When Your Dining Table Is a Workspace

If you’re among the growing number of people who work from home, or you have children with homework and never-ending projects, then there’s a good chance that your fancy dining table is doubling as a workstation.

Sure, you agonized over its purchase. But since that table is rarely used for meals (Thanksgiving and Christmas, maybe), it makes sense to get some additional use out of it. So don’t fight it; adapt your dining area with other activities in mind, and cover up clutter and minimize scuff marks along the way.

This round dining table shares the space with a wall that’s partially lined with built-in shelving, providing room for books and other decorative items.

Tip: Store work supplies in baskets or decorative boxes, so your living area doesn’t start looking like an Office Depot. They’ll make cleanup a breeze, as you can simply whisk books and other items right back onto the shelves when you’re done.


Why stop with just a few books? This dining room doubles as a full-scale library, with walls lined corner to corner with shelves.

Tip: A room like this, which is less formal than your average dining room, is a great opportunity to mix and match tables and chairs. The wooden table will withstand the inevitable scuff marks from daily homework projects. Upholstered armchairs, like the pair shown here, are ideal for dining and provide sufficient comfort for reading and working.


Not everyone has a formal dining room, but even if you use your kitchen table for all your meals, it can still double as a workspace. A built-in banquette paired with a casual pedestal table is perfect for getting projects done.

Tip: Banquettes, like the one shown here, can offer loads of hidden storage under the seat or in drawers below. Additional books and decorative items can be stored above on open shelving. Just be sure the shelves are well supported, with brackets or anchored to the studs, so they hold the weight of the books safely.


Placing a desk in the middle of your dining room may seem a tad unorthodox, but it’s certainly acceptable if the space doubles as your workspace. This charming desk with drawers is something you can snag for a steal at your local thrift store. Just make sure the height is comfortable for dining.

Tip: Jazz up the desk with modern chairs, and keep a small storage console close by for additional work supplies. (This one is on casters, which means it can be easily rolled out of the room to hide clutter and to make more space for guests as they dine.) A chalkboard helps you keep track of your daily business meetings, and is the perfect place for jotting down the day’s menu. You can purchase chalkboards at a local home decor store or paint the wall with chalkboard or magnetic paint and frame it with molding.


If you work from home, then there’s a good chance you may have to host a meeting or two. If space allows, having a large dining table that can double as a conference table is ideal. This table easily seats eight, and the built-in buffet station is a great place to store china and office supplies. It also offers a large surface area, should you need to whip out a printer and other presentation materials while you meet.


For a less formal meeting space, consider mixing chair styles, as shown here, and throw in a bench for additional seating.

Tip: Fortunately, most dining rooms come with great overhead lighting, which is vital for work. Consider having the lights on dimmer switches so you can dim them when you dine. Having a floor lamp or table lamp close by would be handy for reading.


The ever-popular tulip table is a stylish and sturdy choice. Pair it with a wooden armoire, like this Moroccan piece, to mix finishes and genres while gaining much-needed storage for work supplies and dishes.


Space is often a challenge in a small apartment or condo. One solution is to combine dining and working, with storage hidden in a small banquette.


In this home the printer and other work items are tucked away inside this striking wood column, and slide in and out for easy access.

Tip: Sliding cabinet trays like these can be purchased at The Home Depot, Lowe’s or The Container Store, and are easy to install on your own.

Tell us: Does your dining room double as a workspace? Please share a photo or two below.

More: 6 Ways to Define Your Workspace at Home

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