Unlike your bedrooms, bathrooms and kitchens, the dining area is often cast aside as an afterthought against these more-important spaces. This is especially so if your home is on the small side! When space is at a premium - the first thing you'd probably sacrifice is - you guessed it - the dining 'room'.

But if you deeply believe in not having dinners in front of the TV, or just enjoy entertaining friends over lunch - a dining nook can still be had, even in a tiny, shoebox space! Just take a look at these 9 inspiring dining rooms, that prove you can have your cake (and a dining table to eat it on too).

1. One Sonor, KLCC

Interior Designer: Metrics Global Sdn Bhd

This lovely open-concept SoHo condo does not feature a dedicated dining space but thanks to a classy three-panel wall feature, the middle section of its elongated living room has been transformed into a worthy dining area! With teensy spaces, be sure to choose a smaller, colour-apt dining set. Here, an elfin black table anchors the space with its large base and white chairs contrasts for roominess.

2. Verde Ara Damansara

Interior Designer: Movent Signature Design

With most condos in Malaysia, even large ones like this 1,800 sq. ft. high-end home, isolated dining areas are hardly the norm. By taking advantage of the large living area here, decorators were able to fit a full-sized dining table without cramping the space. Positioning the table horizontally divides the space to make way for a comfortable living room and dining area.

3. Tropicana Avenue

Interior Designer: Amorphous Design

Even when there is very little space to work with, there’s still hope for a dining area. Take this minimalist Scandi condo that features an alternative to a full-sized dining table – a dining counter. From the sink area, the counter / breakfast bar extends to provide a modest tucking space for two and maximises the layout. Furthermore, the white glossy counter material visually expands space as it appears to continue from the sidewall.

4. Semenyih

Interior Designer: Movent Signature Design

When spaces like an open kitchen lead out to a prospective, but small dining space, the room can be made to appear larger, if decorated to match. Opt for colour schemes and materials that complement and extend to both areas (the kitchen and dining). What works here are the light and dark wood dining table, counters and floors that seem to combine two small spaces into one loftier slot.

5. YOU Vista, Cheras

Interior Designer: Anith Design Studio

You don’t have to play it safe just because you are dealing with space limitations – this cute dining booth proves it! Rather than going with a basic table and pull-out chairs, we see a fun, booth-style dining set that can fit four to six people. It maximises space as it leans and takes advantage of an unused corner. In addition, a mirror placed above the bench makes the area appear more substantial than it actually is.

6. Ceria Resident Type B

Interior Designer: Nice Style Refurbishment

Why settle for one dining space when you can have two! This eclectic condo is enhanced by two very different but equally interesting dining areas. A humble dining table for two graces the kitchen in a style akin to laidback, American décor. In the extended living room, a second (primary) dining area can be seen, equipped with a formal and elongated full-sized table. We love how the décor is seamless between the living room and dining area with matching English furniture and a light colour scheme.

7. Pearl Suria

Interior Designer: IQI Concept and Renovation

An interesting way to create a dining space where there is none, is by sectioning off an area with furniture or with distinctive lighting, carpeting, feature walls and flooring. Here a wall-mounted dining table for four cordons a dining area using as little space as possible. The space is further fashioned by the overhead glass case lighting that casts its shimmer to square out the space.

8. Waldorf Tower, Mont Kiara

Interior Designer: Box Creative

Odd angles coupled with space limitations can make for tricky décor but rather than leaving it unused, go ahead and play it up! In these odd angles, a wall-attached bench (that could fit up to eight people) sets the scene and is complemented by a simple rectangular dining table. To widen the space, the room is fitted with floor-to-ceiling mirrors, is evenly lit and washed in light colours.

9. KL Sky Residences

Interior Designer: X Two Concept

Believe it or not, table legs can alter the appearance of the home not just in terms of décor style but also with space. Slim, sleek dining legs (for both tables and chairs) are apt for smaller spaces as it gives the room and furniture a less bulky look. This dining room employs svelte legs with its chairs and tables. To add to the slender look, even the surrounding pieces take on a similar quality like the thin, pipe-like shelving that accompany the dining furniture.

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