Not everyone enjoys eating dinner off a lap tray, no matter how tight the limitations on living space. So, how can we incorporate a formal little dining spot into a super compact interior floor plan? Get set to receive 40 inspirational and practical ideas on how to set up a comfortable small dining room no matter what obstacles and constraints stand in your way. We’ll look at layout tips, bespoke table ideas, stylish dining chairs, stunning dining pendant lights and gorgeous dining room accessories to help you create a dining area that you can enjoy three times a day–with not a single lap tray in sight.
Designer:Studio Open| Visualizer:Studio Open
Many small dining areas find their sensible place at the end of a kitchen run; it’s a good idea to go for the window end so that you can enjoy breakfast in the sun. Installing a radiator right below for the colder months will keep off the draught.
Visualizer:Innoi Design
You can give a kitchen dining area its own domain by installing a glass divider. Because the room separator is clear, it won’t truncate the space or hinder the transfer of natural light but it will build the feeling of an entirely individual space.
Visualizer:N.Team Design
Make your dining table work double-duty. This bespoke dining table design transforms into a media shelf as it travels into the adjoined lounge.
Visualizer:K BAND
Another double-duty dining table design. This time the back of the rounded tabletop serves as a comfortable home workspace. Not how the circle chandelier makes space for the wall.
Architect:Leonid Borynskyi| Visualizer:Tanya Poberezhnik
Elevate a small dining room’s presence with a platform. This white marble design wraps the side of the dining area too, creating a continuous cube effect.
Photographer:Sergey Melnikov
If room height doesn’t allow for a raised dining room floor, then consider differentiating your dining area with a defining ceiling treatment. This approach draws extra attention to a beautiful dining pendant light too.
Visualizer:VAE
You don’t have to get stuck on a classic dining room pendant light installation. An arc floor lamp provides a practical solution when wiring can’t be moved, or these swing arm wall lamps create a unique modern vibe.
Visualizer:Oleg Mints
Reshuffle the layout to create new areas. This tiny studio shouldn’t be able to accommodate a formal dining area, however, by moving the sofa into the centre of the floor a whole new area opens up by the window.
Visualizer:Respix Studio
Cut corners. When situating a dining area in the centre of a small space, opt for a round dining table to make walking around it a whole lot smoother. Nobody wants to be bumping into sharp corners every day.
Designer:The November Design
Borrow half of a space with a half height room divider. This low level wall keeps the dining room cosy from the home entryway without cutting off the visual flow or light. The wall also builds a solid spot to position an entryway bench.
Visualizer:Dasha Murash
Keep it simple. The uncomplicated silhouette of a pedestal dining table keeps a small layout looking clean and uncluttered.
Designer:Svoya Studio| Photographer:Alexander Angelovskiy
Accessories make a small dining area feel more established. A floral centrepiece will make the area look more loved, whilst a large sputnik chandelier adds glamour.
Visualizer:Wertikal Constructions
Added features. This wrap around dining table is a great space saver, but there’s a danger that solutions like these can look a little sidelined in a room scheme. In this instance, a wine storage niche gives the side location added purpose and style.
Visualizer:Tyoma Atsone
Line it up. A rectangular dining table sandwiches neatly between the long back of a sofa and a one wall kitchen. A linear suspension light accentuates the straight aesthetic.
Visualizer:Eugene Sarajevo
Create continuous lines. This dining peninsula is part of a fluid kitchen countertop-meets-workspace design. The seamless flow makes several small zones into one cohesive piece.
Visualizer:Maria Minaeva
Mix and mingle. This small dining set mingles with a coffee table in the centre of the lounge.
Visualizer:Wertikal Company
Combine utility with lighting by installing backlit shelves by the table.
Visualizer:Dinamika Architects
If bar stools aren’t your thing, a lower kitchen island makes a comfortable regular height dining table.
Visualizer:roomdesignburo
Use dark or colourful artwork to designate a dining spot within an all white room.
Visualizer:Evgenia Belkina
Be brave. Not only does this red and green interior have adventurous contrast, but the dining room wall art has been partially painted over to fashion a unique decor feature.
Visualizer:Olga Lagodnaya
Glass blocks are a light and effective zoning technique. An impressive modern dining chandelier gives an open plan dining area a visual anchor.
Designer:Brain Factory
If you can’t have your dining set next to a window, create your own garden view with a built-in container full of indoor plants .
Visualizer:Nika Tokar
Define your dining zone with a dark feature wall–no matter how small.
Visualizer:Shmidt Studio
This eye-catching dining room accent wall is part of a hallway storage volume.
Visualizer:Dmitrii Tsyrenshchikov & KIDZ Design studio
Just how gorgeous is that white dining table ! You can also bump up your small dining area with a big bookcase…
Visualizer:Emotion School
… Or some unique wall shelves.
Visualizer:Vagon Architects
Another bookcase idea, this time with a flush fitting aesthetic.
Designer:Diana Sokolova| Visualizer:Elizaveta Ivanova
Celebrate a central location. This small centrally placed dining set is given weight with a dropped ceiling feature and an attached storage cupboard.
Visualizer:Insight Studio
Give a sidelined set extra oomph with a large wall light.
Visualizer:Maksym Netreba
Darken down decor to build drama and mystique…
Visualizer:Rocket Render
… Add pops of colour to draw a dark dining area out of the shadows.
Visualizer:Studio Pine
Mismatched dining chairs visually break up a dining set, helping it sit more lightly in a small room.
Visualizer:Roy Fredy
A tiny table for two still beats a lap tray.
Visualizer:Khrystyna Mayik
The space may be small but the design statement need not be. Check out this magnificent suspended cube table with bright red dining stools!
Visualizer:Viktoriya Petrukhina
Take a small kitchen diner up a notch with tandem light fixtures. The glass dining table with a sculptural base plays well with the modern theme.
Designer:Yevheniia Dubrovska
A built in banquette allows the table to be situated closer to the wall.
Designer:CRAFTR AAIM
Window seats can double as banquette seats too…
Designer:Zrobym
… As can a short sofa table . Mismatched dining chairs around the modern dining table look great as well.
Visualizer:Michael K
Build height with a tall floral centrepiece.
Designer:LT Studio| Visualizer:LT Studio
Camouflaging a dining area can be helpful in small spaces. This white and cream set falls lightly into the fresh white room decor, whilst a bright orange accent chair and a blue kitchen take the limelight.
Tackling the design of tight living spaces can present frustrating challenges, but this collection of homes under 30 square metres offers a wealth of inspiration to get past creative roadblocks. Whilst we’re looking at decor palettes over cool grey and green spectrums, these well constructed layouts, lighting solutions and bespoke furniture designs can be translated into a multitude of colour preferences. We take a look at the fluid flow of some entirely open plan studio apartments, as well as how to segment small home layouts to include a private bedroom. Lack of space never has to equal lack of style or comfort, and this collection of tours prove it time and again.
Visualizer:Vogue Architects
A chic rug pulls together the deep green and brown accent colours of this sophisticated studio. Brass frame nesting coffee tables complement the warm tan tones.
The TV stand has been fashioned in the same walnut wood effect and black marble finishes as the neighbouring kitchen. The cohesivity of materials between zones builds flow through the small interior.
The open plan bedroom is an echo of the lounge decor scheme. A green upholstered bed is inspired by the green living room sofa, and the same area rug is repeated.
Copper elements add rich sheen to a dark and compact kitchen diner, elevating the small area into a luxe feature of the room. Find more inspiration for grey kitchens here.
A linear chandelier draws attention to the dining peninsula.
A comfortable lounge chair reclines by the bed, forming a second sitting area in the studio that’s perfect for reading… Or maybe more frequently used to throw down outfits from the nearby closet.
The glass wardrobe stretches the length of the platform bed , increasing the sense of space with it’s open aesthetic.
Visualizer:365 design
This 30 square metre grey, black and white interior has a much narrower footprint than the first apartment, so this time the bed hugs the wall in its own partial enclosure.
In place of a TV stand there is a double desk with a uniquely stepped silhouette. Black support legs and a black decorative vase tie the wooden desk into the dark colour palette that bedecks the rest of the room.
The headboard wall is also the bathroom wall, and so features a perforated light sharing design that resembles Swiss cheese.
A grey soffit exaggerates the size and grandeur of the window.
The sofa and matching ottoman form an L-shape border between the sleeping area and a stylish round coffee table set. Grey carpeting further defines the boundary of the lounge.
The black kitchen draws up the hallway, where it’s mirrored by dark storage cabinets on the opposite side of the walkway.
The desk’s stepped woodblock siding stacks an eye catching sculptural element, which performs a dividing roll between the workspace and the kitchen.
White herringbone tiles lighten the black kitchen volume.
Brightly lit nooks create mystery and drama in the midst of the hallway’s darkness.
Seamless stone cladding expands the feel of very limited bathroom space.
A boxed in bathroom vanity light shines a window-like lighting effect.
Visualizer:Daria Tarasenko
Measuring 29.7 square metres, this green and white interior is uplifted with a botanical theme.
A linear media unit floats in tandem with a green desk. A custom cut mirror erases the corner of the room.
White and gold kitchen pendant lights elevate the presence of a plain white dining bar.
The hallway of the home has been devised as one solid block of muted viridian green. A frameless mirror plays with its proportion.
Sage green tiles colour the shower enclosure, disrupting the mediocrity of a black and white base.
Large format marble wall tiles conjure a feeling of spaciousness.
Floor plan.
Visualizer:Xenia Liodi
Our penultimate design is one of two apartments that were carved out of a 95 square metre house. This 30 square metre space was designed for rental by one or two individuals, whilst the other 65 square metre apartment was reserved for the homeowner.
The interior has a cosy Scandinavian essence. Magazines deeply stack on a coffee table with storage , photographic art adorns the walls, and green plants become housemates. Bottle green paintwork wraps the perimeter of the lounge, whilst the kitchen is differentiated in soft white and oak.
Fitted storage makes the bedroom a practical space for the tenants. A boho vibe comes through the rug and bedroom pendant , which is an Ikea bamboo light .
Botanical prints make a pretty feature on a basic modern dresser .
The bathroom is a scene of grey scale tones, although wood effect tiles make a warm and spa-like feature of the shower enclosure.
Room by room mood boards.
Rental apartment floor plan.
Visualizer:Alina Ursova
Our final tour is an interior filled with blush pink and contrasting green accents. Scatter cushions introduce a playful element to a monochromatic sofa. The small scale of the room has been confidently ignored to opt for a piece of large scale modern art that flamboyantly colours white walls.
Storage and shelves touch the ceiling to make the most of vertical space.
The coffee table and adjacent dining table set a circular motif.
A delicate dining pendant light formally situates the open plan eating area.
The fruit bowl provides a useful table centrepiece, which frees up kitchen countertop.
A seafoam green accent wall paints a relaxing element inside the small bathroom.
Inside the pink accent bedroom, small modern wall sconces disappear into densely patterned botanical wallpaper. White bedside tables merge with the pale wall treatment so as not to overwhelm the room.
A floating dresser merges with a workspace at the foot of the bed.
Dark isn’t the first theme that comes to mind when designing a kitchen. Stereotypical assumptions are of white and bright kitchens matched by light wood—something like the color of breakfast pancakes. Have you ever thought otherwise? Perhaps something like a modern dark kitchen?
We’ve got a collection of stunning spaces sure to switch up your vision. This black kitchen design inspiration is the sexiest interior design can muster. All divulging in shades of black, navy, or dark brown, they add what white kitchens cannot—a seductive allure that says sleekness and sophistication at the same time. Take a peek at some brilliant interiors on the darker side to see if a modern luxury black kitchen could be for you.
Modern Dark Kitchen Design Ideas to Inspire Your Next Renovation
1. Make it an All Black Kitchen
Visualizer:Design At Sketch
Almost completely covered in black, a few minor elements shine in chrome and wood in this kitchen interior. We love how the textures do the talking, especially through the matte table under black wood-panelled walls. But having an open approach like this means that every one of your accessories on display—including knives, wine glasses, mugs, cutting boards, teapots, cookie jars, etc.—need to be on point.
2. Add Wooden Elements
Visualizer:Bogdan Tovstyy
This black beauty edges towards wooden elements. We see a speckled floor, a white wall, and a central bench. Rounded black lamps hover over the island, providing functionality and style. If you’re wondering how visual intrigue is added to this modern black kitchen… a huge credit goes to the abstract art!
3. Complement the Black Kitchen with Orange
Source:Vancouver House
A bit of curve rounds out the hard edges—adding some much-needed warmth. This wave-design bench leads up to an orange-hued enclave in this black-and-silver interior. The burnt orange sure makes a design statement (apart from the unique central island).
4. Keep Your Dark Modern Kitchen Simple
Visualizer:Panda Fox Studios
A simplistic look makes this black kitchen a winner. We see the basics: a light floor, a black minimalist island, and sleek cabinetry. But the contrast between light and dark keeps the ambiance interesting, while the large window welcomes plenty of natural light.
5. Make it Dark… Or Not?
Visualizer:Who Cares Design
If you’re eyeing a dark kitchen aesthetic but are hesitant to make the change, this is it. Introducing more light, this black kitchen is hardly dark at all. Black benches, cabinetry, fixtures and stools are intersected by large-panel windows, a white shelving stand and light flooring.
6. Make Use of Asymmetry in the Black Modern Kitchen
Visualizer:Visual Method
This modern black kitchen takes another angle on this kaleidoscopic space, breaking all spatial boundaries. Black and glass alternate in this chic kitchen as the interesting ceiling design keeps the space unconventional. We’ve also got to appreciate the cherry blossoms, doubling as decor even within the interior.
7. Factor in Some Warmth
Source:Modulnova
This warmer-looking kitchen makes a move to brown. It strategically achieves the purpose with the use of wood. This not only introduces natural textures but also makes the ambiance inviting. Talk about a modern style that’s equal parts welcoming!
8. Place a White Island in a Black Modern Kitchen
Visualizer:Jean Regauer
An instant way to brighten up a dark kitchen (we mean, get the best of both worlds)? This kitchen space shows us how by using a white island on a black floor. The backsplash further enhances this dark-and-light effect, while the cowhide rug adds just the right amount of coziness.
9. Make Marble Your Best Friend
Architect:Chamberlain Javens Architects
If you’re looking to create a modern luxury black kitchen, you know what you’ve got to do: Go big on marble! This natural stone adds the luxe factor to any space, especially as a large, central island, as seen in the kitchen above. You can also add it through the backsplash.
10. Make it Mysterious
Visualizer:Tomek Michalski
You can double the visual intrigue in your all black kitchen by adding some mystery. In this kitchen, mood-lighting sets the scene in black and grey, while a marbled bench acts as the hero. The back inlet and flooring create contrast and depth. Taken together, these elements make the space an interesting one.
11. Layer Gray and Gold
Visualizer:Mitaka Dimov
Black kitchens are cool, but what if we layer in gray and add accents of gold? This stunning kitchen space uses gray flooring to add diversity to the otherwise black palette. The thick gold panel is one way that makes the space look incredibly high-end.
12. Add French Style to Black Kitchen Design
Visualizer:Aeroslon
Make your kitchen both modern and French with traditional black cabinetry. In this space, standing armoires act as sinks, and all other displayed items remain black. The stark white clock can surely act as the focal point of the space!
13. Consider Soft Elements
Visualizer:Julia Sultanova
Rough, light wood and low-hanging white lights set this kitchen interior a world apart. You can also notice a layer of light gray cabinetry, adding variation to the otherwise dark color palette. These elements factor in softness to the black kitchen design.
14. Let the Accessories Do the Talking
Photographer:Mikko Ryhänen
In this black-and-wood creation, the accessories take center stage in adorning the interior. We love the houseplant, but the crockery deserves a special mention for doubling as decor. The light oakwood backdrop further warms the space up.
15. Consider a Matte All Black Kitchen
Visualizer:HDR Designer
Neat square panels perfectly line up to emphasize the stark black minimalism that is at play here. We love how the cabinetry is matte black with no hardware, adding a sense of simplicity. The herb planters are a healthy green addition to bring the otherwise simple space.
16. Add Some Stencilling to Black Kitchens
Visualizer:Julia Sultanova
Fine lines and stencilling set this monochromatic space apart. Lined by black magnetic lights, black stencils and glossy white facades, it makes its mark on a light wooden floor.
17. Build a Shape Out of Black
Visualizer:Huso
18. Create a Modern Dark Kitchen with Gradients
Visualizer:Mario Nogueira
If you’re wondering how the intrigue in this space is working… It’s the gradients from black, to charcoal, to light grey. White surrounds in the walls and a monochromatic hanging light. This clever design technique makes sure the space is anything but boring, even if it’s using mere neutrals (minus the stunning orange dining chairs, of course).
19. Leverage Black Textures
Visualizer:Nefeli Kallianou
One instant way to add interest to a black kitchen is with textures, as seen in this metallic matte kitchen. This accounts for decorative presence in the light and bright space, providing character to an otherwise simple room.
20. Work on the Functionality of the Modern Dark Kitchen
Visualizer:İbrahim Ethem KISACIK
This dark modern kitchen makes sure it’s as functional as is stylish. The central island is paired with a black dining table, while all necessary appliances are fixed into the cabinetry. We also see pendant lights and lighting under the hood providing just the right illumination.
21. Create a Modern Classic All Black Kitchen
Visualizer:A&L Interior Design
Folks seeking an inviting all black kitchen can look towards this modern classic space. It merges contemporary elements (through sleek black cabinetry) with traditional ones (as seen in the wooden backsplash) to bring together the best of both worlds.
22. Put Essentials on Display in Your Modern Black Kitchen Interior
Visualizer:Polygon
Yet another kitchen that uses black and wooden elements to create a dark-themed interior. What sets this one apart is the hanging pans. They do offer easy access as the residents cook, but they also double as decor! (Note how the pans also use black and wooden elements to stay coherent with the theme).
23. Add the Industrial Style to the All Black Kitchen
Via:Emotion School
Industrial style lovers, rejoice! This is THE inspiration to set up your favorite interior design style, the dark way. This kitchen uses rustic wood and exposed elements for the ceiling to create an industrial black kitchen interior.
24. Make a Statement with Black Chunky Lamps
Via:HomePicture.in
All eyes on the two chunky lamps hanging in this monochromatic setting. They do add focus but also allow the contrasting white inset to shine. Not to forget the central island, providing plenty of storage space.
25. Make Room for Keepsakes
Visualizer:Maxim Goryachev
There’s nothing like personalizing your space to who YOU are. This kitchen serves the purpose by adding keepsakes and heirlooms. Also, black leaves room for details, so it’s one of the best colors to use if you’re hoping to display knick-knacks.
26. Use Black to Add Intimacy
Visualizer:Helen Bank
Who says dark colors make small spaces feel smaller? We only see black adding luxury to this compact space (with some credit to the white flooring adding brightness). This kitchen—with black marble backsplash—speaks opulence, and for all the right reasons!
27. Enhance Black Kitchen Design with Patterns
Visualizer:Ksenia Lenski
This black kitchen interior makes a design statement with the patterned marble island. Its sleek metallic legs lift it off the floor, creating an illusion of space. Simultaneously, the textured inset makes sure visual interest is added.
28. Don’t Forget a Black and White Rug
Visualizer:Nada Aboelrous
If you’re not in for a complete kitchen renovation, simply painting your cabinets black and adding a black-and-white patterned rug will achieve the purpose! We love how this kitchen keeps sets the base with white and tops it with black.
29. Let the Lighting Make a Statement in the All Black Kitchen
Architect:Artpartner Architects
When everything else is understated, letting the lighting create a statement is a good idea. This matte black kitchen interior uses rod lighting to do the talking. It sticks to the all black kitchen color scheme, though!
30. Tone it Down
Visualizer:Valeria Mosolova
This open floor plan uses dark gray throughout, showing us that black can work in more spaces than the kitchen 😉 It sure makes a design statement for those cooking and dining—or lounging!
31. Consider a Black and Wooden Bar
Visualizer:Amir Emami
This is the ultimate modern luxury black kitchen! After all, what’s better than displaying your favorite collection of beer right behind the black kitchen island? The low-hanging pendant lights also add to the black kitchen design.
32. Add the Gothic Vibe
Visualizer:Sebastian Lorio
This dark-gray kitchen is super simple with its sleek, hardware-less cabinetry. Well, except the far left end. Here, we see a statement piece of art and intriguing layered lighting created a focal point.
33. Stick to the Minimalist Style for Black Kitchens
Visualizer:Miguel A. Ramos
This compact kitchen space follows the simple rule: white walls paired with black cabinetry and an island. Even in this nook, the space is able to make a style statement while providing optimal functionality. The window here gives a contrasting element of light to the otherwise dark modern kitchen.
34. Layer Lighting in the All Black Kitchen
Visualizer:Tatiana Durnescu
We see shades of gray and black coming together to bring this modern dark kitchen to life. What we especially love is the multiple types of lighting, all layered together to bring visual interest to the space.
35. Set the Backdrop For Your Living Space
Visualizer:Sasha Zolotukhin
