Square footage can be a hot commodity when it comes to living space. Urban rentals are especially notorious for a lack of space. When physical space is limited, a dining room or designated dining area may be the first thing to go. On the flip side, you may find yourself needing your dining space for another purpose.

Given that most people don’t use a formal dining area these days, that space may serve you better if you use it in another way. Whatever your dining space needs are (or aren’t), there’s a solution for you.

1. Multipurpose Furniture Arrangements

If you’re looking to add a dining area to your rental but your square footage to work with is less than plentiful, you might want to consider a multipurpose furniture arrangement. Especially when you’re renting, you won’t be able to expand your space, so it’s important to utilize the space you do have in the smartest way possible.

Maybe your rental has a built-in furniture feature, such as a window seat or extended kitchen counter. If you have a window seat, you can use it as a reading nook or lounging spot, but a table and some chairs can turn it into a functional dining area.

With 86% of home buyers preferring a kitchen/dining area combination, it’s likely you may have some extra counter space that you can add a few barstools to, and it can serve as a great spot for entertaining or your everyday dining needs without the need for a formal dining set and designated room.

If you’re creating a space entirely out of your own furniture, consider using benches or tables with extra storage. This can offer you a solution to a lack of storage, or allow you to use this space for multiple purposes.

With the advent of remote and hybrid work, you may need to use your dining area as a workspace as well. Simply stow away your work materials when you’re clocked out, and enjoy your meals in a cozy dining area.

2. Utilize Other Areas of Your Living Space

Even if you don’t have a dedicated dining area, you might have another area that can double as a dining and living space.

If your rental is blessed with an outdoor living area and favorable weather, consider adding a dining set to your outdoor setup. Depending on the space, you may be able to accommodate a bistro set or a formal dining set. Either way, adding dining space to your outdoor living setup can give you the benefits of outdoor time and the perfect place to enjoy your meals, weather permitting.

Unfortunately, not all of us have the luxury of a usable outdoor area or the climate that allows for its use. Without a dedicated room or area for dining, you may have to make your own with the living space you do have. If a lack of square footage is your main concern, try some space-saving techniques like using the corners and wall space you do have available.

3. Use Your Dining Space for Another Purpose

You might find yourself needing more space, but not for a dining area. Maybe you have a formal dining area and an eat-in kitchen, and don’t utilize your dining space often enough to justify keeping it around for that purpose. 

If you have a dining space in your home that you don’t find yourself using, you might consider using that space for something else that will serve you and your lifestyle better.

Depending on the setup of your living space, a guest room may be the perfect replacement for your formal dining area. Even if this has less privacy than you’d like to offer your guests, using room dividers or curtains can supplement both privacy and an aesthetic touch.

With the right vision, an unused dining area can provide an excellent home for really any spatial needs you may have outside of mealtime. If you find yourself getting a lot of work done at home, give yourself an adequate space for productivity and turn that dining area into a home office.

A keyboard and drums might find a home in your repurposed dining area if you’re a musician looking for a spot to practice. You might even want to swap out the dining table for a pool table and enjoy your new game room.

Get Creative With Your Dining Space

Whether you find your dining area becoming dispensable in your lifestyle or you don’t feel you have enough space for a dedicated dining space, there’s always an answer to your problem. Even if you’re renting, one of the most exciting things about having your own space is making it yours. Getting creative with the limits put on your living space can make it feel all the more like home.

Author

Evelyn Long is the editor-in-chief of Renovated. Her real estate work has been published by the National Association of REALTORS®, Rental Housing Journal, and other online publications.

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