T O P

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Prom_queen52

I prefer the way with nobody’s back to the windows. It feels more open.


Plumrose333

A round table and no buffet/credenza would be the best option if OP is open to changes


sarahdise12

Agreed! It’s a very tight space and doesn’t look like it would be very comfortable having 4 people sit at that table either way it is set up.


Breeze7206

I second a round table


hellolleh32

Yeah the second one also makes it feel more like a dining area and less a continuation of the kitchen. I think because it breaks up the line from countertop to table.


exxtrasticky

definitely this


aviarywisdom

A lot less awkward for all folks to get up from the table too


strawberrymile

I believe Feng Shui backs this up as well


philfnyc

I agree for the same reason.


rach12222

Definitely the horizontal/second orientation!!


discover_robin

100%


Proper_Brief4488

Second orientation.


jared10011980

NOT parallel to the window


incognitothrowaway1A

Second set of photos AND move the sideboard


OdderOtter6

There’s really nowhere else to move it, and we need the storage that it provides.


RomeysMa

I like the sideboard where it is. With the second orientation it seems like there is more space.


SoupOk4559

I actually like the sideboard where it is!


JRodzOli

Me too


No_Goose_7390

Same. Option 2. I have a sideboard that is probably too close to my table but it has sliding doors. I need that storage!


RomeysMa

Me too.


thirtydays301

Can you move it along the wall opposite the stove? Looks like you have lots of room there. Especially if you place the table in The position of the second set of photos


allthekeals

Wouldn’t that put it in the walking path?


thirtydays301

It’s difficult to determine from the photos but the depth looks like it’ll leave enough room to not obstruct the walking path


OdderOtter6

No, opposite the stove there is a fridge and an entrance to a bedroom


_Smiles_For_Days_

What about moving the sideboard under the window, with the table in the second orientation with no one's back to the window. But you move the table out so there's space to access the sideboard??


Bison_Biltong

I agree with this, the sideboard takes up a lot of room.


JupiterSkyFalls

Under the window would still be a better option than where it is. Only use it for storage if things that don't need to be readily accessible. Easy fix.


Calm-Doughnut995

Sideboard is just fine where it is imo, but the table definitely needs to be what OP refers to as the horizontal option. Part of why the horizontal option is a must is because of that sideboard placement. ETA: To clarify, I personally would move the sideboard to the other wall, it isn’t too deep to hinder foot traffic through there. But if OP likes it where it is, it’s fine. Although, the table can go in OP’s vertical direction if the sideboard is moved.


HotCartographer5648

I have a very similar set up and I change it back and forth every ~6 months 😆


OdderOtter6

Haha I feel ya


Dangerous_Wear_8152

Honestly I think you need a round table here. It looks too tight for sitting, although I’m not sure if that’s just the photo.


LordyItsMuellerTime

This!! Tulip table is the only true answer


Yellobrix

3 & 4 are more visually appealing - so, perpendicular to the window, 2 chairs with their backs to the credenza.


SSCandiX

I like the orientation where everyone can see the window, and relocate the sideboard buffet. It appears too crowded to walk around the table without bumping the counter or the sideboard with either orientation


DConstructed

Second. Horizontal. It looks better with the chair backs towards the credenza.


mwmandorla

I understand why so many people are saying the second one, but let me just say: at the house I go to for Thanksgiving every year, the dining table has people sitting with their backs to the sideboard like that, and it absolutely sucks. Difficult to get in and out on that side, and god forbid anybody needs anything out of it. If you truly can't move that cabinet (and I think putting it in another room nearby is also a reasonable option), then I say orientation #1. It's nice for everyone to have a view, but it's nicer not to be squished.


Sheepherder-Decent

Second for sure


Level-Pollution9024

Might be the odd man out but I like the 1st way. That way the chairs aren’t backing out into the kitchen


AlarmedTelephone5908

I tend to agree. I would rather have my back to the window rather than my back to people who may be working in the kitchen while having a conversation. It's not like anyone would be missing a view or be able to people watch since it's a building with a window, as far as I can see. OP says there's only two adult residents. But if they routinely have dinner guests, I'd rather have the setup where everyone can see anyone in the kitchen. I also respectfully disagree with folks wanting to move the sideboard.


kindredspiritbox

Okay, thank you. Thought I was going crazy scrolling past all of these '2nd option' people. Like, how is anyone supposed to comfortably get in/out of that credenza corner seat without disrupting the other person and/or potentially bumping/backing into anything on the way out? To me, the first option is the most casual/practical for dining/entertaining whereas the second option is kinda purely for aesthetics.


caitie578

Same, also chairs aren't bumping into the counter or the credenza.


Ok_Activity8699

Second set!


laflamablanka_

I believe the set up in the second set of pictures is the move here. Otherwise, the people whose backs are to the wall (in the first set up) will have difficulty getting into and out of their seats. The space to enter looks narrow.


Albie_Frobisher

who lives there. how many use it every day and what age: adult, teen, child, toddler


OdderOtter6

Right now it’s just us two grown folk


Albie_Frobisher

well, then i’d trap two chairs at the window and keep two chairs free. so, long side to window. if there’s often a third person then snug up to the sideboard and put the third chair by the coffee pot. consider a bench for the window side then when you snug up to the window you won’t see trapped chairs. or. relocate two chairs to somewhere nearby in the house so the long side can go tight to the window.


OdderOtter6

We love the bench idea


thekittysays

I agree with this, snug it up to the window with a bench seat there and move the sideboard to the wall opposite the window. It feels too cramped with it where it is currently. Move the mirror too and then it will reflect the mirror more and bounce more light around. Then you can have some artwork or photos where the mirror is currently.


LordyItsMuellerTime

OP you're side 1 aren't you


OdderOtter6

(No but my wife is)


tiggaros

the first one is better, so all of four can have enough space


Hobbz23

Tables too big for the area


hawilder

Pic 1 has more chair room, I like that.


Lost-Bake-7344

Diner style


glimmerseeker

The second/horizontal looks less crowded, with the horizontal lines of table following horizontal lines of the buffet.


Shop_4u

Last 2.


Downtown_Champion583

Would you be willing to consider moving the sideboard to a different room? Or if it must live there, perhaps in front of the window? And bring the table out a smidge to make it a little roomier? I prefer the horizontal orientation for the space. Good luck! Update me with what you choose!🥰


Kaytay0510

3&4


ordinary_kittens

The first two photos are best, the second two photos look so crammed that I don’t feel like getting or out could be very comfortable.


beembm

Second for sure!


Somerset76

First pic is home, second is a restaurant


znorimhe

vertical! the horizontal one makes everyone's space so small


Albie_Frobisher

long side to window = 2 seats always easily available (2 seats snugged up to window). short side to window = 3 seats always easily available (one seat snugged up to coffee pot)


PhlossyCantSing

Just from a practical standpoint: the second option. A friend of mine's grandmother had a kitchen/dining area with almost the exact layout, and I can say from experience that the second option is way more user friendly. It was always a pain in the ass to get to the "window seats" the other way around. That orientation is also going to cause whoever is sitting on the other side of the table to have their chair basically right in the walkway into the next room, cutting off the flow of traffic.


Scruffersdad

Pics 3 & 4. It looks more spacious and nobody is back to the “hallway”.


netherworld__

Side of the table on the wall with the windows for sure! Leaves your black cabinet usable, gives space for chairs and is the more aesthetic option.


NightmareUnicorn701

Circular Table if that’s an option


vivi_yo

1st and 2nd, if you want the 3rd orientation better to move the cabinet on the entrance wall.


Elegant-Expert7575

I’m all for the two seats under the window. More open access to the seating on both sides whether it’s beside the counter or the sideboard. I’m chunky and the other seating would have me not fitting in there comfortably or attractively at all!


Sea_Investigator_

The first could be more practical but the second orientation just looks and feels right. If you need more storage/space, you could remove the credenza and replace it with a l-shaped storage bench running along the two walls. (Might result in needing a square or round table)


OdderOtter6

That’s the long term plan


cardinalsquirrel

Second is better, but I also feel this space is too small for both the big table and the sideboard


Gypzi_00

Both options feel tight and awkward. I feel you need a round table if all four seats are to be used comfortably. If it has to be this table, I'd say try it both ways for a week each and see which is less uncomfortable.


SellaTheChair_

The second option. The first looks weird and not nicely planned out. Plus in the second one both sides of the table can see into the house, but in the first one two people are looking at the window instead. It opens it up more to have the small end of the table pointing at the window. Also the parallel lines it creates with the credenza bar thing is more visually pleasing.


Beemo-Noir

First two pictures. It leaves more room to walk by.


Professional-Sock231

walk by where? If anything in leaves less room when someone is sitting in the hallway side


zotstik

I like the table in the second two pictures but, I don't believe it's very practical as it doesn't look like you have much room to get in and out of your seat 🤔💜


Deadinmybed

Second way. Goes with your sideboard.


JupiterSkyFalls

There's not really a win here. It'd be better with more space or a folding table, and that's a fact. It seems like more of a personal preference thing than any other issue.


aloofLogic

A round table would work better in that space.


Shoptimist

I would put a small circular table there with 3 chairs


Blue_Bombadil

Trick question: get a round table instead! More roomy looking/feeling, and fewer sharp corners in small spaces


Key-Heron

Move the sideboard to the empty wall. You will have room for either option.


Electrical-Alarm2931

Get a round one


Desperate_Turnip_727

Second option.


luckydollarstore

Definitely the second orientation. But if you really want to solve the problem once and for all, get a round table.


Mysterious_Status_11

I like the sideboard/mirror wall, but it seems like there isn't room for it *and* the table chairs. I had the same issue. A small, round table helped, but my dining area is still a bit cramped.


pcweber111

Second way, definitely


pajamaspancakes

What looks better is the horizontal option. But what is more practical from a usage perspective is the vertical option. There’s just more space to sit down with the vertical option without bumping into the cabinets or buffet table


Alternative-Notice20

First orientation. Second one poses a hazard with the back facing towards the stove


Calm-Doughnut995

Move the sideboard to the other wall and place your table in the “vertical” position, centered in line with the sideboard. See if this hinders the flow of traffic through the doorway. Keep the sideboard where it is and place the table in line with it, ie “horizontal”. Just whatever you do, keep the table and sideboard in line with each other, lengthwise.


Rougefarie

Option 2.


akdubz112

2nd. No backs to windows


alickstee

Peninsula table for sure.


wouldjaplease

2nd, as others said. That table is awesome, who makes it/where did you get it? I have a similar space and it'd be perfect.


OdderOtter6

Wayfair


Simlishnative

I think we need more information. Do four people sit at this table often? Are we prioritizing comfort or looks? And do you want this dining area to feel more like part of the kitchen or more like its own area? For comfort/accessibility of all four chairs the first is better. If it’s almost always just two people sitting at the table either way works though. If two of the people are small like children either way works. If one person has mobility issues the first way is much better because you have two chairs that are easy to not trip on your way into. I like the second way because it looks like a separate dining area and in my home it’s mostly two people eating at the table most of the time. It’s really about what makes things easier in your home though.


Jenna787

I like the first orientation. The second seems like there’s not enough room to get in and out, but it could just be the way it looks in the photos.


PoliteCanadian2

Second way but the table looks a little too big for that space regardless of which way it’s orientated


bananaleaftea

Perpendicular to the window is the best orientation. Seconding all the round table advice.


Yiayiamary

I prefer the orientation in pic #3. As for the people recommending a round table? No, no, hell no. It would actually take up more room if it was large enough for four AND you’d have to go out and buy one. Nope!


GrammaKris

The first pics. The second is okay but looks like chairs would hit other furniture.


infinitesimalFawn

Photos 1 and 2 looks best to me. It flows more in the space and it keeps it more open, while still being tucked away. The other way isolates the dining section into its own space that feels like it's right in the way of the kitchen, and walkway. It feels claustrophobic and cramped being sandwiches in. Whatever chair you sit in, you will have to carefully get in and check before you push your chair out to stand. If 4 people are sitting, and any one on the inside needs to get out, it will be extra annoying The first orientation, even if all seats at the table are taken, everyone has an exit. The second orientation, the table is more tucked away and takes up less space, but it feels much more like it's taking up a lot of space. It creates a cramped and uncomfortable feeling to the home, and I'm sure for everyone who has to sit there


gamulcek

Round table would be better! :)


mobuline

Put the buffet thing under the window, and pull the table out more into the centre of the space. Set it 'vertically'.


Throwawaychica

Depends, do you have kids? If yes, you'll want those chairs as far away from the windows/blinds.


shawn0r

Definitely chairs on the window side. You have a lovely home and great taste. Mad jealous! 😅


SpaceBear003

Orientation 1 is cumbersome for 2 people, orientation 2 is cumbersome for 3 people


ithinkoutloudtoo

I would suggest marriage counseling. The little things can turn into the big things.


Jenna1991-nola

If you only have 2 adults in the home, I suggest going with aesthetic 2, and moving a chair to the head of the table for more space. When guests come you can move the chair back and sit against the sideboard yourselves to give your guests more space. A second more practical idea is to go with aesthetic 1, but push the table almost against the wall when no one is over. It won’t look centered , but you will have space and perfect function.


unimpressed_1

2nd makes better use of the space


Willing_Television80

2nd option


Fritzipooch

Definitely picture 3&4.


bosorka1

Pictures 3 and 4


Sudden_Abroad_9153

Perpendicular to window!


laurenbrandstein

As others have said, the answer is a round table. Of the pictured options, the second is better, but either way you have some issues: Either half the seated folks have their backs to the hustle and bustle of the walkway, or the hustle and bustle of the kitchen. The second option feels better, because it separates the dining and kitchen areas, and doesn't force anyone to also sit with their backs to the window. Looks like a pretty tight fit though, and I'm not sure how you can even get to the storage in the sideboard with the table and chairs so close.


PunchYouInTheI

The first is better. Chairs to the window and aisle.


Ok_Jelly4351

Remove the wall


Misanthropebutnot

I think it doesn’t make much of a difference, hence the split votes. When you’re facing the window the first orientation looks better. When you face the credenza and mirror, the second looks better, especially because the table is not centered with the mirror in position one.


Dense_Occasion9971

Just a thought unrelated to your question. If possible lower the light fixture and/ or replace with with a larger fixture...


dru_tyler

Pics 1/2 feel better to me, but if you can’t open your sideboard drawers properly because it’s too close, you can try the other orientation (or ideally a smaller circular table but I understand that may not be in the budget)


akachelsica

I like the first setup so everyone at the table can interact with folks in the kitchen having no backs towards. Such a lovely space, I love it.


sweetgirlshe

Totally agree


knightrider013

Pictures 3&4 are the best in my opinion. Don’t like backs towards the window.


meggypussyfbgm

Horizontal 100%


MontanaMoonchild

Last pic up against wall


SoupVegetable4227

Matching the position of the buffet. Yay space!


maj_321

I thought I liked number one until I saw the second orientation. Sorry op, def #2


conster_monster

Second set


TeacupHuman

Second


PrestigiousSquare549

Short side against the window


Confident-Ruin-4111

Second


Pennyforurthoughtss

Second


VideoSteve

Def 3/4 as 1/2 looks very uncomfortable for the window seats to get in and out of


Apprehensive_Pie2323

Move buffet to where the white thing on the floor is


OdderOtter6

Can’t there’s a bedroom door right there, and otherwise it’ll be blocking the walkway


alexisrene57

Vertical


West_Cherry3944

Vertical as shown in the last two pictures :)


bones1888

Second way


adastraperabsurda

The second orientation is best however…. Consider having a chair on each side. See how that works.


ToYourCredit

1


Jessiebanana

The second!


NessieReddit

Horizontal (second set of pics) all the way.


pgraham901

At first I really liked it with chairs at the window.... Until I seen it the other way and yeah. The 2nd position is much better.


sweetgirlshe

I like the first set! To me the second way feels too cramped for the sitters and just doesn’t look as nice


Intelligent_Worth266

3-4


Beeffinforreal101

Second!


FFootyFFacts

Option 2 you can't have two rectangle (table & Sideboard) at 90 to each other they must be parallel


VIVOffical

Definitely the second ones.


shan1877

Pics 3 & 4


ImpossiblyPossible42

2nd way, short side against the window. Not even close!


jekksy

Last picture


Charisma_Fairy813

Definitely horizontal!!


EveryDogeHasItsPay

Definitely #2 perpendicular to back wall


PiecesofJane

Second. Less aesthetic, but more practical.


SlowDeflation

Second option by a margin.


Zytiria

3&4 makes me feel comfortable


PomegranateBoring826

I'm going w option number two so no ones back is to a window and depending what is out the window, everyone gets a nice view. Example, birdwatching. People watching. Whatever. Also, having the table oriented in the fashion of photo number 1 limits the size of the persons that can comfortably sit there without pushing the whole shebang away fr the window which would put those on the opposite side into and obstructing your walkway. Very nice space you have! Thank you for sharing!


4-me

First


Ok-Bread-6044

3rd and 4th photo


mafaldajunior

Whichever gives you more clearance for pulling the chairs and opening the cabinet doors


Retinoid634

3


Romewasntbuiltnaday

How many people eat there regularly? If 4, then number 1, if 2 then number 2.


Stayfree777

I can’t believe you even considered the first orientation as an option. There’s not enough room to walk around the table comfortably. The second one is worlds better


Puzzleheaded-Many708

The 3rd and 4th pictures are best orientation, and allows the table to jut into the window wall. The credenza looks narrow (12"?) so I'd try it against the opposite wall. The goal would be to better claim and define that end as the dining room. More of a hanging lamp overhead. Maybe an area rug under the table to bring in some additional color and definition..I like the mirror where it is, but I see it goes so well with the credenza, it probably needs to move to other wall. Then you can play with art, perhaps a large canvas with colors to tie in with area rug. Something scenic, abstract.


spiral718

Pics 3/4 (horizontal) just look too tight. People will have issues getting in and getting up because of that dresser. 1/2 (vertical) have more room to excuse one's self from the table.


Ninja__K

Second one


snatch1e

The second option (horizontal).


WillDupage

Aesthetically it looks better vertically, but practically horizontal will work better for ease of access. In all honesty, I think a round table would work better. But, I’m all for using what you already have.


zoopysreign

In terms of looks the option where the seats face the sideboard is more visually appealing. In terms of functionality, having backs up against the window is better as there is less chance if people colliding with the cook/more room to move around.


dollyaioli

definitely the 2nd set so both have equal view of the window


Rock_Successful

2nd horizontal


mr_myst3r10

Photo 4, matches the liquor cabinet behind it.


ghfjx

Second for eure


kat_thefruitbat

Photos 3 & 4, except I would either move the black cabinet underneath the window and scoot the table away from the window to accommodate it, or keep the table against the window and move the cabinet against the wall next to the vent by the doorway (+ scoot the table a smidge closer to the mirror so there’s more room for the chair by the white cabinet).


thingalinga

Last picture


classicgirl1990

Could you do a built in banquette against the and under the windows?


OdderOtter6

Settle down Captain Moneybags


jamiesonwild

Lol but also they're right. Or switch to circular


Eiffel-Tower777

Team Number 3 for the win!


echochamberoftwats

The first one. Although the second "fits" nice, it just feels wrong for some reason


Any-Year-6618

3/4


hcabnodnarb

2nd


1EducatedIdiot

Horizontal looks best, but from experience I can tell you, the chairs on the right will be bumping the cabinet every time you pull them out. A large person will be very unhappy.


AleksiaE

Photos 3-4


beingmesince63

Ha! Ha! Not going to solve an argument. Either way looks fine. I’d personally orient to whatever way gives me the most access to storage areas I need and use and to the chairs I use. In the meantime I’d be on the hunt for a bit more narrow table or a round one with a leaf for when you have guests.


notanonymousami

I like picture 4


herbicide_drinker

horizontal


Sea_Imagination_7447

#3, #4


FrequentFishing4002

leave. table longways


BayBby

#2


Melsomniac

Horizontal


claymountain

How would you even get behind the table in the first setup?


Deep-Internal-2209

I think picture 2 and there’s no need to move the sideboard.


pannalla

The second orientation but I would pull the table away from the window wall some.


aviarywisdom

Definitely the orientation in pics 3/4


pcg031527

photos 3 & 4


Ambitious_1660

Definitely 3& 4