The rounded end is not very useful why not just remove it entirely and then you'll have sufficient space. Those walls are a problem. Have you looked into removing the jut out part? That would be my first choice.

if the nook is an original feature with some coving /etc that would be destroyed with removal of the opening walls , and you've decided to leave the nook, I still would not spend like you will for all the built ins. How much usage do you really think you'll get? What other seating areas are part of your plan? I would probably do some plants on ledges, a bistro table with small scale chairs, cutesy window treatments, ..if no windows then put up art.....and leave it at that. The 16-18 inch opening is tight...but the whole immoveable bench concept on 2 sides is not really user friendly anyway. But I can see how you might get inspired to hope this is a nice feature. For me-I'd spend the budget for this elsewhere.

Hmmn, that's pretty tight for seating entry. You'd have to sit down with legs out and then swivel/swing them in without hitting the table leg. Have you considered making the table considerably shorter than 47", say just 24" on the straight side and curving in from there? You could squeeze two stools on the curved end, and perhaps get four seats in there. If you only need three seats, then make the table 24 X 40, with just one stool on the "free" side. I'm assuming you can't take out the 14" wall projections which would be the best solution of all.

Is the nook all walls without a window? Why not just turn this into the best walk in pantry ever?

Thanks for the feedback everyone. The parts that jut out cannot be moved, and the space in general cannot be changed (the left and right side are stone). We have stool seating at a nearby island and a separate dining room, so I see this as a place for kids to do homework, etc. Here's a picture of the space. We have a small table in there now, but with the table legs it just doesn't work well (I don't ever really want to sit there because it is awkward getting in and out). I think built in benches and a trestle table will make better use of the space. It sounds like a shorter (less deep) table may be the way to go.

I don't have the exact same setup, but I do have an L-shaped banquette that is enclosed on one side by a pantry cabinet. It was just built yesterday and I ended up shortening the table I am having made by 6" because the enclosed side was going to be too hard to get into once I saw and sat on it in person. So now instead of 16", I am allowing about 23" of space for scooching in and out. Another idea is to not have your table built-in to the wall (keep the same shape though) and have it on wheels or some type of moveable situation where you can slide it over for people who need extra room getting in and out.

You could make your table 36 inches wide instead of 40 and make the seats 17 inches deep instead of 15. That should give you more room to maneuver. Since this will mostly be kids, I think it could work well.

Hi abbyjneuberger! Is this a new house for you? If so, congratulations! I like the idea of having a place for your children to do homework, maybe art projects, and the like. I also think it would be pretty awkward and difficult for a family with grownups to eat there, so I think you have it planned perfectly! I like Navy Momma's and Karenseb's ideas best. 16-18 inches is simply not enough room for an adult or teen to squeeze into, and if your kids ever had a friend who is heavy over, it could cause an embarrassing situation if they couldn't fit. 23" is a lot more user friendly. And don't forget, kids grow. What they fit around now might not be the same in a few short years. Also, I know you're trying to avoid table legs, but the idea of having it somehow moveable is a good one. Making the table smaller, as Karenseb suggested, thinner that is, is also a good idea.

I know you'll figure it out and it will be great! Can you snap a pic for us when it's all done, so we can see how you solved this? :-)

Get a more narrow table as suggested but with a center support. Or go with a wall mounted one from Ikea or other place. If you got 2 wall mounted tables and placed them side by side your children could each have a desk.:) with a bookcase storage in between them maybe. Ikea wall mounted tables pictured below. You can adjust to whatever height you like. :)

You could do the table on a pedestal in the center so it wouldn't impede feet. IKEA sells pedestals for very good pricing.