Do you use the room mostly for watching TV with the family or for entertaining guests? Adding a coffee table with no place to put your feet up will really change the feel of the room when you're lounging, but might work better if you're entertaining. I personally dislike love seats as it seems few people like to share one (the exception being a "couple"). Would a 4 place sofa like you ordered (without the chaise) and an armchair also work? If you're still deciding, I'd cancel the order and think about it a bit more so you'll have no regrets.

Eta: Did you consider another sectional (if you love yours) with the short piece on the opposite side (where the chaise is)?

i would get a 3 seater sofa and 2 comfy chairs.

Like k9arlene, I'd go for the sofa and 2 chairs. Having a chair to sit in alone is better then sharing a loveseat with someone (most times).

So this space is used primarily by my DH who sprawls and watches TV in there after dinner. I'm not much of a 'sit around' kind of person (DH can lounge for hours on end) but when I do sit, I'm usually also on my kindle (on GW/houzz.com) or folding laundry. There is no need to eat in this area because our dining table is close by and can face the TV for takeout/Netflix Friday nights. When we entertain, it's mostly informal with other families, never 'adult only' type dinner parties, etc. The rec room off of this also has a large TV, the sectional and plenty of kid-friendly floor seating. We do have a large comfortable armchair that we have in the rec room (that is moving down to the basement for more kid space) but I would only have room for 1 not 2 of those, and even one really block off the space. We're not really "chair people" they seem a little formal for our lifestyle. We do have a slipcover chair in the room now, next to the picture window which if you are the photographer of the first photo, it would be directly to your back. It's primarily used as a stepping stool to the window ledge for our dog who loves to perch in the window all day, or as overflow seating when company comes. You can see that side of the room in this photo.

Hmm, photo showed up black...retrying...

ETA: I really miss the preview feature from GW!

Does your sofa manufacturer offer an option like this? Would two of these work?

I think the new sofa is too oversized for the room so I would got with the three seat couch and the two chairs. It will look better. Microfiber is excellent with kids, cleans with alcohol and water.

I agree with smaller sofa and 2 chairs. From that photo, it looks like you have a fun family.

Did you have a chance to check out Lee? See who carries them in your area. I know Crate & Barrel carry some pieces, but I went through an independent store for mine. We have a Lee sectional and 5 lee chairs. Best furniture I've ever owned.

Their coverall collection is awesome:

Sofas:

http://www.leeindustries.com/styles

Chairs:

http://www.leeindustries.com/styles

My sectional has a white, cotton slipcover. All cushions are individually covered with zippered covers. The bases have their own full cover. I wash them a few times a year (at once) and as needed if there is a smudge or accidental spill.

Our dog is small, and she lays on a blanket when up on the couch. We don't do a lot of eating in that room, so it doesn't get that kind of abuse. I've had the couch itself for 13 years. It's still going strong and is used each and every day.

It's a little more expensive than other case goods out there, but I wouldn't buy from any other manufacturer, now that I've had this one for so long.

I am not a fan of leather, only because I find that it can be "cold". But it certainly takes abuse.

For your space, I think I'd like to see a sofa and two chairs. You can get the chairs with a swivel, or ones that have a pop up foot rest.

If I had the proper layout in our FR, I would love to have a sofa and two chairs.

I feel your pain with wanting a white sofa. I am not really willing to do a slipcover because my doberman is always sleeping on the sofa and I would have to wash the slipcover every few weeks from his muddy feet. So anyway...

I walked into my local eclectic/contemporary furniture place (at the Jersey shore if you are nearby) and saw a beautiful white leather (not white white but a cream white) sofa that is amazingly beautiful. And is very comfortable as well which is all my husband cares about after a decade of trying to recline on my antique sofas). The sofa is by American Leather and is Buffalo White in color. The owner told me also that you can order just the cushions in the leather and the back of the sofa in the same color fabric to save money. So that is my plan when I finally bite the bullet. They may be too contemporary for you but I am trying to go more transitional in my very french country farmhouse.

American Leather

I have no idea which sofa I liked but it was similar to the one in the picture. I am assuming it is in the $6000 range because they had a different clearance one on sale for $4600 the year before. Hope this helps.

Just called furniture company and cancelled order with no fees. Woohoo! Worth paying more to work with reputable furniture companies that stand behind their customers even if for a return or replacement.

So, now back to a blank canvas. Yeeha! Off to research Lee and a few others. I am inclined to stick with leather because it truly can't be ruined. And if it can be, leave it my kids to figure out how.

Yayagal, we've had microfiber in the past. I agree it really is stain resistant but over time, the material wears, and it gets a shiny look to it that bothers me. That was 10 years ago, maybe the material has been improved since then.

Anita, thanks! We are a big, loud family but, we do indeed, always have fun!

I would try to avoid blocking the entrance into the room from your front foyer. I like the idea of a smaller sofa and a couple of side chairs.

It's hard to tell how big the area is in front of the window but is there enough room in there for a couple of chairs (and a small table) that could be brought further into the room when needed.

Your room is very pretty. I like it.

Thanks, blfenton. I do have enough space there to do something more. Here is that space. Pardon the DS and toys. This is real life, in real time, not staged. Tthe radiator/cover come about 1 foot off the wall, preventing any furniture placement flush to the window. The loveseat there now is makeshift until we decide on new furniture...

I am glad you were able to cancel. I would look for a couch with smaller arms--more streamlined to take up less space. I would recommend putting newspaper down to "try out" different options and/or getting some graph paper and doing a scale drawing of your space. What I do is then get construction paper and cut out shapes (to scale) for couch options and chair options, etc. That has really helped me. Also, I would consider a large, flat ottoman as a coffee table/foot rest.

JPmom, I found a local retailer that sells Lee! (I'm in the Boston, MA area) Going to check it out tomorrow. Thanks for the suggestion!

Your husband likes to lounge in this room and watch TV. I would definitely not stop his ability to do that. My suggestion is to get a smaller couch with end tables and where the white chair is get him a very comfortable but smaller Recliner or stressless style chair with matching ottoman. He still has his happy place and you have your smaller couch. There are a lot of recliners now that don't look like recliners. And the stressless style chairs are timeless. Everything we have is leather we love it, warm and comfortable and easy to clean. Just keep in mind that the picture you posted of the game watching can never happen in the room you are trying to create with the small 3seat couch. If your family and friends gather that way there will need to be a place for that to happen. We are all about being comfortable especially watching TV kicked back.

He deserves his comfy football chair!

Leather Recliner looks like a chair. Search for smaller recliners or apartment size.

Recliner

Look for a company that offers indoor/outdoor fabrics as an upholstery option. Leather is no longer the only option as a family friendly sofa/chair covering. Many of the outdoor fabrics that are now available look and feel like soft chenille.

Yes to Sunbrella! Lee Industries offers this fabric and you can have what you want...light color... and it will be washable, stain resistant, etc. Actually, given your picture of the Patriots watchers...who needs furniture!!!:)

Crypton is an indoor fabric that doesn't stain. Check the thread in the furniture section. JoAnn Fabrics has it. Be careful about leather. There are inferior 'bonded' leathers and products from China that are not lasting. To me the important part of the piece you moved out is the chaise end of the sofa. That lets several family members relax together to watch tv or do something else. So a smaller overall width sofa with the chaise would be what I would try to fit in. And then design around it. I've seen a pull out sofa base section that really enlarges the relaxing space marketed as a sofa bed. That could be fun.

I was kind of smitten with this one on the American Leather site. They also have lots of fabric choices besides leather. The website isn't very helpful about size and configuration choices, (like if you can make it larger). This configuration does come in different, non-tufted styles, different arms, etc. I've heard great things about this brand and decided to go look at them myself.

My brother has a beautiful white leather sofa. They love it! We are a leather sofas and chairs loving family. They have had the white for many years and it looks as good today as the day it was new. I have leather sofa and chairs that I have had for about 20-25 years. First-time guests always think they are brand new. They have lived through kids and dogs and cats.

I'm wondering why you bought almost the same couch even same color/fabric ,leather? and so big? perhaps you need to think outside the box a bit more and not as casual for you living room, as most do for family rooms.

Consider a butterscotch or camel color as it's a good neutral for cream and yet can handle some dark around it. It's my go to couch color for the past 40 years. I always get camel colored.

Raven - I have sat in one of those chairs by "stressless" - and it was one of the most comfy chairs ever.

http://www.ekornes.com/us/stressless-recliners?wvsessionid=e5339304f42e4647a02e63fd2756a8c8

They are pricey - but when we move out of this house and need to purchase some new pieces, I think I'll buy one for my husband. His "chair" is a 15 y/o leather lazyboy, which I resisted to put in our FR, but sometimes you have to choose comfort over style… (it's not that bad, just not the style I'm going for)

Those stressless recliners are amazing. We had a wannabe in a hotel room a few years ago and DH was super impressed with it. We ended up getting a cheap knockoff which was terrific . It then fell apart (for real) and we got a different knock off which has lasted (but is not quite as good as the first one which fell apart:).... anyway they really are comfy. I don't love the looks of it but it is almost generic in my eyes so I don't object as much to them.

Aputernut, In real life the couch we ordered is a lighter shade than the one we have. So while similar,, it's not the same. Leather works really well in our home with kids and a dog that sheds. It wipes clean, wears beautifully and always looks new. I guess we just went with what we knew works well for our lifestyle. We are not a formal family so anything with a more formal feel to the space is not our style. If we were to go with upholstery it would be a slipcover look which is also very casual. If you can tell from the photo above, that pretty much captures how we entertain ;)

UPDATE: So, I visited the retailer that sells Lee. It just so happens to be the same shop we already ordered a custom reclaimed 6-foot wood table from, to use behind our sofa in the rec room. She sketched out the space with me, measurements and all. Together, we came to the conclusion that the sofa/chaise that I previously ordered from the other shop is probably the best suited piece for the room, per our lifestyle. She felt the back of a recliner at the entrance of the room, would hinder the open sight lines of the space where the chaise has such a low profile that it will really open the room. And this, coming from someone that could have easily used this opportunity to sell me a smaller sofa and two chairs.

However, she did suggest creating a small conversation area in the corner next to the picture window. I fell in LOVE with two Lee slipcover chairs on casters, which would make it super easy to pull them into the main seating area when we have company. I could even try squeezing in a small pedestal round end table between the chairs. Then, I'll have the best of both worlds. the light slipcover look I was coveting to break up the leather in the room, which will be the workhorse in the room, for every use and abuse. Now, i'm off to measure and see if I can make both chairs work.

Here is the chair. Maybe not this exact fabric, but i'm inclined to go with it because I love it so.

Walnut Creek, that's an option but the radiator cover come out about a foot and a half off the wall under the window. Also that isle is a main traffic area to the rec room.

So, I measured and will only have room for one chair. But I think a chair, a floor lamp and a small round pedestal end table alongside the chair will be just right. Cozy reading corner for me and extra seating for entertainming, as needed.

Like this:

Butler Artifacts Gray Pedestal Accent Table · More Info

Lindale 1-Light Floor Lamp, Old Bronze · More Info

Good plan. Be sure to send us pictures when it is completed.

If you have a great room, why is DH (and his friends) watching TV in your LR? It should be for adult entertaining (i.e., conversation). Avoid leather. It will look like a man cave. Avoid oversize - overwhelms the room. Avoid WHITE leather - it will yellow with time. Remember white leather shoes?

This looks like a fairly traditional house. Make the LR the same with a nice 72" sofa and a couple of comfortable club chairs. And no TV.

Thanks, Anglophilia. Our great room is mostly where the kids hang out. We have 3 and they often have friends over too. This space is our own comfortable room to lounge and watch TV sans kids. We are not formal and a room this large without a TV is just not right for our lifestyle. We do have a small comfortable sunroom through the French doors, windows all around. It has a sofa and desk, and no TV. It's empty 90% of the time.

Do you have another place you could use that 2nd chair? Then you could pull it into the lr when needed and it would match

I like the idea. I could order a pair and keep the second one to the side of the dining table. Then we could just roll them into the seating area when entertaining. Wish they were cheaper though. At $1,000 a chair, that would be more than I've spent on the sofa! If anyone can source a slipcovered chair like this, on casters for cheaper, I'd be very appreciative!!

Check out Carrington Court for chairs. I believe they have some modified wing chairs, similar to the ones you posted. I was considering them when updating our office. I'm pretty sure they have casters as an option.

So glad you checked out Lee. I stand behind their product 100%. The investment will last a long time. And when and if you tire of the covers, they can make you another. In fact, the pair of chairs we have in our sitting room off of the kitchen — I had them upholstered in one fabric and slipcovered in another. So I have two options, depending on the season. I really only use the stripe, but I liked being able to do that.

Kitchen before and after · More Info

I love that fabric on those chairs, btw.

Would you consider a 3-seater sofa with chaise instead of 4? It would likely fit the space a little better. DH and I seem to do ok on that although he is only 5'11"

Rebecca, I think you should invest in how you want the room to look & let others adjust!!! The kids will not be little forever & when they get to be teenagers they will want to be in the great room away from the parents or in their rooms. The men can go to the great room to lounge & watch games on the big leather sectional.

Your room is very pretty. But you have a big FP wall & shelves & shorter ceilings. A nice streamlined slip covered sofa/love seat even, would look very nice. You could get DH a comfy chair, nice looking leather recliner & put it where the sectional currently wraps around & move it to the other side of the room when you want to extend the dr table. Have the 2 smaller chairs by the window that could be pulled in for extra guest.

You could add a piece of butcher block over the radiator cover to extend the depth a little & length & that could be your table between the 2 smaller chairs. Add greenery &family photos. Sit at it with your laptop-use as small desk.

Just some thoughts.....:)

Could you find another place for the secretary and have a chair in both corners on either side of the radiator.

peppapoodle, thanks. All great suggestions. I'm going to stick with what I ordered, to get through the next 5-7 years until the kids are grown. I did not spend a lot on the sofa, and think it will in fact, meet out life style for today. Love the table and chairs idea by the front window, but then it would block a major traffic flow front entryway into the kids living space.

K9arlune, I could do that. I may or may not have a spot to relocate the secretary but it was an inexpensive find, second hand, that I chalk painted. Not as dreamy as the Lee chair but at $200 (less than a quarter the price), I found this chair on Wayfair that still gives the farmhouse, casual look I love. I may order 1, see how it looks then get the second if I love it.

I would take chairs over a loveseat any day. On the recliner, you want your head to be supported in the reclining position so if it doesn't have a high enough back to do that you should skip the recliner. Beautiful house. I like your choices.

So, I went with my gut and kept the original order. Here it is. I'm really happy with it. We need to rehang the mirror behind it and I still need to figure out reading nook, but I think it's a good fit for the space and creates a nice open sight line and flow. Just need a nice Ottoman tray for drink glasses... Whaddya think?

I think its the perfect fit!

Looks perfect to me as well. Very pretty!

I like it and it looks like it will be perfect for how you use the room.

Congratulations! It looks great! I'd be on the chaise section of the new furniture every night!!!

Thank you all! I am so appreciative!!! And quite relieved that it worked out.

I love it and I was hoping you would keep it. I liked it best all along :) You have a good eye.