For most studio flats, a round dining table of around 70cm to 90cm in diameter, or a small rectangular table of around 80cm by 60cm to 110cm by 70cm, suits a dining corner best. That size seats two comfortably and four at a squeeze, while leaving enough space to walk past and pull out a chair. If your corner is especially tight, a drop leaf, wall mounted or bar height table can work even better.
The exact figure depends on how your studio is laid out, how often you have people over and whether the table has to double as a desk. The rest of this guide walks through those choices so you can pick a size with confidence rather than guesswork.
In a studio, the space around the table matters more than the table itself. You need room to pull a chair out and sit down, and you need a clear route between the kitchen area, the bed and the door. A useful minimum is around 75cm between the table edge and a wall or piece of furniture where someone will sit. Where people only need to walk past, 60cm can be enough.
Measure your dining corner, then subtract that clearance from each side where a chair will go. What is left is the maximum table size. It is often smaller than people expect, which is why so many studio dwellers end up with a table that looks right in the shop and feels cramped at home.
A simple test helps. Mark the outline of the table on the floor with masking tape, place a chair at the edge and try sitting down, standing up and walking past. Leave the tape in place for a day and notice whether it gets in your way while cooking or moving around.
Round tables are usually the better choice for a studio corner. With no sharp corners, they are easier to move around, and they let you fit an extra chair without needing more length. A round table also softens a room that is often full of straight lines from kitchen units, bed frames and shelving.
Rectangular and square tables have their place too. Pushed against a wall, a rectangular table takes up less floor space than a round one of the same seating capacity, because one side is lost to the wall. This works well when you mostly eat alone or as a couple and only pull the table out when guests arrive.
If your corner is narrow and long, such as a space alongside a kitchen run, a slim rectangular table will fit better than a round one. If it is closer to square, round is almost always the easier fit.
A round table of around 70cm suits one or two people and fits into the smallest corners. It is big enough for two plates and a couple of glasses but not much more. For a single person who mostly eats at home, this is often plenty.
A round table of around 80cm to 90cm is a more comfortable size for two, with room for serving dishes, and can seat three or four for a casual meal. This is the size we see work most often in studio flats across London and other UK cities, where the dining area is usually carved out of a shared living space.
A rectangular table of around 110cm by 70cm seats four and can sit against a wall for daily use. It is a good choice if you work from home and want a surface large enough for a laptop, notebook and coffee.
For a compact and coordinated look, our bistro sets UK pair small tables with matching chairs designed for tight spaces.
In a studio, flexibility is valuable. A few table types are especially useful.
A drop leaf table has hinged sides that fold down. Closed, it can be as slim as 30cm to 40cm deep and sit against a wall like a console. Open, it becomes a full dining table. This is a good option if you entertain now and then but want the floor space back the rest of the time.
An extending table works in a similar way, with a leaf that adds length when needed. Compact extending designs can start small enough for two and open to seat four or six. Check that your room can take the extended size, even if only for an evening.
A bar height table raises the dining surface to around 100cm to 105cm and uses stools rather than chairs. Stools tuck fully underneath, so the table takes up very little floor area when not in use. Bar tables also create a natural divide between the kitchen and living zones, which can make a studio feel more organised. Our modern bar table sets UK are worth a look if this appeals.
The material of the table affects how much visual space it takes up. Glass is the most effective at keeping a room feeling open, because you can see straight through it to the floor. A glass top on slim legs or a pedestal base almost disappears, which suits a studio where the dining corner sits close to the sofa or bed.
Pale timber, such as light oak or whitewashed finishes, also keeps a room feeling fresh and airy. White high gloss reflects light, which is useful in a studio with only one window. Darker woods and heavy bases can look beautiful, but they tend to anchor a room and make it feel smaller.
You can browse our modern glass dining tables UK sale for compact round and square designs that keep the floor visible.
Chairs take up almost as much room as the table. Armless chairs are usually the better choice, as they slide fully under the tabletop when not in use. Chairs with slim legs and open backs look lighter than solid, heavily upholstered designs.
Consider a bench along one side, especially if the table is pushed against a wall or into a corner. A bench can seat two or three people in the space of two chairs and slides fully under the table. A built in corner bench with storage underneath is another smart option, particularly in rented flats where you can use a freestanding version rather than a fitted one.
Folding or stackable chairs are useful for guests. Keep two in a cupboard or hang them on hooks, and bring them out only when needed.
In a studio, the dining corner needs to feel like its own space, even though it shares a room with everything else. A few simple touches help.
A pendant light hung over the table, around 75cm above the surface, marks the area clearly and creates a sense of occasion at mealtimes. A small rug under the table defines the zone, though make sure it is large enough for the chair legs to stay on it when pulled out. A piece of art or a mirror on the wall beside the table can also give the corner an identity.
Where the dining area sits directly next to the bed, a lightweight divider or open shelving unit can separate the two without blocking light. Our room dividers UK range includes folding screens and open designs that work well in studios.
Many studio residents use their dining table for work as well as meals. If this is you, lean towards a slightly larger or rectangular table. A surface of at least 100cm by 60cm gives space for a laptop, a notebook and a drink without feeling cramped.
Think about the chair too. A dining chair used for several hours of work needs to be comfortable, so look for a well padded seat and a supportive back. Place the table near natural light if possible, and add a small table lamp for evenings.
At Furniture in Fashion, we regularly help customers choose compact dining furniture for flats and small homes, and the right size almost always comes down to measuring the clearance first.
A round table of around 70cm or a square table of around 70cm by 70cm is the smallest size that comfortably seats two for a meal.
Often, yes. A round table of around 90cm or a rectangular table of around 110cm by 70cm can seat four, provided you have around 75cm of clearance where chairs sit.
It can be. Stools tuck fully underneath, and the raised surface can act as a divider between kitchen and living areas. It suits people who are comfortable perching rather than sitting at standard height.
For everyday use, pushing a rectangular table against a wall saves floor space. You can pull it out when guests visit, which effectively gives you a table that changes size.
Glass, white high gloss and pale timber finishes keep a room feeling open. Darker finishes can look elegant but tend to make a small space feel more enclosed.
Choosing between a small TV unit and a tall one is less about which is…
Buying a grey TV unit online is straightforward when you know three things before you…
Classic TV units are enjoying a real revival, as more people look for furniture with…
Beige TV units work beautifully as a warm, quiet base for a living room, provided…
Glass TV units bring a light, modern look to a living room because they let…
Combined living and dining rooms are common in British homes, from knocked through terraces to…
This website uses cookies.