In my opinion too much around the walls near the table makes the area look too busy when it should be clean and simple to make the table and the above clock the feature, I would off set the table to the left and buy a nice tallish free standing vase OR preferably shabby chic a wooden plant stand and stand a plant on it, this would give a more balanced aesthetic to the whole look without it and the area to do that would not take up too much space so as not overdoing the area to make it have a more cluttered look, I like the idea of flipping the clock so that is then becomes a longer feature and would look more balanced, I think a handy hubby or friend could do it, for me a ladder is nice to put towels on in a bathroom but in an area like you have what is it's purpose? I don't find it particularly pleasing but please no one be offended this is just my opinion and as a (just) retired art restorer I am very interested in aesthetically pleasing spaces and interior decorating I realise everyone has their own opinions and they know what is right for them once they sort through the answers. If you lower the clock it too much it defeats the purpose of the clock being useful as they should be around eye level. Hope this helps.

Hi Kez, I agree with you, finding the right table, chairs and accessories for a space is very important as it can be a costly and time consuming exercise. You mentioned in one of your earlier responses that you feel like you need to have someone come out and help organise the furniture in your home for you. We have the privilege of seeing a lot of homes of different shapes, sizes and styles and have been able to help clients restyle their homes, as well as reshuffle, restyle and reorganise their furniture to better help with the flow of the house. We also work with a large number of suppliers and can help you by taking the stress out of sourcing a suitable dining table and chairs for your dining area. I'm positive we will be able to find something very nice that will suit that space. If this is something that is of interest to you, please feel free to send us an email: info@letsrevamp.com.au or give me a call on (02) 4312 5634, I would love to see if I can help you further. Regards, Nicolene

Unfortunately there is no simple answer for the best dining table for your home as so much depends on your household, lifestyle, and dimensions of the available space. You need to think about who uses it, and how you entertain. If you have messy toddlers get something that is easy to keep clean, and is fairly robust. If you like to host large number of people for dinner maybe a table that can be extended. What is the size of your household? Do you usually eat at the breakfast bar? For materials and colours I would be looking at what you already have in your kitchen and family room as a starting point. Don't introduce new colours or new materials to the dining area that aren't already in the kitchen or family room. Your bar stools look good and work well with your kitchen. If you are happy with your bar stools I would use them as a starting point to see if you can source complementary dining chairs. Once you have sourced your dining chairs find a table that works with the chairs. Make sure that the dining chairs that you select are the right height for the table, and if you get dining chairs with arms (called carver chairs) that the arms fit under the table. The tops of tables are a fairly consistant height, but the clearance under the table depends on the materials, structure and the position of the table legs. The number of chairs that you can fit around a table will depend on the position of the table legs and the width of the dining chairs. Measure your available space carefully before looking at tables to ensure that you have adequate circulation space around the dining setting to access the external door. Make sure that there is enough room to get past a chair when somebody is sitting at it. Without knowing your household, or lifestyle, or the dimensions of the room I think a six person or possibly an eight person circular table would work well in the space, but this may not meet your needs (or fit). Best of luck with finding the best dining table, Dr Retro

Hmmm I do understand your indecision. So if it were me I would lean toward caution and choose a tabletop which blends with your existing colour scheme. It's always difficult to tell from a photo the hues in someone else's home. It does appear your kitchen tiles are a cream colour, and possibly your sofa is a warm white. Is that correct? If so, I would look for a marble with warm tones. If you like black as the main colour, is there one with beige or warm white or brown tones in it? Otherwise, you cannot go wrong with glass topped or timber.