We downsized and ended up with a drop leaf table that doesn't really fit the space. So dining is no longer as nice as it used to be. We use it, but we don't linger. Up to you how you live. I miss my dining room. But, I know what it is to have limited space.

Good advice to find one that you can test out. When we use our DR table now (even if infrequently) it is comfortable and we linger. Also, I like the look of a flip top better than drop leaf, to answer Lindsey's question.

I use a small drop leaf table as a sofa table behind my sofa in my small condo. On the rare occasion that I need a table, I can pull it away and seat four. Usually it's only one extra person so I just leave the table where it is and raise the one drop leaf. It has worked fine. We sit on each side so the leg holding the leaf up doesn't bother. It's worked great for me.

I had to google flip top because my only experience with them is the kind where the top actually flips up to be vertical to stack against a wall, and I was sure that couldn't be what you meant!

I like the different options that are available, and I do think they would run into the same challenges as a drop-leaf.

Out of curiosity, what are you hoping to do with the dining room?

Our LR is very small and DR is bigger so we might move the couch and TV into DR and use it that way. We have a small table in our kitchen and there are only 2 of us so the DR and DR table just don't get used.

I think that makes a lot of sense!

Console tables are normally higher than the correct dining height of 30" above the floor to the top. Anything above this height would not be comfortable for eating height.