram
Source: @stylishlybritt via Instagram
Source: @vintagerugshop via Instagram
If you only use metal and acrylic, you’ll have a modern set, but it could feel a bit cold. You can warm up the feel of your modern dining set by looking for a set with light wood. Or look for ways to add natural materials in other areas of the room. You could have a large fiddle tree in the corner. Or you could have wood flooring.
13. Small Dining Room Table Ideas
The dining room table that you choose for your dining space needs to physically fit the space and have a design aesthetic that fits in with your home. Consider the shape of the table when deciding on the size. A circular table allows you to add more chairs if necessary. A long rectangular table fits best in a longer room.
Source: @gubiofficial via Instagram
Source: @house_of_jase via Instagram
Source: @lizzie_spratt via Instagram
Source: @princess77482 via Instagram
Source: @rodwellandastor via Instagram
Source: @stagingandstyling via Instagram
Source: @stevie_at_17 via Instagram
A wood dining table is a traditional material used in construction. You can find luxurious dining tables being made from expensive woods with intricate carvings and even gilding. Simpler craftsman style wood tables have fewer carvings but are still elegant in their curves and design. Modern tables will be made from metal and glass for a sleek look.
14. Table Decor For Small Dining Rooms
A plain table will look boring, empty, and a bit sad. A simple idea is to place a tablecloth or runner in a decorative fabric. Then place seasonal items or items that relate to the current holiday. Another simple idea is to have a vase or planter with fresh greenery or blooms. This adds a sense of nature and natural color to the room. The finishing touch is to set the table with placemats, chargers, plates, silverware, and glassware.
Source: @chintzandcompany via Instagram
Source: @createyourdreamhome via Instagram
Source: @gracefulfarmhouse via Instagram
When designing your table display, consider height. You want to have some items that are low on the table and others that are taller. However, you don’t want items that are so tall that they block the view of the people sitting at the table. This will force people to lean left and right to communicate.
15. Simple Small Dining Room Ideas
Your dining area doesn’t have to be overly fancy or luxurious. Some homes will look best with a simple dining table in a small dining area. American traditional or craftsman furniture will work the best for this design approach.
Source: @caitlinplusthree via Instagram
Source: @oh_mr.ben_ via Instagram
Source: @olga.mclaughlin via Instagram
Source: @ourblue_townhouse via Instagram
Source: @selective_interiors via Instagram
Source: @wreathhousedecor via Instagram
A simple approach to your small dining space also works well with modern styles. These tables and chairs feature minimal decorative elements and instead feature long clean lines. This approach works well because you can choose a set with thin legs and a glass top. This helps your dining area to look and feel larger.
The farmhouse approach also works for a simple dining table design. The rustic approach and simple build make it an unassuming design for less formal elegance and more of a homey approach.
Small Dining Room FAQs
Always go bigger than the bare minimum that you think you’ll need. Measure your room and leave three feet of clearance space. This gives people enough room to move around the table. Choose a glass table if your room is dark. This helps light move through the room and eliminate big and heavy wood furniture that will suck the remaining light out of the room.
Use a bench on one wall of your dining room. Long benches can sit more people and take up less room than individual chairs. If you can’t add a bench, then choose a rounded table with a streamlined base. This lets you squeeze extra chairs in when you need them.
Square tables are the most functional for small spaces. You can push them out of the way, and they neatly tuck into a corner. You can bring in another table and line it up to the flat edge of your square table for extra space when you need it. Most households have four or fewer people, which makes these sizes functional.
Top 29 Best Watches Under $500 For Men
With cellphones so ubiquitous, your watch choice can be less about telling time and more about personal style. However, a watch is not ‘just’ a watch. For example, the vast majority are made for right-handed people, but a select few cater to the lefties among us. There is a wide range in functionality and size.
The wristwatch is also one of the few socially acceptable accessories for men, so why not have a small selection? If you’re not cashing a CEO’s paycheck just yet, here are the top 28 most handsome watches for men that retail for under $500.
Got a bigger budget? Then check out our guide to the best men’s watches under $1000 instead.
Top 29 Best Watches Under $500 For Men
1. Tommy Hilfiger Stainless Steel Men’s Watch
Check Price
If you like the feel of a pliable, non-metal band but aren’t comfortable with genuine leather, this watch comes equipped with a handsome synthetic band. At 46mm in diameter, this watch is perfect for men of smaller stature, as it will not overpower your hand or make it look like you’re wearing your father’s watch. With bold Arabic numerals, a stainless steel case, and classic styling, this watch is an outstanding choice for an everyday watch and the man on a budget.
2. Nordgreen Pioneer – Black Dial
Check Price
Get 15% off using the discount code NEXTL at checkout
Not everyone has an endless amount of cash to drop on a luxury timepiece. If you’re money-conscious but want something high-end, then why not consider the Nordgreen Pioneer.
An inspired take on a classic Chronograph, Nordgreen celebrates the Danish with what they call a timepiece “that captures the sustainable future.” Available in various dial colors from blue, black, and white. There’s even the choice of three case colors – gunmetal, silver, and rose gold. A perfect addition to the collection of any watch enthusiast.
3. Fossil Grant Brown Leather Watch
This lovely offering by Fossil features slim Roman numeral hour markers and delicate cut-out hands. The casing is stainless steel and is water-resistant to 165 feet, making it a great dive watch. The band is made of supple, soft calfskin leather and uses a buckle closure.
Of course, this timepiece also comes with the generous 11-year warranty and it’s own fun tin. This watch oozes class and is great for nearly every occasion in your life.
4. Citizen Sport Stainless Steel Men’s Watch With Brown Leather Band
If you don’t want to deal with changing out a battery in a digital watch, this watch is powered by either natural or indoor lighting. The mineral crystal face and stainless steel case make this watch water-resistant to 330 feet, making it a great choice for swimmers and snorkelers.
Handsome and utilitarian, this is a great watch for everyday wear. It’s one of the best watches for men who are always on the go.
5. Fossil Men’s Machine Chronograph Silicone Watch
Check Price
This watch was designed with the active man in mind. The knurled silicone band stands up to sweat and oils without issue, and the timepiece itself is water-resistant to 165 feet.
The patterned bezel and quality craftsmanship of the black dial is excellent, as is to be expected from a Fossil watch. It even comes in the iconic and collectible tin!
6. Citizen Men’s Eco-Drive Watch
Check Price
This men’s watch features Japanese quartz movement that charges itself indoors or out when exposed to light, making it a great choice for those who don’t want to change out the battery too often. The stitched canvas strap is soft against your skin and will wick away moisture, while the mineral crystal face stands up to the rigors of your everyday life.
Water-resistant to 330 feet, this dive watch is a classic and simple design you’ll be proud of for years to come.
7. Invicta Pro Diver Chronograph Men’s Watch
Check Price
Another gorgeous offering by Invicta, this watch features a bold design with a slightly nautical feel to it. It will look at home whether you’re wearing a business suit or are going for a dive of less than 660 feet. This piece is also covered by a one-year warranty as a matter of course. The luminosity feature and magnified date window make it a great choice if you work or play in low light.
If you want something that looks like a Tag Heuer but without the luxury watch brand price tag, this is a good option!
8. Casio Edifice Multi-Function Men’s Watch
Check Price
This watch has three sub-dials for 12 hour, 60 minute and 60-second displays, in addition to the standard time. It also features a fold-over, push-down clasp on the stainless strap, keeping it secure throughout your activities. If you’re looking for a classy timepiece that shrieks sophistication, this is a great choice.
9. Fossil Machine Three Hand Stainless Steel Men’s Watch
Check Price
This quality watch is a chameleon piece. It looks at home as a dress watch riding below the cuff of your best suit, and it also looks great paired with jeans and a t-shirt. Backed by Fossil’s 11-year warranty as a matter of course and beautifully crafted, this smoke-colored piece is guaranteed to become the go-to accessory for nearly every occasion.
10. MVMT Watches Black Face Men’s Watch
Check Price
If you like the look of a simple watch, this minimalist offering from MVMT is right up your alley. With just a plain black face, tick marks to denote the hours and a single date window, there is nothing overdone or extravagant about this design. The is understated and suited to the simple design. It’s definitely a classy, low-key piece for the budget-conscious.
11. Timex Weekender Watch
Check Price
If you’re looking for a fun watch to pair with casual outfits, this is a great option. The band is blue and yellow woven nylon, and the face features both civilian and military timekeeping. An Indiglo night light is also included. This watch is water-resistant to 99 feet, meaning it can withstand splashes of water or exposure to rain but you won’t want to submerge it.
12. PUMA Ultrasize Black Sport Men’s Watch
Check Price
Boasting a 50mm diameter, this piece is perfect for the large-framed man or one who likes to wear his accessories oversized. A true fashion statement, this sports watch comes in eight different colors schemes to match your favorite hues.
Do be aware, however, that the dial knob is configure for left-handed men!
13. Timex Easy Reader Men’s Watch
Check Price
Another dress watch designed with the older gentleman in mind, this watch features a white dial with generously sized numerals that do not appear comical to the casual observer.
It’s also an excellent choice if you take your contacts out at night and still want to be able to check the time. With classic lines and a simple white face, the watch would not be out of place at any casual gathering. It comes with Timex’s one-year warranty at no additional charge.
14. Fossil Nate Men’s Chronograph Watch
Check Price
For men who like a more gritty, industrial feel to their accessories, this Fossil watch is right on point. The bezel is gear-edged and the face is utilitarian black and gray. Water-resistant to 165 feet, this watch is a great choice if you like your adornments to be understated yet add visual interest.
It’s definitely a stand-out piece, for those who would take notice!
15. Timex Expedition Field Chronograph Men’s Watch
Check Price
Featuring an indigo night light, tachymeter, a date window and a buckle closure, this watch is perfect for men who like to work or play outdoors. It is also water-resistant to 330 feet, making it a great choice for snorkeling or swimming.
You won’t want to wear it for diving, however. With classic, black styling and a genuine crystal face, this is a timepiece that will stand the test of time in both form and function.
16. Seiko 5 Automatic Stainless Steel Men’s Watch
Check Price
This Seiko automatic watch has all the bells and whistles you need, but presents it all in a plain and strikingly attractive manner. It features a date window in either English or Spanish, sword-shaped hands, a sweeping second hand and a mineral dial window. This is a great option for the man on the go. The canvas strap can be removed and hand-washed if sweat or other odors become an issue.
This watch is not water-resistant, so you’ll only want to wear it when you won’t be popping by the pool for a swim!
17. Invicta Pro Diver Collection Silver-Tone Men’s Watch
Check Price
For those who prefer an all-metal timepiece, the stainless steel Invicta fits the bill nicely. It has a similar aesthetic to a Tag Heuer watch, but at a more affordable price. Equipped with a unilateral bezel and removable links, the band can be customized to fit your wrist perfectly. The face is flame fusion crystal and features a magnifier to highlight the date window.
It’s also water-resistant to 660 feet. If you’re looking for a gorgeous watch that stands up to an active lifestyle, this is an excellent choice.
18. Seiko Men’s Adventure-Solar Classic Casual Watch
Check Price
This Seiko watch derives its power from either natural or indoor light and can withstand water depths of up to 330 feet. The supple brown leather strap and timeless brushed steel give this piece an attractive look, and the alarm chronograph is easy to set.
If you’re looking for a watch that can serve as a backup for your wake-up call while traveling, stand up to the elements and look awesome, this casual wrist watch is a winner.
19. Nautica Men’s Stainless Steel Watch with Blue Resin Band
Check Price
Featuring a plethora of options and a smart, snappy style, this a great casual watch with a eye-catching blue dial. The hardy resin band is adjustable, and the face is protected by a mineral window. Whether for work or play, this bold blue design is handsome and substantial on the wrist. It comes with Nautica’s five-year warranty at no additional charge.
20. Citizen Sport Men’s Stainless Steel Watch with Black Leather Band
Check Price
The black, red and white face of this piece eschews the traditional two-tone color scheme so often employed in other watches, and the contrasting stitching on the band adds creative flair. It comes backed by Citizen’s five-year warranty and will compliment any casual outfit.
21. Alessi Tic15 Analog Display Analog Quartz Black Men’s Watch
Check Price
Another not-quite-round offering on our list, the curved square casing of this piece gives it instant visual appeal. Sleek and clean, this unfussy design will be a compliment to almost any occasion. It has quartz movement and is water-resistant to 99 feet, making it a great choice for everyday wear.
22. Invicta 1517 I Force Collection Watch
Check Price
Another on our list designed for left-handed men, this watch is something special. Water-resistant to 330 feet and featuring oversize stenciled numbers and a sub dial, this watch is great for any casual outfit. The cloth band is extremely durable and stands up to dirt, sweat and grime.
If you lead an active lifestyle, this watch will be right at home in your collection.
23. TRIWA Blue Steel Nevil Canvas Watch
Check Price
This watch comes in a whopping 14 color variations, all of them beautiful. You may decide to add more than one to your collection!
Designed in Sweden, this watch features Japanese quartz movement, a stainless steel casing and a strap made from Tärnsjö organic leather. TRIWA, which stands for Transforming the Industry of Watches, believes in the artistry of fine jewelry and it shows in their product.
24. Victorinox Swiss Army Alliance Watch
Check Price
Another fine dress watch from the makers of the Swiss Army knife, this watch is emblazoned with the internally recognized cross and shield emblem. It has no sub-dials, tachymeter or other add-ons to detract from its simple and appealing style.
This watch will be at home with all but the most formal of outfits and carries a two-year warranty.
25. Ingersoll Automatic Stainless Steel Bull Run Watch
Check Price
Again, Ingersoll remakes the classics and brings them into the present day. With a highly polished stainless steel casing, two sub-dials, a date aperture and arrow-shaped hands, this quartz watch is beautiful.
The band features contrasting stitching on the fine-grain leather, adding depth and detail to the workmanship. This watch will compliment any casual occasion and can be relied upon for years to come.
26. Tissot Quickster Chronograph Black Leather Men’s Watch
Check Price
Made with scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and Swiss automatic movement, this watch is a smart and utilitarian choice. If you’re looking for a solid Swiss watch that isn’t flashy, this is an excellent option. It’s also guaranteed for two years.
27. Seiko Sport Solar Men’s Beige Watch
Check Price
Are you getting tired of squinting down at your watch or holding it closer and closer to your face? Don’t worry, we all get a bit nearsighted with age, especially over the age of 40.
If you’re not quite ready for reading glasses or a comically huge watch, this is a great choice from Seiko. The numerals, indices and luminous hands stand out in stark white against a black background, and the numerals are generous in size. It’s a perfect casual watch for the older gentleman.
28. Seiko Men’s 5 Watch Blue Canvas Band
Check Price
This simple and affordable watch has a clean, crisp aesthetic to it and doesn’t bog down its design with a ton of bells and whistles. It’s time and date, end of.
If you want a watch for casual wear, this Seiko is a shoo-in. The band is forgiving and comfortable against your wrist, and it’s blue color will likely compliment your existing wardrobe. The price is also extremely affordable.
29. Tommy Hilfiger Men’s Stainless Steel Watch With Brown Leather Band
Check Price
Featuring the Hilfiger logo at the three o’clock position, this wrist watch is a statement piece. It is a bright, shiny stainless steel work of art that you’ll be proud to wear at all but the most stuffy of workplaces. The calfskin leather band uses a buckle closure and the date window is beside the logo at three o’clock.
If you’re a fan of Tommy clothing, cologne or luggage, you can complete your look with this stunning accessory.
