Thanks everyone - much more to ponder here. @roarah, I think almost any sofa direction is going to entail a big ottoman. I've avoided it to date because the kids use the coffee table for so much coloring/lego building/etc (which explains why it needs replacing) but if I replace the sectional with anything other than another sectional, I'll definitely want to try a big cushy ottoman. @Beverly27 and @bac717, I like this idea and need to play with it some more. The difficulty is that there is a 4ft wide window on that wall. There would still be enough space to place the TV between the window and the door, but there tends to be a pretty bright glare from the window itself. (That may change within the next few weeks, when the house under construction next door gets its upper floors, sigh.) It's worth shifting the furniture around to see if it might work! My husband is out of town for the next couple of days - time for some experimentation! @suero - the U-shaped sectional is a really interesting idea. I need to hunt around the web to see if I can find something like that...it would eliminate all the battles for prime TV watching seats. @jlc712, I realize I hadn't posted a proper diagram or clear photos; all these are old blurry cell shots in my photobucket library. I'll try for something better after work, but the entry to the dining room is on the same wall where the TV/"fireplace" is currently situated - directly opposite the exterior door. @kidrowlam, the one thing that is staying in the room for the foreseeable future is the Persian rug - it was a wedding gift from my MIL (and we have no other place for it!) The faux fireplace is in the first photo in my first post, under the TV. I'm totally ready to junk it if I can improve the space.... Thanks everyone - I'll try some of these ideas tonight/tomorrow!

I am looking for decor and furniture layout ideas for the living room. We want to paint it in shades of a warm white. The trim is painted in SW Dover white. The living room faces the north east. We do not get much light. The size is 21x13. I would like to separate the space into 2 areas: one for the piano and a conversation area around the fireplace. But that is not final. My husband suggests to put an L-shaped sectional against one wall. Then place a television on a console table, against the wall that currently has the piano. I think the tv belongs in the basement :) We like the more contemporary style: couches with legs and not bulky. We plan to repaint the dining room and the rest of the house also. Ideas about window treatments are also needed. I like a non heavy look. I’d like to incorporate the orange stools and vases that are currently in the home into the decor. Thank you for reading and taking the time to comment. Your suggestions are highly appreciated! Natalie

A living room. Right now we are using it as a empty play room but would like a living room. This room is open to a family room where we have a tv over fireplace and sectional. I am replacing the sconces with more modern ones. Also, the furniture that is currently in this room would go down to the basement. I envision reading in the room, entertaining/sitting, and also having the kids play?

Oh to respond, the rug is 9x12. It hits the fireplace, feels big in the small area. But I see what you mean. I do agree with switching out some end tables.