We're Suckers for Small Dining Room Storage Ideas, but These Are Our Absolute Favorites

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We know that small spaces can be a challenge, and this is certainly true in a dining room. It's a place in your home that might not require as much stuff as, say, a kitchen or living room. But when you start putting it together, you'll likely be surprised at how many things you have to store. There are the napkins, tablecloths, and runners you'll want to keep within reach, happy hour essentials like liquor and shakers, and you might even want to stash a few board games and books for gatherings.

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Sure, you could find spots for these items in other rooms. But doesn't it make more sense to keep entertaining must-haves in the dining room? Even though you're working with a teeny space, you can still make stylish storage a reality, and we'll tell you how. Scroll on for six life-changing dining room storage ideas, then keep scrolling to discover some of our fave shopping destinations.

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1. Get creative with under-the-seat storage.

How's this for brilliant? Using IKEA dressers for both seating and storage in a tiny dining room. That's what Molly of Almost Makes Perfect did in her sweet little breakfast nook, and the oh-so-modern result is completely practical.

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Get the look: IKEA Nordli Dresser, $299

2. Nestle a buffet into a corner.

You may believe that dining room storage must take up lots of room or even an entire wall. We're here to tell you that's not true. In fact, you can purchase a simple, streamlined buffet that fits perfectly in the corner. Sarah of Life on Virginia Street stashed this weathered beauty in her dining room, and it holds copper mugs for Moscow mules, a cake stand, books, and more.

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Get the look: Pottery Barn Thalia Buffet, $799

3. Set up a swanky bar cart.

If you love sipping libations with pals or enjoying a nightcap with your partner, you'll definitely need a bar cart in your small dining room. Ideal for storing bottles and other cocktail essentials, you can hunt down a vintage version or buy a new trolley to fit your contemporary aesthetics, like the setup in this on-trend space belonging to Kathleen of Lemon Blonde.

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Get the look: Ashley Furniture Alfred Two-Tier Round Butler Table, $148.99

4. Put baskets and cubbies to good use.

A shelf with cubbies and baskets doesn't have to be limited to living rooms, home offices, and playrooms. In fact, this type of storage solution looks classic and chic in a dining room, too, proven by this space from Angela of Saffron Avenue. The cubbies hold tons of dining nonnegotiables, while the surface on top provides a place to display stylish decor and a small bar.

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Get the look: South Shore Storit Beige Rattan Basket, $24.71

5. Maximize random bits of space.

Let's say that your dining room is particularly itsy-bitsy. In this case you'll really need to make the most of every square inch, which includes finding storage options that will fit and look flawless in the process. Brooke of Nesting with Grace was able to squeeze a petite rattan tea cart into a tight corner, and now her go-to juices, glassware, fresh basil, and fruit bowl are always nearby.

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Get the look: Serena & Lily South Seas Side Cart, $448

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6. Install floating shelves.

In their adorable dining room, Robert and Christina of New Darlings installed these space-saving floating shelves that tuck neatly into a corner. Take a cue from their styling and display books, napkins, and chic decorative accents.

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Get the look: SilicateStudio Floating Shelf Brackets, starting at $34

Where to Shop for Small Dining Room Storage:

Small dining room storage ideas require ingenuity, creativity, and yes, sometimes shopping! Here are some of our favorite online destinations for scoring clever small space solutions.

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Amazon

Amazon is a powerhouse of storage options for every room of the house, and that, of course, includes dining rooms. If you're looking for a specific hutch, buffet, or server (with reviews to boot), this is the place.

Serena & Lily

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Whether you choose to store a few essentials here and there in baskets, or place those baskets within furniture, we highly recommend Serena & Lily. Look for oh-so-stylish baskets, roomy enough to hold plenty of items.

Overstock

For another retailer that specializes in fantastic dining room storage ideas, look to Overstock. The site organizes the sideboards and buffets by style (such as farmhouse, rustic, and vintage), feature, color, and material.

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