There never seems to be enough room in that two-bedroom apartment or in the traditional "starter" home for a real family dining area. Most floor plans for these smaller dwellings will allocate a corner of the kitchen/dining area for eating purposes. Sadly, most traditional furnishings for a dining room are too big to fit comfortably and manage to look right in such a small space. Fortunately, finding a dining table for small spaces that fits and looks great is easier than many think.
Choosing the right table for a smaller area is partly mathematical. After all, you only have so much room and you need to make sure the table's measurements ensure it will occupy just the allotted space. The other portion of the choice issue is a matter of personal taste. After all, you know what you like and want. You just need to find one that is also a good dining table for small spaces.
I find round tables, or perhaps oblong ones, usually work better in small dining areas. They allow for a bit more "walk around the table" room and don't accentuate the smaller area of the room by mimicking the lines of the room. Using a table with smaller accessory furniture works well, too. A corner cabinet instead of a full china cabinet can give the illusion of a larger room and provide handy storage.
Whatever you do, please resist the urge to cram a big table in a small space. It will only make it look smaller. Instead, pursue the right dinette for your space with determination. It might take a bit of homework and some shopping around, but you can find a great dining table for small spaces that will make your little eating nook into a full-fledged family dining area.