Small dining table for 2: drop-leaf vs wall-mounted vs round

In a small apartment the dining table is usually the piece that has to give. Here are three kinds of small dining table for 2, how much floor each one takes, and which fits which room.

The space rule for any table

Whatever table you choose, leave about 24 inches behind each chair so you can pull it out and sit down. If people need to walk behind a seated person, make that 36 inches. Most "it doesn't fit" problems come from forgetting the chairs, not the table.

1. Drop-leaf table

A drop-leaf table has hinged sides that fold down. With the leaves down it's a narrow console or side table against the wall. With them up it seats two.

• Our small drop leaf table for 2 is 18 inches wide with the leaves down and 36 × 22 inches with them up.
• Floor needed for dinner: about 3.5 × 6 ft, chairs included.
• Best for: a kitchen corner or living room wall where you eat at a table most days.

2. Wall-mounted fold-down table

A wall-mounted table screws into the wall and folds flat when you're done. Folded, it sticks out only a few inches.

• Our wall mounted fold down table opens to about 45 × 22 inches and holds up to 100 lb.
• Floor needed open: about 3.8 × 3.8 ft with a chair pulled up.
• Best for: studios where the same spot is a desk by day and a dining table at night.
• Renters: it needs screws into studs, so ask your landlord first.

3. A small round or bistro table

A round table of 24–30 inches seats two without corners to bump into. It works indoors, and many bistro sets are fine on an enclosed balcony too.

Which one should you choose?

Don't forget the chairs

Armless chairs or stools that tuck fully under the table save the most space. Folding chairs that hang on a hook are another option in very small rooms.

More ideas for small rooms are in our small space furniture collection, where every piece lists the floor it needs.