The minimum recommended spacing between chairs and a wall or other obstacle is 36". In your space you could fit something shallow. If you already own the piece of furniture, see how it feels when you put it in there, but if you don't have anything yet, shop for something shallow or just forgo it. People will be more comfortable if they have more space. If you've just moved in, use the space for a white before you decide. If you don't have stuff to put in a buffet, skip it. Put some art you love on the walls and get a new chandelier. Add blinds or drapes and a rug if you like rugs under dining tables. Some people don't, but it is a good way to add color and/or pattern to a room that tends to be plain.

I have lived here for 20 years and remodelling. Geting rid of the old BUT I definelty need the storage and I am working with a designer but she says to forgo as I don't truly have room and shouldnt crowd space etc but I am trying to think outside the box and find something that will work that is shallow. Thankyou for your comments.

I can confirm kandrewspa’s 36 inch guideline by my own experience. When we moved into our current home, our existing buffet and table were too large for the space. We have 52 inches between the table and wall and our buffet made it too crowded. I shopped a long time before finding a very narrow table to use as a buffet. I just measured it, and we have 37 inches between the dining table and buffet table. My chairs might be a bit bulkier than yours, so 36 inches should work for you. I like having a buffet and wasn’t willing to give that up.

Jlouise, do you have a picture you could share?

There are several narrow consoles to choose from. This one is 16” deep, so would leave only 30” beween the consiole and table. Perhaps a wall mounted shelf would work because there would be no legs in the way, and you could use a 10” depth. What will you use the buffet for? I agree that most people would prefer more space than storage that crowds things up.

Here is the space between my chairs and console table. Between tables, it is 37 inches. You can see that my chairs are rather bulky. Honestly, they were a custom order and a mistake! I should have had chairs with a smaller back.

I do use the buffet. It is where the desserts and beverages go during big holiday meals. I would hate not having it. But in your space, if you don’t need the serving space, I would forego the buffet.

As someone mentioned, a floating shelf might be a good option. It could be used for decor, and if needed, could certainly hold a wine bottle or water pitcher.

Ignore your t v placement for now. If you faced a sofa to the window, would there be room to put a credenza behind it?

Why not find a buffet that has a finished back and use it like a divider between the DR and LR with lamps for extra light too.

I love the room divider idea. Another option would be to move the table over 10" and have the chandelier moved over too. Then there would room for a buffet up to 20" deep. 

I have a narrow dining room with a china cabinet on one side that I desperately need for storage. I seat my skinniest relatives/friends on that side. I think it's about 32". Cozy but it works. :)

Rather beat the beach, thx, do you have a picture of the cozy area, lol

Here is a layout I think will work for your living room area. Position your sofa so that it helps create a virtual 'foyer' as you enter. Place the TV on the large wall. This way you will be able to select a large screen. Use a minimal media shelf below. If there is glare on the TV, consider installing 'sun shades'