Dining Room Storage Ideas

Making room for dining and storage together

A dining room often doubles as a homework desk, a home office and a place to drop the mail, so storage matters as much as the table. Our small dining room storage ideas look at sideboards, shelving and seating that hold more than they seem to.

If your dining area is part of a larger room, the open-plan dining room storage ideas show how storage can also define the space. For a wider refresh, see our small dining room makeover ideas.

Quick tips for dining room storage

• Choose furniture that stores. A sideboard or a bench with storage adds capacity without adding clutter.
• Protect the table. Give mail, keys and homework a tray or basket so they do not settle on the table.
• Store by occasion. Keep everyday tableware within reach and special-occasion pieces higher up or further back.
• Use the walls. Shelves above a sideboard hold glassware and serving pieces and free up cabinet space.

Common questions

What do you store in a dining room sideboard?

Tableware, serving dishes, table linens and candles. Use drawers for cutlery and napkins and cabinets for larger pieces.

How do I add storage to a small dining room?

Use one wall for a slim console or shelves, or swap chairs on one side of the table for a bench with storage inside.

Can a dining room double as a home office?

Yes, as long as work items have closed storage nearby, such as a cabinet or lidded basket, so the table can be cleared quickly for meals.