Lots of folk are doing just that move -- changing their formal "dining space" into a more useful space for their own lives. An excellent idea -- use EVERY inch of your own valuable real estate!

Think about a room like a library room --- add short bookshelves across the back wall (if possible) and then your cozy seating area around a round coffee table. You could add favorite prints of artworks above the bookshelves.

Make sure that you have good lamps -- for reading and enjoying softer warmer light.

You could even add a thin console table or sofa table across a front window to hold a tray with pretty mugs and a thermal coffee jug for refills --- and an accent lamp.

I'm not sure what your style is, but I saw this round coffee table in the Plow & Hearth catalog yesterday and I thought it was very nice (see link). I love the idea of a chadelier above the coffee table. How about two comfy chairs - can you find some to match your leather loveseat? IMO parson's chairs would feel awkward with a lower table. Unless they would be off to the side with a higher table - maybe a game table with a nice chess set ready to play.

Can you post a picture of the room?

Here is a link that might be useful: plow and hearth round coffee table

I REALLY hate pimping for Pottery Barn but they have a round coffee table in their latest catalog that I'm coveting at the moment.

Teacats ideas are great and I agree with cindy that the Parson's chairs don't seem to be the right direction. The only other thing I'd add is to have a music source in the room.

Here is a link that might be useful: Pottery Barn Bailey Table

I think it's a great idea, especially if it's combined with a library. One of my all time favorite rooms here is zuzus_petals sitting room (couldn't find the pics). I loved the four club chairs centered in the room around a round table. I would love a room like that, lined with bookshelves. No television! Just a quiet place to snuggle down, grab something great to read or sit and have quiet conversation!

Can you show us a picture of the room?

I think that it sounds like a great idea but I would skip the parson's chairs in favor of something with arms which would be more comfortable, to me at least. Another idea for a table would be a large ottoman. Either way, I would go with something large to enough to start a puzzle on or play a game of Scrabble, chess, etc.