I am so happy that we purchased a sectional for our family of 6 (5 people - 1 dog)! I believe in taken things for a test drive first so I'd been looking at the zIkea Ektorp for quite some time before I plunked down $$$$ for a really well made sectional. The Ektorp was still a bit too pricey for a cheap test drive for family function but I lucked out and saw one at a consignment store for $200 one night. I bought it and can't be happier!!! But I just rearranged And there are downsides. The person in the corner now has nowhere to set dishes or glasses. We used to use the window sill, now we can't. I would love the space to be able to have a console table behind one side. We fight over the corner and because o the sectional we are finally able to seat more than 4 people in our LR even w/o use of the corner. I can now max out at 7 if needed! Max pre - sectional was 4. Bottom line - when this cheap one finally heaves it's last sigh, I will gladly replace w/ another! Note that I do not have a sectional that has 1 side as a chaise. That would be too limiting for seating for us.

I don't exactly know the difference between the "L-shaped" and "chaise" I'm afraid..but we do have a sectional in our family room, and I'm the annoying person who always takes the best spot, which, to me, is the shorter part of "L" (but not so annoying as I'm usually at home while others are not)-and I spend there few hours a day, usually. Laying down. I'm a restless person-if I sit I either eat or type, if I lay down I either read or watch smth, otherwise I'd be pacing back and forth, cleaning or straightening or just moving somehow. So I never really sit straight on sofas except when I'm a guest or host or we have some serious family conversation. So yes, to me it's a best spot. It's not really puffy sectional, I dislike them..not as elegant and streamlined as I'd prefer, but good enough. And we have free eating policy in the family room, so it helps it's leather. (Frankly I'm so very tired of leather, but it's good for being very relaxed and do whatever). I take naps there too. We have an ottoman there-so additional seating if needed. I have there a big comfy throw, and pillows, and it's like a nest of sorts. With books around, and all. It might depend on a person of course. If I can help it I never sit properly like a lady(much to dismay of my late Grandma that tried to teach me to be one) but rather remind a scrambled egg)) Lotus pose is more convenient to me than sitting straight. So if somebody is a lounge-y type he'll pick this spot first thing first, probably. If he prefers to sit normally he probably will go for a longer section. To continue being unhelpful lol-we bought it also to have an additional option for short-term overnight guests, it has this fold out queen bed inside.

You should look into the price of a moveable door/bookcase...single and doubles...measured and installed to fit your wall of doors. Everyone loves a hidden room (for resale purposes). This way you don’t have to empty and drag a bookcase for access to closets. Then you will have built a miniature reading nook/library...for real. They can open in or out, stained or painted (white). You can give them a budget and they can brainstorm your options.

Regarding the window that faces your neighbor, if you want to take advantage of the natural light you may want to get sheers. The size dining table will depend on how many people you usually have sitting there to eat. My dining table has a leaf in it, in case I need to expand it. I find that very helpful. A round table will be easier to get around than a square or rectangular one. An oval one may be even better. Depends on your needs. A chaise is very pretty, but I don't know how practical it is. I personally like more space to move around in than stuff. You have to consider the amount of space you have to work with. Try to make lighting an important part of your plan. I like a table lamp or wall sconce in each corner at chest height.