I agree about the chairs.. this is about all I have for a floor plan. Many thanks!

Why do you need the table? How many do you need to seat?

I only have seating 2 at the island. I need at least 3.. 4 is better. The space is odd empty..

Is there a reason you can't use the space to the left, about where it says 8 ft? I think a round table with lower back chairs that would work in that space. Have you tried the current table there? It's kind of hard to tell without seeing a picture of that area.

I can definitely use some of the space to the left. I would want to keep at least the 42 inch walkway open. It’s a straight shot from the back door down the hall into the kitchen.

how about instead think of it as a conversation area and have 2 barrel back chairs and a round side table type table. it could be used as a lounge type space or extra eating area when needed. something like this but 2 chairs and a bit larger table

What about a table perpendicular to and up against the island? You would have enough room to leave a walkway next to the pony wall. It wouldn't have to be centered on the island, but to the left, leaving the 2 stools where they are.

Not this large, but like this:

maybe square with a seat at the end for a total of 3 plus your bar seating.

or:

Like the first pic but more this size:

Or thinking outside the box:

(not this large of course)

Theresa~ I was mulling that around as well.. just a 2 person cafe type table.

Olychick~ I think anything perpendicular would block the stool to the right. I played around with that idea. Sadly that pony wall is angled. I may slide this table around more tomorrow to see how it shakes out. Here’s a photo of leaving both leaves flipped up into a console. Chairs are still way too big. They gotta go.

One more and I'll stop lol. this is against a wall instead of island, but shows a small bench on one side that could work well if you did this up against your island.

If you could seat 3 or 4 at a perpendicular table, you could eliminate that one stool and just leave the one on the end.

I have those bookcases in the island.. wondering if it would silly to block? I’ll do some rearranging tomorrow. Thank you!!

Okay.. so not this table and definitely not the chairs.. but this gives an idea of the table perpendicular to the island. Also wondering about round? Like Theresa suggested. Against the wall or even in front of the island.

I like that location, but like the idea of square or round table instead and just two chairs as you have, but maybe chairs with arms for a bit more comfort and conversational vibe. thinking square or round would give a bit more walking space in front of island if needed?

another thought... what about a bench type situation on the angled wall, possibly built in that takes up the length and then the round table. could still add two chairs, similar to these pics bench would be longer... people at bench would face into the kitchen and I think that would save space but offer more seating

not sure if there will be a pinch point with the bench at end of pony wall closest to sliding door?

I love the bench idea. However, I’d prefer to find a store bought one. I’m planning on moving in a 2-3 years when the last 2 kids are out and it’s just me. For resale... a moveable bench may make selling easier.

Ballard has a nice selection of benches. An oval table would also suit the bench idea.

heres a few ideas for benches... how wide is the pony wall?

Reconsider the suggestion above to put seating there. My parents have a comfortable loose-cushioned settee in their kitchen and it is the #1 favourite seat in the house. Everybody wants to sit there and chat with the cook(s).

The pony wall is about 13 ft wide and 28 inches high. I’m starting to feel some hope! 😊

I’d add a bench and smaller chairs

Set up would sort of feel like below

I think it becomes how you want to use it.. is it for casual eating where you only need it for overflow or extra seating, or do you need a full on dinner for many seating scenario?

Definitely casual eating with occasional (very) overflow.

I still like the idea of a round pedastal table, to me it brings in a more casual feeling..

Would you put it against the wall or more floating in the middle? I was also thinking I could find a round extendable or drop leaf for the occasional extra seating. Thanks so much for your ideas!

with the bench idea...against the wall, still include a couple chairs, so bench and a couple chairs against the wall

I meant the round pedestal table.. sorry! That with a bench and 2 chairs or just two chairs pushed a bit from the wall. I need to find something round to mark off the space. I am absolutely terrible visualizing!

I do the same, mark it off will help visualize. bench with 2 chairs if there is enough space would look great. 2 chairs only if not enough space. I wouldn't do just a bench alone with the pedastal table.

Thank you! Tomorrow’s project will be mocking something up for size.

If you are leaning towards a round table (maybe consider one with an extension), instead of a bench I think a settee would be nicer visually as well as being more comfortable. To make up the cost of the settee, you could look for a second hand dining set on Facebook Marketplace (see below for ones in my area as an example) and you could easily restain or paint table and paint chairs black. Maybe consider a pendant and you would have to configure like picture below to have it centered over table and it would be a great addition to define the area And make it cozy

I think I'd go with a smaller round table (30"-36") with lighter and lower chairs.

Am I the only person who would feel uncomfortable on a bench or in chairs with their backs to that opening to the next room? Something that is not going to show too much above the wall from the lower room (as you stated you wanted to keep them from being too visible from there), to me, is going to make me feel like I'm backed up to a void or drop-off (even though that's not the reality of the height, I suspect).

Yes, the chairs are way too big for the space. I would seriously consider a bench and chairs (but less massive) on either end.

Perhaps all you need in that area is a buffet and 2 chairs on either side. We wanted to include a design of ours for reference.

Altadena Modern Farmhouse: Dining Room · More Info

I worry too about the height of a bench. The pony wall is only 28 inches high.

Olychick-I agree with you.. that’s why I’m just really stuck with what to do.. thankfully I have a dining room I now love thanks to this group! I just don’t know what to do with this space? It’s too small for a dining set and too big to leave empty. I asked a contractor I know about raising the wall.. it’s not that big a project, but just don’t know if it’s worth it. Maybe a small table with 2 cozy upholstered chairs would look better from the great room? I still need to cut out something today to see how a round table would fit. There’s definitely not room for a bench with chairs on the opposite side. I’d only have chairs on the side until needed.. if that makes sense. Can’t believe how hard this is!

if bench and two chairs won't fit, I would just do the two chairs and round table. I wouldnt raise the wall. you could always do low back chairs with a lower table, like a 24in high table, more conversational but still usable for casual eating when needed.

heres a couple tables and a chair that would be lower than the top of the pony wall so the furniture wouldn't peak over the top.

So here’s some pretty rough mockup photos.. all I could find round was my sons papasan chair based turned upside down. So it’s big. 45 inch diameter. Threw in a couple different chairs just for scale and ideas. Maybe a smaller table and I could use a bench or settee. Just have to chairs flank the sides. I can’t tell you guys how much appreciate all the ideas and photos!

I think a round pedestal table would work. Maybe find one with a storable leaf, so on the rare occasions you need more space, you can expand it (and it won't matter if it takes up more floor space for a few meals).

you are on the right track for sure, the table clearly should be smaller, but that mock up really helps visualize the idea and to me it looks like it can definitely fit. its possible to get shorter back chairs if you dont like the

Thanks! I agree.. now to shop. I even think a bench or settee might work as well. I like the idea of a settee with a back. Just have to keep it at 28 inches so it doesn’t hover over the pony wall. And shorter chairs for sure!

Ok! Here’s two mockups.. any opinions on round vs rectangle? That’s a 36 round and I have room to go a bit bigger if I wanted..Thank you!!

can you take a couple more pics further out with more kitchen and island in the pic... right now leaning toward round as I like the change in shape vs alotof rectangles in the room, also feels more casual to me for some reason

Here’s a couple more pics.. only the round because I cut the cardboard. :) I’m leaning towards round as well.. softens all the angles.. And really.. this size is fine. We placed 4 dinner plates and it’s ok.. I could find a table with a leaf but I honestly would hardly ever use it.

yes, round 100%. size works for me. 36 inches is very functional.

I like the round too. Looks very nice and still lots of walking space

Thank you! Now to shop.. I’ll post pics when it’s done. Thank you again!

good luck and have fun shopping