Is this for eating only - or - eating and having a portion of it as a living room. You are saying that you want to put the table in the middle of the room, so I am thinking that it is for eating only?

Correct, the table + 4 chairs would be the only true eating area (no bar stools/counter or anything like that). I don't think this room is large enough to do both, and we don't plan to put a TV anywhere in this room, only in the basement family room

Will you be using this area for relaxing as well as eating? The question is, will you spend any time in this room, other than for eating? Do you want to sit and relax in front of FP for any length of time other than before or after dinner?

I think to have no seating area in what is obviously a LR is odd but it is your home you have a table in the kitchen what is to the left of the kitchen it looks like it has space to the left

The LR is large enough to have a small dining table placed horizontally in front of the fireplace (I wouldn't place in middle of room), per the picture below but on a smaller scale and add a rug and seating at this end. But it seems like you have room for a table for 4 in the kitchen and if you review Houzz photos of small kitchens with tables, you may get some ideas that could be incorporated in your kitchen. You could also do both, so you have formal and informal dining. Use a room planner with your exact dimensions, doorplacement, windows, etc. so you can try out different concepts.

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The floor plan shown a few comments back is identical to what I have in mind (2 accent chairs with small dining table behind it). The kitchen isn't quite wide enough to accommodate a table, we wouldn't be left with any room to walk or maneuver around the kitchen. The south wall (hard to see from the angle) has the fridge, pantry cabinets, and a small shelf near a door that open onto the back deck.

So do the accent chairs need to match to balance a small room? I guess what I'm asking is would mismatched chairs make the room look off balance or more cramped/crowded than it actually is? Same for the shape of the table, just wondering how to maximize a smaller space through the shape of the table

How about a drop leaf table that you can have against the wall, with seating for two on a day to day basis, then pull out when you want the room to function as a dining room for 4-6?

I was just researching this yesterday as I am on the fence about having a permanent dining room set up and may instead want a multipurpose DR/office space. Search here on "multipurpose dining room," "expandable table," "drop leaf table" and you'll get some good ideas.

Thanks Jennifer! I'll look into that, seems that might be one of the simpler solutions - we certainly have the storage for the other dining room chairs when they aren't needed

I'd ask yourself whether you need daily dining seating for 4, or just for 2, with occasional need to seat 4-6. I think you may have room to put a narrow drop leaf table against the wall with two chairs for daily use, then you can expand the table and arrange two cushiony chairs on either end, with the sofa along one side, and the 2 other chairs on the opposite side. Now you have dining for 6.

Might be too modern for you but I was looking at the Goliath table yesterday: it works as a console against the wall, perfect size for a desk, then expands to seat as many as 10 people. You can get folding chairs that go with it and take up very little space.

I was also intrigued by Houzz photos that used sofas for banquette seating. I guess you have to raise the sofa up a tad to make it work, but it created a cozy and interesting dining space.

I have a friend who uses an antique drop leaf table in her dining room, which also has a fireplace. She puts it against the wall when not in use and then can enjoy the room as a cozy space with four comfortable chairs for sitting around the fireplace. She uses two matching pairs -- but you can match all 4 if you prefer. When she has Thanksgiving, the table comes out from the wall, the leaves go up, and she arranges the chairs around it. Her room is more square than yours though.

Very interesting, I have never heard of this Goliath table but the versatility is appealing. What's most likely to happen is that it will come down to budget, in a perfect world this house would look like the Houzz pics right from the start LOL

If budget is a concern and quality of furniture, consider second hand pieces. For example, I purchased an armoire worth close to $1,000 for $350, kitchen table/4 chairs for $500 total when just a chair is still being sold retail for $200 each, wicker rockers for $100 total (retail $250 each). You just have to be patient and do research. Given you have a new home and need to furnish alot of rooms I'm sure, this is a great way to get started. There are plenty of solid dining tables for instance and then just add some modern chairs for a contemporary look. Looks below may not be your taste, but hopefully inspire.

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Exactly Maureen! We have been keeping an eye out for garage sales, estate sales, etc (slow this time of year) and hand-me down pieces from family. There's also a good selection of unique vintage and antique pieces at several places in my area and the HfH ReStore

I don't think the 2 chairs have to match, but should be compatible colors and styles. Of course the perfect scenario would be matching. As was suggested, look in re-sell shops and even online, you can get good quality chairs new for not much money. If they are not used all the time and wear and tear is minimal, a less expensive pair is fine.

Check Craigslist in your area.

Our Craigslist ( rural area) has many tables/chairs listed....great deals!

Maybe these photographs of our designs will help your project move along.

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Extremely helpful, thank you Nandina Home & Design! Especially love the patterned wingbacks in the top one and the second from the bottom. beautiful rooms