Very much appreciate all input! Thank you.

How does the couch height work with your window? I think I would want to stay under the window.

crl - yeah, I'd prefer a lower couch. My window sill starts at 30.5". Hard to find a couch that low, that's not super modern.

Hmm, how do you feel about this one?

I think the dimensions might be better? It's more modern in feeling though, I think.

http://www.clubfurniture.com/jedstsiseaps.html

That's to bad, but good to know when you're shoppping! I received my PB catalog with the new smaller scale furniture line. Might be kind of interesting to see what a PB designer could come up with, as suggested by jshore.

What happens if you switch the sofa and the chairs? So the sofa is facing the window and the chairs are underneath it. Does that help with any of the sofa dimensions?

Another possibility is having a sofa custom made. In San Francisco I used a company called furniture envy to have a chaise custom made. It was not particularly expensive--they used to have a bunch of Yelp reviews saying that they were cheaper than pottery barn. And they were able to do my exact dimensions. They did a sketch and dimensions and had it made in LA. I don't know if there is anything similar where you are?

Another thing to consider is the legginess of each piece. Right now your sofa is not leggy, but your chairs and tables are. Many of the sofas pictured above are also leggy. It can make the room look busy and crowded if every element has tall legs esp. if they are all different styles.

This is a neutral loveseat that is fairly small. It is under 70". Has great reviews and lovely lines. It also comes in a darker color that reminds me of your kitchen color. That might be nice to compliment the kitchen in the living room.

Here is the link. Link

Folks - you've all been so generous with free advice! Would a layout with detailed dimensions be helpful to you? Also thinking about what to do on either side of the fireplace... (I do like the hutch - it fits and provides storage...)

crl- Ideally, I'd prefer not to have furniture under the window, but I don't think a sofa (or even a loveseat) would really fit on the other side of the fireplace - it would (I think) obstruct the fireplace, or obstruct the wall outlets (or the hutch, or whatever ends up in that space.) At various times, I've had the sofa in every configuration (though, granted, this larger one.) A 60" loveseat would fit there in terms of length, but I think it would be too wide.

I'm willing to consider custom made - if I can't find anything else. I just need to figure out ideal size!

Daisychain - thank you. I think the current couch is too bulky, and I'd prefer one with legs - even if they're small. The slipcover just looks frumpy to me, and I think legs will diminish visual weight.

Aktillery - I very much like the sofa you posted... I have reservations about one or two cushions.... I tend to like 3, but I know that smaller sofas don't usually have three.

Sorry carrie, I wasn't arguing for a slipcover, but just to take into account the shape of the legs and how many legs will be in the room (this is sounding like a weird body part convention now). Many sofas and chairs have smaller or less obvious legs like yours or the one aktillery posted above. Or if you go for a leggy sofa and also buy chairs (altho I have to say I love yours), get less leggy chairs. Or if you keep your chairs, look for a sofa with legs that compliment them.

I agree with other above who have suggested a larger rug to tie the area together. Rugs are cheap and easy these days.

Thanks, daisy - I didn't particularly think you were arguing for a slipcover - just saying that I don't think I want one! I do like the small/less obvious legs. I do really like my captains chairs (they were in my childhood home) and I love my coffee table, but if it makes sense to replace any/all of that, I will.

I've had various rugs at various times - so hard to figure out the right size! If I get a bigger one, the corner in the interior gets tripped on. I've purchased & returned several rugs in addition to just trying various rugs that I have around the house. So tricky!

Yes! Dimensions would be super helpful. Maybe you can share the dimensions in which furniture can be placed. I know you mentioned light switches near the stairs. So, an exact dimension of the space you could use for furniture would be helpful!

I am looking forward to what you decide to do.

Btw, I have a three cushion sofa and wish it were two. It is much easier to keep it looking new and less used when there are only two cushions. I guess, my thought is less is more when it comes to cushion. Yes, with a smaller sofa/loveseat you are likely going to have to go with two cushions.... if it were three they would be tiny! ;)

OK, so... I'm afraid these dimensions might be difficult to read. Let me know & I'll re-do. This is my entire first floor.

Obviously, looking to the front door. The window sill starts at 30.5"

Looking back - you can see how the steps go down into the floor. On that wall are switches & the thermometer.

Bay window wall. To the right is the front door, cat sitting on table near the bumpout - just to the left is the kitchen, and the steps are directly across from the bumpout.

Fireplace wall - the fireplace juts out about a foot into the LR.

A closer-up of the stair wall. The upper part of the wall is 44" to the corner -but the lower part, that goes into the floor, is 63."

One measurement I forgot to note - from the bottom of the stair wall, to the bump out near the table is 7'.

Love some of the light colored sofas posted above! I would have that whole area doing double duty and eliminate the tables here and there by using an expanding table that could stay low for a coffee table OR turn into a dining table.

They come in all different shapes, sizes and materials.

You would need a sofa with a slightly higher seat height.

If you sit in the middle of your couch now, will that mean you'll sit on the crack between two cushions, if you go that way? Or will you adjust your habit and move to one side or the other?

Even tho they lean a little more modern, some of the Room and Board sofas are quite neutral in styling and many come in 3 sizes, including smaller than yours. I also like that some of their styles also have a lower back for your window.

I love your coffee table and think a slightly modern sofa would look great in your room. They also have some fun, small barrel chairs. Great quality, made in USA, too!

This is the Otis...it swivels and comes in many fabrics and colors.

I would aim for a 70 ish inch long sofa, 30 to 35" deep and 30" to 33" h. There are more on this site. However, there are lots of stores selling "apartment" sized sofas. I have a sofa of those dimensions AND in a three seat cushion. I'm not going to recommend my brand as I'm not sure of the cushion longevity yet. A three cushion is ideal.

Also, I can't tell by the pictures but if you were to do the sofa and expandable table could that storage cabinet next to the fireplace be moved to a wall where that little round dining table is? It may still be possible to float a stream line sofa in front of the fireplace, then, a streamline expandable coffee/dining table. On sides near wall and on each side of fireplace small upholstered chairs. The sight line when you enter the house would then go straight through the back into kitchen and beyond. The round table would be removed from this sight line.

http://m.crateandbarrel.com/margot-sofa/s296288

http://m.crateandbarrel.com/aidan-apartment-sofa/s477144

Here are some thoughts. How about some built in bookshelves next to the fireplace on the narrower side, and a storage bench that could hold files, or other items, with an upholstered cushion and throw pillows on top on the other side? The bookshelves could have a drop down desk portion, and one of the chairs could be pulled up to it when the desk is in use, but could turn and face the sitting area when not in use.

Like so:

I shouldn't post this sloppy mockup but I'm flu-y so I'm going to anyway. That brown blob in front of the 70" long 32" high and 33" deep sofa is a expandable coffee/dining table. The light part under that is meant to be a rug. See how it opens up the sight line by removing the little round dining table? The only thing is is that I had to remove that storage cabinet beside the fireplace.

Question: Is there room for a kitchen table in the middle of kitchen?

I love your cozy home. I have had custom furniture made from Ethan Allen. Love the quality and ability to pick what I want. I think a small couch Rt chaise would fit nicely where your current couch is. If space is needed you could even make it a sleeper sofa. It appears that you have space to bring a narrow bar out from left side of the window where your breakfast set is. You could even do a fold down table (think built in ironing board) with bar stools. Another option is to utilize your bay window extending out a ledge or telescoping top as an eating surface again using bar stools. Good luck with your project. It is really super cute.

I actually prefer your current setup with different pieces. Having the sofa face the fireplace closes the living area off from the rest of the house. I think it would be boring to sit on the sofa and face a non working fireplace with your back to the rest of the house.

I ran into this sofa as I was crossing through Penneys today, similar to the style Aktillery posted. It was surprising comfy and not super deep. You weren't leaning back looking up at the ceiling when you sat all the way back. LOL

http://www.jcpenney.com/signature-design-by-ashley-alenya-sofa/prod.jump?ppId=pp5007410193&catId=cat100250026&deptId=dept20000011

Carrie,

I loved following your kitchen remodel and I'm sure you are going to do an equally nice job on your living room. I think you need to visually elongate both the fireplace wall and the front window wall. You can do this by using built in cabinets (30"-36" high) on either side of the fireplace and with drapes and same color blinds on the window. Shelves above the built-ins will draw the eye further in and add interest and color with books and knick knacks. I would also mock up extending the wall next to the staircase to add wall space behind the chair. The furniture should all have legs for airyness (which apparently is not a word) and the sofa/chair should have low and narrow arms. The rug should be as large as possible but not so that you have to walk across the corner to get to the kitchen. I personally love your captains chairs because of the story and think they could work if they tuck under the table. Maybe get cushions to coordinate with something else in the room, color or pattern wise. Can you remove the vertical painted wood pieces on the fireplace? Lastly, I would not design or furnish based on anything other than how you live the majority of the time. Let me know if you want me to upload some furniture ideas. One more thing, my first thought was put the sofa in front of the fireplace, but you really only have about 8' to work with, and that's just not enough room for a coffee table, which it looks like you really use. Good luck with your project!

No one ever sits on our leather sofa except the cats. DS and I like our two swivel armchairs, and DH has his slim leather Danish recliner.

Since you have such a unique space, and your table is handmade, right?, consider a custom sofa! They will help you determine the best measurement for you and your room, and get an extra washable slipcover made at the same time.

Maybe bergere chairs instead of the captain's chairs? Although, I'll bet those are comfortable.

I like your current layout, it lets you enjoy the fireplace, the bay window, and the patio view, and is the most open and usable. Your printer and stuff are in the cabinet, right? So you do need to be able to access that corner. And the chairs are good work chairs when you are using that equipment.

I love the lift coffee tables!

Wow! Go out to see a movie (Kedi - highly recommended!) and come back to all these suggestions. Thank you!

Olychick- good question about where I would sit on a two-cushion sofa- I don't know! I see what you're saying about my offset dining chairs...two reasons I have them that way: 1) both people sitting at those chairs have a window too look out this way, that they wouldn't otherwise. 2) this keeps both chairs out of the walking path. But I do see what you're saying visually.

Justerr- I can't quite picture an expandable table...I just don't really think that fits with my aesthetic... would that mean eating meals on the sofa? That's really not something I'd want to do regularly. And, no, unfortunately, there's not room for a dining table in the kitchen.

Laughable- I really like your idea of built in bookshelves. That's something I like the idea of and have considered in the past. The desk idea is a good one - especially if I replace the hutch with a seat - since I'll definitely need the additional storage if I get rid of the hutch. The loveseat as you've drawn it is 60", and even that would be tight if dining table stays where it is, I think. I do like the idea of not having the sofa in front of the window!

Christy - thanks! I love my little house! I don't want a fold down table (there's no way I'd pull it down & lift it up 3x/day - I'd just end up leaving it down, and I don't want anything against the bay window to bruise my hip against as I come & go.

k9arlene - I actually totally agree about looking at a non-working fireplace, especially when the alternative is looking out the window!

alway1step - I totally like the aesthetics of the sofa you posted, but it's bigger than my current sofa, and I don't think I can get away with that!

Gigi- thank you! I totally agree that a sofa w/ legs and low & narrow arms (and back) makes sense! Also like your ideas for built ins on either side of fireplace... uh oh, budget is starting to rival the kitchen budget! :) Interestingly, the vertical trim on the fireplace was added because there used to be... nothing there - a vertical hole! Thanks for your drawing - I think 72" for the sofa is about right.

pbathome - who should I talk to about a custom sofa? And, yeah, the table top was custom made. My printer (& file cabinet) actually live in the guest bedroom - such is the life in a little rowhome. The hutch has a bunch of other office supplies, batteries and other misc. regularly used items.

I really don't think you would have to do a custom sofa as with all the tiny house stuff on the market plus apartment sized pickings you have a lot of options that were not there a few years ago. I like the layout you have now as well, just thought I would throw another idea out there. My floor plan would not work with the dining table in the same location anyway as the living area would be bumped slightly into that nearby space.

Before you buy anything though is there a chance you can tour any tiny homes in your area? I only found out a month ago that there is a place that makes them only about fifteen minutes away. The ideas you might get for utilizing every inch could be handy. Plus, it's just fun looking at the inventiveness even though those homes are tiny tiny.

Best of luck...you have a lot of character packed into your small space like a fireplace, big bay window and more so you are lucky there. Very cool house! The only thing that bothers my eye is the position of that round dining table in the sight line.

justerr - Yeah, I think you're right about not needing a custom sofa. Right now, I'm thinking around 72-75" is just about right. I think I prefer 3 cushions to one or two, which might be a little tricky to find in a small sofa, but not impossible.

I don't know anything about tiny houses in my area... I've seen online photos of them, but I don't think they're really a big thing in my area.

I think that my photos may have emphasized the dining table seeming to obstruct sight lines. Here's a photo from sitting in the middle of the sofa, where I often am.

I think the photo that bugs you is the one I took from the front corner of the house - between the door and the bay window - not a place I ever stand - but did for the purpose of the photo to try to show as much as possible. Or maybe the photo I took from the kitchen, looking at the front door - again, not a view I often pay attention to. My most important views are out windows - and those I don't want obstructed.

Yes, I don't see any real problem with your current table or its placement since it works for you.

Oh that's better! I'm sorry my mind fixates on certain things. I confess it still bugs my eye but not as much. Wonder if that bump out painted the kitchen cabinet color would flow that area better? With this picture I really like those chairs in your living room because they are open, airy and do not obstruct. Very cool!

Justerr - you know, I did a lot of thinking about the bumpout... but since I'm considering re-doing the entire LR, I may repaint it,though not the color of the cabinets, I don't think. I like the separation b/t the kitchen and dining & LR. Painting it the color of the cabinets would tie it into the kitchen - but the kitchen floor ends before the bumpout, so I think that might look odd.

Hey Carrie, since your back wall color is so utterly fabulous how about a paintable embossed wallpaper on that bumpout? I think something like this would look smashing in that green shade (or?). Right now all the texture is on the fireplace wall. This way you would have a tic of texture as the eye travels into the smooth kitchen. If you are artsy at all you could do more that one color. There are lots of tutorials online.

i love these sooo much...

https://www.burkedecor.com/collections/embossed-wallpaper?page=1

Or, maybe a paintable embossed brick wallpaper? This is much more economical and would look nifty on the bumpout. It would look like maybe at one time it was the same brick as the fireplace but you painted it.

Before deciding about furniture, I would consider a rug that covers most of the space in the living room, which will make it look larger and also unite the disparate pieces of furniture. Maybe a modern pattern that would update the look of the room, although Persians are also great. That would be the very first thing I would change, and then curtain panels for the windows in colors that complement the rug. I would take out all the clutter and pictures on the wall, and then reconsider everything and slowly add pieces you like.

Hi Carrie --

Wow, what a gorgeous place you have --

the floors and trim!

the brick!

the windows!

And of course the light/views....

As another living in a older, smaller home I know some of trade-offs that have to be made re floor plans, ideal "centering" etc. I *do* like the idea of looking at tiny homes (online or in-person, I've done both) for inspiration but honestly I don't think you have to do much to pull together your LR.

Others have made great suggestions, you've further explained your preferences/the space, so were it my money I'd prioritize:

- new sofa (see Q below)

- larger rug

- (optional) playing around with your kitchen table/captain's chairs/possible new LR chair [singular] (I don't think you've tried swapping the captain's chairs in -- long thread, maybe I missed it)

Q: would you ever want the flexibility of having the LR sofa be a sleeper?

If so, LaZBoy (I know...) has some smaller, tailored sleepers that might work. We did a ~ 76" W queen (3 cushion) in our TV/guest room with just a bit of leg showing so
*full* would definitely work for you. We are mostly estate sale/thrift shop/craigslist types so it was hard to pay retail but admittedly nice to choose "our" fabric.

LaZBoy sleepers

I wanted to circle back to the rug for a minute. I know you've had trouble finding the right size, so this is more a cheerlead to keep exploring.

I also have a lot of leggy furniture and frankly hate to cover my floors as I love the wood! But having lived with an undersized, just-under-the-coffee-(enormous-tree)-table rug for 15 years we FINALLY put in a 8 x 10 (ish) and l love how helps separate the wood chair legs from the wood floor and in general pulls together the space.

Shots from the front door -- hallway immediately to the left -- so this is it for LR!

[Technically it should be more of a 9.5 x 9.75 or something but it was hard enough to find a style overlap -- still can't believe we ended up with such a "pretty" rug, ha!]

House Vixen · More Info

House Vixen · More Info

The problem I see with adding curtain panels is that it will force the sofa to be pushed further into the room in order for them to hang properly. It will also give the room a heavier look. I like the openness of the roman shade. If you need to add more color, you could replace the roman shade with a more colorful one.

ps while I was finding my photos Ingrid and I were mind-melding ;) though I think you could start with the sofa

Ingrid - yeah on a rug! All that you said about a rug sounds perfect.

House vixen - more later, but I LOVE your coffee table! Here's a photo of mine without the clutter - seems we both have a thing for organic wood shapes!

I once had a small upholstered chair from Pier One instead of the two captains chairs, and it just seemed too bulky even though it wasn't big. I don't need a sleeper couch - have a guest room with a full bed, and my own queen. House really isn't big enough to warrant more people sleeping here!

Carrie -- I will trade tables with you, ha! I loved/love yours; ours is TOO BIG for the space but it was part of Mr V's dowry (he finished it). It has grown (ba da dum!) on me over the years. We've discussed eliminating the trunk -- I will show "your" legs to him. Visitors do gravitate right to the dang thing....

Awesome that you don't need a sleeper -- more options!

So, yesterday, I dragged a friend to look at a few furniture stores. Ethan Allen was a total bust - everything they had was big &bulky & unattractive to my view.

Macy's furniture warehouse had a couple of leather sofas I liked, though I'd never really considered leather before, and Crate & Barrel had a couple possibilities. Here are some sofas that I thought were OK:

The first two are Macy's leather. They're both close to the size of my current sofa - so not much in the way of saving space, thought they have cleaner lines. The second two are C & B, and are smaller.

You see the green sofa in the back - I included the other furniture in the set b/c the sofa can come in any of those colors (orange, yellow, green, cream.)

This one also comes in a dark charcoal grey. The pictured color is considered light grey, but looked pretty creamy to me.

And from C&B

I'd thought I wanted three seat cushions - but it seems when considering a small sofa, I'm really limiting myself there - especially if I want to see & sit on the sofa before purchasing. We also went to JC Penny and I did not see one sofa under 84" with 3 cushions in the 4 furniture stores.

Love the C& B sofas! Yes, I don't think you'll find three cushions at the size you're after. I also prefer 3, although currently I have two. The next time I reupholster I'm thinking of going to one long cushion instead, since three people can sit on my sofa but the middle one is very uncomfortable with the two cushions and the cushion width would be kind of awkward with three, since the seat is short.

Hi again Carrie -- I too prefer the C&B ones. I find sleek and streamlined can help in smaller spaces. The first reminds me of a beloved 40s wool sofa (RIP) I had.

If the ones from Macy's didn't have the divided back I'd like the styles better; I find them kind of lumpy and visually busy.

When you're testing them out, don't be shy about trying them with your feet stretched out if that's part of how you use it. We were too polite to do that with our sleeper sofa and something in the design isn't quite ideal comfort-wise.

I went through the certain size as well as the three cushion search exstensivly a little over two years ago. There was nothing good to personally try out in my local offerings. I took the plunge and ordered two sofas from Elite leather. What attracted me was all the color choices and SIZE and number of cushions. One is a long four cushion and the other a small three cushion sofa.

Elite has some lesser brands where parts are made in China. I didn't want that and through correspondence with the USA maker in California I was assured my sofas where made in the USA.

When the sofas arrived I (being paranoid of future squashy cushions) noticed a very slightly noticeable dip on one inner cushion corner. Elite sent me two backup cushion inserts. The dip did not get worse and I have not had to use the backups. I'm so glad of this as I was about to be unhappy. After some time and reflection I don't think it was the cushion but was a tic of overlap in the leather cover.

These are very comfortable sofas. The back cushion pillows are attached to the seating cushion so it always looks neat. I normally would not recommend after such short ownership but so far so good.

http://www.eliteleather.com/products/sofas/transitional/aero/631#photo-1

Site measurements- H:33 D:38. W: 74

There is no cheap filler leather patched on the sides or anywhere on sofa, it's all nice leather. The underside of cushions is partially cloth so they stay put. There are zippers on back underside of seat cushions for removal and there is a zipper attaching the upper back pillow to the seat.

Leather colors: http://www.eliteleather.com/materials/colors

If you have a Bloomingdales near you might find it there to try out.

For a rug, if you have trouble finding the size you want, you can get a carpet cut to the size you like and have the edges bound. May not be as cool as a Persian, but there are many different piles and patterns. Remnants are good for this and may be a good price, to make up for the added cost of binding.

For custom sofas, my local home fabrics store has custom events. I don't think you can customize down to the half-inch, but you can get almost any of their styles in any of their sizes.

bpathome- yeah, the rug thing is tricky. I think I need something like a 5 x 7, running horizontal to the couch. Otherwise, its corner will probably stick out too far into the pathway.

Carrie, do you have a Bloomingdales near? You might find the three seater there to try out. They carry Elite Leather furniture. Or check this list of dealers near you perhaps Elite has a different style in a three seater in your size. Remember though that anything bulkier within your size restrictions will take away from the interior lounging space in case you ever did want to stretch out horizontally. If you are under 5'6" you can lie down in the one I posted. http://www.eliteleather.com/store-locator/list

If you like sea grass rugs, you can get a custom size at Natural Area Rugs or PB. Also, just to give you an idea on pricing for custom sofas, I found this on Clad Home...

juster - I don't think I want leather. I was thinking about it, but I think I'm really more of a fabric girl. Oh, I definitely do not want bulky!

Kitch4 - those prices look reasonable! I think I should be able to find a 72" or 74" sofa that will work for me w/o ordering custom... but it's good to know they're out there. Same for rugs.

Hi Carrie, you don't have to do leather. They have a million colors in a microfiber.

http://swatches.ultrasuede.us/swatches/search_result.php?product=LT

http://swatches.ultrasuede.us/swatches/search_result.php?product=ST

http://swatches.ultrasuede.us/swatches/search_result.php?product=HP

http://swatches.ultrasuede.us/swatches/search_result.php?product=HP+Jungle

Thanks, justerr - I assumed because of their name that they just did leather!

No problem Carrie! I don't know anything about the ultrasuede so can't vouch for it. There are so many nice colors though it might be worth getting some samples.