Love your new addition, such beautiful legs. It appears to be in proportion with your couch when the table is fully extended and the legs are fully visible from the picture you posted, so why not leave the ends up?

As for the rug - it is clearly something special. Why not wait, what's the rush. You can still keep looking at the same time and then make a decision when you find something special.

BTW, what is the blue tape on your floor?

Sky

How about the sofa facing the fireplace --- and a chair on each side of the fireplace? Move the tree down to the right-hand side of the piano.

Love the new coffee table! Very classic and elegant!

Sky: I was debating leaving them up--but that makes it 64"L; down it feels more in scale with 2'x4'. The blue tape is the marks for a 10x12 rug as I want to make sure I sized it right. The one above is 10x13 which would be even better so the piano bench has better coverage--which is part of why she wants to sell. It's too big for her place and she doesn't want to just leave it sitting in storage as her philosophy is these rugs are made to be seened and appreciated and that in turn gives tribute to the family that weaved them--profound isn't it?

I love your furniture--great shapes. Why not swing the sofa to face the fireplace, put the two chairs where the sofa is, and then nothing blocks the piano, but you can still have a focal point and a conversation.

The first picture doesn't look cramped to me. I hate talking to people across the whole room.

I think that rug will detract from the furniture. It's not so amazing as to deserve to command all the attention in the room.

teacats: We had considered that other layout--some really liked it and some didn't like it that way at all. It just didn't feel as welcoming and blocks view of the room (table, chairs, rug).

I suppose I should've referenced the earlier thread where these were discussed as well as all of squirrel's renditions--if majority think I should revisit that plan now that the table is here, let me know and I'll move it back and snap some more pics.

Here is a link that might be useful: LIving room layout

Great table! Love the lyre designs.

I agree that Squirrel has a great eye and sense of design - not sure we will agree on this room, but that is what makes the world interesting.

Okay, Val, I am going to be honest with you and just tell you flat out what I am thinking. I don't want to sound abrupt, and I hope you know that I am just offering my view of things truly as a cyberfriend. What you do with the room in the end has to feel right for you, and YOU are living in the space.

As long as the piano has to stay in the room, I don't think this arrangement is working. It looks forced, not balanced, and I don't think it uses the space well.

I know that you said you didn't like the arrangement with the couch opposite the fireplace, but I think that gives you the best use of the room for the furniture you have. Honestly, part of the problem I think you have with that is that it means putting the chairs in front of the blue/green wall, and they sort of meld into the wall color. Maybe, as much as I LOVE that accent wall, it is presenting a roadblock to a great layout. Maybe it is time to bit the bullet and repaint that wall. Sorry.

I would put the couch opposite the fireplace. Put the chairs angled on either side of the fireplace, with the one ottoman by the larger chair, and the other tucked against the fireplace wall by the smaller chair. If the ottomans don't fit because of the coffeetable, then you could tuck them side by side under the window.

You can keep the piano on the center of the side wall then, and it will balance the weight of the window on the other side of the room. This room arrangement will open up the area around the piano so that it doesn't feel jammed in as well as opening up the area around the window.

I think a lighted curio cabinet of some kind, as you said you were considering, would be nice on the wall to the right of the entry (to bring some height there), and perhaps a demilune table on the wall to the left with a lamp (the side closer to the window wall). Those would give areas of visual interest for the people sitting in the chairs, as well as bringing light to that end of the space.

I would keep the plant down in the corner on the fireplace wall with a plant uplight in the pot. A narrow console table behind the couch as you enter would be pretty. Nothing deep, could even be a very narrow shelf-type unit rather than a table. A floor lamp by the chair to the left of the fireplace (the larger chair, imo should be on the left side).

As to the rug, I think that is a personal choice. I know nothing about rugs, so I cannot judge the value. However, I have to say that because the rug is directional in pattern, I see it more in an entry hall to visually bring you into the space. In front of the couch, I would rather see a non-directional pattern. Also, nothing with a center medallion or design, since you have a coffeetable that will cover it, but also could end up off-center on that design which I think would bug you.

I would love to see a collection of framed art on the fireplace wall, various sizes and frame shapes, but all rich and more formal, rather than one piece over the mantel. Above the mantel itself, I would put a dramatic mirror.

If you decide that you want to keep the room as it is, I think the ottomans have to go, or the whole room looks off-balance as you enter. Even then, I would pull the couch forward. I would keep the ends up on the coffee table - it looks more airy and less bulky, and the pretty lines of the lyre and legs really show. I don't like the round table to the left of the small chair - it looks too tall there for the chair, and feels like it is hiding the chair. Perhaps you could put that back toward the corner to the left of the piano and put a lamp on it to bring some light to that area of the room, and create a vignette with some art. You might even consider adding a beautiful cloth on the table to give it a different look there. A round mirrored top on it would be lovely, too.

Hope this helps in some way. I am sure Squirrel will work her magic and create a great space for you to see!

My comments are going to be (mostly) about the rug. As someone who let her DH pick out the oriental he loved instead of the one I loved, we now have a beautiful oriental that sucks every bit of light out of the room. The rug you are trying to talk yourself into is wayyyyyyy too dark for your room. Dark chair/table legs, dark piano, all on a DARK rug. No! You need something much more light to compliment the various fabrics you have going on in there.
With that rug, every time you walk by or sit in that room, it will become a dark experience.

PLUS!!! She wants to be able to "come and VISIT the rug"?!?!?!? Do you really want this woman (nice as she is) bringing her entire family by to visit it? Again and again and again? This could get REALLY messy and hard feelings all around if one sibling feels the other sibling cut a poor deal. No! No! No! Run from this situation as fast as you can!

And as much as I love the room open... listen to Les about the furniture arrangement. Yes, you will cut off seeing some of the beautiful fireplace if you move the sofa. But think of it as teasing you to, "come in and see the rest of it!".

I went back to the original thread, and I like the sofa facing the fireplace, but putting the chairs on either side of the fireplace doesn't make a conversational grouping. Don't worry about having the chairs too close together--too far apart is more of a problem, I think. And each chair has to be within arms reach of a flat surface for a drink or a cup.

If the sofa faces the fireplace, the sofa table behind it can hold lamps, which also screen the room a little from the hustle and bustle of the hall. That way, you and your guests can have a conversation without being bombarded by kids rushing in and out of the house. And the tablescape on the sofa table provides the view of the room from the hall, I think.

If you really want your girls to practice, put the piano closer to the room you spend the most time in, like the kitchen.

First, I have to say that I continue to be AMAZED at the things you find on CL - it's truly unbelievable. I love your new table...looks great in the room. Leave it up if you have the room, but it looks great down as well.

Regarding the rug, I have to agree with syllabus that I think it might be too dark. Obviously, it would be nice to actually see it in the room before deciding, but that doesn't sound possible. I feel like a lighter rug would work better in your nice light and airy room. It doesn't have to be completely light, but just a lighter background. I also agree with Les about it being directional, and that not being the best for your room. Maybe the delay with the family is a sign that you need to find something else?

I will let the others debate the room arrangement as I am learning on that as well.

Finally, can I ask you a question about your drapes? Can you tell me approximately how many inches they come out from the wall? I assume they are interlined. I am planning mine and I have several vents that are close to my windows. The person that came to measure was concerned about them coming too far out and partially covering my vents. Just wondering about yours because they are similar in style to what I am planning. Thanks.

First, coffee table couldn't be more perfect.
Second, I like the sofa and chairs where they are. Blocking the fireplace seems somehow not good, energy-wise (feng-shui, anybody?).
Third, the rug might be too dark, and--frankly--at this point, I'd walk away. Who needs the aggravation? Check out the Karastans.
Fourth, move the ottoman to elsewhere in the room--perhaps to the left of the wall of windows, angled a bit.
Lastly, I agree with Les about bringing the sofa forward a bit, and I would recommend centering the coffee table in front of the fireplace, so that when you look into the LR from the hallway, the coffee table aligns, lengthwise, with the fireplace opening.

Don't know how helpful that is, but. . . .

Don't know what your rug budget is, or the size you're looking for, but even if the cost on these is too high or the size is wrong (6x9 to 8x10), just something worth thinking about, in terms of design:

$2500.00 (regularly 4875.00)
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$1175.00 (regularly 2800.00)
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$1995 (forgot the regular price)
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Just quickly passing through, Val : ) Love the table!! Too bad the leaves can't be up all the time to see the full lyre, but still beautiful and I really like its detailing.

I like the arrangement but would still shift the chairs a bit (shown in your last post). I had another idea about filling the space behind the chair to the right -- folding screen? There are some beautiful styles, too, like art. (Now the palm in the other corner hit me, but, tweaky, tweak : ) I think they might generally run taller than your palm. It might be a nice balance for the large piano too.

I think you could move the sofa back a tad and the coffee table more towards the sofa just a tiny bit, to make passage between the chair and table to the fp. Plus angling the chair just a bit more forward from the palm and turned to the right. I'd still try the right chair a bit more towards the door.

I see 'sofa forward' in OS's post .. If you take the ottoman out, I'd do that also.

Gotta run, but that seems like a lot of black in the rug, which I'm just not feeling right now : ) Sorry. It's very pretty though -- dr???

Yes -- after reviewing the former thread -- and the accompanying photos -- it would seem that the layout must remain the same as in the this top photo here!

The piano simply doesn't work anywhere else (to me....) but the very center of that wall. The two chairs sitting on each side of it ....

But perhaps remove the tree? Just for a little while to see if it "opens" that corner visually a bit more .... and simply play with the chairs .... this is where mere "inches" can really count! LOL!

Move the sofa back towards the window slightly (use every inch of avilable space at this time) .... and switch the two round tables -- and place the lower one by the chair.

Yes -- I must agree with the others -- that rug is too dark for your room .... it needs a much lighter one with more of the blue shade that you have chosen ......

Jan

Absolutely NOT to the rug, colors are all wrong. Gorgeous coffee table. I don't think the sofa should face the fireplace very unfriendly arrangement.

I like the light rugs, the black or navy rug (its hard to tell the color) looks too dark for the room.

Val,
Do you get Ballard Designs catalog? I have been eyeing their Triana rug - on sale in the catalog I was looking at?? like $419. You can also usually find coupons on line. I like the soft muted colors in it. Actually considering it for my sitting room - another post, another day, thou!

On the arrangement....can you position the larger chair where it is flanking the fireplace more with the ottoman?
I know you just got the drum table, but what about having it shortened? It really is blocking the view of your pretty chair.
On the accent wall, I would go deeper like in Squirrelly's previous mock=ups or WT.

Gosh, girl you are really on this. Love your new coffee table. Have you seen the lyre benches? They are lovely, my in-laws have one in their entry.
I have lost steam. I need some of what you are drinking. Hee hee

Smiles:)

I love the rug-- LOVE it. But, I think your room is so serene, so calming, so lovely . . .if you bring in that rug that mood will change. The room will be all about The Rug.

I almost bought a lyre table. I loved it-- shabby white and the lyre was to be an homage to my harp-playing days. DH vetoed it, grumble grumble! Anyway, yours is lovely!

No time, no time.........gotta go to work. But the table is adorable. Love it.

Red

Thank you everyone for your feedback. I just love consensus--and it sounds like the rug is not it. I do like organic's 2nd one and johnatemps. I guess the budget depends on which one of us you ask. I'd say max of $3K for living and dining: DH would say close to $1K; but imagine we'll settle somewhere in the middle. I'm still thinking of the Karastans; though I am mulling over the used Persian route.

As for the layout, I went ahead with all your suggestions once more and have four options. The first picture in each option is the view entering the room from the foyer.

Option 1: Pushing the sofa back to the window
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Option 2: Bringing sofa forward, aligning coffee table with fireplace (no ottoman):

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Option 3: floating the sofa with chairs grouped in front of window

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Option 4: floating the sofa with chairs flanking the fireplace

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With options 3-4 I'd need to use a console table (probably even option 2). I'm thinking a demiluine similar to this one for sale on CL as it makes for better clearance into the room with the curved ends:

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This may still be for sale on Craigslist--though I'm hesitating as DH is beginning to feel as if the room has enough furniture. We still lean towards option 1-2 as they just feel more open and welcoming.

I would rather see the chairs facing the fireplace instead of the couch at least there would be some open spaces as opposed to the block wall that greets you as you enter the room. But you do what feels good to you, and how does hubby feel about it.

I've changed my mind after reviewing all the new pics. Thanks Val for posting them all together like this-- what a lot of moving!

Anyway, I vote for #2. Because #1 is too off center for me and the piano half is too cramped and #3 is too defensive looking. The room is not as deep as it first appears and w/ the sofa back to the entry is really makes for awkward looking footpaths. May be different IRL.

I'm tending to agree w/ your husband that you have enough furniture in there now. By the time you get pics up and more lighting and a rug, it will feel very complete. I know you really want a long table behind the sofa... but I would prefer something (if you just HAVE to have SOMEthing) right in front of the window like a standing planter or narrow table w/ plants on it.

What I Really like about #2 is the open feeling and the lightness of the space. I wouldn't worry so much about the 2 chairs blocking the piano bench. When the piano does get played, the chairs are easy enough to move slightly out of the way.

Do you have to have the piano bench? Does it hold all the sheet music? You could look for a round piano stool to take its place and that would both echo the round tables and add a few inches of more space around the chairs.

I like the couch facing the FP, and when you have a table in back of it, it will look great. I'd bring the chairs closer to the coffee table, so that there is space between them and the wall. It creates a great conversation area and allows the piano to have its own space, which is ideal for the purpose of the room. The only drawback I see is looking at the back of the sofa, and the table would help that. With the sofa there, the rug becomes less important, honestly, so if you want to showcase a rug it's probably not the best choice. What all of us can learn from this is that there are many arrangements and they all work in their own way, just depends on how you want the room to function and what features/furnishings you want to stand out. Love the coffee table!

Great table, Val!
I swear, you are the Queen of CL scores! ;D

I think what has made this so hard is as Syllabus says the room is not as deep IRL as the pictures portray. What are the measurements? Of all the arrangements, I prefer the sofa facing the FP. It seems to give more breathing room to the piano and chairs. I'm not crazy about the sofa table pictured above. It feels too heavy for the other pieces in the room. I think something lighter, like a simple glass top sofa table would look nice and not feel too heavy. No wood, maybe metal? I wouldn't place any lamps on them though. That would add to the blocked view you are trying to avoid. Just a nice low floral centerpiece and some candlesticks.

Lovely room. I like #2 best, but #1 would work, too. I understand the concern about having the couch back to the entryway. It just plan feels uncomfortable. Is there any possibility of moving one of the round side tables to the space between the fireplace and the closest chair?

My vote:

Option #3 -- with another possible new chair in the corner to the right of the fireplace (for now -- just try a chair from the dining room) And switching the French-style chairs around -- place the "higher" backed chair in the corner facing outward. And pull the sofa backwards slightly towards the doorway to open the seating area ...... again .... inches count! :)

An excellent and really helpful demonstration of possible furniture placement -- well done!! :)

Regarding option 3-4 (floating the sofa), I agree there is probably not as much depth as at first appears. In addition, I really have not shown you what the entry looks like from the living room. Perhaps that is why DH and I are preferring options 1-2. There are two short walls that partially block the flow when the couch is floated--thus the couch cannot go back any further without obstructing the aisles--though a demilune could be put there without obstructing traffic flow.

Here's a few pics of the wall I am referring to:

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If I were to choose option 2, though, I have plenty of room for a console table behind--as there is about 24" to the back wall. What I like about a console is that it would help to anchor the sofa in place--plus I could some plants on it; however putting some tall plant stands also sounds lovely and perhaps less of a bulky feel than a console table. Any other opinions on console table vs. planters or just leave open space?

Thank you everyone for helping me formulate my plans for this room. It's coming along better than I had hoped thanks to everyone's suggestions.

I think part of the reason that having the couch facing the fireplace may bother you, is that there is nothing of any height beyond it to carry the eye into the room. Once you hang some artwork/mirror above the fireplace, and perhaps on the walls, your eye will go over the back of the couch into the room. Right now almost everything is about the same height.

I would love to see something like this behind the sofa - a different feel from the other pieces, but still elegant, and an interesting piece to draw you into the space. A mirrored console or cabinet would be another alternative there.

chinoiserie console

Was thinking about your room this morning. Thought about a large, arched or rounded mirror of some kind over the fireplace, and a pair of tapestries hanging on either side of the fireplace.

Don't know if something like this is what Les had in mind.
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I think the sofa facing the fireplace would be okay. I just think the fireplace is so beautiful that it should be the focal point of the room, and the sofa facing it just sort of ruins that possibility--for me, anyway.

On another note: I'm glad that Val decided to leave the accent wall (although I wasn't sure about it, in the beginning): it really creates a beautiful environment and, again, showcases the fireplace.

The whole house is lovely, actually.

One other thing I meant to say earlier about the arrangement of the furniture. We keep looking at it from the entry hall, and from that vantage point, the more open arrangement is very nice. But I think we need to think about how the room feels when people are in the space and using it.

By having the couch face the fireplace, the fireplace does become the focal point. I think it creates a more intimate space. By having the couch with its back to the window, the people on the couch are focused on the piano, the people on the chairs are focused on the window view, and no one is looking at the fireplace.

I guess for me it would be like opening a gift, in a way, with the couch facing the fireplace. Once the guests are in the space, the charming lyre table is revealed, and the full effect of whatever rug is there becomes known. Also, the walls on either side of the entry can be more fully utilized for accent pieces or art/photos, and will become really noticeable once people are seated by the fireplace.

If Val can find a console or interesting piece to place behind the couch that breaks up the blank cream 'wall' of the couch back, I think that will make a difference. Then when lamps and art and accessories are in place, the room will have even greater depth and sophistication.

Les: You really have a way with words and that is a beautiful console table. I agree that option 3 makes for a very intimate and cozy seating group. I also had the thought of adding another accent chair to the right of the fireplace on a smaller scale than the bergere chairs. However, it's not just the blockage of view, it's the aisle clearance that is my concern. That wall is only 14' wide (the other direction is 17' long). Then on the 14' side there are two 4' walls that come in making for an entrance of 8'. With a 6' sofa, it needs to be set back (as well as any console table) in order for people to come and go. If I were to put one of the end tables next to the sofa that also affects the clearance. The only console table that works with floating the sofa is a demilune with a center width around 18"--otherwise the sofa needs to be set in too close to the fireplace. The interior designer I had out for a site visit essentially recommended this layout months ago as well as a demilune, though my DH and MIL prefer a layout like 1-2 while I see pros/cons to each. I guess it is the lessor of the two evils. With chairs flanking the piano, there still is full access to the piano and the bench can freely move in/out. I am still debating the demilune I pictured above--as it would go with either option 2-3 and is more of a bronze iron with marble and glass top. It may be gone now (or will be by this weekend I imagine) as the lady was moving.

For me, I love the picture of looking into the foyer from in front of the couch! Up until that point we were only looking in from the foyer. We didn't have the vantge point of being in the room. I must say, that seemed the warmest to me. A shot from standing in front of the fireplace while still being able to see the furniture should give us a better feeling. Of course unless that was it. Hard to tell because of depth :)

I think you hit on it, Les, when you mentioned "how the room feels." Different people do respond to the same space in different ways. For some, this arrangement feels more intimate. For others, it feels claustrophobic and crowded. I'm in the latter group. My response to it might be influenced a bit, however, by the frustrations of living in my own too-small space, and thus being more drawn, in general, to open and flowing living spaces. Maybe what Val should do is live with it one way for a week or so, then another way for a week, and see what feels best for her, as well as what works best in terms of the aisle clearance, etc.

organic: That is what I've been doing--only we don't use the room every day. Perhaps that is also why I'm drawn to option 2 because I see the room all the time as I go in/out, yet am seldom sitting there--spending more time in the kitchen/family. Last week it was with the sofa floating, now it's like option 2. Only I moved the drum tables to flank the fireplace. I noticed on your chair thread that your living room was also on the small/narrow side. Nevertheless, you've decorated it exquisitely. The whole thread throughout our whole remodel was always "oh, if we only have another 12" what we could do..." It can make or break a great layout or as you said, make it feel cramped--esp. if the aisles are cramped. So we do the best we can with what we have. What I also like about option 2 if it leaves the entry section open to move in extra dining chairs for overflow seating as when we use this room, we use it for parties and may seat 8-10 adults (or more) with various kids flowing in/out.

I'm trying to decide if I should get a demilune table and/or a narrow curio cabinet. A demilune I know will work if I decide to float the sofa and leaves my options open--whereas a rectangular console table won't. I'm sure as the room evolves with pictures, art, etc. we may formulate a different option.

Just wanted to chime in with my perspective as a piano player:

When you have parties in this room, it's nice to have the furniture arranged so that folks can enjoy occasional piano entertainment. You never know who might show up and be tempted to tickle the ivories. If everyone's gathered 'round the piano singing Christmas carols, for instance, you'll want to have room.

I guess that's what I envision when I see a piano and I'd prefer a different setup for the chairs with their backs to the piano. Or maybe add a chair in a corner for a listener. That way the piano would appear available and functional and much more than just a beautiful piece of furniture. You definitely need to keep the bench--duets are so much fun!

I like Option #3 because it does turn the focus to the piano, but I can see why you like the open feel of Option 2.

I couldn't find your original thread with so many great suggestions, so I was wondering, has anyone suggested moving your couch over to the corner by the front door and turning it an angle? Or is that too radical?

I actually wouldn't feel the need to commit to one option, Val. With everyone here, you can tweak each setting and change your arrangement when you get tired of one or the other.

Honestly, I don't think the fp is lost at all with Option 2. People are interacting with each other, face to face or side to side, fireside. People are the true focus of the room and you can see, enjoy, and feel the fireplace just fine from any of the seatings, imo. Since the chairs are at an angle (and I, for one, like to scrunch down into the corner crooked :) people can still enjoy watching the piano player, too. It actually feels a little more friendly and relaxed to me, than an audience all facing the player.

Also, it's actually more comfortable to chat face-to-face than side-to-side as with either the two chairs conversing or the two sofa people conversing. I think twosome conversations would be more comfortable in the chair-to-sofa conversations at each end.

I do like sofas placed along a foyer (I actually have mine that way and it works best). But with this layout, it feels to me like a private party. Two separate parties between the dr and lr, and not as inviting. So I think considering how you entertain, and how many people are generally milling about, is also important. How easily can you bring other chairs in from the dr. Once you're in the little fp nook, though it is cozy. I'd want to enjoy my space daily, though, as I come home or walk by. Not just when seated. Not for the main view of the room, anyway. In a larger room, with multiple conversation areas, you'd have the rest of the room to look at.

Honestly, I wouldn't stress over choosing one perfect arrangement, because there usually is none. Each will likely be a combination of compromises. So, enjoy one today and another tomorrow : )

One thing I notice, Val, and maybe it's just the way you like things. For example, in Option 2, you were aligning and centering things perfectly to each other -- coffee table centered on fp opening, chairs centered on piano. That sort of thing. People do love symmetry, so maybe that's what's comfortable to you. It is more formal that way. It may also be a bit limiting while you're trying to figure your room out.

Once you get more accessories around and spaces filled out, I think you'll be able to appreciate each arrangement better, as it will probably always look 'off' until it's completed and balanced.

You're doing a greaatt! job : ) A wonderful project and room experience for everyone to learn from. Start to finish with an amazing shopping journey! :)

squirrel: You summed it up best how I really feel; only I really respect many of the members' vision on this board so with so many telling me to float the sofa, I feel like perhaps I should just go with the flow. SO let's say my focus right now is for #2 (leaving my options open furniturewise for #3).

There were a few other demilune's on CL. I can keep trolling as I usually do (after all it took me 3+ months to find my lyre table). I just need to get a vision what I want and then wait for the right one to come around. Here are a few for sale, other than the metal/glass/marble one that I think could work as they are on the smaller side:

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/fur/584593181.html

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/fur/588193172.html

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/fur/589960635.html (not a demilune but could work also)

I think I like option #2 the best...
May I just say that you have such pretty funiture!

I was just thinking, with the sofa floating in front of the fp, the lit fire will be blocked from the dr and hall area, since the hearth is low. I have a family member with the sofa in front of the fp, back to the foyer (with a beautiful sofa table), but the hearth is raised. So when you come in the front door, the fp is still what greets you -- lit and so very welcoming : )

As you said, I'd just generally plan for the various arrangements and live with each to see how they work and what each brings to you personally. Don't worry about us out here : )

I like option 2. I would not center the table. Looks too small for that. Much as I love the table, I think a large round one would be better if you want one centered.

I still think that bookcases flanking the fireplace would "make" the room.

A thought on the coffee table. It's seems much the same length as the game table in the foyer (shape of top too). Maybe something long and narrow? Do love a metal and leaf filigree though.

Val, On Option 2, try off-centering some things. Move the coffee table back some, and angle the chair more towards the door and other chair a bit. Closer to the fp too to give some breathing space between the chair and the piano.

Don't have the picture dimensions handy, but here it is over your fp. An impression of the tapestry so it doesn't feel so blank there for you. And a couple of the darker wall colors.

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Thanks squirrel. That is more of less how I had the sofa before. I agree it does not need to be centered. The rule of thumb I've always followed is to either center or put off center to make it look intentional. I'll try playing with the chairs and drum tables. In that pic they are both on the sofa side, though I've been playing around with a few different arrangements. I'm going to leave in about 1 hour for the painting--hope it looks as good IRL as your photoshopped version. Need to know, though, about the console/demilune table as that lady is having a garage sale (and it's kindof on the way), yey or nay.....

Not sure if you saw my other thread about art placement and botancial prints I started yesterday. I could really use some help there--about how to display and group the prints since it looks like I'm going to have to go to some expense to frame, I want to do it right.

No, didn't see your other thread. I didn't move the sofa above, just moved the coffee table off-center (not liking it dead-on), and tucked and turned the fp chair.

The drum at the left entrance isn't bad. I'm thinking it's the photo itself and the fact that it's empty making it look a bit large from here. I do like it next to the chair, but gather from your rl experience that it isn't working so well for you. It could go in one of the corner as a backdrop maybe. And then one of the very small tables we'd been playing with for the chair, so it isn't so obtrusive.

Ugh with the framing expense.

'Leaving for the painting' -- Are you saying you're darkening the accent wall??? Wow, can't wait to see that : ) I'd come across a deck color that looked so similar which I wanted to mention but never got around to. What color are you using? Maybe it's all in the other thread.

Squirrel: I meant OIL painting, not changing the paint color. LOL. I won't finalize what to do with the accent wall until I get a rug and I'm kind of stumped on that one.... So I'm working on putting up some pics I purchased recently. I went to an estate sale Friday and saw a set of those little tables we had been discussing--over $250 for the set so I did not bite, though I did get one painting and a vase. If time allows, I may pop back Sunday afternoon see if they are still there and price has been adjusted.

The latest layout can be seen on this thread. I like the idea of putting the drum tables/lamps (which I have yet to rder) diagonally from each other. I've swapped it from earlier versions. Let me know what you think.

Here is a link that might be useful: Layout/Art