This would be more helpful with some actual pictures of the space. What are your constraints? Would there be any way to move the front entrance closer to the stairwell? Can you remove the partial walls separating the two spaces? I've seen a table on the backside of a couch (like an oversized sofa console) which could work if you could remove those partial walls. You could also try building a half-wall or partition near the entrance to give furniture a place to back up to.

We need some pictures of the space, but if you're staying in the home for awhile and the dining room is the only eating space it may be worth it to get a properly sized table.

Have you looked into building an actual front poch for an entry. If you post pics it gets help the floor plan really tells us nothing since youdid not even provide measurements

I'll add pictures when I get home tonight. I agree that we need to get a different table and would like to avoid making any other changes. I guess I'm looking for help with deciding what size/shape table to get for the space, as well as where to place it so the entry isn't on top of the eating space, but the eating space also isn't on top of the bathroom.

Parallel to the fireplace? As mentioned above, measurements and pictures are needed.

The real question is how often do you use the dining room table? How often do you accommodate large parties?

Please give us some idea of how many people use the table on daily basis that will be very helpful along with pictures

First, I feel your pain. I had a front door that just opened right up into my tiny living room at my last small house.

But I'm confused. Is the room with the fireplace the one you are wanting to turn into a dining room? Does the bathroom open to that room? Do you eat in there on a regular basis? How many people?

One possible solution is a round table with upholstered chairs if you're only seating three or four. In the event of a large gathering you could get a table that expands into an oval. You could also put shelving on either side of the fireplace or against the stairwell and use the room as a work room/game room/office type space when not dining in there. In my old tiny house, my dining room which I ate in every day also had to function as a partial office space on one end. So I did what I suggest you do, created a mini work space in one corner across from the stairwell. I also had a buffet credenza in there because I often had to keep serving dishes warm in there when I entertained due to the table being so small. If you're big coffee drinkers you might want to use some space for a coffee bar and move that function in there, unless you already have a good space for that. Frankly if I was sleeping upstairs, I would love to walk down the stairs and find my coffee waiting for me at the bottom!!

Thank you all so much for the responses so far!

To answer the questions:

We typically seat 3 people at the table but would like to option to sit up to 8 for when we entertain. I love the idea of an extendable table! I'm having difficulty adding photos, but will try to add them below this post.

Do you shut the doors often? They are beautiful doors, but removing them and just leaving the cased opening might give the illusion of more space as well (and allow for a decent sized cabinet under the clock).

Yes to a round table with a leaf you can add, and then when needed pull out to center of room. it will never be perfect but you have a good eye so you can make it work. One thought is to redo the ceiling lights, this way you can add one over the table and maybe recess the rest. If not there are great track systems that would also solve that problem. I think a dedicated light might help the feels.

Even an entry table on the clock wall would help make the spaces more obvious. the clock itself might be too large, and is too high up

I would reverse the swing on the bathroom door so that when it is open (or opening) you can't see in. (red option) Or could you change the door to the other side? (blue option)

The 2 chairs just outside the bathroom don't look right. Surely no-one sits there. I'd move them elsewhere.

I feel your pain on those french doors. I had them too, and hardly every closed them but could not bring myself to take them off. But really, in that tight of a space, you should do it. Here was my old living room and dining room. You can see the shelving unit that held a lot of office stuff, and one of my "credenza" tables which was a cart on wheels so I could move it to where I needed the serving function. My table was square and extended into a rectangle but I always wanted to find an oval table--less ouchy when you bump into it, better use of a tight space.

Edited to add that reversing the door swing is relatively easy, if you know what you're doing. (Says the woman who has a door hanger for a husband).

Thank you all so much for that help! I agree the clock should be lowered (never noticed how high it was!) and I love the idea of adding a console table or something there.

The problem with the layout now is that the front door opens directly in to the table. I like the idea mentioned of getting a smaller oval table, as that would solve this issue! Has anyone ever switch the way a door opens? Is it odd to have a door open to the left instead?

The other issue is that the table is directly in front of the fireplace. We used to have those other 2 chairs (that are actually end chairs for the table) in front of the fire place and it was a nice little, usable, sitting area. Now I feel like the fireplace looks slightly odd just behind the table:

How is your bathroom set up? Is there any possible way to remove the door in the "front" room and access the bathroom from the current LR (to the left of the TV) or even the backside (assuming that's your kitchen)? I just noticed Partim already suggested the same idea above. Then you could tuck a nice round table (they have ones that can expand to oval by adding a leaf or two in the middle) in the corner by the stairs and have a sitting area by the fireplace again. If that is not an option, you'll just have to embrace what is and do what works for you. Round or square, any table in front of the fireplace will have to be centered as it is and will "hide" the fireplace. You really do have a cozy, lovely space!

I think if you go round, it will give you just a little more room to pull it away Im also think just go the size you need and buy one of those folding tables for dinners. ( I know)

You could also put a little bench where the chairs are .

I agree the round table is the way to go! Unfortunately, there's really no way to update the entry to the bathroom without having to move plumbing.

Let's say we take down the french doors to open up the space - do you all think it's terrible to have the bathroom entry right next to the table if we place a smaller round table in front of the clock?

Bummer!

You can easily remove the doors (just pull the pins) to see how it feels before you remove hinges, etc.

As far as a round table, the only way to really know would be to try it. Look online for some round-to oval table sizes. Find cardboard box from a fridge or stove and cut a "table top" from cardboard and balance on a base of some sort to see how it feels. I think the biggest concern with a table next to the bathroom is the privacy factor. It would be awkward to be in the restroom with a tableful of diners just feet away.

Could you install a pocket door for the bathroom in the wall behind the clock? That might make it less difficult to get into the bathroom with a table nearby.

Yes, do what I did not do, pull the doors and then store them somewhere if you ever want to sell the house.

IMHO, a round table, in front of the fireplace but moved out a bit so you can get around it, will look cozy and suit your daily needs. It's quite common in Victorian or European homes. You can expand when you have company. There's nothing wrong with people coming right into your house. You only open and close the door when they come and leave. The only thing to plan for is the dirt that will track in. With your hardwood floors, you're at an advantage compared to someone who had carpet.

Here's a photo from the Pottery Barn web site. The table is even on sale now. They show it on the web page also matched with chairs similar to yours. Note: I don't have any affiliation with PB, it's just an example of what's out there. You could even get a little tea cart to put between the two chairs under the stairwell, and roll it to where it is needed for meals.
https://www.potterybarn.com/products/tivoli-round-extending-pedestal-dining-table/?pkey=cround-tables&isx=0.0.4388

No you may not put your eating table in front of the bathroom lol.

I suppose you could maybe use painters tape or cardboard to size the table.

Im also thinking it is best kept where you have it. maybe you could shift to the left a little?

Have you ever investigated whether the short walls with the doors between living and dining rooms are structural (leaving bathroom as its? If those 2 short walls were gone, the rooms would be one long open rectangle and then you might be able to swap the rooms back to their original set-up.

Thanks for the idea Molly! We'll definitely consider that for the future. Right now we're looking for cheaper layout options to get us through until we deventually (hopefully) do an extension on the back of the house!