Just because your living room is small doesn’t mean you can’t work a dining table into the mix. Small apartment dwellers have become masters at carving out nooks for eating and entertaining. Below we’re sharing 20 of our favorite small living rooms with dining tables. You might be in the market for a bistro table for just one or two people. Or you might want a table that can accommodate more guests. Regardless, the ideas below will inspire you to incorporate a table into your small space stylishly and effectively.

• 01of 20Go Monochrome @citychicdecor / InstagramIf you don’t want your dining table to take up much visual space in your living room, opt for a color or material that corresponds with some of your other furniture. Doing this will ensure that it doesn’t stand out significantly. Here, a white plaster bistro table blends in nicely. It feels like it’s barely there while still serving its purpose.Continue to 2 of 20 below
• 02of 20Maximize Window Views @hattiekolp / InstagramIf you have a large bay window or a row of windows in your living room, that would be an ideal spot for a table. Its low height won’t block the sunlight from streaming in, and you can appreciate the view outside as you sit and sip your morning coffee.Continue to 3 of 20 below
• 03of 20Curl Up With a Book @heatherbien / InstagramPlacing a table next to your bookshelf is an excellent idea, too. It might inspire you to enjoy a good read as you dine solo or take a mid-day lunch break. You can even pretend you’re relaxing in your very own coffee shop.Continue to 4 of 20 below
• 04of 20Cozy Up Your Space @_thegrandapartment / InstagramIf you’re worried about your table looking harsh next to your living room accents, consider cozying up your dining chairs with sheepskin. This simple, affordable hack adds an instant softness to this nook.Continue to 5 of 20 below
• 05of 20Design a Joint Bar and Dining Setup @shoebox.designs / InstagramPlacing your dining table beside a bar cart or table makes for easy entertaining. When guests come over, let them know they’re welcome to help themselves to a refill whenever they wish.Continue to 6 of 20 below
• 06of 20Opt for Pieces That Complement Your Existing Furniture @mariannesides / InstagramMake sure that the dining table you choose complements your living room’s aesthetic. In this space, a black table and set of wishbone chairs coordinate beautifully with the tall black bookcase and picture frames behind it.Continue to 7 of 20 below
• 07of 20Set Up a Table for Two Wit & WhimsyA petite bistro table is a good option for those who reside solo, don’t eat at home much, or simply don’t have much space to work with. Set out two chairs so that you can still host a friend now and then.Continue to 8 of 20 below
• 08of 20Design a Hybrid Work/Dining Space @elizabeth_malm / InstagramIf your dining table doubles as a workspace by day, set it up to inspire maximum productivity. Make sure the area is distraction-free and in a nook that evokes calmness. In this space, a sconce above the table makes it easy to work and read even when it’s gloomy outside.Continue to 9 of 20 below
• 09of 20Incorporate Chic Accents @tulipsforthetable / InstagramDecorate your tabletop with accessories and accent pieces. Here, brass candle holders complement the living room’s brass picture frame, lamp, and light fixtures. You can absolutely never go wrong with fresh flowers in a classic vase. Also, the pink spiral candles add a fun touch.Continue to 10 of 20 below
• 10of 20Opt for Extra Seating @styledbymegan_x / InstagramIf entertaining is important to you, note that many small-sized tables can still accommodate up to four chairs. This setup proves that you don’t need a ton of square footage to host a dinner party.Continue to 11 of 20 below
• 11of 20Pull Up a Chair Design: Zarifi Design / Styling: Jess Finessed / Photo: Armhed Louis-JeanAt The Parker, these dining chairs are positioned perfectly for entertaining, allowing guests at the table to interact with guests in the main living room. Having enough seating for friends can always be an issue, so creative layout solutions like these always come in handy.Continue to 12 of 20 below
• 12of 20Maximize Your Entryway @pistachiobyelaine / InstagramSetting up your table in the entryway allows it to double as a console table for keys and mail. Just remember to quickly clear it off at the end of every day so you can still sit and dine comfortably. Continue to 13 of 20 below
• 13of 20Divide and Conquer Jessica Delaney PhotographyConsider splitting up your living room so that one half serves as a makeshift dining room. You probably need less space than you think for your sofa and coffee table. This way, you can easily enjoy the best of both worlds.Continue to 14 of 20 below
• 14of 20Scatter Your Living Room Accents Nicole Alexandra Design StudioThis cozy dining area incorporates a blanket ladder, round mirror, and table lamp, which help to bridge the gap between the living room and dining room.Continue to 15 of 20 below
• 15of 20Have Fun With Favorite Colors and Materials Nicole Alexandra Design StudioChoose a table and chair set that speaks to you. Why not have a little fun with pink and marble, for example? By no means do today’s dining setups need to be ultra- serious. Consider styling the table with a funky vase and dried flowers.Continue to 16 of 20 below
• 16of 20Place the Table Behind Your Couch Design: Rozit Arditi / Photo: Claire EsparrosUse your couch to divide the main living area of your space from the dining area. In this example, the couch is positioned for easy TV watching and lounging, while the dining table has a separate section.Continue to 17 of 20 below
• 17of 20Work a Credenza Into the Mix @purely_nora / InstagramTo ensure your eating area blends well with your living room, style a credenza with accessories that reflect your aesthetic. These accents don’t have to be dining related. Here, a vase, stack of books, and table lamp are the perfect accessories.
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• 18of 20Try This Open Floor Plan Trick Design: Tina Ramchandani / Photo: Jacob Snavely 
  Here is another example of a dining table placed behind a sofa, which helps to break up this room’s open floor plan. This table features two chairs as well as a cushioned sofa-like booth.Continue to 19 of 20 below
• 19of 20Bridge a Gap Design: Tina Ramchandani / Photo: Jacob Snavely Again, this open floor plan features a kitchen and living room combo. Placing a table between the two spaces helps to make them appear more cohesive.Continue to 20 of 20 below
• 20of 20Keep It Close Design: Margaret Costello / Photo: Kirsten FrancisThis square dining table is close to the living room’s seating area making it excellent for entertaining. Fill the table with drinks and snacks, and allow guests to serve themselves with ease as they lounge on the couch.