Why an Oval Works in a Narrow Room
Measure the room before anything else: an oval needs the same length as a rectangle but forgives the width, because tapering ends let chairs swing out where the walls close in. Position the piece so its long axis follows the traffic route through the space and the walkway stays continuous. With legs set in from the ends, a guest can sit at the head without straddling a foot. The shape flatters a bay window too, echoing the curve rather than fighting it, and keeps the oak finish in view from every seat.
For upkeep, treat the veneered surface and the solid legs a little differently: the top prefers a dry cloth and quick attention to spills, while the legs occasionally want their fixings checked where they meet the underside. Never leave water sitting along the curved edge, since that is where a veneer will lift first. Rest hot pans on trivets. If a foot needs adjusting, turn it in small increments with weight on the tabletop so you feel the moment the rocking stops.