Could you make the table a half round and place it with the diameter side toward the banquette seating and have the curved area in the room with two chairs pushed in and another side chair somewhere else in the area for when your daughter is home from school.

Like this but smaller scale; darling! Little lighting and lantern add sex appeal.

This has your traditional cabinets for the feel of your kitchen....thought the upholstered chair fabric could be used on banquette back? Looking for traditional feel in pics.

This paint color is Sherwin Williams Wool Skein and the banquette back can be easily made with wood, foam, batting and fabric and staple gun. Bench is leatherette for easy clean up.

What a fun project this will be when you decide what you want to do.

Another option would be a "gate leg" table - one where the sides fold down so that when it is not in use the table is the size of a console which wouldn't block access to the other rooms. I'm of the same mind as Elaine Doremus - use the dining room for eating,- even for breakfast. Your kids can't be any messier than the poker players!

A table that is 30-36 inches wide and 60 inches long will seat four people comfortably. Even if the side of the table is against a wall, there can be a chair at each end and two along the exposed length. Personally, I would move the round table to the corner of another room where perhaps it could serve as a library table with a large table lamp and a few books on it, with library-style chairs pulled under it. I certainly would opt for a smaller, rectangular table for this wall in the kitchen, and I would use the dining room more often.

Semi-seriously, how tall are your family members, and how rowdy are they? hey.... :)

[as to pedestal versus 4-legs]

Blue velvet with a fabric treatment? But the cows are a sure cup of moooo.

I suppose a bench for the wall side - several colors? but 54" wide.

Several colors // Show off those hourglass curves with this innovative, versatile stool. You can use it as a side table, footrest or extra seating, then stack it neatly away when not in use. An added bonus: The end caps remove for discreet storage within:

You could place a banquette against the wall with a smaller round table and three small side chairs. The other option is to have a rectangular table that is no more than 54" X 30". This table can be used with a banquette or with chairs sans banquette.

I like lolokz's idea. A drop leaf table pushed against the wall would maximize that space.

I wonder what would happen if you tried this with L's back forming an end to the room, visually.

This is what we use and there is always room for other people!!!! Hope this helps with some new ideas

My brother has a family of five and they opted to add a counter height island with granite to match their counters, which is attached to the wall, in which four can sit and a stool at the end for the 5th, which just gets tucked away. It really works well and also because of its height, it doubles as a great buffet table, or as a spot to sit/stand around for guests - feels like a true island. I have a counter height table as well that has to sliders that can be pulled out from the bottom of the table to allow for 6 and again it is great to use for buffets.

Wow, I'm impressed with all the wonderful suggestions and ideas!!! I only have a few moments this morning, so I'll get back later and finish reading the other suggestions!

But thank you all for the ideas! And I hadn't considered a gate leg table @lolokz! I'll look at some and play with the tape area to get an idea.

@everdebz you really made my morning and put a smile on my face with the colorful cows and cup of moo!!

Gotta run, I'll be back later, thanks!

I would recommend a rectangular table, but aa quick fix would be an old wooden produce or cooking themed sign. Something like this

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/ef/2d/8f/ef2d8fec8b31a2d3796ad789e398ce50.jpg

Thank you for your very detailed post @soosun2! I don't know how I missed that last night! I love the images you posted! I've been searching for DIY ideas similar to what you have suggested for the banquette and backing. That may be fun to make and get the size and fabric I want! However, I'm usually lazy and just purchase something instead :-(. But this may be a project I can get behind!
I also like the idea of a half round table....I haven't seen many, but I'll start searching for ideas on that front also!

So many ideas....I am kinda looking forward to playing around with some of these ideas!
Thanks again!

A drop leaf or

a gate leg table is just right for your needs. You can often find them in yard sales, antique shops or thrift stores:

I have one which when fully open can serve twelve. When one leaf up serves four.

One fabric I've seen a few times on houzz. In 4 colors / adds color and pattern which to me helps soften any kitchen's number of wood cabinets.

Honestly @everdebz I'm really short, I say I'm 5' but I'm just shy! So I guess pedestal vs a four leg table really doesn't matter! :-). I'm just having a hard time figuring out how with the limited space I have how a banquette will fit in-between the legs of a rectangle table.
But, I love the blue velvet banquette! And I got a kick out of the pics! I'm always so serious and that would definitely be a way to lighten the mood!


Moving the large round table or selling it are my options @sheilaskb. Thank you for the suggestion to use it as a library table in a corner of a room. I don't know if I'll be able to squeeze it anywhere, I don't want to sell it but I may have to or store it in the garage for three years until we retire and get our forever home.


Thank you @Gray & Walter! I really think I'm loving the idea of a banquette! So I need to look and decide between a smaller round table or a rectangle. I'm going to tape out a couple of banquettes and a rectangle vs a smaller round table!

@linlac Thank you for commenting! The more I look at and consider the gate leg or drop leaf table I wonder if I'd ever even have it down or pushed up against the wall. I guess if there is enough seats for four when only half of the table is up it could work! I'll look some more-thank you.

@sandradclark thank you for also suggesting a drop leaf or gate leg table! I've been looking around a bit (even on Craig's list) and there are many options! I'll continue to measure out and consider some options!

I tried using some prop pieces for size ideas...the three chairs along wall together measure 60" long and 23" deep. The tape measure and cardboard represent 36" table. I think it may be to much. It will be fine when no one is seated, but the minute anyone sits in the chairs (pulls out from table) there won't be any walk space to get another helping! Idk, so frustrating!

Be thankful you're organized / it's sort of refreshing for me. :)

Here I sometimes place myself where I can get extra helpings / for myself and others. Usually I make the food, so I know how and where to get it!

I see a bit of other rooms - what is nearby? and how does that influence the informal -- dressiness of what you'll buy?

I posted a wooden bench, of course casual, but what about that idea? You might have to skip the most stylish idk.

Thanks @everdebz! I am also the one who makes and serves and gets up quite a bit! I saw the bench you posted and loved the legs and the great curves! After placing the prop chairs there I'm now thinking the bench may be the way to go, especially due to the depth. Most of the dining benches seem to be about 15"-17" and that would help with the space. Obviously a bit off of what I thought I wanted after your pics of big beautiful banquettes!
But @soosun2 posted a few images last night, the first one with a bench and an upholstered wall with the simi round table might be a way of having the banquette look without the bulk. Using something like the bench you posted and some sort of table.

I'm still trying to arrange the other rooms in the house, we moved in 6 weeks ago. I've posted other questions regarding the rooms near the kitchen, and you can check those out to see the type of style I have going on. I've moved things around so much just trying to get the right feel! The room off the kitchen is currently a sitting room, I guess. I'm going to purchase a couple of swivel chairs to take in the view of the outdoors and pool.

What curves - was that photo posted on this thread? Idk which one you mean.

Curves..sorry @everdebz! I was referring to the wood bench with the v style legs and the cute hourglass side stool table you posted :-). Not a curvy bench. But a curvy bench might be fun!

43" wide:

We bought our retirement home 18 months ago and now have all things in their place except the family wall for pics!! That is always my struggle!! I laughed when you said your only 5' all my girlfriends are 5'3'' or smaller I'm 5'6'' and your right table legs don't matter to much whether tall or smaller!! Good luck and I'll check back to see what you came up with. Make sure in your last house you try and get everything you want especially a kitchen nook lol!!

Hi Criticalaoa,

My aunt had a banquette for years & you never sat in a more uncomfortable seat! Truthfully. It sat you up so straight that it was completely not conducive to after dinner talk or anything else. Try some out in a store first to see if there have been any improvements in recent years.

Also, please think twice about getting a drop- leaf table because EVERYONE will constantly be banging their knees against the dropped leaf when your daughter's not at home. You'll have bruised knees all the time.

This is what you might want to think about. I know that Ikea has an expanding table that has a 'disappearing' leaf. It's easy to set up the leaf when you need it. My son & d-i-l have this table & they love it! Can't think of the name of it, starts w/ a 'B'. If Ikea isn't to your taste, check around- there are sure to be other furniture makers that use this same configuration.

Also, you might want to think about getting chairs with low enough backs that you could push them completely under the table when not in use. I don't think backless benches are the answer because they have absolutely NO back support.

Just a note for you to proceed cautiously here...

Good luck with your project(s)!

Thank you @Cheryl Butler! Yes, I can't wait to finally have our forever place! We are just shy of 3 years from retiring from the military(who's counting), so it will be nice to have a place that we don't move from every 1-3 years! This is my 22 or 24th move, so I'm ready for a change! But at least with all the moving and different homes ive come to understand what we love and dislike in homes and that should help when we settle down!

Thanks again!

Thank you for posting another bench @everdebz. I'm still looking. There are too many choices! Bench, chairs, banquette, rectangle table, round table, drop leaf, gate leg!

@donnasd, thanks for you insight! Yes I'll have to try something comfortable for sitting and watch about the drop leaf issue you mentioned!

I am kinda wondering if I can do a round drop leaf and remove the drop leaf side next to the wall and have a semi round table with the straight edge against the wall and (bench, banquette Ect). Like the photo @soosun2 posted the first night. Just a thought.

Anyway, I'm going out shopping at my two favorite consignment stores north of San Diego tomorrow. I know it's always hit or miss, but if they have anything similar to what I'm looking for I will be excited! If not I'm going to either borrow something from home goods, or search Craig's list!

Thanks again for all the help!

[I took a closer look at soosun's, and yes very nice.]

I have a boy in the Navy and they hate being apart how did you deal with deployments?? I as the Mom just keep myself busy, I know she keeps herself really busy sometimes to busy!!!! It keeps her sane though lol. Just wanted to write but not about furniture this time sorry for taking you off subject. I was just curious!!

Only if you need to save every inch, a bench at the wall / backs rest on the wall?

2 chairs on other side....

@Cheryl Butler I'm sure as a mother and having your son deployed is nerve racking to say the least! Both my husband and I grew up as Air Force brats and our dads were deployed all the time, so we kinda knew what we were in for! I say kinda because we were kids and were caught up in our own little worlds at that age....but now it's a bit different I think. I think deployments in the navy are a bit more difficult for families...my husband only leaves for 120 days every few years! So, even though he's gone it's not forever or too often. I definitely think the first two weeks he leaves are the most trying, transitioning to a "single mom" and having a bit different schedule. When my kids were young it helped pass the time and keep me busy and sane! That and great military neighbors that find themselves in the same boat-us women bound together raising children and caring for one another. "Sometimes it takes a village!" Lol.

Thank you and your family for your service and sacrifice for our country!

Okay @everdebz, I think bench at wall and two chairs on the opposite side. I spent about 6 hours driving to one of my favorite stores today..and 3 hours yesterday..I hate Southern California traffic!!!!! But unfortunately no benches or tables that will work! Actually they had a ton of 60" rounds, but thats what I have now :-(. So I'll try a couple of stores this week and see if I can find anything reasonable. I think my best bet for a table is going to be Craig's list, but need to wait till hubby returns to go with me to get something! I'll keep you guys posted when I find something!

Thanks again for all your help!

"L.A. is a great big freeway" as the song goes.... yuc.

If I were you, I would put up some wall art and/or a plant/center piece in the middle of your table. That is what I would do.

The same goes for me your Dads did a wonderful thing for this country and are so appreciated by so many people including me!!! Hopefully he will be home soon haven't seen him in 11 months but luckily with this new technology we write often!!!!
Take care of yourself and let us all know what you came up with with your kitchen dilemma very interest in seeing what you decide!!! Take care, Cher

Hello everyone! So I had this crazy idea-Not exactly what I was envisioning at the start of this thread, but an idea no less. I have this wine barrel that I purchased a couple of years ago, I planned on using it in the back yard as a cute cocktail area, but now I'm considering using it in the nook area. And it's something I already own!
Couple of caveats however, I do not see this as an area my immediate family would sit every evening for dinner, or a very comfortable hang out location for chatting. I can see it being used daily by my kids for their afternoon snack or for breakfast though.
If this is a possible direction for the space.....gasp....we would most likely have to use the dinning table for dinner. Imagine that, lol. I'm not exactly sure how I feel about that.
Anyway...thoughts? Opinions? Or am I just out of my mind? Obviously I would need to purchase a top and some bar stools. I'll worry about that next if this seems like a plan.
Thanks again!

I like it! and fill it with your family's fav!!! [where did you buy it?]

We have an eat-in also, but when someone dreams up to eat in next room - "the dining room" what? it's ok and gives us more room on the table....

How tall is it though? If possible even, an expert could cut it to regular height.... will kids be of age to sit so high up. I can already see them spinning on this one! Stools should be broad/ heavy at base.

Thanks @everdebz! I bought it in Corona, Ca. About two years ago for $50, he built and designed all kinds off great pieces with barrels he would pick up weekly from the many wineries in the area.
I'm not worried about my kids (17,15, and 11) spinning off or falling, but may have to watch that when we have company or extended family over! Lol.
Yes, the idea of eating at the "formal" dinning table is foreign to us...even as a kid growing up that room was designated for adults or large gatherings or Christmas Ect. Im not sure why I've always had the formal dinning room and never really used it. But, we may start now, ha.
I figure I will need a 42" round top and I also saw these stools on wayfare. Sent a couple of pics to my husband and he's partial to the Braxton.

Hi, believe it or not I made this an still have no idea what I was doing or the tools to cut wood. I just measured my area an Home Depot did my cuts. Then I sanded stained an nailed it together. The seats are material from Joann fabrics along with foam. I just put wood slabs in the back an stapled the fabric to the wood it's against the wall no one will see it. I basically just looked at a picture I wanted an seen 1200.00 an copied the pic, to my measurements. Or you could buy a bench seat, long table an two wicker chairs it's pretty. Hope it works out I've been there. Sam

Bar height tables in small spaces just exagerate the smallness of the space.

I can see why he likes the Baxton - chic. Which do you prefer?

Photos aren't often accurate - with camera angle it looks probably bigger than it is - and taller?

How much taller is it than your counter? Thank you. :)

Wow, @sam70r!!! You have some skills! You did a wonderful job, it looks great! And thank you for sharing and helping me see that it's possible to build one ourselves!

I'm not sure I'm following @sandradclark. I'm trying to understand what you mean about a bar height table in a small space exaggerates the smallness. I think of it two ways-the bench/banquette will fill the space and have visually less space. And if I use something like the barrel with a few counter/bar height stools I think there would be more visual space (I think making the space seem larger???). But Idk!
Like I said, this is just an idea. I'm still looking for bench and drop leaf tables. Thanks again for helping me figure this out!

I'm not really partial to any of the stools @everdebz, I like the upper seat parts of most of them, but not sure about the chrome ...kinda reminds me of a diner. I like the modernness of the style and the clean lines, but having trouble picturing the stands.
Oh yeah, The top of the barrel measures 37", (6" taller than the current round table pictured.). The countertops in the kitchen measure 36". (So currently without a top only 1" taller than countertops.) But after a top is added to the barrel I guess the height would increase by an inch.
Thanks again for your thoughts and help, my hubby will return tomorrow and then maybe I can see what he thinks about barrel vs banquette and tables. I have found a number of cool looking tables on Craig's list, so at least if that's the way we end up going with this space he can accompany me to those various locations.

Partly I 'liked' because of your s.steel frig, which repeats whatever metal that is on the barrel - but on houzz this metal isn't at all chrome-like? yours?

I'm still working this area, husband and I could not find what I want this weekend and he's gone again this week, so I'm finishing the family room. I'd love to get some of y'alls opinion on that dilemma (stumped in San Diego). You have all been such a great resource!! I'm not sure how to post the link of the post from my iPhone. Thanks again.