Cleverly planned: dining areas and seating corners in small kitchens
Whether for coffee in the morning or a shared dinner – a beautiful kitchen simply includes a cozy dining area. And who says you need a lot of space for that? Find out here how, with the right tables and chairs as well as a bit of creativity and finesse, you can also furnish your small kitchen with an inviting seating area.
How you design the dining areas
A dining area is more than just a place for eating: it’s a space for community, sharing, and gathering. In small kitchens, this area might be limited, yet it does not have to be any less inviting or functional. However, proper planning is essential here: Where can you most feasibly accommodate the seating area? Many small kitchens are also very narrow, with what little free space available being required as a passageway. Nevertheless, it should usually still accommodate several people sitting at the table. You should plan at least fifty centimeters in width per person—more would be even better. Therefore, consider carefully which options truly suit your small kitchen. Ideally, start by selecting the kitchen table and then choose suitable chairs accordingly.
The right table
A table in a small kitchen is generally practical: In addition to being used as a dining area, you gain extra workspace. And this is how you find the perfect model – or a creative alternative.
- Preferably choose a rectangular table. This will allow better use of space in your small kitchen. Exception: If your kitchen has a square layout, you can also opt for a round table.
- Especially consider folding tables in narrow kitchens. Depending on the need, you can simply fold them away. Models where the tabletop mounts directly onto the wall are especially practical. However: each time before folding away, the table must be completely cleared off – is this suitable for you?
- If necessary, use a freestanding kitchenette or kitchen island. For this purpose, simply mount a bar console as a dining counter onto the work surface. Console tables are narrow and can easily be positioned against walls or perpendicular to the kitchenette. They often come with drawers for storing kitchen accessories.
- Create more seating space for children with a pedestal table. Because there aren't as many table legs in the way, a pedestal table offers space for additional chairs – although not more space on the tabletop. Hence, it is especially suitable for families with children.
- Use multifunctional solutions. For this, select a kitchen cabinet with a pull-out countertop. When needed, you gain a small dining table suitable for one person, which can then be stored away space-efficiently.
- Get creative. Can't seem to find space for a table in your small kitchen? Even then, solutions can be found. For example, mount narrow shelves on empty wall spaces or beneath the windowsill.
Space-saving seating options
Comfortable and space-saving: This is how chairs for your small kitchen should be. Or would you prefer a cozy seating corner with a bench? There are various seating options with which you can equip your small kitchen. Choose, for example:
- Folding chairs: They are lightweight, space-saving, and can be quickly folded up and stored on walls or in niches when needed.
- Stools: They can be pushed under tabletops or window sills. As multifunctional solutions, these seats are also available with additional storage space.
- Benches: Several people can sit on this cozy seating option. Benches with flip-up or removable lids also provide valuable storage space.
If you have the opportunity, you can alternatively integrate your seating directly into the kitchen units or windowsill. The result is a cozy seating option for relaxing and dining.
Which idea suits your small kitchen?
With the right dining table and matching kitchen chairs, the dining area in your small kitchen can become a real highlight.
Here you will find all ideas at a glance:
- Use folding tables and chairs as well as extendable tables.
- Use narrow consoles or shelves as dining counters.
- Create more seating with pedestal tables.
- Slide stools space-savingly under tables and counters.
- Select multifunctional furniture, such as benches with storage space.
- Set up the dining area in a window niche.
Further information
In our brochure „Small Places – Big Ideas“ we show how clever planning ensures maximum comfort, style and storage space even in small apartments.
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