To Gizmonike: Yes to your first question. I have another family room (15x15) right next to the 'fireplace room'. That's what probably makes this layout even more so awkward. I don't know that there is anything really wrong with the door in the current dining area, and it could just be a strange thought in my head, but it seems weird to eat so close to the garage. There is a lot of traffic in and out of that door (much more so than the front door). A few other things to note here: as it stands now, we use the family room that is not pictured day to day. It is just me and my two boys and that's where we hang out. The only time I really use the fireplace room is to read, or to be by myself sometimes. This is also the room we put the Christmas tree in. As far as entertaining goes, I only do that a few times a year. So, in looping back to the original question -- if I used the fireplace room for a dining area, what would I put in the current eating area? Thanks again for your input. To answer other questions: I will graph this out so it's easier to see (and understand). I want to change this because I don't use the current eating area and I want to do something else with it.

Anyone?

Jan, thank you so much for this, truly appreciate all the thought you put into helping me. I am at a complete loss and I agree it's dreary, low ceilings and no natural light doesn't help either. I should have added I have a large living room and other dining area on the other side so this has been very difficult to just figure out what to do with the space since it's pretty much used as walkway to the kitchen or out back. I like the idea of the couch and rug, and I'm not tied to the dining table. Thank you again!

TV centered on 96” wall, sofa with chaise on end nearest the stairs across from the TV, with end table/lamp on the opposite corner. Children’s toy storage/play area in corner beside steps.