Whether you live in an apartment or a studio, the dining room is an important area to enjoy delicious meals. So designing the interior of the dining area in small apartments is crucial to ensure both functionality and aesthetics. Let’s follow this article from Adria Workshop to discover 20 apartment dining room decor ideas on a budget.

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How To Set Up A Dining Room In A Small Apartment? 

Setting up a dining room in a small apartment can be challenging, but it's not impossible. One way of apartment dining room decor is to choose compact and multi-functional furniture pieces to optimize space. Incorporating a minimalist design can also make the room appear larger. Modern dining room decor ideas such as using neutral colors and adding a statement piece like a chandelier can create a stylish and cozy ambiance.

How to decorate your dining area in a small apartment
How to decorate your dining area in a small apartment (Source: Internet)

20 Affordable Apartment Dining Room Decor Ideas For You

Here are 20 affordable small dining room ideas on a budget to decorate your kitchen in various styles to suit your space.

1. Combining With The Kitchen 

Combining the dining area with the kitchen is a simple and classic apartment dining room design. Choosing dining tables and chairs with color tones that match the kitchen will make the space harmonious and eye-catching. Another option is to use a kitchen island or a bar cart as a transitional element between the kitchen and dining room.

This apartment dining room decor will help you save space in the apartment
This apartment dining room decor will help you save space in the apartment (Source: Internet)

2. Use A Round Or Oval Dining Table

For apartment dining room decor, a round or oval dining table is a great choice. Modern dining set tables can be used to create a stylish and comfortable small dining space. This shape of the table allows for more seating without compromising on space. Incorporating a beautiful rug, artwork, and statement lighting can enhance the overall decor of the dining room.

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Using a round or oval dining table (Source: Internet)

3. Striking Pendant Lights

To create chic apartment dining room decor, striking pendant lights are a great addition, complementing modern dining room ideas. They can elevate the room's overall aesthetic and provide adequate lighting for the dining table. 

Pendant lights are available in various designs and styles
Pendant lights are available in various designs and styles (Source: Internet)

4. Make It Works Best For You

The key to successful apartment dining room decor is to personalize the space. You can buy your favorite furniture or kitchen utensils and arrange them eye-catching. Different apartment dining room decor ideas can create a comfortable and functional dining area. 

Make your dining room work best for you
Make your dining room work best for you (Source: Internet)

5. Make The Table Stand-Out

In apartment dining room decor, making the table stand out can create a unique and inspiring focal point. You can use a stylish and eye-catching table complemented by beautiful placemats, vases, and plates. In a small studio apartment, utilizing multifunctional furniture, such as a collapsible or expandable table, can create more space for entertaining.

Apartment dining room with a stylish and eye-catching table
Apartment dining room with a stylish and eye-catching table (Source: Internet)

6. Link It With Another Space

You can link the dining room with another space in an apartment by using design elements that connect the two areas. This is the best choice for apartment dining room decor. For example, using the same color scheme or furniture style in both spaces can create a visual link.

apartment dining room decor 7
Link your dining area with another space by using the same color scheme (Source: Internet)

7. Use Space-Saving Banquette Seating

If you want to host a party with relatives and friends at home, let’s think about designing space-saving banquette seats. Incorporating mid century modern dining chairs with banquette seating is a stylish way to elevate the design of your apartment dining room decor. This type of seating can be built into a corner, saving valuable floor space, and many people can sit together.

Apartment dining room decor with kitchen banquette kitchen
Apartment dining room decor with kitchen banquette kitchen (Source: Internet)

8. Add Ornate Details

Adding ornate details is a great way to enhance the small apartment dining room decor. Especially if it’s part of a small living room dining room combo layout, you can add more decorative elements. You can choose a pattern with intricate details or a pendant light fixture that features ornate details. However, remember to balance them with simplicity to avoid making the space feel cluttered.

Using ornate details like wallpaper and lighting fixtures
Using ornate details like wallpaper and lighting fixtures (Source: Internet)

9. Play With Color And Patterns

Mixing and matching different colors and patterns can add depth and interest to the apartment dining room decor. However, you should find out colors that match the kitchen and harmonize with other spaces. This combination will turn your dining room into a cozy and inviting gathering place.

Mix and match different colors and patterns
Mix and match different colors and patterns (Source: Internet)

10. Put An Accent On Comfort With Oversized Chairs And Sofas

If you want to add comfort to your apartment dining room decor, consider incorporating oversized chairs and sofas. For optimal comfort, it's advisable to choose soft and plush fabrics such as velvet or chenille. Featuring these furniture pieces in your dining apartment can provide a cozy and inviting space that is perfect for any occasion.

Using oversized chairs and sofas for apartment dining room decor
Using oversized chairs and sofas for apartment dining room decor (Source: Internet)

11. Make The Most Of Multipurpose Furniture

To decorate your small apartment dining room, you can use multipurpose furniture. A storage bench with a seat that lifts up or a console table that can double as a dining table is the best choice.

Using more multipurpose furniture like a storage bench
Using more multipurpose furniture like a storage bench (Source: Internet)

12. Use Lighting To Define Zones In Your Apartment

For apartment dining room decor, using lighting can be an effective way to define zones. For example, pendant lighting above the dining table can make a focal point and provide adequate lighting for eating.

Use lighting to define the dining zone in your apartment
Use lighting to define the dining zone in your apartment (Source: Internet)

13. Utilize Large Mirrors To Expand The Space

Large mirrors can be a helpful tool for expanding the space and enhancing the decor of your apartment dining room. Hanging a large mirror on the wall can create the illusion of depth, making the room feel larger than it is.

apartment dining room decor 14
Decorate large mirrors to expand your modern apartment space (Source: Internet)

14. Embrace Bar-Height Dining

If you want to create a trendy atmosphere in your apartment dining room, consider using a bar-height dining table and stools. In addition, you can take advantage of the kitchen island to create a dining room in your kitchen. These styles of dining are ideal for smaller apartments with limited space, as they take up less floor space than traditional dining tables.

Apartment dining room decor with bar-height dining
Apartment dining room decor with bar-height dining (Source: Internet)

15. Make It Warm And Inviting

A warm and welcoming dining room can be achieved by using warm colors and natural materials. You can choose a neutral-colored rug with simple textures and light wallpaper like beige, yellow, or green. You can combine wood tones with harmonious colors to create a modern dining space.

Make your apartment dining room decor inviting by using warm colors
Make your apartment dining room decor inviting by using warm colors (Source: Internet)

16. Create A Focus Point

To create a focal point in the decor of your apartment dining room, you can hang a bold piece of art on the walls. For inspiration and ideas, you can search online for "small dining room decorating ideas pictures."

apartment dining room decor 17
Create a focal point in your apartment dining room decor (Source: Internet)

17. Old And New 

Combining old and new furniture is one of the most unique apartment dining room decor ideas. You can choose a dining table and chairs with a vintage feel, then add modern accents, like a light or rug.

apartment dining room decor 18
Combining old and new furniture is the classic apartment dining room decor idea (Source: Internet)

18. Separate Dining Area With Wallpaper

Consider using a contrasting color or pattern to create a visual separation. Hang the wallpaper in the dining area and complement it with coordinating curtains to create a cohesive look.

A great apartment dining room decor idea is separating dining area with wallpaper
A great apartment dining room decor idea is separating dining area with wallpaper (Source: Internet)

19. Get The Lighting Right

Proper lighting is crucial to creating the perfect ambiance for your dining room. Especially finding the right balance between natural and artificial light can be essential in creating a relaxing atmosphere. Don't be afraid to experiment with different lighting fixtures and placements until you find the perfect balance for your space.

Pay attention to get the lighting right
Pay attention to get the lighting right (Source: Internet)

20. Use Floating Table

A floating table is a smart solution for apartment dining room decor. Complement the floating table with a statement wall decor piece to complete the look of your studio apartment dining room.

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Apartment dining room decor with the floating table (Source: Internet)

Conclusion

With the 20 apartment dining room decor ideas on a budget listed above, hopefully, you can make your apartment dining room a place where you love to spend time. Follow the Adria Workshop blog to see more decoration tips and home decor style ideas.