Hi Sandy,
When selling, even though you don't use it, you really must showcase this room for it's intended purpose, a dining room, and not try and make it something it's not. You won't need to spend $1,000 to do it either. Shop furniture rental clearance centers or scratch and dent at regular furniture stores for a good deal. You don't need much more than a table, 4 chairs a centerpiece and move your wall art to the other wall. I'd also take down the items on the top portion of the wall and possibly put some greenery up there to bring the eye up to see the niche. I don't know what your kitchen table looks like but if appropriate, move that in this space and put a smaller table in your kitchen eat in area. You can save even more money that way if you can use your kitchen table (again if appropriate) in this space.
Please share a photo of what you do after! Good luck!
"There's never a second chance to make a first impression!"