skip to main content

Home Decorating

LR layout and tv stand--need help!

16 years ago

We're almost 2 years into the restoration of a 50s ranch. After all the painting, the HVAC replacement and new kitchen work, we are turning our attention to the LR.

We have an open plan space, with kitchen, den/DR, foyer and LR rotating around a huge chimney wall. The wall color (BM Aura - Masada) was chosen to work with the brick and the natural maple kitchen cabinetry--and was decided upon after we had purchased the LR furniture. The 46" rear projection tv is a recent purchase, and not the wall mount 32" we intended. But it was a deal, so...

Now we are fine-tuning the layout, and need help! The tv has stumped us. At first, we simply placed it on the coffee table (matches end tables, and is otherwise unused), but there was no place for the components. Then we found the current stand (Lack from Ikea), but the light wood color doesn't work as well as we had hoped.

Do we replace the light wood with a darker Lack tv stand? Or keep looking (see link below).

Here is a link that might be useful: TV stand we like

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

mlraff53
16 years ago
I have a similar set from Ikea (not as wide) and after I bought my tv (also similar to yours) I went back to Ikea and purchased the matching tv stand and 2 shelves that connect the two bookcases. It frames the tv perfectly.
I'll take a picture of it. I actually had to order the shelves from across the country because it was the only store that had them in stock. I like how everything looks!
abbycat9990
Original Author
16 years ago
Actually, those shelves (and other LR furniture) came from Laz-e-boy about 18 months ago. They no longer carry the tv stands that complement the coffee/side tables, so we're stumped.

Love the Ikea tv stand (cheap!) but it seems a bit "blocky". Also, what to do on the wall above it?

And general layout--is it too much stuff for one space? And we haven't even started on wall stuff, pictures & mirrors, etc.
Related Discussions
which is a better LR layout?
Q
Comments (6)
Good thought on the lighting, robin. I think we can light the art table well enough. I am getting attached to the idea of the oval table at the window... Hollysprings, this is a Florida coastal place, so we do expect to have midwest and New England friends and family visitors frequently. We can sleep 8 and I want to plan to feed 8 very comfortably. Meals are central in my life. I am OK devoting space to that in the main living area - especially if the table can shrink to a pleasant spot for just us two for cofee, newspapers, puzzles.... We won't be renovating the kitchen. Tearing out 5 year old granite and tile isn't in the cards or the budget, though I agree the space could be laid out better. DH and guests can visit at the penninsula when I cook, doubt we will eat there. Not sure whether to use the breakfast area for eating or office or some combo. Interesting idea on the V shape. Something like this? I considered a V earlier, but that was before I had short sofas, so it didn't fit well. A family member has a LR set up in a V, but theirs doesn't work well. Too contrived? And their V just drops off into space. Odd. This V would have orientation toward the media and could be squared off with a DH chair and pulling over an art table chair or two for a crowd. Hmmmm. Interesting. I'm trying to work out the layout since I have started refinishing, reupholstering, etc. Need to firm up my fabrics/colors plan. Here is one of the CL 'art chairs' in progress.
...See More
Need help with LR-DR furniture layout
Q
Comments (9)
I would place your tv against the wall that has no windows. If you are doing a sectional you could place it along the walls with windows and use a coffee table in the middle. I would definitely use rugs under the dining table and a large rug to anchor the living area. I would use a side table at each end of the sectional. Another idea would be to use two couches in the same way and for more seating add two chairs with a table in the middle. Which you could also do with the sectional. This way the chairs will act as a separation between the dining area and living. Hope that helps. I am sure there are other ways in which you could work the space.
...See More
Help with where to put TV/Room layout pls
Q
Comments (6)
Is the 14'8" the measurement from the window wall tom the kitchen wall? And do you need to maintain a "hall" that runs down that kitchen wall to the master bedroom? If so, it seems like the wall where the TV is now is the logical place for it to stay. The room would lend itself to a sectional, if such a solution would work for you. It would create a natural path around itself and keep the TV area more intimate -- no need to walk between the TV and the seating when crossing through the room. I had a LR that was 12' wide (with an 18" fireplace hearth sticking into the middle of it) and 20' long. The TV was on one of the short walls. It was hard to find a seating arrangement that didn't look something like a mini van, especially if I was bent on having a full size sofa and my hubby was bent on sitting in His Chair and not on the sofa with me. It was either have a chair slightly in front of the sofa, or have either the sofa or the chair(s) not really facing the TV. You could do a sofa perpendicular to the front wall (walk in the front door and the back of the sofa is on your left) and then two swivel club chairs facing the front wall (backs to the kitchen). That way it would look "nice" when empty, but the chairs could swivel for TV viewing.
...See More
TV stand suggestions needed!!
Q
Comments (5)
You are not offering the information needed for advice. What is behind the person who shot this image? A stairwell wall? Built-in cabinets? A blank wall? A fireplace wall? What is on the fireplace wall? I am assuming the wall behind us in this image is where the TV will go. No one can answer without all of the known constraints/conditions.
...See More
jerseygirl_1
16 years ago
The IKEA one works. It may seem blocky but it seems to work. The one you posted in the URL would work also.
Your furniture style is very similar to mine. It's making me smile.

I am not sure how much you want to spend. Here are a few I am considering. Do you like any of these?

{{!gwi}}

{{!gwi}}
abbycat9990
Original Author
16 years ago
Jerseygirl_1: Those are some great looking tv stands. But we like our Lack (and the home decorators one too) because they work well with existing pieces.

I just think that the bookcases and tv make that wall seem heavy. How do we balance the opposite (sofa) wall? Mirror? Art?
jerseygirl_1
16 years ago
No mirror, just some modern art. The frames can be older looking but not ornate or plain.

It's hard to see the framing in ours but it's very period. This is just the start as far as art for our rooms and the art may be moved around in the end. We definitely need more but it will give you the idea of what I am referring to.
abbycat9990
Original Author
16 years ago
jerseygirl_1: Looks like you have a lot of wall space! We have to consider those high-set/transom awning windows. Maybe a big long mirror? Or 3 prints? What about our floor lamps?

Related Stories

DECORATING GUIDES Decorate With Intention: Helping Your TV Blend In

By Laura Gaskill

Somewhere between hiding the tube in a cabinet and letting it rule the room are these 11 creative solutions

MOST POPULAR 7 Ways to Design Your Kitchen to Help You Lose Weight

By Mitchell Parker

In his new book, Slim by Design, eating-behavior expert Brian Wansink shows us how to get our kitchens working better

BATHROOM WORKBOOK Standard Fixture Dimensions and Measurements for a Primary Bath

By Steven Corley Randel, Architect

Create a luxe bathroom that functions well with these key measurements and layout tips

KITCHEN DESIGN Key Measurements to Help You Design Your Kitchen

By Steven Corley Randel, Architect

Get the ideal kitchen setup by understanding spatial relationships, building dimensions and work zones

SMALL SPACES Downsizing Help: Storage Solutions for Small Spaces

By Becky Dietrich, Interior Designer

Look under, over and inside to find places for everything you need to keep

REMODELING GUIDES Key Measurements to Help You Design the Perfect Home Office

By Steven Corley Randel, Architect

Fit all your work surfaces, equipment and storage with comfortable clearances by keeping these dimensions in mind

LIFE 12 House-Hunting Tips to Help You Make the Right Choice

By Laura Gaskill

Stay organized and focused on your quest for a new home, to make the search easier and avoid surprises later

MOVING Relocating Help: 8 Tips for a Happier Long-Distance Move

By Laura Gaskill

Trash bags, houseplants and a good cry all have their role when it comes to this major life change

COLOR Paint-Picking Help and Secrets From a Color Expert

By Tiffany Carboni

Advice for wall and trim colors, what to always do before committing and the one paint feature you should completely ignore

SELLING YOUR HOUSE 5 Savvy Fixes to Help Your Home Sell

By Kristie Barnett, The Decorologist

Get the maximum return on your spruce-up dollars by putting your money in the areas buyers care most about

Sponsored

Manifesto, Inc.

9 Reviews

Columbus OH Premier Interior Designer 2x Best of Houzz Winner!

More Discussions

Pillows selection for a chartreuse sofa.

126

Dining room update

23

Terrible family room design

23

low dresser beside high boy

0

Cottage Sunroom/ Gazebo redecorating

3