If your dining room feels more like a shoebox than a stylish space, don’t sweat it—there are plenty of ways to trick the eye and make it feel bigger without knocking down walls or breaking the bank.
Interior designers have mastered the art of illusion when it comes to small spaces, and their go-to tricks can work wonders in a cramped dining area. Whether it’s swapping out bulky chairs for sleek, open-back designs or using a bold wallpaper to draw the eye upward, these expert-approved hacks will have your dining room feeling spacious in no time.
1. Swap in Open-Back Chairs
Forget those heavy, upholstered dining chairs that eat up visual space. Mary Roberts of Dunn & Hall Interiors suggests opting for chairs with open backs—think modern, airy designs that let light pass through. Not only do they keep the room from feeling weighed down, but they also add a touch of contemporary style.
And here’s the fun part: color is your friend. Whether you go for a punchy solid hue or a playful pattern, these chairs can double as a statement piece while keeping the room feeling open.
2. Try a Bench Seat
Who says dining chairs have to be the only seating option? Megan Baker of Megan Baker Interiors loves using a bench along one side of the table—especially if it’s tucked against a wall. Not only does it save space, but it also creates a cozy, built-in look that makes the room feel intentional.
You can match the bench to your table for a seamless vibe or DIY one with a fun fabric to add personality. Either way, it’s a smart way to free up floor space and keep the room from feeling cluttered.
3. Hang Sheer Drapery
If your dining room has windows, take advantage of them. Baker recommends framing them with light, breezy drapes to create the illusion of height and openness. Sheer fabrics let in natural light while softening the edges of the room, making it feel more expansive.
Pro tip: Hang the curtain rod a few inches above the window frame and let the panels kiss the floor—this elongates the walls and tricks the eye into thinking the ceiling is higher than it really is.
4. Wallpaper the Ceiling
Why stop at four walls when you can decorate the fifth? Roberts suggests covering the ceiling in a bold wallpaper to add depth and interest. A small-scale pattern keeps things from feeling overwhelming, while a vibrant print draws the eye upward, making the room feel taller.
Not ready to commit to a full ceiling makeover? Try a subtle texture or a soft metallic finish for a touch of glam without going overboard.
5. Color-Drench the Space
If you really want to blur the boundaries of your small dining room, Michal Rubin of MR Interiors swears by color drenching—painting everything (walls, trim, doors, even the ceiling) in the same shade. This seamless look eliminates visual breaks, making the room feel like one continuous, airy space.
Don’t shy away from deep, moody tones either. A rich navy or emerald green can actually make a small room feel cozy and intentional rather than cramped.
6. Go Big with Lighting
A tiny dining room doesn’t mean you have to settle for a tiny light fixture. In fact, Rubin recommends the opposite—a bold, statement chandelier (like a Sputnik-style piece with arms that stretch outward) keeps the eye moving and adds drama.
Baker agrees: “Too many small dining rooms have small lights, which just emphasizes the lack of space.” A large-scale pendant or chandelier anchors the room and makes it feel like a full-sized dining area, even if it’s not.
And for renters? No problem. There are plenty of affordable, removable options that won’t require rewiring—just stash the original fixture until move-out day.
Final Thoughts
Small dining rooms don’t have to feel limiting. With a few strategic tweaks—like swapping furniture, playing with color, and choosing the right lighting—you can transform your space into something that feels open, stylish, and anything but cramped. So go ahead, pull up a chair (or a bench) and enjoy your newly expanded dining experience.
