SFGate

bhelmore Why not put a drop leaf table behind the couch with two or three chairs? You could add some lamps, and some pictures and have a piece of furniture that would do double duty. Very pretty space!

Inside Out Staging and Design A round table would give you the most clearance and allow for the best flow in your space. You should be able to pull out chairs and still be able to walk around it. A glass topped table with an "x" base would take up little visual space and work well with your contemporary decor. This would not be ideal however if you entertain a lot and need to be able to expand your seating. Is there a light above which "defines" the table area? You'd want it centered over the table if so. My suggestion would be to measure out where how the different tables would "sit" in the space keeping in mind what I've said about clearance and flow. Pier 1 and Crate and Barrel have such types tables. Good luck!

Karen Thanks for the comments. I also have the option of putting the dining table in the 10'x 10' extension that's off my living room. Its an akward shaped room. Here's a drawing I've been working with today. Everything is flexible except for the TV placement and the island/ kitchen cabs. Would the table be better in the extension? No, there's no hanging light anywhere for the table. I'm thinking I can drape a cord and hang a light anywhere wherever the table ends up. im just worried the 10' x 10' room is too "far" from the kitchen and I dont know what size table would be appropriate. It seems like it would have to be way to big for generally 2 people to fill up the room. We dont entertain too often, but would like to have a place for people to sit when we do!

http://pl.an/4ddhvz#details

Inside Out Staging and Design Hi Karen, I would not shove the table under the windows as it will be awkward to look at and unomforable. I think "floating" the round table in the space between where the counter ends and the edge of the sofa is ideal and not too far from the kitchen. It allows the table to be part of both rooms which is great if you have an open floor plan such as yours. I would shoot for 36" or 48" round depending on how much space you actually have (measure this and even consder a paper template to guage) and also what type of chairs you choose and how big they are. Leather parson chairs would be great with your current look :)!

trc59 Love the modern look. Why not a rectangle table on wheels with a drop leaf behind the sofa. There are alot of options for talbe on rollers and then you can move it if you need seating for 2,4,or 6. Put a few of the chairs in the 10x10 room with a table between them for readiing until needed for that dinner party! And it will be double duty like bhelmore said.

Karen Thanks so much for all your suggestions. It sounds like no one thinks its a good idea to put the table in the 10' x 10' area on a daily basis? If my layout is hard to see from the photos, you can click on this link: http://pl.an/4ddhvz#details I dont know how to embedd it as a photo here. I'm partial to a round or oval table floating in front of (but not against) the windows. We have so many rectangles in the kitchen and the new sofa probably wont have a big back to push a table against. Husband wants the dining table in the 10'x 10' area, but I just cant see it being practical.
I'd really like an extendable table, but really hate the "line down the middle" where a circle pulls into a rectangle. Darn, Im picky!

Elise Can you turn the sectional so it is angled with the corner pointing toward the wall and pull it closer to the tv? Pick 2 soft chairs you love for regular dining with your husband, and then some great stackable modern chairs for guests when you entertain. Clear glass looks weightless and airy. So do plexi chairs. I have seen a fliptop parsons table somewhere, I will try to find it.

http://www.colders.com/Item.aspx?ItemID=485143696&ItemNum=062-21-03

http://www.cottageandbungalow.com/som-sb009.html

http://www.cb2.com/shanghai-dining-table/s272968

http://www.cb2.com/flip-n-dine-dining-table/s413453

http://www.cb2.com/silverado-round-dining-table/s261483

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S69903643/

yvonnecmartin I personally don't like to eat important meals in the kitchen, so suggest that you consider having a nice table in your extension. There you could have your romantic candle-lit dinners or leisurely Sunday breakfasts. For more regular meals, a table at the end of the kitchen would work. The advantage of a table in the extension would be for entertaining--you could serve buffet style and have people sit around this table. You probably would want the table in the extension be able to change sizes. If you don't like the lines, buy a tablecloth for when it is open.

valeria9 this table with the white chairs would look really nice,,or you can get them in a grey