A reading nook yes a dining room no. How does this space relate to the spaces around it.Could you post a to scale floor plan of the apartment.

I don't have one handy! This room sits right next to the living room (there's a wall dividing the living room and this one) It's in a Brooklyn brownstone, so the place is narrow. I was wondering if I could do a bistro table and two chairs right next to the window? But then what would i do with the rest of the space?

You may be able to fit a small table and chairs by window. Folding chairs might be a good option.

https://www.worldmarket.com/product/peacoat-blue-cadiz-outdoor-bistro-table.do

Bistro table and two chairs (oriented in the long axis) would be possible, and worthwhile if here is no sit-down eating space now. In my place, the so-called dining room it too small for a full-size dining table if you want to be able to get into the kitchen; I use it as a breakfast and TV room.

The question is, might there be another area in the apartment that would work as a dining area if something else were moved to this space?

Have you considered a fold down table?

How skinny are you!!! I think it’s too narrow for dining, unless you put a little bistro table against the wall. But you still would not be able to walk around someone sitting down.

I don’t care how tiny the table is it certainly will not be a dining table. Is there a possibility of opening the wall between the LR and this space ? If this must stay I would just think reading room. I guess if you went with a 24” wide dining table and some small scaled chirs you could do a really long table with chairs along the long side maye 4 . 24 =36 = 5’ that IMO is the only way to get dining space in that narrow room.

It’s a closet. Store stuff there and don’t try to make it into something it’s not. You need 36” from table to wall to allow chairs to pull out and people to seat themselves, so it’s -1’ to being able to even fit chairs face to face without a table.

Space is good for walk-in-closet.

I can see the reading area with a chair and lamp in a corner by the window and then a drop down table similar to what @Kris Bruesehoff posted, closer to the door. Bookcase in between. I don't think you can get dining in front of the window and banquette seating won't work because of the radiator, right?

We have one of "those" rooms and we're not in a brownstone. It's 7' x 14' and previous owner used it for a sewing room. We're using it as rather unslghtly storage, plus my husband managed to sneak a microwave and dorm refrigerator in there for his upstairs tv loft watching.

I think your best bet would be a very narrow table against the wall, with a couple of chairs. I’d do some searches like ‘eating table small room’ ... ‘eating area small apartment’ ... etc. Apartment Therapy might have some helpful articles, too.

I like your thinking ... wanting to turn a challenging space into something usable. My first apartment was a “studio apartment” — I had only a tiny corner in the living room for an eating area. No window, just looking at an ugly wall.

I think it could be a nice, charming space. And yes, I think a bistro set would work fine, too. Once you get whatever you decide, then see how/where a reading chair might fit in.

Greetings from a fellow NY'er!

I'm sorry but no one is going to want to eat their meal in this room.

Have you seen this?

Inspiration, about the same sized room.

https://www.treehugger.com/interior-design/tiny-half-bedroom-converted-into-elegant-chamber-jen-chu.html

This mirror has an interesting shape. You can hang it vertically or horizontally.

https://www.wayfair.com/decor-pillows/pdp/mercer41-hentz-modern-contemporary-accent-mirror-ktel1422.htmli

i would hang a mirror on wall to open up space. You could hang above eye level if you want mirror to be less intrusive (Feng Shui method).

I think that you could fit a banquette across the window wall with a radiator cover behind it for a cosy dining / reading nook. An oval tulip table, comfortable occasional chair, cushions and colorful Roman blinds will be lovely. You can then decide if you have space for a slim bookshelf / floor lamp. Otherwise go for floating shelves on the long wall for books and plants, and sconces with shades in the nook for good reading light. This could make a great space!

Very quick plan, but it looks like you can if you are careful with size of furniture. Table is around 4’ wide and 22 “ deep. No arms on chairs so the entire chair can be pushed under table when not in use.

Perhaps a bench for reading and dining seating and a small round table with smaller chairs than in photo. Bookcases could be above bench.

It looks as though @JudyG Designs found a way to make it work. Instead of bulky bookcases, consider spine book towers. They're great for small spaces. Or, if you're able to hang shelves, line one of the long walls with horizontal shelving for your books.

That would leave you room for a pretty plant in the corner.

L-shaped banquette against window and wall with table and a bookcase in remaining portion of recessed area. Or you could do some great shelves up high for books.

https://www.ballarddesigns.com/furniture/dining-kitchen/banquettes/

(showing bookshelf only on this next one)

Try a built-in bench, daybed, or settee, shelves in corners, a round table flanked with a couple of chairs. Make it cozy for reading with lots of pillows. Add art and a good light pendant.

Only way to really know is a detailed plan, including radiator, bump outs, door swings, etc. I live in NYC and it's unique in regards to design- rules often have to be broken because of the quirkiness. A drop down table for causal dining may work. If you have cable access, you could add a small wall mount TV (though if Wifi is strong enough, streaming on a laptop would be sufficient). Not sure you'd want to eat in there if this is a true room with a door that closes.