Can't really advise without information...like how big is the room, how is it laid out with doors and windows, where is the fireplace, what do you see as the function for the room, etc. Pictures would be helpful.

I think you should buy the furniture first. I also think your mother maybe right.

Do you plan to use the fireplace much/at all? Do you need to eat in this area? Desk stays?

I think the couch should go in front of the window with the tv opposite to open up the area. You may need to eliminate some of the pieces as it's a little crowded. Floating the couch seems to make it feel more crowded. Purchasing a couch that has more structure and a tad bit smaller will make a huge difference. Do you have a separate dining room? Does the water cooler have to be in this room? I'll try and post of photo of what I'm suggesting.

According to me first you should buy the furniture.

The first thing you need to know is what thing(s) you want to do in the room. Do you need room for 6 people to watch TV? Do you never watch TV but want to cozy chairs with ottomans and good lighting to read? Do you not do either of those things but regularly have people over to play marathon sessions of Chutes and Ladders? Do you need to display your DH's massive collection of Beer steins, but other than that would rarely use the room. KWIM?

Then, you need to figure out what is possible.

You may want to try a program to layout the room and fiddle around with various layouts, just to see what is even possible. I started using Autodesk Homestyler. It is pretty intuitive so you can slap something together quickly, and you can even look at it in 3d. Oh and it is free.

I would do that before you buy furniture.

I first think you need to find the right place for the TV since that will be the primary use for the room. i can't really tell too much from the dark photos, but I think your best bet would be to put the TV in a corner...either on a stand or on an articulating arm. I'm thinking to the left of the window in the lower left photo. Or could it go in the corner next to the fireplace?

Would it work there on a corner tv stand? Would that open up the room more for furniture placement?

Is Beverly really gone? She was always so great at arranging a room. I think she could really have fun with this one!

Is to the left of the fireplace big enough to hold the TV without impinging on the fireplace or the window?

Here are my thoughts. I have a long narrow room (11x24) and have a setup a little like the one I'm showing below, with a sectional and some chairs.

I know people aren't a fan of TV above fireplace but in this room I see it above or to the right of the fireplace. Both placements are going to be challenging for cord placement and it may well be worth getting a semi-pro installation such that cords can be well hidden - otherwise it's going to look quite messy.

As someone who cares very little for TV above a mantle, in this room placing the TV to the right of the fireplace (Option 2) would work quite well - and settle what would be another of what to do with that space. (I also think furniture of a smaller scale than you have now would help greatly.)

Errant, I miss Beverly27 too. She said she would not be around as much since the shift to Houzz.

When I said to the left of the fireplace, I meant the literal left. Looking at the picture, would be on the right,

Unfortunately it doesn't look like there's an outlet to be found anywhere on that back wall...but maybe one could run a cord along the back of the mantel over to the window wall?

Don't worry about the outlets ---- that can be a simple fix. (You may need new outlets in other spots as you work on the layout.)

I tried to do a layout, but without some basic measurements it's really only a guess. If you can measure the room that would greatly help.

I agree with putting the tv on the wall to the right of the fireplace (nearest the opening to the next room). Is that the entrance to the kitchen? Is so, that would change my ideas for furniture arrangements

Maybe angle the couch to focus on the fireplace/tv wall?

I'm sure this talented bunch can help you with this!

I went ahead and played around with furniture layout ideas. Here are my two favorite.

I think to provide you with some help we need to begin with some dimensions. Not sure if I have this floor plan correct. Is there really a slanted wall leading from the living room?

If you could supply some dimensions for this plan, that could be a starting point.

I think we can provide you with a temporary plan for the room with your existing furniture, but there's likely one too many sofas in this room presently. Also, what is your plan with the computer station? Is the stuff shoved in the corner of the room essential? Looks like a bookcase and aquarium?

Thank you everyone! I am going to take some measurements this evening so you can see the actual layout of the room. The outlets are not an issue, they can be added. I have thought about putting the TV next to the fireplace, but the opening right there (which leads to the dining room, which then leads to the kitchen) is quiet large, so I'm not sure where I would put a couch if I did that. Blocking that opening doesn't seem right. If the TV was next to the fireplace, it would either be above the bricks on the wall or on a stand. I would prefer to not be looking up at the TV, but putting a stand in front of the bricks (the continuation of the fireplace) doesn't feel right either. I have thought about putting the TV between the front door and the window also. I do realize I might have to sacrifice what I would prefer for what would actually work. Part of me wants to tear down the wall in the middle of the house that the TV is on now, although that would be quite a job and I am sure there are supporting beams in there that would need to stay. Besides support, the purpose of that "floating" wall seems to be just to make a hallway, which to me doesn't seem necessary. Either way, I don't think I am ready to take the wall down at this time anyway. I will get back to you all with dimensions later on. Thank you for your help!

Beverly, sorry for the crowded appearance in the room. Basically nothing in the room is essential besides the TV. The table is going to my mother's house. the computer can come out. I want to buy new furniture but not sure what to get yet. The book case and aquarium can be moved as well. The slanted walls are both in the front of the house. I will make a layout for you a little later. Thank you!

Sha Eliz, It would be nice to get you a temporary set up so that you'll be sure what will work in your room when you do buy new furniture.

West Elm has a VERY easy to use room planner, if you want something simple.

Thanks beverlyfla! I like both of them :) The one with the TV next to the front window is probably closer to what I am looking for since I won't have to deal with the glare. I guess I should start looking for a sectional! The outline around the furniture I'm assuming is a rug?

Ok, so after looking at some furniture, any suggestions on furniture with a deep seat? My legs are long. Should I look for something grey-ish to match the walls? Preferrably made of a soft easily cleaned material. I want everything don't I? :) Thank you!

Have you considered removing the fireplace and the brick wall?