Layout ideas for an awkward space!

10 years ago

We'd like to use this space as a small dining room. The problem is it's a small space with the most traffic in our house. We heat primarily with the wood stove (so need to be able to access it multiple times a day), it is next to the two main entrances to the house (garage and front door... which poses problems for shoe storage as there's no closets on the main level) and it is in the same room as our kitchen.

We currently have a small 39" round table with collapsible sides set up that can be moved into the middle of the room and seat 4 when open. We also have a bench set up as we like to sit next to the fire.

The hardwood floor is worn away in a few spots but cannot refinish at this time.

WISHLIST:
1. functional eating space for 4 people
2. possibly a rug to cover worn floor (shape? material?)
3. a comfortable place to sit next to the fire
4. shoe storage!

Any ideas?!

Featured Answer

User

10 years ago

Consider a farm style table with bench seating in the center of the space. Replace the current bench with 2 chairs that may be pulled to the table as end seating. Wicker baskets by the door for shoes.

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Comments (6)

Kris Mays
10 years ago
Is there space under the stairs that can be used for shoe storage?
sylviakgraham
Original Author
10 years ago
unfortunately not... the same stairwell that goes upstairs also goes to the basement...
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acm
10 years ago
This seems like a trick question. I'd add shoe storage under the bench, move the table away from the wall so that chairs go around it (or build a banquette if you really want to stick to the edges of the room), put a nice entry rug near the door, and add an ottoman in front of the fireplace.
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Alternatively, put a console table at the entrance, with an ottoman underneath that can be pulled out for either fireplace or shoe-changing, and a basket to catch all the shoes.
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Kris Mays
10 years ago
It's not so much awkward as it is small. I would probably do some kind of shoe storage there on the stair wall. Have you seen the IKEA shoe storage cabinets? They are not very deep, so wouldn't take up too much space. You could maybe fit three of them there. Shallow bookshelves about 3 feet tall might also work.

Then maybe some more comfortable or built-in benches on either side of the wood stove that you can use as dining seating with your table as well. They could also have some storage inside them. OR buy two upholstered captain's chairs that are comfortable for one side of the wood stove and use those as your main dining chairs, along with a bench.
sylviakgraham
Original Author
10 years ago
Ah! I hadn't thought I'd two captain chairs that could double as dining room chairs as well. great idea - thanks! I'm thinking of getting rid of the bench as it's not that comfortable. I did look at ikea's shoe storage and I'll take another look. I was thinking of maybe running some narrow shelving along the dining room side of the kitchen counter as a potential for shoe storage... Thanks for all the suggestions!