The evolution of modern interior design has been quite interesting over the past decade and our team at FCI London have seen the evolution of modern tastes first-hand. One of the more interesting trends in the dining space is a shift towards designs which help maximise space and create a sense of lightness. Such design preferences have led to the emergence of space-saving luxury dining tables that bring unique aesthetic appeal alongside their functional benefits, all in one, small package.

Thanks to the remarkable inventiveness of modern designers and innovative manufacturers, the pool of options available for homeowners to maximise the potential of their dining areas has widened significantly. As veterans in the luxury furniture industry, we are in a happy position to offer you a glimpse into the different types of space-saving dining tables you could consider.

Contemporary glass space-saving dining table with white arm chairs in a modern dining space

Types of Space-Saving Dining Tables

Several types of luxury dining tables have emerged in recent times which offer the advantage of space maximisation and considerable aesthetic appeal. Our designers made a list of the ones that are the most effective for every scenario.

1. Extendable Dining Tables

Minimalist dining spaces are more about functionality, aesthetic appeal, high-end materials and space manipulation. Extendable dining tables are particularly suitable for these kinds of spaces, even though they can be placed in dining areas of almost any style. For instance, you may have a small family and may not host dinners too frequently. There’s no need to have a large table but an extendable table will still give you the option of hosting guests when you do decide to have them over.

The tables consist of leaves which are used to extend the surface area of the tabletop. They are manufactured with considerable care for safety. Consequently, the expandable sections are fitted with locking systems. Another concern that you may have is about the alignment of the moving parts when the table is extended. However, these tables are equipped with alignment tools which help in keeping the top of the table uniformly level and symmetrical.

A woman standing next to a space-saving white marble dining table with matching chairs and metal bases.

2. Drop-Leaf Dining Tables

The drop-leaf dining table has been around for quite a while, having been initially designed in the 16th century. These tables consist of a central fixed table with leaves on either side, which can be used to expand the surface area. The leaves are attached to the table with hinges, allowing you to pull those leaves up and extend the surface area. An enormous benefit of such a table is that when in use, you can expand it, but when not in use, you can keep ample floor space available.

While we agree that drop-leaf dining tables are most suitable for your culinary space, the tables can be put to multiple uses. For instance, if you want to use it as a work desk, you can do so and maximise the space in your home office. Additionally, these tables also offer considerable aesthetic appeal and are available in a variety of attractive designs. For instance, an oak or mahogany drop-leaf table can add an eye-catching aesthetic to your dining space.

Elegant wooden drop-leaf dining table, perfect for space-saving dining.

3. Wall-Mounted & Pull-Out Dining Tables

The wall-mounted dining table is purposely designed for these situations. The table had initially been designed for urban residents in small studio apartments and also for those who wanted to place dining tables in ultra-small kitchens. However, the appeal of this variant of space-saving table is now universally accepted and has become a popular choice in modern minimalist spaces, which are more concerned with functionality over embellishments.

Additionally, wall-mounted tables can also double up as a foldable kitchen workspace and serve the crucial function of keeping the floor space uncluttered and open. Another option in this same category is the pull-out dining table. It essentially consists of an extra leaf underneath your table, which you can pull out and dramatically expand the surface area of the tabletop.

Elegant oak brown space-saving wall-mounted wooden dining table in a modern setting

4. Round & Oval Dining Tables

If a fixed table is more suited to your tastes and preferences, we recommend opting for round or oval dining tables. Unlike rectangular or square tables, these tables don’t have any sharp corners, which can help in the better use of space. The absence of corners makes it possible to place round or oval tables in tighter areas because of their minimal footprint.

Another important factor in favour of round tables is that they don’t have a ‘head’ like in the case of the popular rectangular tables. That leads to a more convivial setting for dinners. Major diplomatic talks generally take place around round tables to harness a sense of equality among the participants. Lastly, you may not want a traditional dining space in your home and instead set up a dining nook to create a more casual interior style. Consider placing an oval table to create an attractive dining nook. We offer round and oval dining tables of various sizes to serve your needs.

A lady next to a space-saving grey extendable round dining table, perfect for small spaces.

5. Nesting Dining Tables

The striking aesthetics of nesting dining tables and their excellent space-saving attributes have catapulted them to be one of the most preferred options for modern homes. It is essentially a table set in which the tables are stacked on top of each other. These tables are also known as stackable tables. Nesting dining tables offer you a range of options in terms of the size of the surface that you may need at any point. Use one extra tabletop or two, depending on the surface area you need. For instance, you can add one table if two of your friends show up for an impromptu weekend meal and if you want to host a dinner then you can add additional tables from the existing stack.

They are a highly practical solution to space-saving in modern interiors. Additionally, nesting tables are also designed with great inventiveness and appear stylish and contemporary.

Close-up of a space-saving nested wooden dining table, perfect for compact spaces.

6. Convertible Dining Tables

Every home needs a versatile table which can change its shape, height and functionality according to different needs. That brings us to the subject of convertible dining tables, which can help save considerable space in your home by serving multiple functions. These tables had initially been developed to serve the homes of urban professionals who lived in small flats. However, the use cases of the tables have made them a highly desirable aesthetic and functional option for homes of all sizes.

Consider placing a convertible dining table in a dining nook near your kitchen. However, if you want to enjoy a cup of coffee, you can reduce the size of the table and use it accordingly. The tables can also function as one, or many, work desks, something more and more common in modern homes, and for which this type of design is particularly suitable. In a home with no designated spaces, you can place a convertible table to be used for dining, working or for having a drink at the end of a challenging workday.

A woman working on a laptop at a space-saving convertible wooden dining table.

Tips on Choosing the Right Space-Saving Table for Your Home

In light of the considerable options, the final choice you may make is going to be dependent on a range of factors, including your preferences, style and functional needs. However, our designers have prepared a simple checklist which will help you choose the right space-saving table. The size of your room and the nature of the layout will have a significant impact on your choice. You need to keep at least 60 cm of space around the table to aid easy movement. Consequently, the table should keep enough space to move when fully extended, instead of just when it is in its compact form.

High-end materials will create the right eye-catching aesthetic, for which we recommend solid hardwoods like oak, mahogany and cedar. The table must suit your interior decor style and hardwoods are famously suitable for a wide variety of interior styles. Lastly, opting for multi-functional space-saving tables will allow you to not buy another piece of furniture and help save space. Consider a wall-mounted table in your kitchen. While it will function as a dining table, it can also be used as a work-station and save the space you may have had to spare for a kitchen island.

Stylish clear glass space-saving dining table complemented by matching white chairs.

How FCI London Can Help You

FCI London has more than 40 years in the luxury furniture and interior design industry, and we pride ourselves on being a trusted name creator of luxury interiors in London, both large and small.

Our longstanding relationships with the best craftsmen and designer brands from all over Europe are at your disposal, and we offer first-class delivery and installation of any product you purchase through us, ensuring that your experience is stress free and convenient..

Visit our 30,000 sq. ft.showroom, the largest luxury showroom in London, to discover, explore and experience a wide range of contemporary and traditional space-saving dining tables, along with professional advice from a team of experienced and award-winning interior designers.

Utilise our complementary services like 3D Rendering, project planning, and enjoy our signature personalised service. We aim to make your design journey as seamless as possible, saving you time and effort wherever possible.

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