I understand your dilemma. How about a sofa or loveseat, whichever is the better fit, where your present sofa is now. Then a table or ottoman in front of it. You could wheel the chair between the ottoman and FP. I would keep the FR to fit YOUR needs and use the living room to entertain guests.

I think you might want to address each of these different issues separately. I think the furniture should come first and then later think about the TV and moving things around that you are keeping. You seem to like having a sofa, loveseat and recliner now, right? If so, then get the new sofa and loveseat. If you don't need a big loveseat, then two chairs will also work in the room. And BTW, I think the leather will look good with your existing rooms, and the draperies look wonderful.

I don't think your middle is so huge in the picture, so a small ottoman would seem to be fine. It might look large because there is not a rug. If you still think you need something larger, you can add a coffee table later. Do you use the fireplace?

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I guess the middle seems huge bc no one can lean forward from the sofa to place their cups on the coffee table. The coffee table seems like it is floating in the middle of the room.

We need that area right in front of the sofa to act as a hallway to the only staircase, so I can't leave an ottoman or coffee table in front of the sofa.

I'm just wondering how other people would arrange furniture in this space. It is a little awkward bc of how I need the hallway to the stairs. Thanks for any other advice!

I disagree Andee, I think tv placement is one of the first decisions that should be made for a family room. I think I would consider hang the tv on the wall where the bookcase is. Then I would move the sofa away from the wall to get the traffic through the back of the sofa.

How much seating do you need on a regular basis?

I would be inclined to get a leather couch, that would sit to the left of the fireplace, facing the dining area. Sofa table behind the couch, with lamps. Nesting tables at the fireplace end, to be used as needed.

Opposite, on the right side of the fireplace, a pair of chairs that recline. No ottomans, as I see that being an obstacle for your son. The recliners let you put your feet up as desired, but are not in the way the rest of the time. A nice table and lamp between the two chairs.

No coffeetable needed.

The tv moves to the stairway wall, where the couch is now. Wall mounted or on an entertainment stand. If there is room for the bookcase beside it, fine, but I have a feeling that wonâÂÂt work, in part because I believe I see the thermostat there. In that case, you could put another chair against the wall for extra seating. with a wall-mounted swing arm lamp beside it, and a narrow table next to it.

I wouldnâÂÂt necessarily drywall in the space over the fireplace - it could be a cool display niche, especially if you could add some lighting into the top of it.

What Les said... :)

I just wanted to chime in and say "welcome" Lnc! You have a beautiful home! I love Les' suggestions.

Here's a clickable link that might be easier:

Here is a link that might be useful: Lnc's pics

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. The suggestion from two posters to have the sofa on the bookcase wall is so interesting. I've seen sofas and chairs not facing the fireplace, but can't imagine it for myself. I also can't imagine having the tv opposite the fireplace on the staircase wall - and no chairs or sofa facing it either! Is that what most of you would do in this room?

I would so appreciate any suggestions - that is why I'm posting. I really want to see how more experienced deoorators/homeowners would arrange this room. Thanks again!