Skip to main content
EN GBEnglish

How to design a multifunctional dining room

A multifunctional dining room is more than just a place to eat. Paying bills, playing games or doing hobbies are just some of the other things that can happen here. So enjoy these tips about tables, storage, lighting and more to help you get a dining area that can handle it all.

VIHALS chairs and a stool stand at a green VIHALS extendable table on a rug in a multifunctional dining room.
VIHALS chairs and a stool stand at a green VIHALS extendable table on a rug in a multifunctional dining room.

A space saving dining table

Want a bigger table sometimes? But your room is a bit small? An extendable table lets you create more table space when you need it. You can seat more people at a birthday party, for example. Or leave your sewing stuff out and still have space for meals.

See all extendable tables
A VAPPEBY Bluetooth speaker lamp stands on a green VIHALS extendable table along with a SKUGGSTUBB mug and a sewing machine.
See all extendable tables

Chairs that make your room more flexible

Stackable or foldable chairs also give you more flexibility. You can use them when you need them but they’re easier to store out of the way when you’re not using them. That’s great when you need extra chairs for a special dinner or a games night, for example.

See all dining chairs
Three VIHALS chairs are stacked together beside an IVAR storage box on wheels and an IVAR cabinet on the wall.
See all dining chairs

Storage for easy access and no clutter

Organised storage is a big help. You can keep the things you need for different activities in boxes. That makes them easy to get at and take out whenever you want them. You can put the boxes out of the way in a cabinet. Or why not on a trolley that you can easily move around to where you need it?

A LOSHULT trolley stands on a RIDSTIG rug in a multifunctional dining room next to two IVAR cabinets on the wall.
A light grey FÅNGGRÖDA insert with compartments stands on some paper on a green VIHALS extendable table.

The right light for the different things you do

Pendants light up your table so you can see everything and create a cosy room within a room feeling at meals. It’s best to have a light you can dim, for example one using a smart LED bulb. Then you can get the right level of light and set the mood for different activities, from paying bills to romantic dinners.

See all smart lighting
The wireless dimmer/power switch of a TRÅDFRI starter kit lies on a green table underneath a white ZEBRASÄV pendant lamp.
Video: A white ZEBRASÄV pendant lamp hangs over a table with food on it. The light brightens and the food is replaced with a laptop.
See all smart lighting

Getting the most storage out of your space

Loads of stuff to store? You need to make the most of your space. Here, open shelves turn the area under the windows into easy access storage. While the cabinets let you store a lot right up to the ceiling behind calming closed doors and even have space underneath for a storage box on wheels.

See all storage & organisation
Three EKENABBEN open shelving units with some VATTENDRÅG boxes with lid and other things on them stand under some windows.
A white ZEBRASÄV pendant lamp hangs over a SKUGGSTUBB mug on a VIHALS extendable table near some IVAR cabinets on a wall.
See all storage & organisation

More ways to make good use of limited space

Why not turn unused wall space into storage? Or get a room divider? It’ll make your home feel bigger and help you get more out of your space. Stackable stools don’t take much space when your guests have gone home. Taking care of your clothes or your make-up? This ironing board and a little mirror are easy to put away.

Two black SKÅDIS pegboards and a folded VIHALS folding chair are hung on a wall near a white VIHALS extendable table.
A BLECKBERGET swivel chair stands at a VIHALS extendable table which has a LINDBYN table mirror and a disco ball on top.
A swivel chair, a VIHALS folding chair and two stacked stools stand at a VIHALS extendable table in a small dining room area.
A person stacks another birch KYRRE stool on top of a stack of three other KYRRE stools in a room with a wooden floor.
A JÄLL table ironing board stands on a white EKEDALEN extendable table near a blue TORKIS flexi laundry basket.

Looking for more dining room tips?

Liked these ideas for your multipurpose dining room? Here you can find ways to enjoy a bigger table even if your space is small.

A person extends a white VANGSTA extendable table which stands on a jute rug, with chairs and white stools around it.
Small space ideas for extending the dining table