Can you share a pic of the black shelving unit?

I've seen it at a restaurant but with two or three tables.

I would paint the trim work the same color as the island and then bring in allot of throw pillows to pull the colors together - not sure if I would change out the upholstery until i played with the throws. I love the space efficiency of a bench and the coziness of sitting next to each other or cuddling into the corner -- the idea mentioned above re two tables would be a nice idea

Please consider 2 tables and not just one long one. This way you can have the separate or together and having two makes it easier for those on the bench to escape if needed. I’d go white with a gray top, either stone or steel. But what’s bugging me is your lighting, I do think they coordinate well within in the space. I like them both but not together. Good luck!

Oh...the bench! Go for a print, something bold with a strong black background. Have fun!

Unless you have a lot of kids and the adults want to sit on the ends to keep them hemmed in the center, I don't think this bench works. An oval or round table and chairs is so much more conversation friendly, plus people can get in and out without disturbing everyone else.

Long bench is cool when a big group has gathered... if you can think of bench color like an expensive leather accent chair, you're ok, cause it's often seen with black items... ?

Brumder Drive · More Info

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Like this room, maybe you'd like to chalk paint the wood to blend with the white around.

Efficient Modern Kitchen · More Info

Kirkland remodel · More Info

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With off-white and caramel, then white table makes sense - oval 48"l x 27.5"w x 28.5"h •Floor to underside of table: 27.5"h •Table top thickness: 1"h •Coated top •Powder-coated metal base

Modway Modway Lippa 48" Oval-Shaped Wood Top Dining Table, White · More Info

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Or with large black item nearby and any others too - this would be option with bench with dark stain - might be nice - has good reviews:

38" W x 30" H

GDF Studio Sandra Mid Century Modern Dining Chairs, Set of 2, Charcoal/Walnut · More Info

LumiSource Folia Dining Table, Walnut, Walnut, Clear Glass · More Info

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Or maybe this blends with island and bench and ceiling light --

Emerald Home Annette Dining Chair, Set of 2, Black · More Info

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If the bench must stay I would paint it white and cover it with a smallish geometric neutral print fabric...it is too large to do something dramatic ...or dark....your kitchen rug color suggests you like the earthy tones but that will not integrate with your new look and style...stick with paler colors and prints since the size of the bench is already a little overwhelming...removing the bench if possible would be the best option as this will give you complete flexibility and more useful/convenient seating options going forward...

Aesthetically the lighting over the island seems too small in scale...and the style in conflict with the new contemporary vibe...if you love both fixtures...I would switch them...putting the green ones in the dining area and using that as a color inspiration for the cushions ...

Depending on how you feel about art there are two ways to go in selecting something for the area in between the windows..if you are an art enthusiast..pick the art first..and let that guide your cushion color choice....if you want to have a more neutral timeless feel go with getting the art last when the setting you want is established ...a powerful art statement may require a whole different seating statement/arrangement...and centering the art may direct the placement of the seating as well...since the art will be centered on the wall..the table may need to be centered as well...removing the L-shape at the end of the bench would allow more flexibility

@btydrvn can you provide an example of rug that would go better in the kitchen? We had picked that one because it’s colorful and gives some color to the white kitchen.

@tartanmeup Here is a photo of the black shelving unit, across the bench

United Weavers Caf Macchiato Red Oversize Rug 7'10x10'6 · More Info

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I'd do a gray and white pattern for the bench cover.

Kellys Ikat Wallpaper, White/Soft Gray, Double Roll · More Info

Grey and Off White Circle Striped Linen Look Upholstery Fabric By The Yard · More Info

Don't let the length of the bench constrain your table choice -- I'd stick with a smaller oval table in the corner, and let the rest be a spot to perch or not...

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Thank you for the suggestions. We painted the bench trim in white and got an 84” CB2 Bordo dining table with blue velvet chairs. The length of the bench on the main wall is 154”. Is the table too small?
Any thoughts? We’re still thinking about how to fill all this space. There will be a 70” TV on the black shelving unit.

We want to have a fun colorful vibe in the living room. The sectional is the Article Sven in tan color. We got this color to match with curtains and bench cushions that were already there. Feel free to say if the color choice is bad. We still have time to fix it. We plan to add some navy geometric pattern decorative pillows on the bench.

We removed one of the chairs from the dining table since it’s a 6-seater.

Yeh, I think it’s too small.

I like the contrast of blue and caramel. :)

If the table isn't so wide, it's not a disaster.

Love the colors! Length is 84", so what's the width across the center? With the back of the chairs curving around, how easy is it to get in and out of the chairs - and do they slide back easily?

Anne

Have you sat on the bench near the end of the table? Because of its shape, it is farther away from the bench at the ends. Is this comfortable for a diner? (Are they having to lean toward the table as opposed to sitting upright?) For that reason, immovable seating could use a closer table edge, i.e. rectangular. Just a thought.

@jimandanne_mi
The table width is 40”.
We will attach anti-scratch protectors to the bottom of the chairs so they should slide on the floor just fine. How come?

Dining chairs with arms are much more difficult to get in and out of than those without arms, and must be scooted back a ways to do so. The depth of the curves on your chairs makes them almost as deep as arms.

The metal protectors that came on my "good" dining set slide very well on the rug. The plastic ones we bought for the kitchen set can get dirt/sand imbedded in them if not used on a rug.

My kitchen table is the same width and length as yours, although it's a rectangle so has more surface space at each end. We usually have 6 to 8 people for birthdays, holidays, etc. and with 8 people, putting the serving dishes on the table gets very crowded, but that may depend on how many offerings you have.

Anne

I think the bench looks great because it unifies eating and family areas. I also love the blue which I believe is the new color of year. The black cabinets look awesome too, but I do think pendant lighting could improve. Love your space!

A new day, and now I wonder if you know why I was posting poufs and floor pillows...!? I thought that instead of buying a longer table, you could place something in the empty spot at left... if it's a pretty item, and could be used too.

Paint the dining room silver with outside building paint...with off white cream trim. You accents of yellow.

Personally like this one -

and a good 'luck' in your place. :)

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