A small kitchen area is a common problem in most high-rise buildings. A few square meters must accommodate a kitchen set, a table, chairs and, preferably, a refrigerator. I don't want to sacrifice anything. Therefore, it is worth using your imagination and solving the problem in an original way.
Kitchen
When choosing a dining table for a small apartment, you should not pay attention to standard options; they may fit into your kitchen, but this will not leave room for a variety of maneuvers. When choosing a countertop, you need to consider the size of the kitchen, family, and frequency of guests.
In form they can be:
- Rectangular;
- Square;
- Round;
- Semicircular.
Rectangular countertops are classic and versatile, and fit well against walls or in corners. The square shape is a good alternative to the rectangular one; it also looks good against a wall or in a corner, but at the same time it looks more compact.
A good substitute for right angles is their absence. A small round table visually expands the space and will harmoniously complement any interior.
The semicircular shape is universal, like the rectangular one, but the absence of sharp corners practically does not cause inconvenience and reduces the likelihood of injuries.
Small kitchen tables have many different designs, the most common models: standard, wall-mounted, folding, transformer.
The standard model combines a tabletop with one or more legs. Wall-mounted – firmly fixed to the wall and has no supports. The folding model, like the previous one, is attached to the wall, but if necessary, it can be folded. It will not be difficult to change the size of the transformer. It is quickly and easily assembled and disassembled.
What type of countertop should I choose for my kitchen table?
Standard dining table options are not suitable for a kitchen with a small area. Having accommodated an oversized table, there will be too little space left. The kitchen will lose its functionality and will be uncomfortable.
Finding the right size table so that its use is comfortable for the whole family is not an easy question. There is a formula for calculating the size of a table, following which you can approximately determine the minimum dimensions. So, for one family member it is necessary to allocate 55 cm in length and 40 cm in depth. In this case, each family member will feel comfortable at the dining table.
Let's consider various options for tabletop shapes and determine the most convenient and functional option.
Round
The round shape of the dining table is an extremely good choice for a kitchen with a small area. The ideal option would be to place such a table in the center of the room. Due to its round shape, it will be the most functional and will allow you to accommodate a whole family behind it.
There is not much room for maneuverability in a small room; there is a risk of accidentally hitting the table legs or its corners. A round table with one support will eliminate such problems.
A common model among round tables is a transformable table, which, if necessary, folds out into an oval shape and becomes a full-fledged dining table for a large family.
A round table will suit almost all designs. It will look especially beneficial in Scandinavian and classic styles, as well as in Provence style design.
Semicircular
The semicircular shape of the table is even more functional than the previous model. The advantages of a semicircular shape are also added by significant space savings, which is relevant for a small kitchen. The semicircular table is placed close to the wall, due to this it takes up minimal space.
A semicircular dining table is suitable for a small family. Placing guests at such a table is problematic.
Oval
The oval shape of the dining table is a larger model, so it is not the best option for a small kitchen. It will allow you to accommodate the whole family and guests, but it will take up a lot of space and make the kitchen uncomfortable.
The oval shape requires a lot of space. Models of such tables are usually used to create a rustic style.
There are few options for small oval tables, so decorating the dining area with this model is not the best option. Much more pragmatic would be to purchase a round transformable table that can be folded into an oval shape.
Square
A square table is a good option for a kitchen with a small area. Compact but functional model. This table can be installed near a wall or pushed into a corner. This arrangement will save space and will accommodate a small family.
When guests arrive, the table can be moved away from the wall to create additional seating. The only drawback will be the corners of the table. In a small room they can easily cause injuries.
The square shape of the table is suitable for all interior designs, from classic to high-tech style. The choice of dining tables of this shape is very large, so choosing the right color and texture will be quite simple.
With rounded edges
A popular solution to the problem of small space in the kitchen. If the interior design and homeowner's needs require the functionality of a square or rectangular shape, a model with rounded edges is an excellent option. The advantages of the shapes will be preserved, but the rounded edges will save space and reduce the risk of injury.
Table corners
The most compact design option for a dining area. The table resembles a triangular shape with rounded edges. This model is installed in the corner of the room. An excellent option for a kitchen with a very small area. The disadvantage of the model is its small capacity. The table is suitable for use by 1-2 people. A large family, as well as guests, will not fit at such a table.
Living room
Tabletops in the living room are irreplaceable and serve a number of specific functions. The main role is a stand for cups of coffee and tea and a place where you can put a book or magazines. It can also serve as a connecting link in a decorative composition and can divide a room into zones if its location is correctly determined.
You can use regular coffee tables, or replace them with small transformable tables. Coffee tables only perfectly complement the interior and do not change their main function.
The transformer, in turn, is a unique piece of furniture that makes the design of the room original.
When assembled, the table serves as a coffee table, saves money and looks very beautiful. But when guests come to you, in a couple of minutes a small folding table can be turned into one large tabletop that can accommodate up to 8 people.
A small table on wheels can also be a decoration for a living room where there is no way to allocate a separate place for it. The ability to move it freely and silently around the room, its stability and locking wheels are the advantages that the table will love its owners.
Design
The dining table in the kitchen should not only fit into the overall look of the interior and be beautiful, but also meet the requirements of functionality as much as possible. A small kitchen area dictates its own rules and requires additional storage, ways to expand the space and much more.
Regular table
A table with a conventional design is a tabletop with one or more legs. For a kitchen with a small area, it is not the best option, since it is almost impossible to minimize the space it occupies.
Preference should be given to a table with one leg. This will significantly expand the possibilities of safe movement around the kitchen and reduce the risk of hitting a table leg. If the choice nevertheless falls on a model with four legs, the most convenient will be a table that allows you to push all the chairs under it.
Table with drawer
A small kitchen is always characterized by the problem of lack of storage space. In this regard, a table with a drawer will always be useful. You can conveniently place cutlery or other kitchen utensils in it.
Table with folding top
A popular solution for a small kitchen. The folding table is compact and extremely functional. Attached to the wall. The design is a folding tabletop, which is placed on a support, and it turns out to be a full-fledged table for one or several people. When there is no longer any need to use it, the tabletop folds into a vertical position and does not take up precious space in a small kitchen.
Narrow wall table
Narrow wall tables are also used in small kitchens. However, this option is less functional than the previous one. The table does not fold, but is located along the wall. It can be used by one or two people, but it will not be possible to place a significant number of dishes on it.
Table transformer
Equipped with a design that allows you to separate the tabletops and install additional fragments between them. Due to this, the size of the table increases several times. Thus, a square table turns into a rectangular one, and a round one into an oval one.
Transformers are an excellent solution for small spaces. When folded, it can accommodate 1–3 people; when unfolded, it can accommodate up to 10 people.
Portable and mobile
Mobile tables are small in size. The model is designed specifically for small areas. The table can be easily moved from one part of the kitchen to another. The easiest way to move is with wheels on the table legs.
In a small area, it is better to place the table in a corner or near a wall, but it can be moved to the center of the kitchen so that several people can comfortably sit at it.
Bar tables
Widely used in the design of large and small kitchens. When the area is small, the table is placed along one of the walls. Due to its compact design, it creates virtually no interference or difficulty when moving around the kitchen. Creates a full-fledged dining area, since 4-5 people can be seated at the counter at the same time. The most laconic look is the bar table, located at the same height as other kitchen furniture.
Window sill table
Reminiscent of a narrow wall table. The only difference is its installation near the window. In fact, such a table is a replacement for a window sill. A good solution for a kitchen with a small area. If there is a beautiful view from the window, every meal will be accompanied by a pleasant aesthetic pleasure.
This table model is suitable for use by 1–2 people.
Bedroom
A small countertop with a large number of drawers and shelves is simply a must-have in every girl’s bedroom. The dressing table is an excellent assistant for storing all cosmetics and comfortable beauty treatments.
Bedside tables are also popular, on which it is convenient to store a book, lamp and phone. They are usually shaped like a circle or square.
A tabletop that is not large can become a decoration for the hallway. You always need a place where you can place your keys, gloves, phone and other items. A glass or wooden table will fit perfectly into any hallway interior.
And finally, we will tell you how to make a small table from scrap materials.
To create a new, original thing, you only need time and an idea. If time is a thing that we have no control over, then the idea depends only on our imagination and resourcefulness. It won’t be difficult to come up with your own or find photos of small tables on the Internet made from improvised materials.
Where to put the table in a small kitchen?
There are few places where you can place a table in a small kitchen. The best location is the area opposite the kitchen unit. At the same time, in order to save space, it is better to move the table close to the wall. This will significantly expand the space.
It is better to place a round table in a small kitchen in the corner. This way it will take up less space.
Suitcase or box
An old suitcase can decorate your living room; besides, it has a handle and will not be difficult to move.
The suitcase can be used as storage; various things can be placed inside. And for the strength of the surface it is necessary to make a frame, because The sides are soft and will not withstand the load.
You can use any box, the main thing is to clean it, sand it and give it a light, beautiful look with the help of paints and varnish.
Folding models
The choice of a specific option proposed below will depend not only on personal preferences. Consider how often all family members get together for breakfast, lunch or dinner, how often you invite guests, where you receive them.
The minimum allowable space for a comfortable meal for one person is 60x40 cm (length and width). A small kitchen is simply not able to accommodate more than 4-5 people in the dining area. And the distance in the aisles between furniture should ideally not be less than 60 cm. Then the room will not look cluttered, and the furnishings will be ergonomic.
Therefore, in this article we will consider options designed for a maximum of five.
For a large family, you need to move the dining room to another room, and in the kitchen, for example, make a small and compact place for quick snacks for 1-2 people, like a bar counter.
To save space, a folding dining table for a small kitchen is the ideal and most optimal solution.
It may have a different layout mechanism. Modern designs are usually easy to use: they quickly turn from a miniature table into a spacious dining table for 4-6 people. Even a child can handle it.
Let's look at each type in detail.
Folding transforming table
Their difference is the ability to increase the number of seats due to an additional table top. Several design options and transformation mechanisms are possible.
- With an additional, nested tabletop.
It has a slider type mechanism. Under the main tabletop, as a rule, there is another one – an additional one.
For example, IKEA has a whole collection of folding models and transformable designs for small kitchens in the “Ekedalen”, “Bjursta”, “Ingatorp”, etc. series.
Folding or sliding tables can have different dimensions. For a small kitchen up to 8 sq.m. It is advisable to purchase a square one with parameters up to 80x80 cm (width and length) for two.
When unfolded, it will take about 120-130 cm in length and can accommodate up to 5 people.
Initially, when planning a kitchen, it is better to determine a place for the dining area with a reserve.
- Transformable table with folding floors (wings).
Another stationary functional option that can simultaneously be a bedside table, a dining table for two or five.
- Narrow table-pedestal. Surely those who were born in the Soviet Union remember similar heavy and bulky structures. Modern ones are much easier to transform, and their weight is much less.
- Table with 2-4 wings. When unnecessary, additional tabletops are simply hinged down along the furniture.
Such small kitchen tables can be designed for 4-5 people when disassembled and can be partially or completely transformed. Some designs are equipped with functional drawers or open shelves.
With folding tabletop
Unlike the previous one, this one does not have a base in the form of legs. It is attached to a wall or other suitable surface. This option is economical in terms of the space it takes up, but is not so popular due to its aesthetic component. We look better in a modern style kitchen.
Retractable, built into furniture
When folded, it disguises itself as the front of a drawer or cabinet door or hides under the main tabletop. Its popularity is less than previous ones, because... The design can only be made to order or you can make it yourself.
The structure can be a surface and a support-leg connected by hinges. There are retractable models on wheels.
Portable and mobile tables
Unlike stationary types, these can not only be used for eating, but also taken with you even on a picnic. Among these tables there are no transformers, so you must initially choose a model that will accommodate the required number of people. But when folded, the table can be hidden behind a door or in a closet.
Mobile tables are mobile due to wheels. They can also be used in any other room if you want, for example, to have breakfast in bed in the morning or serve dinner in the living room.
Glass combined with metal
The glass needs to be thick enough, about 6-8 millimeters. The edges must be processed to avoid damage during use. This is done using a sharpening stone and sandpaper.
Metal goes well with glass, so it is used for legs, the main thing is that it does not weigh down the structure. At home, it is better to use copper pipes; they bend easily and can be processed.
Use your imagination and then you will succeed!
