I think the media unit is narrow/not in proportion to the wall. How about if you switch the media center & chairs to the wall with the sofa. Center the media center between the window & the corner. Then a rug & curtains

Is the media cab in one or two pieces? If two,you could put a piece of stone or wood on the top and use it as a console under the TV. The current furniture layout isn't working. Definitely try the chairs,closer to the sofa & facing the door in a conversational grouping. If two looks too much,just one.

Thank you all for your input. I will play with rearranging furniture, although it is a. Ery long narrow space. Is it a good idea to paint all of the walls the same color? I put another photo here so you can see how long the area is from the back door. I will take any and all ideas. I’ve been stuck for 2 years!!

Have you tried the media center placed either on the outside wall by the door or at an angle in the corner between the door and where it is now located.

I would not paint yet. How about finding & buying a rug? Sometimes you just have to commit and let that commitment drive your choices.

Where does the door in the living area go? Is it your front door? If yes, I would move TV and two chairs to wall where the sofa is now and put the sofa perpendicular to the door, creating a walk space behind it to your dining and kitchen. You also will need floor lamps and/or table lamps to light up the room. Keep walls all the same and 'separate' the areas by lighting, rugs, and wall art. Everything you have is lovely. Use our ideas to think about what you need and functions your rooms provide. Educate yourself by looking at magazines and websites, etc. Good luck

I was thinking about putting the entertainment armoire in that corner at an angle. Usually I can figure things out, but all of the arches and open walls make it seems more difficult. AIso, I want to hang a chandelier, but am concerned because I need for it to work with the other chandelier. Or replace that one and pull the two rooms together with lighting. I feel better the more suggestions I get. It helps me think differently.

That door goes to the back yard. I could move the cable outlet to the outside wall. I had thought of that.

This is a really common design dilemma where I live - lots of narrow lots so most newer bungalows and split entry home plans have this kind of arrangement (common spaces down one long half, and the private spaces like bedrooms down the other).

I do think, from seeing many of them, having a rug to define and ground your “living room space” will do wonders. While it is an open floor plan, it helps, I think, to add some visual seperation between the kitchen - dining - living room rather than treating it as one long space. And pull couch off from wall.

I think I would prefer the media unit removed altogether or maybe on the opposite wall - right now it does not seem to fit with the higher ceiling height on that side. Even if it is in corner by door the heights of windows/door being more even to it might make it work visually and look less...lonely? Obviously you will need to rearrange furniture a bit.

I think the wall where the media console is now maybe needs some big art or a gallery arrangement. Not sure how tied to your current art pieces you are, but the size to me and their arrangement seem to only emphasis a feeling of the space being “unfinished”. Definitely don’t like having that piece over the closet(?) as it draws eye up to...emptiness...too high to see properly, but looks small in the space.

I think others are better at furniture arranging than I am, so hopefully others chime in there, but I do think pulling that sofa off of wall would be good, too.

Do you like something like this? It would make that entire wall the media center then the two chairs would go on either side of the sofa with end tables between them and the sofa, coffee table in the center with a rug and the table under the window would go elsewhere?

You all have no idea how much it means to me that you are giving me pictures and input that is so helpful. I know I need to move my art, and I do have a lot of art that is not hung. The shelving in the picture would provide solutions for my books, sculptures, etc. I have FIbromyalgia, and we moved 3 times in 2 years, and I just became mentally and physically exhausted...

I was thinking of moving the armoire into the master bedroom, so I appreciate that suggestion. As I start to move things around, I will post new pictures. I kind of like the white unit in the picture. Having a white sofa, does anyone think that a white media unit would look nice? I could add a white bench somewhere with cacti since I’m in Tucson. I feel like you are helping me get un stuck!

Since you are all so generous with your knowledge, I put the chandelier over the table because I had it. It worked really well in our other home. I am trying to figure out if I should keep it and not put a chandelier in the living room, or if I should replace it or remove it. I think the living room would be the place for a chandelier. If I put a chandelier in the living room, I feel like it should have a gold tone in the metal.

Lastly, if I do a wall to wall media center with floating shelves, should it be higher (like counter height)?

It would have to be properly positioned so that when seated TV viewing is at eye level, you have to consider that also if you do decide to mount it which may not be necessary if the unit is at a decent height. The white is nice I think it would look nice with your sofa, but then keep any more white to a minimum like just some small accent pieces not like curtains. And I really like that chandelier paired with the round table and your dark cabinets, but I think you could do better than the tufted chairs. Something like these chairs, which incorporate the white.

I know, I feel the same way about the chairs. I kept these because I went without for so long, and these were comfortable. We are tall, and so many chairs just are not deep enough. I was thinking of replacing chairs down the road. I also want to get curtains because they really make a room feel finished, but I’m stumped about the color. Maybe as I make some changes, the color will become apparent. You are very observant and helpful. I need the support. Thank you so very much. I am excited to try to achieve some of these things.

Mon, do you like these chairs for dining room table, or are they too fussy IYO.

I had been torn about using a different color wood than the wood used to make the table.

What I like about those is the curved nature of the top which suites the dining space well with the round table and chandelier and I think it also coordinates well with the other furniture in the livingroom as far as not matching the wood it depends if do you want them to stand out or blend more in as a set.

You have some lovely pieces and the potential to have a really special space. What has to stay and what can go? Can you return the media unit or sell it? I like your sofa and your chairs.

What is the distance between the end of the sofa and the window?

Are you willing to add an area rug?

Potentially, I can get rid of the armoire or put it somewhere else. I used to work at a large art gallery, so I have more art I can bring in. I’m relieved that you feel like it has a lot of potential. Because I feel the same way. Right now, there is about 5’ between end of couch and window. I was thinking about playing with moving the sofa over, and then leaving the armoire on the other wall, but not centered. Flanked by art. I do need some flat surfaces for books and objects. The room is about 17’ by 14’. The couch is Ethen Allen and the chairs are Crate and Barrel, the coffee table is Williams Sonoma, so I really like it all. I need pillows, curtains, but I need to get the furniture placement down. The armoire is Ballard Designs Chadwick. I’m not crazy about the quality. I would definitely do a rug, but maybe just jute or something simple. I plan to do green, red pillows. Avocado color-ish, Orange-reds, maybe one yellow-gold stripe. I don’t like the console under the window. Any furniture location suggested would be great, any suggestions at all help because as I said, I’m locked up...although I am starting to think differently because of previous suggestions:)

I think the wall behind the sofa would be a great spot for a gallery wall instead of just the one piece of art there, it looks now like you have too much of the one piece of art here and another one there. But try to also remember it all doesn't have to be art hangings only one might like say for instance scones or a wall clock, I think a hanging plant might look nice in that corner by the window above where the console currently is.

The coffee table, chairs and sofa should definitely stay. They are the best pieces in the room and are well suited and well scaled for the space. The reason I don't care for the armoire is that is a large, bulky piece that doesn't accomplish anything other than hiding the t.v. IKEA's Besta can be custom configured to meet your needs for t.v. and book storage. Quite a few designers on here recommend them. https://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/categories/departments/living_room/10475/

Or you could do a simple console and surround it with art. What do you think of something like this for the t.v. The open shelving gives you a place for books as well.

You do have plenty of space for a gallery wall behind the sofa if that's a look you like.

I agree with you that the console table doesn't work under the window. I think that window is better suited to some lovely drapes. A linen drape would be pretty on the windows. These are Pottery Barn linen/cotton drapes. Either the ivory or oatmeal would be a good choice I think. https://www.potterybarn.com/products/emery-linen-pole-pocket-drape-white/?pkey=e%7Clinen%2Bdrapes%7C148%7Cbest%7C0%7C1%7C48%7C%7C8&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH

I love my jute area rug. It's from RugsUSA. Some people say they don't like the feel of jute because it's not soft, but I like the way it feels.

I think you need to add some other lighting as well. Perhaps an end table with a table lamp to the left of the sofa and a floor lamp to the right.

I love your choice of accent colors. Once you get the t.v. and book display situation down, I think pulling the rest together will be simple.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I paid a “designer” to help me, and was expecting him to give me all of these types of suggestions. I feel like I got played, and I was really down in the dumps, so your suggestions are re-vitalizing. I love the idea about a floor lamp on one side and a table lamp on the other side. What would you think about some floating shelves or cubes above couch? I am so excited about the drapes you suggested! I will replace the armoire, but after throwing some money down the drain, I want to wait until I find something I’m very drawn to. Can’t wait to check out IKEA! I may move some furniture around a bit tomorrow. I feel like I would like Jute. I also like the look of a few well placed rugs. I’m getting excited. Check back to see what I’m doing. Again, I am very appreciative. What state do you live in???

You're very welcome Susan. Hopefully some other folks will jump in as well with suggestions.

You could search Houzz photos for "floating shelves above sofa" and see if anything appeals to you. My only though about that is that it becomes one more spot that needs to be filled up. Then we always end up buying "things" that aren't particularly important to us because we think we have to fill up empty spaces.

Glad you liked the drapes. Keep your eyes peeled at Home Goods as well if you have one. They sometimes have linen blend drapes at very reasonable prices. Half Price Drapes is another good website to check.

I don't blame you for taking your time and finding the perfect piece. Perhaps you can recoup a bit of your money from this armoire by selling it.

Glad to hear you're excited about your space again. Unless there's no other option, we should never feel like we had to "settle".

I live in southwest Florida. We just experienced our first tropical storm warning of the hurricane season and season doesn't even start until June 1st! I grew up in central New York and lived in Buffalo, NY for 26 years before moving here. You?

So...I just got Ballard Designs to agree to let me return the armoire for a credit. I could probably use the credit for drapes, pillows, or something else. I have some beautiful “things” that I would like to display. I am in a family with generations of artists and collectors. In a way, it’s Bad because you feel like you can’t get rid of things, but one also ends up with some very nice and interesting pieces. Currently I’m in Arizona. We left Madison, WI because we couldn’t handle the winters anymore. I grew up in Madison.

Would you get the credit? I usually like to hide the tv. It’s different decorating in a warm climate than in a seasonal climate.

Have you tried this arrangement: bring the sofa away from the wall so it "floats" a bit in the room. Place the blue chairs side-by-side perpendicular to the sofa facing away from the dining area. I like the entertainment center. If this new arrangement works, a large area rug in the living area would also help the space feel more inviting.

I have tried that, but the room is so narrow that it looks, I guess, very unbalanced. It also leaves little room to actually walk through the space. After seeing the replies, I think pictures are deceiving. I do very much appreciate the idea. I think I wouldn’t mind keeping the armoire for now if it had been an inexpensive piece. Ballard Designs will give me a credit, so I have to decide if I think I can find a better piece. I think something that didn’t feel so heavy would be better.

If you can find a piece that works better, then the credit would come in handy for other things to be used either in this room or elsewhere in your home.

How fortunate you are to be able to surround yourself with meaningful art and collectibles. I agree that sometimes it can get overwhelming though. It might be nice to take a complete inventory and pick several pieces that work for you now and through the summer and then rotate them for the fall and winter months.

I'm wondering if a unit that has a console for the t.v. and separate matching display shelves would work for you. Does something like this appeal to you?

That’s interesting, because I was just researching this type of configuration. Now that I’m focused, I realize there are so many options that would work so much better than what I have, and a BD credit would be very useful for so many other things. As I Hone in on a design, I’ll post. I’m feeling excited for the first time in a long time. I feel like there are so many options. Yay.

We have a vaulted ceiling and a long wall. I bought two very low long credenzas (either on overstock or amazon) and butted them up to look like on long one.

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Here is a pic if it helps/

It's always nice when you start to feel as though you're headed in the right direction. Excited to see what you come up with.