How to Create a Dining Setup in a Living Room (Without Looking Dormy)

If your living room doubles as your dining room, you’re far from alone. From micro-units in the city to open-concept homes, plenty of renters are making one space do double duty. But a living and dining combo doesn’t have to feel temporary. 

With smart furniture placement, layered lighting, and cohesive design, you can make your dining room in the living room look intentionally styled—not like a makeshift setup from your college days.

Here’s how to do it, step-by-step.

Start with a Dining/Living Room Floor Plan (Even a Simple One)

Before you buy or rent furniture, map out your living room and dining room combo on paper—or use a free online planner. It’s the best way to see what truly fits, especially when you’re dealing with an odd shaped room.

Square rooms. 

For square or nearly square rooms, anchor the sofa on one side and float a small dining table in the living room diagonally opposite it for balance.

Long, narrow spaces. 

For long, narrow rooms, use furniture to break the space into two zones—living on one end, dining on the other—with a rug or console table marking the transition.

Studio layouts. 

In studio apartments, float a small table behind the sofa, creating a “dining bar” that visually divides the space without blocking light.

Pro tip: Leave at least 36 inches of walking space around your dining setup so it feels open and intentional.

Float Your Dining Table for Balance

A common mistake in small apartments is pushing everything against the walls. Instead, float your table so it feels like part of your layout—not an afterthought.

Here are a few dining table in living room ideas that work:

Behind the sofa. 

This is perfect for open layouts. Use a narrow rectangular or bar-height table that doubles as a desk or serving area.

At the window.

Natural light makes even a small dining table in the living room feel airy and sophisticated.

At an angle. 

In tight, square rooms, place your table diagonally—it opens visual flow and makes the room look more dynamic.

CORT offers slim, modern tables that make this layout trick easy—think pedestal bases, drop-leaf tops, and compact round silhouettes that fit anywhere.

Use Rugs and Lighting to Define Each Zone

Accessories can make or break your dining room-living room combo. In an open living room-dining combo, rugs and lighting transform shared space into distinct zones. 

Rugs

Choose complementary textures, not competing patterns. Try a low-pile or flatweave rug under the dining table (easy to clean) and a plush rug under the sofa for contrast.

Lighting

A pendant over the dining room table in the living room creates a visual anchor. Renters can use plug-in fixtures with adhesive hooks or cord covers for a clean finish.

Bonus tip: Match bulb tones between lamps and overhead lighting. A warm, unified glow keeps the room feeling intentional, not pieced together.

Create a Visual Divider (Without Walls)

You don’t need partitions to create separation—just a little design strategy.

Use a console or bookshelf divider.

Place a low console table or open shelving unit between the sofa and the dining table in a small living room. It defines space while adding storage.

Color or texture zoning. 

Paint or wallpaper one wall in the dining area, or hang a statement piece of art. This subtly defines that zone without interrupting the flow. Can’t paint or wallpaper? No problem! Use large-format artwork to draw the eye in instead.

Natural dividers. 

Tall plants—like a fiddle leaf fig or bamboo palm—can soften the transition between spaces and keep things open. No green thumb? Don’t be afraid to go faux. 

When you rent from CORT Furniture Rental, you’ll easily find coordinated tables, shelving, and accent pieces that beautifully bridge visual divides.

Match Scale, Not Sets

When decorating a living room and dining room combo, matching furniture sets isn’t the goal—balanced scale is. Don’t be afraid to mix things up to create a look that suits your style–and your space. 

Get inspired with these examples: 

• A slim, modern sofa pairs beautifully with a pedestal or round table.
• A chunky sectional looks grounded next to a rectangular table with solid legs.
• For a dining space in small apartments, choose armless chairs or benches that tuck neatly under the table when not in use.
  

The key is cohesion, not identical finishes. CORT’s curated furniture packages make it simple to find pieces that complement one another without feeling “matchy.”

Think Beyond Mealtime

Your multi-purpose living room works hardest when every piece has more than one job. Which, in a small space, every piece should have a purpose.

Not sure how you want to multipurpose? Consider…

• Using your dining table as a workspace during the day and a dining spot at night.
• Keeping stylish trays or baskets nearby to transition between laptop and dinner mode quickly.
• Adding a bench or ottoman for extra storage and seating—it’s practical and visually cohesive.
  

When your furniture adapts as easily as your schedule, your space feels curated, not cramped.

No Dining Room? No Problem. Style Your Space With CORT.

Make your small space feel curated—not crowded—with CORT Furniture Rental. From sleek, space-saving tables to modern seating and accents, every piece is designed to bring balance and style to your living and dining combo. 

We handle delivery, setup, and pickup, so your home looks move-in ready from day one. Explore flexible rental plans online or stop by your nearest CORT showroom to create a dining space that perfectly fits your life.