My first apartment as a single gal,
did not have a dining room. That is a problem in many smaller living spaces. But there is a wonderful solution, the banquette! Most banquettes are built into a wall or under a window. To create a dining area, a table is added with several several chairs opposite the banquette. When not in use as dining seating, many banquettes do double duty as sofas.
Better Homes and Gardens Free standing banquettes can help define a space as a dining area.
But if a banquette is not your style, then take advantage of the solution I used as a single party girl in downtown Chicago. Buy a slender table and push it to the side when not in use. And my coffee table made an excellent bench when not covered with cocktails.
-Genevieve
