I recently had a client meeting where I explained that I design for how a space is used 90% of the time. Specifically, 90% of the time my client ate at her dining table. Not at the kitchen counter. So if that’s the case then why would you spend money on stools for the kitchen counter. But it’s also ok, that you eat all your meals at the kitchen counter and not have a dining table. These are the top 2 reasons it’s ok not to having a dining table in your apartment.
Limited space for a dining table
The first reason is limited space. Over the last decade working with a wide range of clients, I’ve noticed that people don’t always eat at the dining table or kitchen counter anyway.
Some people eat on the sofa (thanks the Big Bang Theory) or coffee table. But mostly for people living in an apartment, where there is limited space it makes sense eating at the kitchen counter.
From my perspective, where function is a priority, it’s not ideal to eat on a sofa. A sofa’s primary function isn’t eating. It’s for rest, relaxation, basically lounging.
So if space is limited in your house or apartment, use the kitchen counter instead of a dining table. If this is the case then you would invest in comfortable stools with a back rest.
Lifestyle doesn’t require a dining table
Another reason why some people don’t need a dining table in their apartments is if they’re hardly home and eat out a lot.
Many of my apartment clients live in urban areas and eat out a few times a week. One of the benefits of apartment living is location.
Taking advantage of being able to go out easily. Whether that includes eating, bars, cinema, theatre and so on.
So if you’re out a lot you can forgo a dining table in your apartment and get some space back.
Of course everyone is different. For example, if you work from home but still go out a lot, you might need a dining table to work from.
The key is to design your space how you use it 90% time and for your personal functional requirements. While it might be ‘conventional’ to buy and use a dining table, your space should accommodate your needs.
Another reason apartment dwellers may not need dining tables is if they don’t like cooking or entertaining.
Essentially don’t buy furniture on auto pilot. Really have a think about how you use a space. Work out a functional floor plan on a piece of paper. So you can buy furniture that works for you and your space.
Not using a dining table in your apartment if it works for you and your lifestyle. I think if you’re one person living an apartment, it’s ok to eat meals at the kitchen counter. This gives you space back to enjoy.
Cover Photo by Carolina Sánchez on Unsplash
