The dining area is where families gather daily—it deserves thoughtful design even in compact Bangalore apartments. Whether you have a dedicated dining room or an open living-dining layout, the right configuration enhances both function and atmosphere. This guide covers 3 dining setups with table sizing, crockery unit options, and realistic costs for 2026.
Dining Room Configurations: Quick Comparison
| Configuration | Space Needed | Best For | Interior Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open Dining | 80-120 sq ft zone | Most apartments (2BHK/3BHK) | ₹1-3L |
| Separate Dining | 120-180 sq ft room | Large 3BHK, villas | ₹2-5L |
| Breakfast Counter | 20-40 sq ft | Compact spaces, casual dining | ₹50K-1.5L |
Open Dining: Living-Dining Combined
Open dining is the most common configuration in Bangalore apartments—the dining area shares space with the living room without a separating wall. Approximately 80% of 2BHK and 3BHK apartments have this layout. Success depends on visual zoning while maintaining flow.
Open Dining Design Strategies
- Ceiling differentiation: Different false ceiling pattern over dining area
- Flooring: Area rug under dining table defines zone
- Pendant light: Statement light fixture over table marks the space
- Crockery unit: Acts as visual boundary between zones
- Wall treatment: Accent wall or mirror behind dining
Open Dining Space Requirements
- 4-seater: 80-100 sq ft zone
- 6-seater: 100-130 sq ft zone
- 8-seater: 130-160 sq ft zone
- Clearance: 3 feet around table for chair movement
Open Dining Interior Costs
| Element | Basic | Mid-range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crockery unit (6 ft) | ₹40-60K | ₹60-90K | ₹90K-1.4L |
| False ceiling zone | ₹25-40K | ₹40-60K | ₹60-90K |
| Pendant light | ₹8-15K | ₹15-30K | ₹30-60K |
| Accent wall/mirror | ₹15-25K | ₹25-45K | ₹45-80K |
| Total (excl. table) | ₹90K-1.4L | ₹1.4-2.3L | ₹2.3-3.7L |
Separate Dining Room: Dedicated Space
Separate dining rooms are found in larger apartments (1600+ sq ft) and villas. A dedicated room allows more elaborate design, larger tables, and formal entertaining. Minimum 120 sq ft for 6-seater; 150-180 sq ft for 8-seater with buffet.
Separate Dining Room Elements
- Chandelier: Statement piece over table
- Buffet unit: Additional storage and serving surface
- Full crockery display: Floor-to-ceiling or large wall unit
- Wainscoting/paneling: Wall treatment for formal feel
- Artwork: Large-scale pieces suit dedicated rooms
Separate Dining Room Costs
Complete separate dining room interior: ₹2-5L depending on size and finish. Add ₹50K-2L for dining table and chairs. Premium with chandelier, full crockery unit, and wall treatment: ₹4-6L.
Breakfast Counter/Bar: Compact Solution
Breakfast counters work well for couples, small families, or as secondary dining in addition to a main table. They're attached to kitchen islands, peninsulas, or as standalone counters. Need just 20-40 sq ft while providing casual dining for 2-4 people.
Breakfast Counter Types
| Type | Description | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen peninsula extension | Counter extending from kitchen into living | ₹50-90K |
| Wall-mounted counter | Fold-down or fixed narrow counter | ₹25-50K |
| Island breakfast bar | Seating attached to kitchen island | ₹80K-1.5L |
| Standalone bar unit | Freestanding bar counter with stools | ₹40-80K |
Breakfast Counter Dimensions
- Counter height: 36-42 inches (bar height requires bar stools)
- Counter depth: 12-18 inches for eating
- Width per person: 24 inches
- Overhang for legs: 12-15 inches
Dining Table Selection Guide
Choosing the right dining table size is critical—too large crowds the space, too small limits functionality. Consider daily users plus occasional guests.
Dining Table Sizes
| Seating | Rectangular | Round | Square |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4-seater | 4×3 ft | 3.5 ft dia | 3.5×3.5 ft |
| 6-seater | 5×3 ft or 6×3.5 ft | 4.5 ft dia | 4×4 ft |
| 8-seater | 7×3.5 ft or 8×4 ft | 5.5 ft dia | 5×5 ft |
Table Shape Considerations
- Rectangular: Most space-efficient, fits along walls, best for long rooms
- Round: Better for conversation, no head of table, needs central space
- Square: Intimate feel for 4, can be awkward for more
- Oval: Softer than rectangular, fits more people with same footprint
Dining Table Costs Bangalore 2026
- Basic (engineered wood): ₹25-50K (6-seater with chairs)
- Mid-range (sheesham/mango wood): ₹50K-1L
- Premium (teak/rosewood): ₹1-2.5L
- Designer/Italian: ₹2-5L+
Crockery Unit Design Guide
The crockery unit serves multiple purposes—storing dinnerware, displaying pieces, and sometimes housing a bar section. It's often the main furniture investment in the dining area.
Crockery Unit Types
| Type | Description | Best For | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall-mounted | Upper cabinets only, floating | Small spaces | ₹25-50K |
| Floor-standing (5-6 ft) | Base + upper with counter | Most homes | ₹40-90K |
| Full height (7-8 ft) | Floor to ceiling, maximum storage | Large families | ₹70K-1.4L |
| With bar section | Includes bottle rack, glassware | Entertainers | ₹80K-1.5L |
Crockery Unit Features
- Glass doors: Display function, dust protection
- Internal lighting: LED strips highlight display items
- Soft-close: Standard in mid-range and above
- Drawers: For cutlery, placemats, napkins
- Mirror back: Creates depth, enhances display
- Wine rack: If bar function needed
Dining Room Lighting
Lighting over the dining table is both functional (seeing food) and atmospheric (creating mood). The fixture becomes a design focal point.
Dining Light Types
- Pendant light: Single statement piece (₹8-40K)
- Chandelier: Crystal or modern, formal dining (₹15-80K)
- Linear suspension: Long fixture for rectangular tables (₹12-50K)
- Cluster pendants: Group of 3-5 smaller pendants (₹15-45K)
Dining Light Placement
- Height: 30-36 inches above table surface
- Width: Fixture should be 1/2 to 2/3 of table width
- Position: Centered over table (not room center)
- Dimmer: Essential for mood control
Dining Room Costs: Bangalore 2026
| Scope | Basic | Mid-range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crockery unit only | ₹40-60K | ₹60-90K | ₹90K-1.5L |
| Open dining complete | ₹90K-1.4L | ₹1.4-2.3L | ₹2.3-3.5L |
| Separate dining room | ₹1.5-2.5L | ₹2.5-4L | ₹4-6L |
Costs exclude dining table and chairs. Add ₹30K-2L+ for table set.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size dining table fits a 4-seater, 6-seater, or 8-seater?
4-seater: 4×3 ft (rectangular) or 3.5 ft diameter (round). 6-seater: 5×3 ft or 6×3.5 ft rectangular. 8-seater: 7×3.5 ft or 8×4 ft. Allow 24 inches per person along table edge and 3 feet clearance around table for chair movement.
How much does a crockery unit cost in Bangalore 2026?
Crockery unit costs in Bangalore 2026: Basic laminate (5 ft): ₹35-55K. Mid-range with glass doors (6 ft): ₹55-90K. Premium with lighting and bar section (7-8 ft): ₹90K-1.5L. Wall-mounted unit: ₹25-50K.
Is a separate dining room necessary in Bangalore apartments?
Most Bangalore 2BHK/3BHK apartments have open dining connected to living room (80% of layouts). Separate dining rooms are rare, found mainly in 3BHK 1600+ sq ft and villas. Open dining with visual separation (rug, ceiling, lighting) works well for most families.
Key Takeaways
- Open dining with visual zoning works for most Bangalore apartments
- Table size: allow 24" per person + 3 feet clearance around table
- Crockery unit is the main investment (₹40K-1.5L based on size and finish)
- Statement pendant light 30-36 inches above table creates focal point
Planning your dining area in Bangalore? Gunmala Interiors designs dining spaces that balance daily functionality with entertaining needs—from compact breakfast counters to formal dining rooms. Request a project review to discuss your requirements.