Room Advice Needed

Hi all,
My first post in this great forum. Lots of great advice and knowledgeable people around here.

I'm moving into a new place and I finally (hopefully) have room for a table. Space, unfortunately, is an issue and was hoping for some advice.

I've attached a rendering from the architect. He didn't quite get it right as he has the dimensions of the table as the playing surface. He just kind of placed it where he thought it should go without much thought to clearance for the cues.

Lengthwise it shouldn't be an issue. The main problem is going to be width, especially with the fireplace in the upper left corner. I'll likely have to move the table at least another foot away from the bottom wall and maybe another foot toward the left, which will really put the fireplace into play.

At this point, a 9' table is looking doubtful. Anyway I could fit an oversize 8'? I'd really like to have as large a table as I can. I don't mind switching to a short cue for some shots. I know that the rule of thumb is 5' from all walls, but would I be able to get away with 4'6" and maybe a little less? What do you guys think about placement and size?

Thanks for the responses guys. Studying the plans closer I was afraid that a 7' table might be the best answer.

I'm just a casual player, but I've found playing on the larger tables to be more fun. I know it's probably a personal preference thing, but do people generally think that playing on a 7' table is worthwhile?