Good question and I think it's a matter of taste. But, I've found that people who purchased "bar height" kitchen tables did not like the everyday "bar" feel of sitting at a table. So, in that regard, I would think a "normal" height eating space would be more practical than bar height at the end of your island. But, if you have a "formal" eating area where you can dine at a standard height table and will use daily, that would be a consideration.

Hello Megan, i have read the comments, and I agree practicality is paramount, also it's a large investment and would be not be ideal to have purchased this with an awkward setting. Particularly entertaining. i think the 1200mm diameter table is a great spot. It loses a dinner plate in depth, meaning it's a seated table not a serving one. So it will work to have a shared centrepiece maybe a glass vase of flowers and the pendant over. It will suit your family, it would be an intimate setting, and ideal to have the luxury of an upholstered chair. Certainly far from a compromise. Being that your dining table is only a hop away from the kitchen, the table itself doesn't need to have a large top for serving setting anyway. Yes, centre it, even though you may be tempted to allow more room in the walkway, don't, by having a visual space equal to walk around will make it feel less intrusive in the space, and you will quickly settle into walking around it to suit. Just position your chairs on the diagonal axis meaning so they back out to the corners of the room, so you can get around them easier, they won't block in the space. Having a glass top, it won't look over scaled, and it will make practical use of every square inch of your homeow. Good luck, I'm keeping myself posted on it.

I would get an upholsterer to do a couple of long foam cushions for the seats - colour would very much depend on the rest of your home, but teal would look good there (and so would navy).

I've only just seen these notifications guys! Thanks! I've got the bench seat and I've found a French polisher who is staining it darker for me as we speak. I've got the rest of the furniture in... just waiting for a rug too. Then it will be time to do the living room.