"Conversely, a glass top would be more cumbersome, expensive, and could potentially damage the table (would need your help verifying this). " Why do you think so? Cumbersome? It just sits there. You really do not need to move it. Expensive? Mine was less than $75. Damage? I have had the same sheet of glass on my eat-in kitchen's butcher block table for almost 20 years. The table looks as good as the day we bought it. On the other hand... the dining room table with the pads? The pads are bulky and need a storage place when not in use; they cost several hundred dollars.

The hutch looks great in your home! I bet you will have a lot of fun filling it. That will be another way to bring color/pattern to the room. I think anele meant she'd rather not see painted saddle stools at the island, not that she'd rather not see an island in the kitchen. I agree. I'd rather see the black saddle stools at the island. It sounds like the chairs you found at a local store would be a nice addition to your dining room. I like your idea of the painted chairs, dark table and upholstered chairs at each end of the table.

I have a beautiful Stickley cherry table that was used and enjoyed for about 35 years during which time our 5 children were growing up. I had custom pads for holidays when a table cloth was used but at times used placemats with nothing else protecting it. It wasn’t terrible but I had the top refinished and then used it for another 20 years in our Bed and Breakfast with placemats, a runner, and coasters. I don’t mind the very few scratches as much as the white spots from the failure to use the coasters and a too warm cup being placed directly on it and water glass rings - so it needs to be refinished again. Now, I have another beautiful cherry table and am trying to decide if and how to protect it. Again we love the look of the wood. Has anyone had any experience with the polycarbonate cut to size protective pads that you can see through? Do they protect from the heat?

I have about that size dining room with walkways on all sides. In my previous house, I had a 48" square dining table that I used when we moved in. I bought a 48" round table, it was amazing the difference it made. There are only 3 of us so I just keep 3 chairs around the table on a daily basis. You could do a drop leaf. I am not sure it you could find one in a style that would go with your house. I have 2 drop leafs that I use around the house and bring out when I need more tables for company but they are both Duncan Phyfe antiques. Another option would be a round with a leaf or two that expands for family. You'll be amazed how a round fits the space better. Something about cutting off those sharp corners make it easier to maneuver through the rooms.