You may have to eat in a glorified closet sized kitchen, but that is no excuse to be standing up like a mixed up flamingo. Believe me, I know the deal- how food in the eating establishment became packed into less space than a microwave. Having spent several years in apartments where I would have been able to reach all four walls of the rooms with the middle finger, I have found out some of the game changing solutions that will make your small kitchen look functional and fabulous.
Small Space, Big Style: Why Size Doesn’t Matter
Just enough to be real here a sec, small kitchens aren t going away. Due to the increased cost of living in urban areas most of us have to contend with apartments that would embarrass a realtor in New York. However, the thing is that compact does not imply compromises with design or functionality.
It has happened to me personally during the time when I moved in a studio apartment. It consists of celebrating delusions in a kitchen, that is not much of a kitchen. Months of eating cereal with my head bent over the counter like some goddamn caveman, I decided I was going to have to go a different direction.
What is the secret sauce? Versatile furniture that gets as hard as you. Each object must take its position in your room.
Drop-Leaf Tables: The Transformers of Kitchen Furniture
Have you ever watched a table that can transform? Drop-leaf tables are more or less the equivalent of the Transformers in the furniture world. They collapse to nearly nothing when you are done with them. They grow to serve your needs when it is the dinner time.
Some advantages: • Collapses into flat sheets against the wall when not in use • Doubles in size to create a flat surface to use as a table to prepare meals or eat • Traditional design that blends with any interior • Great to use in apartments and condos
I got a used drop-leaf table a thrift store (40 dollars); It has been my sidekick the last three years. By day it is my coffee station. At night it becomes a proper dining table with two people.
Wall-Mounted Drop-Down Tables: When Floor Space is Premium
Now things get interesting here. Drop down tables, wall mounted like having a hidden dining room in the wall. These beasts fold completely flat when not in use making zero footprint.
Installation is actually quite simple –just make sure you nail into those wall studs. No one wants a dinner-table-quake lol half way through a meal :/.
Suited to: • Studio apartments • Galley kitchens • Breakfast nooks • Home offices which are an extension of the dining room
Pro tip: Mount at a height working for sitting and working. You’ll be glad for me when you’re using it as your laptop station during the day.
Rolling Kitchen Carts: Mobility Meets Functionality
Why to settle down in one place when you can choose? The benefit of the rolling kitchen carts is that you can place the dining surface in any place you require. Other prep space required? Turn it over. Fancy sitting by the window and eating? No problem.\
The under-storage is handy during shortage of space. I use mine to keep such items as kitchen gadgets and dishes. It is mobile command center.
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Wheels | Complete portability |
| Storage | Hidden organization |
Bistro Sets: European Charm in Minimal Space
There are times when you feel noone can resist the feeling of fancy, even with a postage stamp kitchen. This Parisian cafe atmosphere is created with bistro sets, which do not demand any specific square footage.
These small two-seaters usually range from 24-30” in diameter – great size for romantic meals or morning coffee. Mine I found at a local garden store (yes, outdoor patio stuff is pretty versatile), and it’s my go to spot for weekend morning brunch.
What makes them work: • Compact circular design • Usually seats 2 people comfortably
• Available in multiple materials • Creates an intimate dining atmosphere
Nesting Tables: The Russian Dolls of Furniture
Nesting tables are sheer genius due to the idea that it provides you with a variety of surfaces even though the footprint is of a single table. Pull out your small tables when you have additional space requirements. Fail to do so and they will fold away nicely.
I have mine as my dining table, side tables, and even working I use a laptop on them. It is sort of a furniture Swiss Army knife.
Counter-Height Tables with Storage
Counter-height tables give an illusion of further space due to the drawing the eye upwards. And they are ideal for snacks, or fast food. Most are made with storage built in often as shelves, sometimes drawers, sometimes cabinets beneath.
The additional storage is a revolution in small kitchens. Mine is full of cookbooks, as well as small appliances. It is the best functional furniture.
Extendable Console Tables: Double Duty Design
Another trick is this: If one has extendable console tables that are used as decorative items they could be used as dining tables when the time comes. In the daytime they are fashion accessories. They elongate to serve diners at mealtime.
They are also well suited to open-plan living and the fact that your kitchen leads to your living room.
Fold-Out Desk Tables: Multi-Purpose Marvels
Why not do the table-top sitting and the keyboard work together? Fold-out, desk tables are used both as dining and work surfaces.
FYI, this is ideal to those that work at home and have flexibility. When you are at work, it is your office. It is your dining room at mealtimes.
Bar-Style High Tables: Maximizing Vertical Space
A high table Bar-style High tables are able to utilize vertical space as well as having a minimal footprint. They make excellent grab and go meals and an urban, ultra-modern atmosphere.
Alongside them go backless stools that are completely tucked under. When they’re not in use you’ll hardly know they’re there.
Round Pedestal Tables: Smooth Navigation
The bane of small spaces is sharp corners. The cornerless round pedestal tables make it less challenging to move around as well as promote better traffic flow.
The pedestal base support has only one stand that gives a lot of legroom as compared to the conventional four legs. Just believe me, shins will love you.
Acrylic and Glass Tables: The Invisibility Trick
Desire to have your table virtually invisible? Tables made with acrylic and glass make the room appear larger since they do not obstruct nor block the view. These can be quite transparent so your eye can see straight through and the room does not feel too crowded.
I was skeptical at first (hello, cleaning requirements), but the space-saving illusion is worth the extra maintenance.
Built-In Banquette Seating with Tables
Should you be feeling adventurous: built-in banquet seating with a petite table makes a cosy list setting and makes the most of every last inch of available space. This seating offers concealment in storage and position of the table which is fixed means that it does not require separate seats.
This choice is more demanding (and potentially carpentry levels too), but it is hard to beat the efficiency of the space.
Making Your Choice: What Works for Your Space
Again, all small kitchens are different, and what helped me in my place may not be helpful to you. Think of your everyday routines, cooking, lifestyle demands.
The main questions to ask: • Do you sit down and eat? • Are you in need of both a working area and a dining area? How much is your upper limit? • How much assembling are you ready to do?
The most ideal small-space table is the one that you will use. Do not be lured by the Instagram-like ridiculous setups which do not align with your reality.
Final Thoughts: Small Spaces, Big Possibilities
There is no reason you should spend the rest of your life at the sink eating–just because you have a small kitchen. The correct table solution will make you obtain a functional place to eat at which will literally improve your everyday life.
It all comes down to selecting items that multi-task i.e. furniture that can be used in more ways, and furniture that can evolve into what you need. A drop-leaf classic is an option, as is a modern design built with acrylic, but be sure this fits within your space and your lifestyle.
Keep in mind the small tables can some of the most memorable meals. But size matters not, it is to make the space your home, that happens to be super small too 🙂