Ditch The Traditional Dining Table: The Antique Furniture Solution That Fits In Small Spaces

Dining tables are a great way to handle a large gathering and create a formal, family-focused place to eat. However, in smaller homes, they often take up much-needed space. This is especially the case if you rarely have visitors over, don't often eat at the table, or are a small family of two or three. Instead, you need a compact piece of furniture that fits in a nook somewhere in your home. If you want something small, easy to find at thrift stores, and fully functional, an antique desk can be a smart alternative. 

Desks are often associated with work or study, but they can also become a perfect little place to eat. Plus, a small workspace is a '90s kitchen feature more homes should bring back because of its multifunctionality. Not only does it work as a small dining nook, but it's another surface for your appliances, and the drawers, if present, give you extra storage. When not used for dining, it can double as a workspace or food prep area.

It's essential to have clever, multi-purpose furniture for tiny homes, but even if your home isn't quite that small, finding pieces to serve multiple uses can really come in handy to prevent your home from feeling cluttered. Using an antique desk not only gives you a little bit of charm, but it can also be pretty affordable, since you can buy one for a discount at thrift stores.

If you're only trying to find seating for one or two people, then you can easily wedge this desk into a nook in your kitchen, like near your fridge or in a corner. It can also be pushed up against a wall in the space that would be your dining room, giving you a place to eat, while still using the rest of the area for something else. 

For a family of three or four, set it up like you would a traditional dining table, with seating on all sides. It still helps to save space because of its small size, but it can seat more people than the first option, and has a traditional dining area or breakfast nook feel. It can't fit the spread a proper table could, but it's perfect for a family sitting down and eating from individual plates.  

To make the most of the space, pick more minimalist seats as well. Traditional office chairs can be a bit bulky. Instead, opt for stools or foldable seating. Using seating with cushions is Jasmine Roth's number one tip for a cozy dining space, and it still works when there's limited room. If you're going to place it somewhere as more of a breakfast nook, a plush bench on one side can add comfort without taking up much additional space.