Small Kitchen Table Options

Use small kitchen table options to make over your small eat-in kitchen with a welcoming dining surface, whether it's the center island bar top or a traditional dining table.
Small Kitchen With Green Backsplash

Small Kitchen With Green Tile Backsplash

A small "L" shaped eat in kitchen with oak cabinetry, basic appliances, and a green tile back splash to the ceiling. The top cabinets have glass doors creating an illusion of more space.

By: Alison Miller

The heart of every kitchen is the family table. Even in cramped quarters, you can use small kitchen table options so that the dining table serves as a focal point and a gathering spot.

Kitchen Table Design Ideas and Options

See All Photos

Shop This Look

If you have an eat-in kitchen layout that can accommodate a traditional table, then be sure to pull out the measuring tape before choosing a table style. To prevent a boxed-in feeling, allow at least a 7-foot clearance (3-1/2 feet on either side) for your new table. Round models are ideal because they promote conversation and can squeeze in a few more guests than a rectangular table.

When it comes to making this decision, think of a pared-down silhouette such as a single pedestal base, like the mod tulip table. On the other hand, tables with straight edges and removable leaves offer major flexibility. Imagine taking out a leaf and easing your table against a spare wall, leaving you more floor space.

The cozy breakfast nook layout requires a small table, either round or rectangular, to tuck alongside the banquette seating. Avoid sturdy and stocky pieces, aiming instead for a streamlined silhouette to convey a feeling of spaciousness in this corner of your kitchen. Pulling out your measuring tape again, make sure that your table is at least 30 inches high and there's enough sliding clearance between the seating and the edge of the table.

An alternative to the traditional table is utilizing counter space, whether a peninsula or a center island, for modern dining. Kitchen countertops usually require little more than a row of bar stools to be ready for a casual meal setting. Taking the counter space table one step further, a mobile kitchen island can transform your small kitchen by being front and center or rolled away into an empty corner.

Whatever the style, a table on casters can offer the ultimate in versatility for a tiny kitchen. Affix these decorative metal wheels to roll out the table when you need it and to whisk it away when you don't. The same is true for a mobile kitchen island. In terms of customizing a table, consider only hanging onto the portion of the table that your square footage can house, then chopping off the rest. Sound drastic? No, think dramatic! The newly minimized table will look charming attached to your wall instead of hogging the floor space.

Next Up

Small Eat-In Kitchen Ideas

Make the most of mealtime with these design ideas for carving out a space to dine in your kitchen.

How to Clean an Air Fryer

Maintain your small kitchen appliance easily with these tips for removing baked-on food and residual grease.

The Best Small-Space Kitchen and Dining Tables

These space-saving tables are short in size but big on style.

10 Best Mini Fridges for Dorms and Small Spaces in 2023

Outfit your college dorm, garage, tiny home or workspace with one of these top-rated machines.

Tips for Edible Gardening in Small Spaces

Make the most of a small garden space by mixing flowers and vegetables in an ornamental edible garden.

15 Small Space-Friendly Desks Under $350

Finding a budget-friendly desk for a small space can be tricky, but these under-$350 picks will give your apartment or guest-room-meets-home-office the function it needs.

The Last Food Storage Bags You'll Ever Need to Buy

Make reducing single-use plastic easy with these reusable toxin-free silicone bags perfect for packing lunches, freezing foods, sous vide cooking and so much more.

Small Kitchen Seating Ideas

Solve the kitchen seating quandary with practical yet pretty ways to take a seat at mealtime.

The Best Futons for Every Budget and Style

Make any room guest-ready with a versatile futon that transforms from seating to a bed in mere seconds.

5 Small Things We've Bought That Saved Us Money in the Long Run

From products that help curb expensive drink habits to long-lasting LED lights, take a cue from our editors and discover small household items we love, all under $100, that can save you money down the road.

Go Shopping

Get product recommendations from HGTV editors, plus can’t-miss sales and deals.

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.