We are doing a bench/breakfast nook as well. Ours will be 11'4" X 6'. We had debated whether or not to do the U, L or just straight bench with chairs on either end. We elimated the U shape only bc if you are on the long bench side you get kind of 'stuck' if people are on either end. So, we are just now debating the L or straight bench. We plan for about a 72 - 78" long and 42" wide table...that also allowed for the outside chairs to not stick out too much into the walking area. And, it hopefully allows for people to get in/out easily if you are on the inside long bench.

We are just getting ready to start our build, so I dont have pics or any idea if this will work, but thought I'd let you know what we are going with!

Good luck!

I have a nook, quite small, that is not a U. It has one bench along the wall and two chairs. It can be a pain for every day use, depending on the number of people and who is "trapped." It means that I am always the one (since I sit in a chair) to get up and get the ketchup of flatware that was forgotten. Nonetheless, having grown up with a nook, I will say it is inviting and cozy. I guess it just depends on your tolerance for the "trap" factor. Also note that it can be expensive to upholster the seating. For us, in NY, iy was alot more money than buying a table and chairs. Remember that when you do upholster, you want to do something thati s easy to slide on and that feature does not come in all the lovely patterns you tend to see in magazines. Good luck.

Did you see Celineike's nook? I'll link to it and you'll need to scroll down to see it. She had some issues when it was being built, so read the comments.

Here is a link that might be useful: Window Nook

Thanks for the advice. Seems like we should do the straight bench with chairs on either end. Anyone have other examples and/or dimensions of similarly designed breakfast nooks where you can fit 3 people on the long side and enough room for a chair at each end? Thanks for the help.