I would hate to see that bay area/windows covered up with a large piece of furniture. One thing that would work for me is a built in seat with storage underneath.

Otherwise, is there another wall which would accommodate a storage piece?

I definetly agree, it is some what common to find the bay window type of set up with a bench between the windows.

I am glad I asked! It's not that I need the storage, but I thought that area looked empty. I will definitely think about the window seat. As far as serving, would a glass serving cart somewhere in the room be appropriate? Thanks.

You have a beautiful dining room! I think you should turn your table the other way... (Head of the table by the window). A console with art or mirror over it on the big wall would look very pretty :)

That is great advise! Give it a try and remove the rug it is confining the space.

It's always good to have a serving piece in the dining room to use as a buffet or display food. A mahagony sideboard or console table is so much better than a window seat............who's going to sit in a window seat in a dining room? You can select a piece in matching dark cherry or do a painted finish sideboard.

outshopping422. We tried it that way but the table won't work the other direction because of the dimensions of the room. Also, with the head being at the open end of the room we are able to add the leaf (which we frequently do) and have enough room. But, thanks for the suggestion, it would make sense if the room was sized differently.