How To Make A Small Dining Room Feel Bigger, According To Designers

Stuck with a small dining space? There's no need to fret—with these helpful designer tips, you'll be well on your way to designing a more spacious looking room in no time. Here, Southern experts weigh in with useful insights regarding furniture shape, wall color, and much more.

Keep Scale and Shape Top of Mind

You want whatever furniture you choose for your dining room to allow for easy movement within the space, which is key when hosting, and will ensure that your space doesn't seem too cramped.

"It is very important in a small dining room to select furniture that is proportionate to the room and not to overcrowd the space, allowing for comfortable circulation," says Aileen Warren, the founder of Jackson Warren Interiors in Fairhope, Alabama. "You want to think about flow and entertaining for large gatherings and how each piece will function and allow for hosting."

Sallie Lord, the founder of GreyHunt Interiors in Chantilly, Virginia, agrees.

"Nothing makes a room feel smaller than being too tight, overdone, or difficult to move around in," she says. "Allow the room to breathe"

The shape of dining table that you choose can also make your small space seem larger while accommodating more seats.

"By having a rounded table, you can typically squeeze more bodies in around the edges," says Laura Williams, the founder of Austin's ATX Interior Design.

The type of seating you select for a small dining space is also key.

"Choose chairs with an open or low slatted back and slim legs instead of solid high backs or chunky legs," says designer Ashley Ferguson, the founder of Austin's Ashley Ferguson Interiors. "This simple swap will help to create more open lines of sight within the space."

Use a Large Rug

A large rug, can, in fact, make a small space appear larger.

"I recommend an oversized rug to reach the room's edges or maximizing floor space by selecting a round table with soft edges rather than a square or rectangular option," says Mary Beth Wagner, the founder of Mary Beth Wagner Interiors in Dallas.

Incorporate Large Patterns

Do not be afraid to get a bit print happy in your small dining room. As Sara Hillery, the founder of Sara Hillery Interior Design in Richmond, Virginia, says, "Big patterns detract from the size of space."

Choose a Tonal Color Palette

Go on and drench your space with a singular color, Ferguson comments; she recommends sticking with a tonal palette.

"While it seems counterintuitive, saturating a room in a single, cohesive hue can actually make a small space feel much larger," she says. "When there aren't many visual breaks in the room, a color-drenching technique tricks the eye and creates the illusion of spaciousness."

Hillery agrees that a one-color approach is the way to go.

"Neutralize the walls, trim, and ceiling by using a monochromatic color," she says. "The boundaries of the room fade away." To add depth and dimension to the space, Hillery recommends using a high gloss paint.

Last but not least, skip the chair rail in a small dining room, Lord suggests.

Maximize Natural Light and Use Mirrors

Natural light is a key component in ensuring any room will appear larger. In the dining room, skip the heavy drapery to allow as much sunlight to flood into the space as possible, Ferguson suggests.

"When you're aiming to create the illusion of a larger room, choose slightly sheer fabrics that feel open and airy," she says. "Remember to hang them high and wide to maximize the amount of natural light entering the room."

Mirrors will also work wonders in a small dining space.

"They reflect light and give the illusion of depth," explains Lisa Shaffer, the founder of Lisa & Leroy in Washington, D.C.

And there's no need to stop at just one mirror.

"I still love a mirrored wall in a small dining room," says Chad Graci, the founder of Graci Interiors in New Orleans. "It gives the room a sense of glamor and expansiveness. A mercury mirror grid with tiny brass buttons at the intersections really does it for me!"

Cut the Clutter

A small dining room isn't the place to display a clunky collection or keep all of your entertaining supplies out in the open.

"Clutter can make any room feel cramped so opt for furniture with storage options to keep things tidy," Shaffer says.

Mindfully Select Lighting

While there's nothing like natural light, electric fixtures are also going to make all of the difference in your dining space.

"Well-placed fixtures can brighten dark corners and make the whole room feel more spacious," Shaffer shares.

Don't stop at just one central chandelier.

"Lighting that is not just above a table, but dotted throughout using lamps and art lights, will give the space interest and nuance," says Layton Campbell, the founder of J Layton Interiors in Charlotte.