the second is lower
i like for the view the second, but ofcourse the more important question is if you use method 2 is the height of the table comfortable or too low?
i mean its important when you sit there that the total height is good for the users
and there is another difference, in one of the pics the bars under the table (the "crossbars") are under the side bar instead of on top of it
i would go for a combination of a small height between the foot and the bar , and for the crossbar i would use the height that is more comfortable for play and sit behind it
for the view it looks good both ways, up or under
