Let's face it, many of us are working now from our dining table. It may not be ideal, but the dining area might be the most practical space that we have. Perhaps it's not just you at the table either, and you're being forced to share it with other family members or housemates.

​Here, we share tips on how to create a multi-functional space that can practically serve both dining and working purposes. Discover flexible furniture ideas and learn how to balance meals and meetings.

Best dining table shape for working
While you'll accommodate more people with a round dining table, it might not be the best shape to go for if you have several computer monitors that need to be lined up. Generally speaking, rectangular dining tables are best for a dining-cum-office scenario. If there are multiple people working at the dining table, consider an extendable dining table. Even if there aren't more than two of you, you could always use half the table for work, and the other half for mealtimes. Alternatively, the extra space could also be a handy buffer between you and your housemate-turned-co-worker. 



Best table material for working
Go for a dining table that's sturdy, ideally made from solid timber. Also think about the material of the tabletop. Timber tabletops are probably the most practical material for both working and dining. Consider a country dining table or rustic industrial-style dining table with a weathered look so that it's more forgiving with scratches and marks. Glass is also durable and makes spaces appear lighter and brighter, which certainly adds to the ambience of working. If you do have a glass tabletop, consider protecting it with a table runner or tablecloth when you're working. 



​Making dining chairs more comfortable 

Ideally put your dining chair to one side during the day to wheel in an ergonomic office chair. If you think your dining chair will suffice, consider a cushion to create more padding for the seat, or a folded throw to soften the back. A rolled-up towel can also provide lumbar support. 

Choosing office accessories
While you want to have your dining area up and running for work, avoid making it look too much like an office. Consider this with how you choose your stationery, storage and electronics. These days, there is so much choice that you can blend things in quite seamlessly. 



Making the transition from office to dining room
Get a storage box or basket or stylish tray for all your work accessories, so you can easily pull them out in the morning and put them away in the evening as you go from work to play. You can then use a console table, sideboard or buffet to hide your accessories, so there is no clutter and no reminder of work. Put laptops, tablets and other small electronics in drawers of the console or sideboard. You could even cut out a hole in the back of one of the drawers, so you can run the cords to the plug to charge devices overnight. Don't have enough room for a sideboard? Try a bar cart or kitchen trolley which you can wheel to one side when you're not working.



Banner image via The Cottage Market