Table in Kitchen vs. Island with seating
mamadadapaige
12 years ago
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formerlyflorantha
12 years agoRelated Discussions
Total seating: Eat In Kitchen, seating at island AND Formal Din.?
Comments (48)I have an eat in kitchen with a solid wood Ethan Allen Table that I bought 12 years ago when I moved here that had sides that go down to make it a little table for two. I decided to invest in a good table that can be very expendable since I am using my dining room as part of my home office. I can make the sides go up to a round table that is 42" wide with the 4 matching chair and the table sits 4. Add the leaf in the middle of the table and the table become an oval and fits 6 people comfortably without bumping into each other. I am not sure when I renovate my kitchen and change out the laminate counters if I am going to extend the counter top on the bar area to allow seating for 2 people like many of my neighbors have since it takes up walking space. Right now I have never entertained more than 6 people formally. If there are more than that, it can be a buffet with people sitting on the sofa and recliner to use the coffee table and end tables. I have a home office in the living room and dining room so IF I have to, I could use the conference big cherry desk for sitting if I had an informal buffet. Usually if there are more than 6 people, we go to someone else's home which is fine by me....See MoreKitchen Table vs Island? Would you?
Comments (23)If a person needs any storage or work surface, you can't beat an island. If you want cozy, hearthside chat-able with tea then the table is for you. I've had both versions in the past and currently have a peninsula, counter height, that looks like a table with three stools. It is out of the work triangle. You can't pry people from it. The table is six steps away, with views and comfy chairs but no one wants to willingly go there. I have to drag them by the hand. My mother had a table with four chairs in her adorable country kitchen that looked out thru French doors into her beautiful greenhouse. It was used as a work surface and meals of course. When she was really cookin' however, she moved the chairs aside and got down to business. She came to visit me and saw my island, went home pushed the table slightly to the side, same view and closer to the greenhouse. She put in a 2 foot by 4 foot island with drawers and doors. Made the cooks kitchen tons more functional. When the family came to visit - guess what? EVERYONE tried to cram around that goofy little island! Standing! When you could walk four steps to the cozy table... I love the 'look' of tables in kitchens but always remember my mom moving chairs so she could work rolling pies....See MoreUpcoming tiny kitchen remodel...space for table vs. island?
Comments (10)I declare my bias up front as a disliker of islands. Island lovers will tell you it's worth it to cram them in no matter what, if that's what you want. And we're both right. Unless we're both wrong. But seriously. It's your house. Your bias is the only one that counts. My thing about islands, particularly in small rooms is that they're a hazard to navigation. They're always THERE and you're always walking around them. So my suggestion is, if you must have an island (though I prefer a table, always) then go for a nice, solid MOVEABLE island. Either on lockable wheels, or just one big and heavy enough that it stays in place. Nobody wants a wimpy, tippy island. They come pre-made, or you could have one made custom, or there are pieces of furniture that would serve the purpose. That way, if you hate it, or even if you just have a party, or want to do something in the kitchen that requires a lot of open space, you can just move it off to the side for a buffet or bar station or whatever. You are also freer to make an island like this a little bigger, since you can move it out of the way if it bothers you where it is. It also leaves the "dining or island?" option open to the next owner, and doesn't make it for them. Which I think is even better for resale. Just something to consider....See MoreKitchen island vs table and chairs
Comments (7)I don't see an island accommodating 10 people, and if I had to choose never having casual seating at a counter vs never having seating at a table I would choose to jettison the counter. . Your configuration is not unusual. I would think a traditional rectangle would serve you well. When we expand our table the island counter is a great place for extra serving dishes after the initial passing. Perhaps look for a thinner table? Losing the counter overhang on the island would give you more room for chairs at the table too....See Morehistokitch
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