If you read Buehl's "Read Me if You're New" thread, there is a link near the top to a section on called "Beginning a Kitchen Plan." On the right column, there is a section called measures and numbers in layouts. It gives lots of clearance measurements for aisles, tables, chairs, etc. I'm not sure I understand your question, but I'm sure that this post will help you.

Here is a link that might be useful: Read Me thread

Speaking purely about clearances, if there is at least 5' (60") b/w the edge of the peninsula seating and the table edge, then you can probably fit stools there.

As to whether you need stools with the table so close, that's a personal decision. While table seating is different than counter seating (table being more comfortable in general), sometimes both can be useful.

We have two seats at our peninsula...with only 50" b/w the peninsula and table. I can tell you those 50" are not enough if someone is sitting at both. Even moving the table so the chandelier is off-center only gains us 5"...still not enough. Because of this issue, we don't use both seats at the same time. However, when we're not using the table, the peninsula is convenient for breakfast, homework, projects, etc....and it's nice to have seating there at those times.

[Our mistake was not moving the chandelier when we took a few inches from the DR for the kitchen...if we had re-centered the chandelier, we could have placed the table so we had 60" between peninsula & table. Live and learn!]

I would compare the views. Where would a person sit to chat with the cook? Maybe a single stool would be enough.

Thanks all! Buehl that's the exact problem I was thinking I may have - if people are sitting at both it may become too close. This is good information as always - back to the drawing board...

There are two ways to look at this and it depends upon how you use your house and who lives there. You may want to settle on a design that gives the *opportunity* to have seating in both areas, but not necessarily at the Same Time.

I put an overhanging peninsula for counter seating on the dining room side of a very small dining room: The counter stools are only a couple of feet from the chairs around the table, and although people could squeeze in and sit at both, it would not be comfortable for circulation but it would also be very unlikely. The homeowner or couple sit at the counter day to day, or at the table. If it is a dinner party situation where the table gets the leaf and a number of people are going to be sitting there, the counter stools get moved.

It creates a flexible space within the size limitations. As was said, rather than eliminating the possibility altogether, make a spot of a stool or two (and not necessarily a comfy eating a lengthy meal on kinda stool) as well as other seating...but not necessarily made to all be used simultaneously.

This is a timely post. I just had my pennisula counter installed yesterday and went for 18 inches deep for maximum legroom and because I had a gorgeous soapstone slab to also "maximize." Like OP Arkansaswifey, we have an adjacent window seat and I am having a custom table built. I was surprised by the "shrinking" floor space once the pennisula was installed and was contemplating a slightly narrower table. Given suggested minimum measurements and buehl's description (pics please buehl?) I will have 62 inches between table and pennisula with a 36 inch wide table. (was planning on 38 inches, but think the extra 2 inches passage will be better functionally, as well as far as scope is concerned). Will also consider lower profile counter seats.