What are the dimensions of the room?

I think it could be bigger than 9 feet wide and 20 feet long. Judging from the proportions on the windows, I estimate that the room width is in the range of 12 to 14 feet in width. Starting at the back of the house, I estimate that there is a wall 6-7 ft long with a white sofa, a door opening 4-5 ft long, a 8-9 ft wall with a 4 cushion sofa, a 6-7’ wall with a stairway and room entrance, and a 1 ft wall: that’s about 25 to 28 feet in length. Take some actual measurements so that you really know how big the room is.

I'd guess maybe 16 feet wide because that's what mine is, but smaller than yours overall.

In any case, we have one main seating group and across the other end two small groups set diagonally. One is a secondary conversation corner with settee and one side chair, plus another nearby that can be pulled over from the other corner. Diagonally in that other corner is a drop-leaf table that can be used for games and for occasional dining (view of TV) with a pair of upholstered chairs comfy enough for relaxing in.

It's the diagonal placement of at least one area that I'm suggesting. It does nice things for our room.

A u-shape sectional would turn its back on anything behind its fortified perimeter. An L-shape with partially backless chaise extension could be elegant and graciously open to the rest of the room, yet still able to define its area nicely. For our own comfort viewing the TV, our couch divides our room, turning its back on the diagonal areas, less than ideal when we have people over. Another decade maybe I'll replace with a sectional so that people can sit on both, or all three, sides of the open chaise end depending on who they want to chat with.

Very nice room! Post a measured, scale drawing, showing all openings and the fireplace dimensions. Then, before you try to furnish the room, decide what you want to DO in the room. This will determine what furnishings you need, and in what sizes. Then you start thinking about styles, colors, etc.

I would break that room into 3 spaces. But first just a few general comments on how it is now .... Pull the area rug that is in front of the fireplace further underneath the couch so that the front legs of the couch are sitting on it. And then don't put two couches facing the same direction. The one in front of the fireplace has to stay that direction, so if you have to use the other couch then have it face the window creating a walkway into the room along it's back.

1st space closest to the front door and staircase: I would put a sideboard type piece of furniture in front of the window with two lamps on it and one accent chair closest to the door.

2nd space: Leave your sectional there with the TV.

3rd space: I would either do 4 chairs in a circle with a round coffee table in the middle, or I would put a chaise lounge there with a small table, or again if the second couch has to stay there, then I would add two smaller chairs with a coffee table if there is room, and if not then a small table between the chairs.

In reference to cpaul1 posting above, re: 1st space: the windows come to within 2 feet of the floor. Most sideboards would not work in front of the window. Also, sideboards are for storing serving ware and serving food. I can’t appreciate a sideboard in this location, so far from the dining area. The console table as suggested by Kim is more appropriate.

2nd space: Hamamelis nailed it with the L-shape with partially backless chase extension to define the space. I like this idea so well, I would consider configurable furniture with L-shape extensions on both ends. That would really define the space.

3rd space: I like cpaul1’s suggestion to have 4 chairs in a circle with a round table in the middle. I’m just not sure if I would prefer a low coffee table, or a higher table that could be used to play games, do homework, eat snacks, etc. It just depends on how you plan to use the space.

I would find a beautiful and colorful Oriental rug, as large as possible, to anchor your main seating. A light rug on the dark floor does not look right to me. You can then pull different colors from the rug for pillows and other accessories. I would choose plain cream curtains for the windows to keep the emphasis inside the room rather than on the windows, but they will still give the room added warmth and presence.

I don’t have a problem with reusing and rearranging all of the existing furniture. Everything is in good shape. Nothing is sagging. It just lacks color and flair. A little orange or turquoise in pillows, window coverings, lamps and accessories would do wonders. A larger, more colorful area rug in the center of the room, artwork, and new tables would also help. In fact, I look around, and it looks like Ms. Kakar already has many of the pieces needed for areas 1, 2, and 3.

I understand what you're saying about everyone being together but frankly, the room is too large for conversation from one area to the next. I would start by removing the t.v. from over the fireplace since it's so high for viewing and place it on a console across from the fireplace. Then pull two chairs forward perpendicular to the fireplace and place a sofa directly across from it.

The other end can have two chairs with a small table placed between them for conversation or a quiet cup of coffee or cocktail.

What is the large piece of furniture at the other end of the room with the pillows on it?

Don't let windows stop you from putting a piece of furniture in front of it. You look out windows at eye level ... you're not going to be laying on the floor trying to look out the window .... so you don't need to worry about it blocking your view. There is no reason a piece of furniture would not "work" in front of that window. And a sideboard type piece of furniture is perfect for storage and not only for a dining room. Entry type areas need that type of furniture as well.

How much glam can your husband tolerate? I'd go for a silver & gray palette with accents of blue, purple or aqua.

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It looks like you need to create three areas in order to use the space adequately. One end could have two chairs and have them facing in. Another end could have a chaise or a game table. Then the middle could have a couch with two chairs (four if you could fit them).

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