I would love to have a round d/r table. We've now entertained for 25 years on the rectangular table we purchased before we actually entertained! I usually do most of the holidays, and I curse it at each occasion:))). More so after I saw a beautiful round d/r table in an antique shop in New Orleans in the late 90's. I would have purchased it, but DH doesn't think our room could have supported the size of the table we saw. That particular table seated 12. No leaves. The round is just beautiful. Like the link posted, it is more functional all around. The seating at a round table makes for easier conversation, you aren't yelling down to the other end of the loonnnggg table. Also, IMO, round is much more interesting decoratively speaking. Post a pic if you do decide on the round, I'd love to see what you have chosen.

When you prewire, make sure they don't cut through the ceiling. Instead have them just leave the wiring in the attic or ceiling space. Our *helpful* electricians put it through the ceiling in what was apparently a random location, and of course, it had to be moved. DD had hers prewired, and the wiring was left accessible, but they didn't cut the hole in the DR ceiling, so easily brought down in the correct location later and passed inspection that way. I guess I should have been more specific when telling the builder, but learned the hard way.

https://www.globalfurnituregroup.com/ca/healthcare/products/tablet-tables?tab_active=images An “add-on table” might work for the end of your dining table. Turn it as you intended so it is under the ceiling light, remove the two stools and the floor lamp.

Hi lell- I do not favor round tables because when you want to expand them, you end up with a lot of dead space in the middle of the table in which it is is hard to pass things across without a lazy susan. And I am not sure I want that. Furthermore, the diameter of the table ends up getting quite large and makes it difficult for people to talk to each other across that distance. I favor rectangles, and you can get a table with leaves for when you want to add people, and you can get extra chairs too. Question though, is that area really the dining area? It seems odd that one would have to carry the food through the living room to get to the dining area. Isn't there a dining area closer to the kitchen?