Is there any way that you can draw out this room with dimensions? I can't figure out where there is or isn't space. You might have to choose between this very large couch and the full-sized dining area you envision -- from your photos, it doesn't look like there's room for both, but that's where the real dimensions would help. Include the openings and the kitchen counter...

Since the TV is recessed, move the sofa forward a foot.

Do consider building/purchasing an upholstered dining bench for the wall side(Wayfair has armless sofas at the right height) and keep table pushed over when you don't need it with chairs on the other side and either end. Upholstered chairs would give you seating you can pull into living area when you entertain.

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Here's with a round table and ghost chairs, which take up less visual space but aren't all that comfortable to sit on.

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You could also build a bench in the nook and along wall and order custom cushions from Etsy or elsewhere.

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Take a look at my banquette Ideabook for many ideas. I don't usually recommend them except for the kitchen since seating on the bench side isn't too comfortable, but you have a really tight space there. If you did it elegantly enough, you could have a beautiful, practical solution. But unpack first and see what other Commentors suggest.

It looks like that rug is going to be too big for the space if you want to squeeze a table in. Usually builders intend for the dining area to be near the kitchen. I can't tell from your pictures whether that is workable in your space. As for being able to seat six, would it work to have a table for four for everyday and be able to seat six occasionally? If so, get a table with a leaf. The spare chairs can come from somewhere else in the home, or be folding chairs.

If you go with what you're thinking about I don't think you necessarily have to do a nook, but a bench on the wall side will probably be necessary. If you provide dimensions as suggested above you will get more advice.

@acm thanks for the advice, just added a marked up photo. i hope its clear, but there are 144” from end of couch (at the wall) to counter, and 37” of depth on the wall in the center.

@housegal200 thanks so much for the photo inspiration. Do you think it would be visually weird to have bench seating parallel to the couch? I like these ideas so much though.

I would only need the dining area for entertaining which is causing me some hesitation in getting a large table. Table with leaf sounds right. The counter space is day to day eating.

thanks everyone for the ideas. this is nyc so the space is predictably strange and restricted, relatively speaking lol!

Back the table up to the back of the sofa so you can use the table when there are just a few people. Or get a flip top console table that turns into a dining table.

Excited to share that Beverly of FLADeziner won Best of Houzz Service 2022!

Please provide us with a detailed floor plan. Your marked up photo doesn't make sense, nor does it provide all the information that we need.

add a bench(es) for the dining table

Please note how much seating on a bench is WASTED if you choose a round table. Round looks nice but is so impractical of you really need to seat more than two. A bench that would accommodate three will only have table in front of it for one, maybe two if the person doesn't mind not being square with their plate. FUNCTION we need to focus on FUNCTION.