Nosoccermom, yes, for the DR table I expect the bark will come off with use. The table maker sprayed it with the same water based finishing as the table top, but the bark is still vulnerable. DH and I may finish the bark in a much stronger product to secure it more. And we should use a table cloth when eating. But regardless, on a table that will be used frequently I'm sure we'll lose some bark. That's okay I guess, the table will still work. ;) Robo, love that chair from Pier1. I never think of Pier1. I had thought I would go with a cheap knock off of the Eames shell, only $65 I think from EQ3 or Structube: But I think I prefer a tall windsor like the marcel. EQ3 sells the Lyla for $179 but I've seen these in person and they seem too small. I think the Marcel is taller. He are the Lylas: I've been keeping an eye on Kijiji for antique Windsors too. I'm a bit wary though, as the antique dining chars I've purchased in the past were a bit fragile for daily use. Just found these online for $179 each, locally made it looks like, but not as elegant as the Marcel. I will definitely head to Pier1 and check them out.

What is the surrounding space in the home decorated with? The wishbone chair looks nice with the table https://www.inmod.com/grant-featherston-contour-dining-chair.html https://www.inmod.com/eurostyle-calla-side-chair.html https://www.inmod.com/shc-patara-wood-dining-chair.html

A glue joint like you envision will fail. Only question is when. Reason is because wood moves due to moisture/temperature changes. You cannot stop this movement. Since the wood moves, is has to be joined to allow that movement. Gluing wood together with the grain aligned(matching) allows the movement, since the grains are matched. Gluing with grain pattern at 90° angles means the movement will be different---and the joint will fail. That is the reason for the technique I described. The joint is tight where the two pieces are joined, but there is space to allow for the movement. That is the way very well built and expensive furniture is made. Because it is the only way to assure the joint lasts.

It was funny to see this thread come back, it reminded me I should post some pictures of where I am at and how things are looking. Table is in the spot you all helped me with. I have added an area rug for the sofa, and pillows. I am having a large walnut burl coffee table being made, should be done in about a month. The current coffee table we have is just too small with the size of the sofa. I have a new fan for the ceiling which has a light in it, just waiting for the electrician to install. I plan on replacing the two dark brown leather chairs at the table with something lighter, maybe a beige or off white. Not sure yet but I feel the dark brown chairs are too dark. I got side tables for the sofa which match the live edge table. One of you said Rome wasn’t built in a day, so true. It’s been a fun project. Thanks once again for all your help!