This is a high traffic area. You need at least 36 inches between dining room chair and bar stool. There are a lot of ins and outs here - including the door to the outside, coming in and out of that, and through the kitchen and dining area. Traffic flow is crucial.

I actually think a skinnier rectangular table is more well suited to this space as you do have it in a high traffics zone

Honestly it looks like this might be the perfect area for a breakfast nook. It would allow you to keep the space by the stools open, so people can use that area, and then create a nook for the table so as to not have the table in the middle of the space. We did a breakfast nook for a client in their converted pool house, which is pictured below. Notice the booth type seating, along with having a large space to still walk by:

Crow’s Perch Pool House · More Info

If you don’t want to do a built-in nook, you could go with a rectangular table with 4 chairs on 3 sides and long bench tucked under the long side against the wall for occasional overflow seating.

I love the idea of a brighter rug. Maybe something washable, like a Dash and Alpert but in some combo of white, gray, black, taupe/brown (not a candy colored one), or did those get too popular a decade ago? I feel like they were popular with good reason. I’d try to coordinate the chairs and stool styles a little more, but both are expensive items and your stools look nice and sturdy and comfortable. Are the blinds necessary? I notice the door doesn’t have them. I love the paintings you have on the wall, but is there a more formal space they might be better suited to? Do you have kids? This would be a nice space for framed art class masterpieces. I’d choose a more stylistically neutral, transitional light fixture. One of those hanging wicker ones from IKEA might save money for other items.

I've been looking at this set for our nook space which is similar to yours. I like it because it's versatile with side leaves. With both leaves raised it's a 42" table span.

Savannah Crossing Antique Honey And Black Drop Leaf Extendable Dining Room Set from Briarwood Living | Coleman Furniture

Thx everyone for your feedback! Such a small space is definitely a challenge. where where I can go from here.

“You need at least 36 inches between dining room chair and bar stool.”

Important to keep in mind.

Looks like you have the perfect corner for a breakfast nook.

My first thought was breakfast nook/ built in bench seating. You could also add storage within the bench too.

Love the nook idea. Thx everyone!

Some inspiration

This appears NOT the spot for any round table. . Standard recommend for comfortable spacing is five feet/ 60 inches from island edge to table edge.

You need a minimum of thirty inches to back up a chair on the window side.

Please measure your space, long counter top edge to window wall . Measure also, from slider exit wall to opening at opposing side.

You want what fits comfortably,, no matter what you think you "want". : )

Thank you!

Good advice already - a few other things that could help the space feel more generous/gracious - less bulky chairs at the counter, more streamlined light over the table, removing the small table/plant and reworking the heavy white wood blinds

First decision is the table and I think a rectangle is the better choice + you’ll potentially get more seating. Measure both the width and length of that area, not including the traffic flow area and go from there. With the cost of decent stools, hold off buying as they may be fine (depending on the table choice).

Skip a rug as it will break up the room visually, but suggest new window treatments. If you are considering painting, suggest a lighter color and include the chair rail for a less broken up feel. The lighting should be chosen last, as its size/shape will have a big influence (as will art).

Is this your only table eating area or is there a formal dining elsewhere? I would not make a nook if it was only option.