Room measurements

Not sure why the pic uploaded that way. Here's another...

OK, got it. I will have some time later today to work on this for you. bbl

Here is a plan for you to think about. You will have to verify furniture sizes and the measurements will need to be verified because I didn't have enough information for the proper placement of stairs and closet, etc. So, check it out. I think this can work very nicely for you. The main trick is to get a "drop leaf" table that you can use as a "sofa" table and raise the one side for "as needed" and open into a round table for 4-6 dinner seating. The table need to have a rounded drop leaf and when both leafs are down the top can only be a max of 24" and probably better if narrower. That way things fit in your space at least as I can see it now. You can also put a small 36" wide console on the stair wall and put two dining chairs either side of that. You can have 6 chairs. 2 for the two dining with the drop leaf table, 4 for when you open the table up and six if you get everyone around the fully opened drop leaf table. Two chairs sit a table in the eat in kitchen and 4 in the "dining area".

Something like this drop leaf table. This is even smaller than I put in the drawing. Once you measure the long sofa, we can determine what the size of the table can be.

Small width chairs are key to this working. The one I picked earlier is pretty narrow in the front of the seat. That is the "key" measurement. A 42" round table will easily sit 4 and squeeze in 6. 42" might be about as big as you want to go. Can't beat the price on that one and the styling is sleek and although they call it "mission" I think it has a modern look to it.

Nice Flo!

Jay - you may want to check out Apartment sized furniture when you are looking for items - they are lower profile and made to make smaller spaces seem more spacious.

Oh, I forgot to describe another idea I had for the "coffee table" area. There are "benches" that you can layer another table over and when needed you can pull out the bench for more seating or slide one to the other sofa for easier reaching. I'll post a couple pictures. You have to size this to your space of course, but that is why there are overlapping items in the layout drawing.

This one has "cubes" for additional seating.

these are two wood tables but the lower one could serve as a bench. The trick is to make sure one can be lower than the other.

Narrow pieces tend to work in smaller spaces and are very versitile for "next home" too. Always thinking ahead!

Flo, you'd never believe you brought my vision of having the sofa facing the back yard back to life! The layout looks great!
I like both spaces for the dining table. Now I'll just have to decide on a table. I'm wanting a lighter color table (similar to the one I sent back) or a wood wash greyish-brown (similar to this mirror). I like the style of the table, but a little too dark for my taste.
I also updated some measurements. I noticed your table placement in the actual kitchen space, so I included measurements for that as space as well.
Thanks so much for helping me see a different layout for the table! Placing it behind the sofa is a really clever idea.

The coffee table area idea is very clever and unique as well. I like the idea of providing additional seating without overcrowding the space.

Both metal and upholstered chairs would look great with the dining table, however depending on the colour of the upholstery those types of chairs might be a little harder to maintain in a dining area. How about something that meets in the middle like the Eames Molded Chairs with metal legs?

Hope this helps!

I would also go for more neutral drapery as well. If you'd like to add pops of colour and contrast, I would suggest doing so in decor pieces/lighting/accent pillows. Best of luck!

The molded chairs will be too large at the front edge. Yes, I agree Jay, the finish of the table would be best in the driftwood look of that mirror frame. I just couldn't find one quickly. I'm sure we can find that though. I didn't know the cabinet arrangement in the kitchen, so I was just guessing on that. I think you can get a small round table in there for a breakfast moment, or coffee and the paper, or magazine, something like that? Let's first find a table, then we can figure out chairs. I am so glad you like the arrangement, because I think it is a really good use of the space. I will be back later with some further ideas for tables and chairs for you.

I have been hunting for another option for your drop leaf table and can't find anything that is in a lower price point and would work as well as the one I posted. But, here is what I am thinking. Because that is such a good price, you could get it and then paint it with a washed white and make it look like driftwood finish you want! Not hard to do, and might work out really well as a very low cost project. What do you think of that? You can find videos for Anne Chalk Paint and there are other brands as well, where you simply clean off the surfaces, paint with the chalk paint and put a wax finish on it if you wish. Pretty easy. Definitely a doable project.

I'm going to do a little more research on tables. The man of the house is not sold on placing a table against the back of the sofa (He thinks it would be too busy/cluttered). As I said, I like the idea of having the sofa there (& I'm open to painting that table to make it have that distressed look). We moved some furniture around and it seems it would work well there, so I'm definitely keeping an open mind to that So for now, I'm going to look for something narrow that can go against the stair wall. If I can't find anything, I'm going with the table you picked. Thanks, again for your help so far!!

How about this one? It's counter height, I know, and am not opposed to that.

No counter height at all. People can't give those away right now, they are horrible and won't work in any way!

So who is the designer here? Here is a tip. Put a stack of boxes the approx. depth of the drop leaf table, and stack them up to "mimic" the table closed up. Then put a small lamp on the table a couple books in a stack and a small succulent plant on top of the stack of books. This can create a "entry" space which you currently don't have as well as you table. It is helpful to get that "volume" affect with boxes. Most people can't visualize these things I find. Try that and see what you think. In small spaces, it is wise to have every piece do double or triple duty. Try those ideas.

Haha... I am.

It would be nice to get the volume effect...and tape just doesn't give that effect. I'll post a picture later this evening.

going way back to what Flo mentions above the table you like and what ever chairs will look wonderful. Yet as Flo mentions you may think about more neutral curtains such as regular linen and they should reach the floor. Way too much going on with the burgundy panels and they seem to conflict with the look you are seeking for your dining table which I think looks industrial to some degree and is nice. The posts of rugs to update from the shag rug would also give a lovely update along with the curtains and your new table and chairs. A couple of inexpensive updates to go with your new furniture that will brighten the space and update it a long with your new dining table and chairs. World Market has some lovely linen, wood and metal dining chairs that are not pricey usually sold in pairs and they often have sales that would go nicely yet naturally you may be looking for a bit more higher end. Good luck to you!

World Market Farmhouse round table chairs above with this table from Overstock

yet I'm lost on the size you need so... all the rest is World Market. I adore the round table we have one that is double the size seating 6 comfortably from a different store and I love it 8 years later!!

Depending on where you live if you seek a drop leaf you can find many lovely old antique tables that are drop leaf on Craigs List and give them a paint job to look shabby chic if you are lacking space and need a drop leaf and seek that look. I have one in my basement that is so incredible got it for 100.00 a couple of years ago and have done nothing with it... I just couldn't pass it up!

Good way to find a solid, drop leaf table for sure. You need a drop leaf due to space considerations. Don't confuse a "drop leaf" with a "gate leg" table. The gate leg tables are more compact, but the legs create more problems when trying to place chairs around them. I also don't think they are typically as "sturdy" as the "drop leaf" style. happy hunting!

Yes Flo, true the gate leg is a problem with peoples legs and the chairs too. In my area people sell great items all the time. I found a photo of almost exactly what my table looks however mine is all one color not dark legs (this is not my table or sofa) yet it needs to either be painted or refinished. I didn't need it, yet could not pass it up so it sits for another day or home. It would be a great table for them maybe they can find one on Craigs or Ebay and paint it, sand it or beat it up to be more shabby chic depending on what they seek?? Good luck you are a great help to people out there!

That is perfect table!! The one you found for $100 is quite a deal!! Don't blame you for picking that up. This photo can help show Jay's guy kind of how this approach can work. Thanks!

Great, hope it helps him! Visualizing is hard some times :)

http://www.westelm.com/products/box-frame-drop-leaf-table-h1748/?cm_cat=Skimbit%20Ltd.&cm_ven=AfShopPromo&bnrid=3917500&cm_ite=Std&irgwc=1

I saw a few options but I thought the legs where just "too much" - this one is beautiful in it's simplicity.

Nice find visualizemaven, but it is too wide with the leafs down. We need something about 20" with leafs down, preferably 18".

That table is absolutely beautiful.. and the top wood color is perfect!!

I took a look on Craigslist and surprisingly there are a few. I'll keep an eye out for the next week or so.

Flo, it's looking like the table you found will be it (if I can't find something else within the next week or so).

I'm going to move a few things around and stacks some boxes, etc. BBL

OK, see ya later. Remember, we can always change the finish quite easily, so don't fret that.

I check Craigs every single day when I'm looking for my project or staging. You might look at antique furniture as well as just furniture in the search as that is how I found the table that is almost identical as the one I posted above. One will come up I promise just be patient and as long as it doesn't wobble it's fine.. you can refinish or paint! Mid Western states, Eastern states and so on tend to have more of this type of thing yet no matter they come up!

First let me say...Flo, your layout measurements were spot on! I love the furniture oriented this way and am very glad you brought this idea back to me.

I only had a few boxes (and not much else) that could work for the visual. I see where you are going with the design, but am now not sure I would like having the table sit so close to the sofa (and closet wall).

One reason is...there will be a lot of dead space to fill near the stair wall. It looks quite awkward (to me) as just walking space with pictures, wall decor, etc on the walls. I mean I could add maybe a small sideboard or accent table but idk

Im now thinking about how a normal round table (40-42in) would look in the space near the stair wall....or a half moon drop table against that wall...or again, a narrow rectangular table against the wall... Orrrr how about a narrow rectangular table oriented the way you see our old table in the pic? I'm talking no more than 32x50 (I think that's the most I think could probably go in depth and length).

I'm just thinking of all of the possibilities...

Thanks to Flo and everyone else who provided suggestions. Greatly appreciated!!

OK, let me help you see what you are going to run into with those dimensions. Rev. 2 shows a 42" round table. No room to get around it or push chairs back. Rev. 3 shows a 30" wide x 48" long table pushed to the wall because it won't fit easily in the open for the same reasons. It can work but I think your vision for this space is larger than reality and I am hoping you think really hard before you spend more money and get things home that can't work. If nothing else, make sure you know the return policy. Scale drawings don't lie. Sometimes you can squeeze more with less space and be OK, but with your traffic paths in this house from doors to kitchen and into living space, you are quite limited. I still think the drop leaf table approach is the wisest and will also be flexible for a next house so you aren't wasting money. But of course, it is all up to you guys. Just giving you the pros and cons so you make an informed decision.

Take a look. Measure and verify the length and width of the entire space and then make your decisions. Best of luck.

Agree with you Flo.... the last photo to scale with the table facing the wall probably works the best if not using a drop leaf table. Yet, Drop leaf would look great and take a lot less space as you know I have one and it's not an ugly table I just haven't used it as I have two giant tables in my upstairs just picked it up by chance from Craigs.

All in all, Rev. 3 the sofa placement with a chair and coffee table looks nice and just need some plain curtains as the ones there take over the whole room.

You've put a lot of time in to this I'm sure it's appreciated!

An oval glass top coffee table with iron or other eat at is about all that works leaving out a table all together! Then again, it's not college.

Best of luck to the table people!!

Thanks for drawing that up, Flo! A round table definitely will not work.

Here's what I'm leaning toward: Ikea Ingo Table

Can't beat it for 70 bucks + cost to stain it (interesting technique) . If it ends up not working in the space how I think it will, I can easily get it back to ikea.

Thanks, again for all of your help, Flo! You've really helped me visualize what my options are. Although it was a gift, I just wish I hadn't jumped the gun on the furniture choices (I think 1 sofa and a couple accent chairs would have done it). I look at it like this, in a couple years we could move the current furniture to the basement and start over with a whole new layout for the living/dining area.

I'll add picture updates as I remove/add things to the space to see how you all end up liking it. After I finalize the table and chairs, I will move on to replacing the drapes.

Best of luck. Glad I could help somewhat.

You are a peach Flo to spend so much time and effort drawing up floor plans, etc!

Jay- I don't know if I missed it or not.....but what is the wall measurement from edge of opening to kitchen to corner?

Will the Ingo table stick out past the opening? IMO, that would be less than desirable.

Still voting for a narrow drop leaf along the stair wall.

Best.

Hi Visualize,

The wall is just under 3 feet about 34.5/35 inches.

I would love to do a narrow drop leaf if I can find something at a reasonable cost. Just haven't been able to find anything.

ok - we will keep looking then.

https://www.houzz.com/products/holly-and-martin-driness-drop-leaf-table-white-and-weathered-gray-prvw-vr~62462028

comes in other finishes/colors, on sale now. Option?

Thanks! I'm in no rush to purchase the Ingo table...definitely still searching.

Jay - good plan to not rush this. You will not regret that at all. Go to some local antique shops and hunt around. There are some great buys out there right now. You can always put some Chalk Paint on them to get a "finished" color you want and have a great piece of furniture as well. Any older furniture is usually much better made than todays stuff that is made to fall apart in 3 years so you buy more "stuff". Quality is always worth the investment and the wait! ;)

Thanks for the kind words visualizemaven!

Hi Flo!

It is my intention to visit some antique and thrift shops and maybe even some flea markets in the coming weeks to see what's out there. I agree-- I'd definitely much rather a great quality product and have been researching chalk paint/stain ideas. It would nice to find something I can make my own. I'm still looking on Craigslist and EBay as well. I know there's gotta something out there that will fit in my space!

I'm just seeing your recommendation Visualize. It's an okay table. But too long. I like either all wood or wood top with iron legs.. or if metal legs, nothing like the legs on that table.

Agree with flo... I've chalk painted a lot of things (and been criticized a lot for doing so)yet on old antiques in ill repair it's GREAT. With a table make sure if you do so you don't wax it, but use a water based poly acrylic wipe on preferably and about 4 coats for the top which gets the most use. I say just keep checking Thursday through Sunday mostly Craigs as that is where I found my drop leaf and many other antique items I have stored for???? :)

Thanks for the input. I went with tolix style chairs and a different table altogether. Planning to have the drapes lined and reinstalled higher with different rods. Here are some pics. The table behind the sofa may move to another space as I am thinking about adding a table large enough (but not too large) to fit some small barstools for extra seating.