I'm not a fan of table runners at the best of times - they do seem to get in the way when you actually want to eat at the table. I must admit that, for two people, I'd ditch the bench so the two can sit at real chairs, facing each other. A nice tablecloth, maybe a pair of candles, a glass of wine each and you're good to go.

One small suggestion is to switch the bench with the two chairs. Or, get rid of the bench, put chairs 2/2 on sides and get upholstered host/hostess chairs for either end. Agree with jmm, no runner; runner looks great but isn’t practical for everyday dining.

We, also, are empty nesters and find upholstered chairs work for us…ignoring the king and queen look, it is great to sit in comfort, read the paper and have a cuppa.

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I love runners. They can cascade over the side 4 inches or a bit longer.They add a softness and anchor to the table and centerpiece design. For an elegant setting add chargerss with placemmats that stay all the time and just make the table look inviting all of the time, especially holidays.

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I would remove the bench and 2 chairs and just keep the two chairs when just two are dining. Best wishes!

I'd put the bench elsewhere and pull a chair over to that side. Part of what would seem "off" to me about making this a table for two is that the bench seems to convey the feeling that you're waiting on others to join you (when clearly you aren't). It's an emotional response to seeing so many seats around the table, I suppose. Cozy it up. I wouldn't even use the chairs at the heads of the table, but sit across from each other where you're a little bit closer together. Agree with not using a table runner. I think it's lovely that you care enough to want to make this nice. (DH and I almost always end up just eating at the island, and rarely at the dining table. You inspire me to change that from time to time.)

Not a Pro.

I also think putting the bench elsewhere will help. You can always move it back when needed.

What a lovely table. It's also just DH and me usually and our table is the same size. and, actually, from the perspective of this photo, we have a window and door on the same walls.

We do have a slim runner our daughter wove that just fits the table length. We usually plate in the kitchen and use pretty placemats that go on and off at meal times. We do have an assymetrical set of objects in the center, a taller pillar candle and a plant etc. Maybe having an off balance center helps?

• I agree with Ida on the benches & 2 chairs across from each other.
• Get out the good stuff & the candles.

What looks best for everyday? 4 or 6 chairs? I keep the extras up against the fireplace.

I like 4

Maybe 4.

I think 4 as well.

Do you want to keep this table? A round table that opens to oval could be a better solution for you. It would look great in your space too. Something to think about.

Love your table and chairs!

I have a thicker runner that I've used on the credenza that looks nice there. I have thinner ones that I think would be very nice running the length of the table and would not interfere with serving dishes, etc. and would look nice on the appropriate table cloth. I'll have to try that, now that we are past the messy grandkids stage.

We've always had groups for potlucks, family, or 8 to 10 people seated around the kitchen or dining room tables. Until this year. We had several couples for dinner separately in August and September, so only four of us were seated in the dining room. We were opposite each other on the long sides of the table, and didn't use the end chairs. I was very aware at the time how different it felt, and that being in the dining room separate from the kitchen gave a coziness and focus to our conversation that I don't remember experiencing previously. This might be a good argument for a separate dining room, but I mention it here to reinforce the idea of having chairs opposite each other so there is less distance between the diners conversationally.

To make it a little more intimate for the two of you, have your husband/s.o. sit facing away from the kitchen.

Anne

Beautiful table.

I would face each other, seated on the two long sides.

No decoration in between, BUT

ROMANCE!

Lit candles in the empty spots at either end. For candle holders, how about candelabras with 3 candles? Since they won't be between you, they don't need to be short.

A wood lazy Susan in the middle, so you can get food to each other without reaching and interrupting your sweet nothings....

A surprise little note (love, prayer, blessing, quote....) every once in a while that you rotate around to your spouse on the Lazy Susan...

Placemats and serviettes and, natch, salad plates to the side of each setting.

A goblet each for wine or water.

This is now not an empty table!

The leg space and overall area is tight with 2 chairs on each side. I would use the 4 all around. 1 on each side for the comfort and ease. Then you can choose a seat and view most desired. Best wishes!

I agree on four chairs spread around the table, sides and ends. Otherwise the chairs appear too squished. Also, when there is another person at the table, everyone has elbow room. If the tabletop feels too empty for you, purchase some pretty woven wicker chargers or placemats. Previously, I had flat round wicker placemats with copper chargers at each seat. Dinner plates went on top of chargers. Something in center of table to hold paper napkins and S&P, a bowl of fruit or basket of gourds. Seasonal decor.

I actually use runners as placemats quite often I buy 6 of any runner Ilike and they work great. IMO for 2 people it really is just a matter of what works since leaving the table set is never IMO a good look My husband and I just sit on one side together if we are alone or at a corner the table gets set we eat the table gets unset. I just have a big bowl on the table when we are not eating. Why not just a nice centerpiece with something to do with the season and I agree the bench is not good in fact they are never good at a dining table .

I think a round table that makes into an oval would be nice for two.

Some inspiration for Fall table decor.

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Empty nester here - I'm with Patricia. And love the way she shows the runners.

ShadyWillowFarm, we are empty nesters as well. I pushed the table runner back towards the window and we eat side by side. The table is always set up for 4 even when it’s just us two. We eat and watch the fishing boats come in.

Jalarse. What a view! Lovely spaces. Lucky you!!

Cute. I would suggest each votive be at the plate to the left for more interest. A decorative water or wine glass would be nice additional touch. The chairs on each side is big improvement. Good job.

LOL the wine glasses were in use about an hour earlier...thanks everyone! I love how the suggestions revolved around moving things instead of blowing out walls. I feel like we can “sit down” to dinner and it’s not much work to have it look nice. I actually meant to have the runner go lengthwise down the table, but my brain translated 6 feet to equal 60 inches and I bought a 72 inch runner. In this situation, I like the runner going across the width - it gives a little bit of a “table for two” feel to it.

So cute!!!