I’d say have the table parallel with the blue sideboard so, perpendicular to the fireplace. It would be good to see photos from the other side of the room. Is there a window or patio door that may give a view when you’re at the table? As far as the door goes I’d say keep it as you can close it after cooking then relax and enjoy your meal. It will also help to keep cooking smells out of your dining room.

Thank you! So you think having it length way as you walk into the room as in the first photo? I’m really struggling with this room as it’s so square and quite dark - the window is to the right as you can see in this photo. I’m struggling with rugs to fit underneath without interfering with doors, the light fitting being central, whether to keep the fireplace and the colours on the walls, it’s sending me a bit crazy and I’m overwhelmed with the options so very keen for any ideas!

Here’s the floor plan

Yes, have the table parallel with the sideboard so the short side is closest to the window. A round table may have allowed more space to circulate but I’m assuming your table is new and you’d need another two chairs instead of a bench. I would try living without a rug under the table for now and see how it goes. The fireplace is a lovely feature in the room so I’d definitely keep it. Instead of the Roman blind I’d have full length curtains on a rail as high as possible, pulled back off the window to let as much light in as possible. Keep the ceiling white and may I suggest Dulux Timeless for the walls, to keep the room light. You could change the light fitting completely or try replacing the shades with glass ones. A tall floor lamp in the corner by the fireplace and a lamp on your sideboard will brighten things up. I think either art above your fireplace or a round mirror would look good.

I agree with Betty. Great suggestions 👍

So helpful! Thank you for such brilliant suggestions!

I agree, table perpendicular to the fire. I can’t see what you’d gain by losing the door in terms of light if that was the objective or was it to make it more sociable?

You can swag a pendant light over the table. I can see you have family photos so you could make those into a gallery wall over the sideboard.

If you lose the rug then consider putting a faux sheepskin or throw over the bench to add texture. If you don’t like looking at the fence consider layering a sheer linen cafe curtain and blind

The paint samples on the wall look good. Do you have a photo showing both alcoves? You could consider mirroring the alcoves to bounce light and make the room feel bigger

Wow thank you! Love these ideas! I’ve added photos to show alcoves, excuse the paint supplies dumped in the corners! The reason I want to get rid of the door is mostly because it obscures that right alcove which could be used as it’s handy space maybe for shelves or a cabinet, the other alcove I couldn’t build anything into it as the cupboard under the stairs door opens into it. Also, I thought maybe an arch to the kitchen would maw it flow more - but I’m undecided! I had open plan before this house so maybe I’m just not used to it. Agree I need some texture, which is why I wanted a rug - just feels very bland at the moment. But something on the bench and chairs is a great idea. Still deciding on wall paint, I like the current colour but it feels so dark especially since they drenched the door on the left and skirting boards. I tried a white sample but that felt too cold, so not sure yet! Living room is about to be turned green with Coat Yard party and white ish cabinets.

Thanks for your amazing ideas! Def love these, and especially swag light!

Good idea re storage. i love an arch but would you keep the opening the same size? Just windering if you have the ceiling height for an arch? You could always draw it on if you’re repainting though! If you were to widen the opening you obviously have an issue with the flooring. I would probably also paint the door and skirting boards in the same colour to lose the door and make the ceiling seem higher.

How long have you lived there? Does the rest of the floor plan work for you?

Thank you, those are helpful ideas! I’ve only been in the house a few months so it’s all very unorganised at the moment and figuring out what might work best. Ideally I’d like to change dining room and kitchen layout at some point, but not in my budget yet! So just want to get the decor and our furniture sorted in a way that feels a bit brighter and functional for the time being. You’ll see a kitchen post by me in this discussion forum somewhere too - there’s a gist split level island that’s driving me nuts!