The beauty of a round table is that everybody sitting around the table can interact with everybody and there is no issue with straining necks to talk the person sitting two seats down form you. Although a round table to sit 10 people would have to be large and you would have a huge amount of space in the middle. Extending tables combat this issue allowing you to have a smaller table for intimate dinners and larger for bigger party's. There are many different extending tables on the market of all shapes and sizes most with the extra leaf kept under the table so you don't have to store it else where. However if you are thinking of using the table as more of an everyday kitchen table styles like the traditional refectory table are great because they can be bashed about or dressed up for dinner party's. Hope this is of use to you. Charlie x

If you have the bench built by a carpenter you should consider storage. You can have drawers (most expensive) openings for baskets (buy the baskets and build around it!) or top opening which would be good for things you don't need to get to very often. You could do a custom cushion to fit it or loose cushions, for the base cushion if you can't stretch to custom look at cushions for garden seating or Carolyn Donnelly in Dunnes (not sure if you have Dunnes) do rectangular flat cushions. Consider looking at a second hand website for a round table with pedestal and paint it if you don't like the finish. I find them for my clients all the time!! The one in the pic is IKEA I think and won't be very durable but a good stop gap option. You could also look at benches in IKEA and put together your own bench. It is worth the effort as you are sort of adding a sofa to the area and I am sure it will be one of your favourite bits of the house. Good luck with it!!

How about an L shaped built in bench with storage underneath,an oblong table in front and then foldable chairs for extra seating when you have guests? I would put a large framed mirror on the wall opposite the window to reflect light and open up the space and some colourful art work on the wall opposite the door. If you can run to having a light fitting put in over the table, this would really make the area feel special!

I love both, and they each have their good points and are suited to different settings. As a designer, though, I often prefer the Shaker designs - I don't know why, but they often seem to provide a bit more scope for creativity! Caldicot Kitchens