YES and I love your space. Something abut the nitch, floors etc

How about built in book shelves on the right of the window with your chair jutting out out from that axis (bookshelf and window)

You could also make a long cushion for the window sill

The table could against the wall space before the window area or a small table opposite the chair

Either way, I like your elements and know it will look great

It'll look wonderful. I completely agree with Peter. I suggest a foldable table against the wall opposite to the armchair so you have space enough for a cozy pouf for your feet. I think I'd read more if I had a place like that.

I like the above suggestions. Although, if you plan on entertaining frequently, you may need something bigger. We have a small dining room table, but we never have anyone over, so it's not a big deal.

How cool is it that you live in a converted schoolhouse!

Definitely! I would look into integrating the reading seating by using an adjustable height coffee table so when needed the seating becomes part of the dining set. Put in super tall bookshelves on both short walls. Then pull the chairs so that they face each other centered on the window, coffee table between. I assume you may want up to four diners at some point so look into a couple of attractive folding chairs that you can hang from the wall opposite or stash in the closet there. Or you can just use the ledge and a couple of cushions if you or your guests can handle the height. haha

I think lighting and artwork to define the 2 areas would be important in defining 2 spaces in that area - each short wall on each end could host balancing but distinct/defining artwork.

A round table on one side and a large comfortable chair (or with the 5' depth, even a chaise lounge) on the other could fit very well, with a floor lamp behind the chair and a pendant (or a light on-top of the built-in that hangs/leans over) near the table.

If you have 2 or less eating at the table regularly, 2 of the chairs could be pushed in against the corner, and then you can pull out the table and have seating for 4 if you entertain (or with a leaf and the ability to move the reading-area chair, seating for 6!)

Alternatively, if you're always looking at entertaining groups, you could put a cushion (with a platform to build it to appropriate seating height) on one side of the window ledge for a window seat and put the short side of a 4 or 6 person rectangular table against it with several chairs.

A couple of thoughts:

-ledge could be used for either the reading/lounging area, or as seating along one side of a table
-reading chair/chaise could be used as seating along one side of a table
-ottomans for reading area could be used as seating for table, sliding from one side of the niche to the other, as needed
-a fold down top, as suggested, would be the most efficient, but you may have something else in mind. If you plan on using the table daily, you'll have to keep it clear and easy to access. If, however, you're only going to use it on occasion, and the reading area daily, then that can be the dominant feature, with the table tucked away until needed. (does that even make sense?)

This space is begging for a round pedestal table. You can find some awesome fabric and make or buy a floor-length table cloth if you want to decorate it. If you rarely have more than 2 people eating at once, you can lean the table against a wall with two fabulous wingchairs chairs opposite each other. And you can get a different 3rd and 4th chair as extra seats and keep them either in the corners or someplace else in your home.

For the window sill: the ideal would be custom cushions made to fit along the window space, then add a few pillows.

And if there is room left over, you can add a chaise lounge with floor lamp opposite whatever side the table is on. Put a bookshelf or shelving along the wall holding the chaise lounge.

If the above pedestal table doesn't work out - you can also make a rectangular dining table along the length of the window. Use the windows seat as a long bench, and flank either end of the table with some upholstered chairs. Bench or wood chairs facing towards the windows.

Lovely space!

You can turn the space into a dual purpose reading nook/dining area if you turn the window ledge into a window seat. Regardless of size, I would center the dining table in the window, placing your chairs around the outer three sides of the table. The window seat would then function as both a comfortable reading nook and when dining, table seating.

Achieving this will require a little work. An 18" wide ledge is a little narrow to function as a comfortable window seat, so you will need to widen it. In addition, you will need one or more upholstered cushions for the top and sides of the widened ledge.

There are two ways to widen the window ledge: Visit your local lumber supply and order a 24" or wider board cut to the precise length of the window ledge, then install the board on top of the ledge. Use L brackets beneath the board to support the additional 6" of width.

Alternatively, since reading nooks usually require book storage, consider widening the ledge by purchasing or building bookcases that are the exact height of the ledge and locating them across the front of the window. Since bookcases are typically 9-12" deep, this will make your window ledge a comfortable 27-30" wide, perfect for lounging.

Good Luck!

I second (or third) turning the window ledge into a window seat. A nice long table in front of the window with a few chairs sitting on the opposite side and a couple comfy wingback chairs on the end. Might want to add one or two ottomans for a foot rest while sitting and reading.

I really like the idea of a Murphy table for that space. I googled it and found a cool instructional from none other than apartment therapy from a few years ago. I think with a few piano hinges and a little creativity you could come up with something really fun and unique.

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/boston/february-jumpstart-2009-entries/how-to-build-a-drawbridge-countertop-jasons-february-jumpstart-project-2009-076256

1. I'd make a long cushion for the window ledge (perhaps with a long bolster pilow behind it, against the glass), and get a 4-foot round table (with leaves to expand, and with casters), and get two cool wing back chairs.

2. Center table in the window. Use the window seat as additional table seating.

3. The two wing backs can be placed for day to day reading use on a diagonal facing the window on either side of the nook. Use the window seating as a foot rest. Each chair should have a good reading light -- floor light I think, possibly gooseneck.

4. In this configuration, the table can host a vase of flowers and stacks of books. When its time to eat, whisk off the books (perhaps in a pile or a basket on the window ledge), pull up the wingbacks, pull the table out a smidge, and you can easily seat 4. a 4 foot round table will fit 8 without leaves (I've done it) and is a really wonderful configuration for long dinners. The view will be awesome.

Seems easy enough to me:

Build out the window sill w/ low bookshelves and place an upholstered seat on top w/ cushions. Might even install bookcases on either wall too that meet the height & depth of those corner sheetrock pillar things...

Place a 42" round pedestal table in the center and a pair of wing chairs flanking it:

Voila - Reading nook/Dining Area.

where is your chaise from? looks so comfy and I'm searching for a cheaper chair to cuddle up in and read.

Paul - I immediately recognised your view! Lovely with all the snow (brrrrr...) guess you already have plenty of advice to work with. Good luck! Mutaleni

Of course you can. I would not think of dividing the space into a reading nook and a dining area, but rather think of having the two completely integrated. Some of the suggestions above accomplish that, such as bepsf's.

We purchased for my FIL's apartment a table similar to this one from Cost Plus World Market - a round pedestal based table that extends with boards. This kind of design might work well in the space with book shelves on the sidewalls.
http://www.worldmarket.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4301203

We have bookshelves and a couch in dinning room and find a reading and eating space to be the best combo ever!

You could try a banquette style with built-ins on the walls. A small table with some chairs and a long cushion/upholstered seat will provide seating. You could even add an armchair as well on one side.