We had a similar situation in our dining room. Hardly ever used the table, the room was small but pretty and never used. I just tried to search for the discussion of my dining room and the pics, but can't find it now. Anyway, we replaced the big dining table with a smaller (42" round) antique table, and for seating we have a loveseat, two wood chairs w/ fabric seats, and a small leather club chair. Now we use the room to play games, read, have coffee, and occasionally actually eat! I would just advise you to think about what kind of space you need and how you'd use it. Would you sit here and read the paper? If so, make sure your seating is comfy. I looove my loveseat in the dining room -- I'm short so I can actually kind of lay down on it and read. If you think no one would ever actually eat here, then you might use a coffee table instead of a taller table.

Just one note. The chandelier looks a little high to me. Especially if you replaced the dining table w/ a coffee table, I think you'd want to lower the fixture.

Two different looks that I love are a round table with wicker chairs, playing off your inspiration print and a setee or rush seat bench with back and chairs around a rectangular table. I can see these beautiful moss colored wicker chairs with a pine table or white table. And I love this bench with a farm table!
{{!gwi}}
{{!gwi}}

Great ideas for changing the room. If you're readers/loungers, even internet people and you have wi-fi, you could make it a relaxed sitting area with magazines, a laptop for browsing, an iPad or Kindle for reading ebooks, or a bookcase where the picture is now for a selection of books

I agree with figure out what works best for you. This might even become your opportunity to build a place for yourself.

Loribee...what are the measurements of the area & what can you fit in there nicely? I love your home, can't wait to see what you end up with! What is your wall color? you mentioned to me on another post about being careful choosing a tan/beige to go with the honey pine furniture--your color choice looks nice.

It would be great to have low table with comfy seating..also windows/views would be lovely with wicker. so many choices OMG

You girls have given me so much to think about, thank you!!
I had a thought...we have this McCobb family table that I could maybe trade with my SIL.
How would this work with 2 comfy chairs and a settee???

Sue, I'd love to see your room, I do recall your situation and I want to see your ongoing beach house redo, also~

Kmcg85, thanks for helping me to see that maybe I could use this table with that Ballard bench or I love the mossy colored chairs too.

Sdionnemoore, yes...that's my vision, a relaxed sitting area!

Debbi, the area is only a bit bigger than my 6x9 rug...
and the walls are all BM standish white.
YES, so much to think about, lol and a strict budget to boot!

Thanks so much and would love to see/hear more ideas if anyone has some to share~ :)

LoriBee, here's a pic of my DR that shows the table and loveseat, and my two bargain chairs that I picked up at a consignment shop that was going out of business. We keep the loveseat pulled away from the table a bit most of the time, but if we eat there, it's easy enough to pull up to the table. We have bookcases on the wall opposite the loveseat.

I love your ideas! We faced a similar situation in our breakfast nook. We wanted to build a banquette, but were struggling with dimensions and couldn't quite put it together. Here is before...

I had an old plywood daybed that my great grandfather built sitting out on the porch, looking for a home. My DH shortened it to fit in the nook and cleaned up the finish a bit. We added some drapes and pillows..we love it now. It is a cozy spot to eat.

Click here to view these pictures larger

My mom thought it would be too dark, but I really like it. I'd love to get rid of the ceiling fan next, but DH likes it. :( I'm also on the hunt for a new table and chairs. Something older for a table, then maybe some leather chairs?

Sorry, I couldn't figure out how to insert the photo with Shutterfly. Photobucket has been a PITA lately so I thought I'd switch. UGH.

Beth

Loribee - I have always loved your style. I think you have a real opportunity here to add a bunch of personality and create something really unique and maybe a little funky. I would get 4 really comfy chairs, either upholstered or wicker and a low round table. I had a lot of fun once when I picked up a table at a used furniture store and busted up tiles and did mosaic on the top. I got so many compliments on it. Something like that, or perhaps a round table that you hand paint flowers on it. I would make it a place for conversation, light eating, reading and just hanging out with your beautiful view. I would not get anything that would block the view - stick to low back chairs and low round table. Then I would hunt for a really interesting piece to put on the wall where your picture is that could hold books and some decor items. What a great place to read, journal, write, paint.
Can't wait to see what you come up with!

The one thing that always strikes me abut Loribee's home is that it just has such a wonderful warm glow! Literally - your home glows!

I love the idea of slipper chairs and a round table. It would look wonderful with the bay window. If not, maybe wicker chairs with pillows and a round table?

Good luck!

Thanks, Sue...what a lovely spot.
I can just picture sitting there with a cup of tea and a book!
Beth...how lovely! Thanks for showing and helping me!
Joanie...so kind- thanks for cheering me on~
TTodd...glow? it's just picasa, but thanks so much!
Homebody...thanks! Loooove your ideas!
So nice to come home to such great thoughts, gives me hope-
I guess I need to get out and look this weekend. :)