Oval kitchen table?!

[hidinginthegarden]

We have a round table in the kitchen when comfortably seats 4/5. When kids were little it was great and we can extend it (to accommodate 6 or 7). However now kids are teens and take up more space, it's becoming a struggle to fit us all in (when we have friends pop in). I love kitchen table suppers but how can I get more people around it? Would bench seating work? Or anyone know any good, comfortable small stackable stools?

A lot of it's about access. If your table has legs around the rim, consider replacing with a pedestal table so there is more flexible, unencumbered space round the edge to space people. Benches are great for littlies who are happy to clamber. However adults and teens aren't so keen, so think about whether table legs block access to benches, and make any bench long enough that they can have personal space from their neighbour. Personally I think stools are better over age 12ish.

Wheeled kick stools could work well. We have a couple of stools we use as side tables but can squeeze in as extra seating if need be. A rectangular shape table butted up to a wall on the short end can work if you've got the wall. but I think you're right, oval is best if you haven't.

Unless you have guests daily, I wouldn't compromise everyone's day to day comfort just for the sake of getting guests in, eg by replacing all the chairs with stools.