Close up of table. My first big girl furniture purchase circa 1998.

Houzz doesn’t like me to post more than one picture at a time. Bench would go the length of this back wall and probably buy lower profile chairs.

Who would be sitting on the bench? Going with a bench, and a tressel/nook does give you more room and more seating. Adults scootching in and out of a bench/nook is very challenging for adults. If it is not for every day, if we are talking about children using the bench for the most part I would give yourself the room. I would not dispose of the extra chairs they will come in handy when entertaining.

I like Lindsey's suggestion- painting the chairs and updating a light fixture or two (in addition to refinishing the table which as you say is needed).

The bench would be primarily for kids. And then, just when we have extras. We have a preschooler and an upper elementary kid and homework and crafts happen on this table. I am leaning towards refinishing even though I know the style doesn’t quite fit. I am afraid with my budget ($2k for the space) I will would end up with something that might look better initially but not be as sturdy. Plus, I would probably be less nervous about crafts and mess on the old table.

Any guesses on the type of wood? If it is a pine which is my guess, some yellowing is inevitable, right? I would like it to be less yellow, either a light natural or walnut.

This is is the style of bench I have in mind but not the l-shape.

I super appreciate the thoughts.

Sarah, thanks for the insight on the wood.

The top isn’t solid. It is about 2 inch strips.

I had that table...I was ready for a change so I opted to give it away. My new table is from a decent furniture store.

It's total crap compared to my 20 year old table (which I think was oak, btw).

But...I don't think this style goes with your house...just by what you show including the counter stools...

Have a look around and see if you can come up with a danish modern(?) craigslist table to refinish, instead. You'll find one for less than 1k...might not even need refinishing yet..

Penny makes two great points. #1 a solid wood dining table is worth a lot. But, 2. it doesn't go with your house in the style it is currently decorating, which I'm assuming is your favored style. I'd peruse Craigslist or Facebook For Sale, for something used you might like, and also price out a new one. Perhaps sell and use money to get one that goes with your style. On the flip side, I love that kind of table, and it is classic, so you could paint and just go with it, call yourself "eclectic." Paint the chairs black or white (can leave seats wood, I had chairs like that and they look good!) and put a grey tablecloth on it to hide the style of the top and create a clean line.

You should check craigslist or consignment stores in your area because used wood tables (as well as other used furniture) doesn't command high prices as there is limited market as so many people prefer the cheaper trendier styles because they have no idea of what quality furniture is.

A table of comparable quality new would be costly I would suspect although you can certainly take a look to see if there is anything you like within budget. Since you have a table that is functional, you aren't under the gun to buy anything.

My mother had a table refinished in what is called a bar finish. It was very resilient to normal damage as I am assuming the finish was somewhat like what they use for wood floors. Another option for protection would be having a custom glass cut that would fit over the wood.