Using a bench along an oval table, the bench should be shorter, so that it’s length roughly matches the length of the straightest portion of the table. Both of your options seem to be too big. The scale of your mock up options shows the right proportions between the table and the bench, so guesstimating…the bench should be between 4’ and 4 1/2’ long.

It all depends on the look you're going for. I would prefer the bench be longer than the table so that it's easier to sit down and slide over.

Longer is lavish! Really great for extra seating too; I was thinking about practical seating for dining at the table

Thank you! The table has leaves to extend to 84”. Either could work but I think I’m leaning towards the Arhus bench. It’s just so beautiful!

Here is my very messy and uncoordinated dining space.

Oh Yvette…you have lovely dining room furnishings already! And is that a golden retriever on the sofa!?! Jan is right…this phase of life with littles and a dog who will be the one on the 3k Arhaus bench should give you paws…☺️. This reminds me of the time when I bought lovely white living room furniture while out on a grocery store run…😄…I had 3 sons under the age of 5 and the living room was their toy land and the only adult seating in there was a sad mismatched loveseat and sofa. I get it…😉

Really, I think you should post a pic or two of the entire kitchen, and from the wall with the blue art and other walls. Bet I find better places for 3k to go: )

Fine on the Arhaus table....but dimensions to go with your pictures? Even better.

Hahaha - this is why I love this community. It’s a focus of both function and form! I hear you on the abuse furniture takes with kids. And my kids + dog are bruisers, no doubt. However, I love what I love! : ) I’m coming from a place of waiting an aesthetic pleasing to me and being okay with whatever nice things we have being used because of a life well lived.

The Arhus table comes with a pretty intense warranty where they’ll fix or replace everything from a crayon marking to a heat mark/scratch/dent (unless you tell me that the Arhus warranty isn’t very good). I’m still torn on the settee as it would be a splurge. And I will have feelings if/when it gets damaged.

The chairs that will be used in addition to a/any settee will be mid-grade so they can take a beating (toddler booster seat). And the dog is my first born son. Anywhere I sit is good for him. :D

Let me take some photos of the kitchen/dining space and y’all tell me if I’m being too Polly Anna on the dining area.

Since no one mentioned it yet I will throw it out there, don’t forget to lower your chandelier. That kitchen would be much to small for me:-)

Longer is gorgeous, and comfier if you're only seating 2-3 on the bench. It makes everything feel more like a living room set up--a sofa/coffee table arrangement, where some people won't really be using the table (as Jan pointed out). A bench that matches the length of the straight edge of the table lets you place chairs around the full rounded edge--easier to fit crowds in when needed. So what fits your needs best? A pretty place for just 5-6 people, or something flexible for larger groups?