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Smaller Homes Design Dilemma living room

Arranging furniture in a small open plan space

6 years ago

We bought a new condo in a renovated 1939 school in a historic town. We couldn't be happier with our choice but I'm at a loss when it comes to furniture layout for the living room. No walls to anchor furniture and the one wall with almost-floor to ceiling windows has a door to the balcony right in the middle.

We aren't planning to have a traditional dining table. Instead, we will use a large antique drafting table that seats four that flips to a 95% vertical orientation and can used in the den until needed. The floor space is tight. Without the kitchen and island the room probably measures about 16' by 10'. I have a couple of pieces I want to use: two smaller wing back chairs and a vintage library card catalogue (17"d x 33"w x 67"h).

I want to be able to seat four with permanent seating and another two with chairs brought in from other rooms. The TV will live in the den.

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated!

Comments (5)

mindshift
6 years ago
All I can advise is to look for occasional chairs to set around a central coffee table or among side tables. These are easier to arrange in small spaces and allow movement between them. You might have room for a loveseat, but anything larger will be a wall impeding traffic. The one feature that is absolutely misplaced is the door to the balcony. Had it been flipped to the edge of the room (in blue below) your living room space would be more clearly defined.
sophiah
Original Author
6 years ago
i totally agree about the door. If I had thought about it, I would have asked before they blasted through two feet of brick and concrete.

Interestingly, the space was being used as the office for the developers and the salesperson and they had four armchairs around a large round coffee table. The chairs were big brown leather beasts but they really worked in the space.

Is there any way I can do the same and incorporate my beloved wing backs?
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Definitely no to two conversation areas, but yes to opening it up and taking advantage of the entire space. I'm not sure how far you are on your selections, but Ethan Allen offers Complementary Design services with your purchase, and I can honestly say working one on one with someone to create a tailored, cohesive space for you down to the exact measurements and circulation of a space plan is very valuable for pieces you want to own and fit for a long time. If you want more info, you can PM me. Otherwise, good luck with your space and congratulations on your new home! I like the idea of sofa + 2 chairs or Sectional + 1 or 2 small chairs.... not everything has to match, just balance well!
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mindshift
6 years ago
I would think the wingbacks take up less space than the "beasts" you described. When adding chairs to those you already own the new chairs do not have to match in style, but they should have some way to work with the existing chairs—fabric type or more often color. There is always an exception to the rules.
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Columbus Custom Design
6 years ago
Hi Sophiah- what a great space ! You could potentially place a small sofa or loveseat up against the back of the kitchen island - is there storage or seating on the back of the island ?

Do you have any photos available of the space ?
sophiah
Original Author
6 years ago
Thanks! No photos yet as they hadn't begun demo-ing our space when we were there in August. I'll see if I can find anything more recent online.

The island has the only seating area for meals so we need to keep the space behind it clear for stools.

I really liked the photo with green fabrics. I'm attaching a photo of the fabric we're using for the wing backs. I can see how two chairs in a complementary fabric could work.

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