What Is the Best Table for a Small Kitchen? 8 Space-Saving Models

Are you one of those people who can never decide where to put things in your kitchen? You're not alone. Kitchen supplies, appliances, a dining set, and so much more are everyday items that need to be within reach. When this is the case, finding a place for everything, especially in small kitchens, becomes quite challenging.

A kitchen table and chairs are often the most difficult pieces of this puzzle. Since they are among the items that take up the most space, selecting a kitchen table requires careful consideration. So, to avoid saying, "There's no room to even walk!", which small kitchen table models should you choose? Let's first look at what to consider when choosing a table for a narrow kitchen, and then discover what space-saving table models are available.

What Should You Consider When Buying a Small Kitchen Table?

Decide on your priorities when buying a kitchen table. Do you just need a dining area, an extra surface that can also be used as a countertop, or a table that also offers a storage solution? After evaluating all these, we suggest you also pay attention to these points:

• To save space in the kitchen, choose a rectangular or square table model instead of an oval or round one. Tables with straight edges can be pushed against a wall, leaving no unused space and thus taking up less room.

• As much as the shape of the surface, the legs are also an important criterion when choosing a table for a small kitchen. Legs that curve outward, extend sideways, or are bulky will narrow your walking space. Prioritize kitchen table types with a minimalist design. You can even opt for wall-mounted tables that have no legs at all.

• If you have enough kitchen cabinets, create more space by getting a folding table. If you also need a place to put your things, prefer tables with storage space. If you're only looking for a place for small items like cutlery, don't forget to check out folding models with drawers.

If you've reviewed your kitchen and decided on the type of model you need, let's now look at the types of small tables.

1. Folding Kitchen Table Models

If you don't even have a dedicated spot for a table in your kitchen but don't want to eat in the living room every time, this model is for you. You might want to ensure the folding table has thin metal legs and that its top folds down completely. Since they take up less space, square or rectangular tables are usually chosen. However, since you won't be placing it against a wall and will be putting it away after use, you can also opt for a round folding table. Don't forget that more people can fit around it since it has no corners. You can save even more space by using folding kitchen chairs or stools.

2. Drop-Leaf Kitchen Table Models

A drop-leaf kitchen table is actually a type of folding model. The difference is that its top doesn't close completely and can also be used as a countertop. There are different types of these tables that fold in various ways. Some drop-leaf tables have two wings and a fixed section in the middle. If your kitchen counter is small, you can use this type of table. This way, the table can be useful even when it's not open. If your family is small or you don't have many guests, you can prefer models with one folding side. These tables also have a fixed area on top. If you plan to use it in both small spaces like a kitchen or balcony and large spaces like a living room, round drop-leaf models might appeal to you. Since these models can be pushed against a wall when folded, they don't take up as much space as other round tables.

3. Kitchen Bar Table Models

If you are looking for a table for a quick coffee, a light breakfast, or a fast meal, you can consider bar table models. A bar table for the kitchen is typically high and placed against a wall, meaning only one side of the table can be used. There are also types where only the short side is against the wall, and the long, narrow part extends into the kitchen. If you will also use the table as a countertop, you can choose models that extend into the kitchen like an island, also known as American kitchen bar tables. To save space without sacrificing your decorative taste, you can use a kitchen bar table with shelves. You can place decorative kitchen items on the shelves located on the legs of the table and beautify your living space. To ensure the chairs don't take up too much space, make sure they are sized to fit under the table.

4. Wall-Mounted Table Models

One of the most functional and space-saving models is the wall-mounted table. These table models can be used comfortably with two chairs placed opposite each other since they have no legs. Some models can be closed completely, while others remain fixed. Among the folding models, there are types that close completely and those that leave enough space on the wall to place small items when closed. The fixed models have varieties with shelves on the wall. Remember that you can also easily use wall-mounted tables on your balcony.

5. Kitchen Table Models with Shelves

Instead of having a pantry cabinet for items like vegetables or bread in your kitchen, you can use a table with shelves. This way, you can both find a place for frequently used items in the kitchen and combine two pieces of furniture into one. Two types of kitchen tables with shelves are generally preferred. One has a few shelves under the table, and the other has numerous shelves extending upwards from where the table meets the wall.

6. Kitchen Table Models with Cabinets

One of the multi-purpose kitchen table types, models with cabinets offer both storage and a table area. There are many types of kitchen tables with cabinets. By getting a folding table with a cabinet, you can have a large dining area and use it as a cabinet and countertop at other times. If your kitchen is a bit larger, you can get an island-style kitchen table with cabinets. This way, you'll have a fixed kitchen countertop with cabinets right underneath.

7. Wall Shelf Dining Table Models

If you're wondering what the difference is between this model and a dining table with shelves, let us explain: in dining tables with shelves, the tabletop either folds or is wall-mounted. However, a wall shelf dining table folds up completely against the wall to become a shelf. In other words, you can use this legless table model either for dining or for displaying your decorative items.

8. Extendable Kitchen Table Models

If you have enough space in your kitchen but don't want the table to take up too much room, this model is perfect for you. In this model, the wings of the table open sideways, and the section that emerges from the middle is pulled up to enlarge the table. In some models, there are also drawers under the extendable sections.