I would have to measure my dining room table, it can seat 8 people comfortably with the leaf in, but I usually don't have the leaf in. My ceilings are only 8 feet tall, but my concern is that where we are moving the kitchen table to in the remodel is by a new bank of windows and I don't want to obscure the view, which isn't an issue in the dining room. We wish that there were many things different about our house (higher ceilings, an attic *they used the wrong kind of trusses*, more bedrooms, etc.) but it's on the water and the location can't be beat, so we are working with what we have. I will try and dig up some photos of both areas to get an opinion on the light fixture. It's beautiful, very unusual, but it is large. It's actually the same diameter as my other light fixture but looks much larger because it is round, if that makes sense! Here is a photo of my old kitchen chandelier which we brought with us when we moved. I had always intended to use it as my breakfast nook light, until I found this other one. You see our dining room when you first enter our home so I think the other light (the round one) might make more of a statement. Plus I think the Hubbarton Forge is more open and won't obscure the view as much and it goes well with my pendant lights that I've chosen for over the island. Either fixture will work as the breakfast area will be separate from the kitchen. Here are my pendants. So what do you all think? I appreciate the input. Having a perspective with new eyes is always a good thing. Thanks, Kat

This same question was just asked a few days ago - I'll link the thread. Not only does an OTR MW need to be open at the bottom like Hollysprings said, but an OTR MW would need (if it were even possible) a cabinet larger than 30" wide to house it. Also, the lights and fan of an OTR MW means it does not have a flat smooth surface to rest on - it must be suspended. What is it about the Whirlpool Gold OTR MW that you like? I am certain you can find all the same features in a countertop model that has a matching trim kit. Here is a link that might be useful: Thread about an OTR MW in a Cabinet

I'm surprised by your comment about microwaves with trim kits looking gaudy. I've never seen one that looked terrible. Many companies sell them and they go hand in hand with specific models of microwaves so that it is a custom looking fit made to fit into a standard size opening (24", 28", 30"). GE, LG, Panasonic etc - they all seem to have them. Have a look and see if you can't find one that suits your fancy. They aren't expensive ($70-$120) for most that I've looked at and give a really nice finished appearance. Another option is the microwave drawer - the most common one is made by Sharp. I think they look great and many people like them at the lower level. That way, especially as you age you aren't lifting hot items down towards you, rather up onto counter level from the drawer. They are not an inexpensive item but look and function well and can be quite hidden if you put them on the backside of an island configuration.

@Dana: "I currently have a microwave above my stove top and one thing to keep in mind, it is a common source of house fire, if the small filter does not get cleaned." "Estimates can vary, but at least 90 percent of US households have a microwave. According to the National Fire Protection Association, microwaves cause 4 percent of cooking-related house fires per year (PDF) and 1 percent of associated deaths. A similar percentage of homes have a range or cooktop, yet those appliances account for 62 percent of cooking fires and a whopping 89 percent of the deaths." (Source: Why Microwaves Can Catch Fire)