In my dreams, I'd like corner cabinet and shorter bookcase along these lines...

And chairs possibly like this? In a black or dark finish.

It would be good to understand this better: "I want to keep a bookcase to the right of the window. I want the table to appear centered." Is there a reason for the bookcase to be RIGHT THERE -- or would you be o.k. with more storage by the door? (That would give you space to scoot the table to the right.) Also, are you really bothered by having the table slightly askew? Frankly, it doesn't look bad to me (and, after you add curtains, it will be less noticeable). I should say, though, that I have a round DR table and an oval kitchen table and NEITHER line up perfectly with their windows. It doesn't bother me in the least.

I am not sure I understand - are you wanting the table centered in the window, or centered in the 'illusion' window that you are trying to create?

Honestly, having so much heavy drapery on the one side and so much less on the right will still make the area look out of balance to me. I am also not sure why you want the table closer to the doorway, so that the entry area is crowded. At least that is what I am taking you to mean.

Am I also understanding that you want the corner cabinet to the right of the entry door?

Personally, I would center the table on the window that exists, and move the small bookcase out. I would then look for a pair of narrow cabinets and use a wall-mounted shelf at table height that fits between them, to create a place for display and an entry table effect on the wall to the left of the window. A small lamp on the shelf, perhaps a picture or mirror hanging on the wall above it. Pier cabinets for an entertainment unit might be the right size to work.

If the ceiling lights are an issue, cap one or both of them off. You don't need them. Or, swag one over the table, if that is possible.

I would paint the table base in a matte finish - a black/brown would be nice, and then look for chairs with a similar wood finish. I like the style of the chairs that you posted.

When I have a dilemma such is yours, I try to think outside of the box. Can the living room and dining room be switched? Can I put the dining room in another place? Does it have to be out all of the time? It would really help us to see a floor plan and the other side of the room. I've attached a link for you to make a floor plan and move your furniture around in a virtual way. I hope what I am saying helps!

If you really need for the table to be in that place and the bookcase to be in that place, switching them will take care of part of the lopsided problem. That is, put the bookcase on the left of the window and move the table over to the right.

Here is a link that might be useful: room planner on the bottom left hand side of the page

If you center your table on the window, won't that make it uncomfortably close to the wall for the person seated on the right?

Couldn't you hang some art or use a tall piece (tree? Coat tree?) to balance out the window and then put the table in the center so everyone can be seated comfortably?

Thanks for the responses folks...I do need to learn to think outside the box.

Delta Breeze - I'm planning to put a tall hutch to the right of the front door, and my writing desk/hutch to the left of it. I do like the idea of the bookcase to the right of the window. I'm going to move it though, center the table and see how that idea works. I think the right side chair will be too cramped.

I'm beginning to think the table being off-center from the window might be okay.

Les917 - I had thought by doing the lopsided curtain/swag I could make an illusion that the table was centered over the imaginary window! The table would stay where it is now, it would just look like there was more window to the left. I love all the ideas you offered, and I do hope to swag the light once the furniture placement is set.

Rob333 Thanks for the link. I can't wait to try it.

This isn't really a dining room; it's just a breakfast/tea area so I can take advantage of the one bright, sunny window during our long, S.A.D., North Dakota winters. There will be a small eat-at island in the kitchen and the "real" dining room will be set up out on the four-seasons sunporch...eventually!

GardenWebber (Love the name!) I think you're right about the table being too close to the wall.

Here's a poor drawing I have of the room. It shows the dimensions. It's rather narrow and cramped. The room is just under 12' wide, about 24' long. The opening between the L/R and kitchen is just over 8' wide. The wall with the short bookcase is about 40" wide. The area between the front door and the corner of the south wall is 30" wide.

While I like the table, a longer, rectangular table, maybe one with leaves that fold down (like the Shaker-style in the link) could sit under the window, and serve as a writing surface, as well as being light enough to move if you want to seat more people and eat at it. The book case isn't doing anything decoratively, and you could mount shelves on the same wall, without taking up any floor space.
Personally, I'd put up shelves or book cases (faked to look built in) on that whole window wall with maybe a bench seat under the window with a hinged lid for storage.

Here is a link that might be useful: Shaker drop leaf table

WOW! Ideefixe I LOVE LOVE LOVE the entire bookcase wall idea! I could still put a table in front of the window, and display even more books and teapots and Stuff!!!

I gotta learn Photoshop!

I had the same thought about the window seat; just thought it was my own personal preference playing in, since I have at least 10 pictures of window seats, and even the bed I've been dreaming about, looks like an oversized window seat.... but obviously, it's a bit more universal.

so like this?

Here is a link that might be useful: bookcase windowseat

OMG--the picture that rob33 posted looks a lot like the window seat and bookshelves in my dining room! It is a wonderful little nook, and guests always gravitate to it. It also can open up (hinged top, under the cushion) and there is a ton of storage space under it. I really recommend something like this--our architect came up with it, and it's one of my favorite features in our remodeled house. I think you would find it really versatile.