A banquette or bench can be a nice way to create a unique, casual seating area around a table. This also can be a great way to address an awkward corner, as shown in the above image from Lonny years ago - I've always like this small NYC apartment and how they incorporated a dining area in a very tiny space. Here's another option with a bench (rather than a built in banquette) and a round table. The colours and patterns used in the fabrics create a very pretty look.
This is another look with built-in seating around the perimeter and the black windows add great drama to the area.
