My Parisian rental apartment had a genius wall-mounted table – and now I'm convinced it's the perfect easy idea for every tiny kitchen

If you've ever been to Paris, or any major city for that matter, you know that space is a luxury. Learning how to make even the smallest spaces more functional takes lots of creativity and, in my opinion, maximum brain power. So when I checked into my tiny Parisian Airbnb on a recent trip, I was mind-blown by this simple yet totally ingenious style-forward, space-saving idea – a wall-mounted table, made from a chic marble shelf.

Rather than a large table dominating the small kitchen, the owners of this Airbnb chose to mount a sleek marble slab to the wall, supported by some weight-bearing brackets. In turn, they created a charming spot to drink a coffee or eat a snack, all while saving space and making the kitchen feel bigger than it actually is. It all felt very Parisian.

Unbeknownst to me, this idea is actually quite common in interior design, as interior stylist and content creator Izzy Lynch recently shared a video about the convenience of wall-mounted tables. 'If you don't have the space to have a table out all the time, do this,' Izzy said of installing wall-mounted models. 'If you do have the space, but you only have the space for a dining table outside of the kitchen and you want to eat in the kitchen – sometimes, this is what you do.'

In her video, Izzy points out that making a wall-mounted table can be an easy DIY project. Scrap countertop stone or wood can be easy to salvage, and by adding weight-bearing brackets underneath, you've created your very own version.

One of the many benefits of wall-mounted tables, and especially a model you've made yourself, is that they can easily adapt to your needs. Plus, they simply take up less space – both physically and visually. 'The absence of legs gives the illusion of more space, making a smaller room feel larger and less cluttered,' interior designer Jennifer Jones tells me.

Not to mention, the styling opportunities are endless. In my Parisian rental apartment, the owners chose to mount the table at a bar height, and they placed chic barstools underneath. However, you can also mount the table lower to create an intimate, bistro-like setup. As for the wall above, decorate with a mirror to make the space seem bigger, or incorporate prints and paintings to add some artistic flair.

Wall-mounted shelves used as mini tables are the design idea you didn't know you needed. So, if you're eager to ditch the overbearing table and you happen to have a free weekend coming up, I've got all the supplies you need to make your own wall-mounted table, below.

Even a simple DIY, like making your own version of this wall-mounted table, can take time and energy – things we can never get enough of. So, if you like this idea, I've found some already-made wall-mounted tables that are just as practical. As an added bonus, these styles fold away to create even more space.

Whether you make your own or buy one of our picks, installing a wall-mounted table will create a stylish spot in your kitchen and can guarantee more room by eliminating the need for a large, space-dominating table.

If you want more ideas for making more of a tiny space, read on to discover designer-approved tips on how to make a small room bigger.