Suggested spacing is between 600-800mm from edge of table - so that chairs remain in the rug when being used/pulled out to use. With this in mind, and the close proximity to the wall you may even consider a square rug. Add diameter plus 2x600 to get correct size. Check www.therugest.com/Panama as an option. Cheers Richard

We had a table with benches (like pews rather than a straight bench) when I was growing up for a family of five with often visitors and in a small dining area (but with walls on three sides). It worked well and I have fond memories of being squished up with my brothers (and creating havoc) or grandparents. If you push it against the wall until meal times, that might help with the baby gate access? This way you can still sit at it casually on the out side and just pull it out when you need...just a suggestion :)

Wow, thank you so much everyone for all your brilliant suggestions. We own the place and found a way to remove the bars. Knocking down the wall between kitchen and dining is unfortunately not an option. Combining all your suggestions, will: 1. Go for white walls 2. Look into the built-in bench 3. Have a white or glass oval table with less chairs (no arm ones) 3. Change the wall lighting (and a pendant light?) 4. Mirror across dining area 5. Large artwork on the wall above the bench Will post the finished look here after

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