(REVISED)

Lucked out: better sale right now at EA.

Option 1:

EA Ferri leather ottomans (2), oil rubbed bronze legs, button tufted/21" w x 18" d x 18" h

...paired with a coffee table from Pottery Barn. (Oops. Nope. That one is too long, also.)

Option 2:

Four of the Ferri leather ottomans bunched for a coffee table that has the flexibility for moving two ottomans to the chairs when needed. Approximate size of this flexible “ottoman-coffee table": 42" l and 36” w

Why not just do a square leather top coffee table...when sitting on sofa and in chairs you can put feet up...use a interesting tray for a hard surface for beverages..it will give you that layered look...

That was my original thought, but we would not be able to reach ottomans from chairs, so it wouldn’t serve the function of foot rests for the chairs when my family is home.

Hmm why not? Should only be 18” away from chairs and 18” away from sofa...the chairs width plus width of table between them should be about the same as length of the sofa...I would pull your sofa into the space a bit more to form a L shape with glass top end table in corner.

That way a square table can be centered in space.

First part of this post is in response to suggestion of one square ottoman by HIwE.

The sofa length is 81.”

The chairs take up length of 74.” (as measured from front legs)

If ottoman is 18” from sofa AND centered on sofa, that would mean the distance from ottoman to chairs would be considerably more than 18.” And not centered on the chairs.

The problem can’t be solved by moving the sofa closer. The problem is that the length of the sofa is considerably longer than the span of the chairs. Maybe it is okay if the coffee table is centered on the sofa but not on the chairs?

Here’s a photo of my room without the coffee table:

And below is a mock-up with similar furnishings done by an EA designer:

This is not to scale, but was intended to help me decide if I would like the look of the four ottomans. My upholstered pieces are slimmer in style, and they will look better with this style of table leg. Bunched together, the four ottomans would be approximately 42” x 36.”

A bigger issue in regards to functionality: a 39” square ottoman would have to be pulled much closer to the chairs for putting up feet. I just donated my previous chairs and ottoman...we all used it with 6” or less distance from chair, then rolled it slightly when we got up for any reason. thus the need for separate pieces. (This style doesn’t roll, but I checked it out at the EA design center: very easy to lift and move.)

A problem with my original idea of two ottomans: I had liked the flexibility of being able to have them in front of the coffee table or along the window wall when not in use with the chairs.

Now I’m back to wondering if I should order two ottomans and a coffee table OR four ottomans.

Pros to four: flexibility; comfort for four people putting up their feet on cushioned ottomans.

Cons: adds visual weight to the room; more expensive; may not need four identical ottomans in the next place.

Friday, January 4:

Tonight I found yet another option! This is the Beacon square coffee table with two more substantial ottomans. (EA) It would work great with the Ferri ottomans, too. Which would be better for my room?

Please, all contributors: I’d like to know your opinions! The title of this dilemma should now read, “Please help me finish this room!"

I have this image saved in my design folder. Does anyone know the source? I think this would be the perfect solution!!!

I thought I already posted that...hmmmm

Oh no mine has wood top but very pretty from Horchow..Neiman Marcus Home also has it.

Too long :( Really would love to find the leather 3-piece I posted above. Is there a “digital” tool or trick to finding the source of an image? I seem to recall someone here on Houzz mentioning a “reverse search."

(Revised with better photos.)

I don’t want to distract readers from my current search for the three-piece coffee table, but...

for those who weighed in on the lamps: I just got the urge to switch the two table lamps, and I’m liking this.

Need to continue revising vignette on

that coffee table...and on the sideboard,

too, but I think the lamps work better

this way.

Do you have another piece of black and white art you could stack/hang over the one you have...the proportions are off with that lamp.

Found this one..such a great price you could have the tops recovered in leather. I like that the ottomans are a bit shorter..much more comfort when putting your feet up.

Thank you, HIwE. That is a good length; the ottoman height looks a bit short. Do any of you have experience with this company? I need to know if I can rely on the quality as durable and aesthetically pleasing. I can hear my father-in-law saying, “You get what you pay for.” And isn’t there an expression, “If the price is too good to be true, it probably is?” Have any of you by any chance seen this product or other products from Belham Living?

Also, HIwE: Did you think the proportions of that print and the other lamp worked better? I have other prints, but this is my favorite and it is at eye level when standing.

(For some reason, I can’t upload photos right now.)

The middle of art should be at eye level so a piece of larger wall art vertical would be much more pleasing in this situation. I do like that lamp better on the buffet. I have order lots of merchandise from Hayneedle...they carry many manufacturers....Belham Living has received 5 star rating....all my outdoor furniture was ordered through Hayneedle..and I give the process 5 stars...and my furniture 5 stars..

Just read all the reviews on this Belham Living bench and nesting ottomans ..it have high ratings.......and all say the finish is exactly as pictured and very happy with the quality...

What is the height of both lamps?

The overall height of the lamp currently on sideboard (black base with taupe shade) is 29 3/4” and I just raised the print. It looks much better, imo.

The other lamp, now on the end table, has an overall height of 22 3/4” but I put it on top of a book, adding 2”.to the height. It too looks better where it is now, imo, thanks to your feedback about the height of the lamps.

Once everything is in place, I need to work on hiding cords and perhaps finding matching paint for the outlet covers. (I’ve asked the office but they do not want residents to paint at all--not even touch-ups.)

I think you vertical tree print would look better over buffet...hang other print on wall near end table...just to much space between top of buffet and bottom of print...

Wow that a shame they won’t let you paint the outlet covers..you could buy your own and paint them..they are so cheap..they have plastic that can hold paint now and not chip.

Paint color might be SW Acessible Beige..used a lot in apartments and new builds...

Yes, I think it is. I’ve compared the wall color with my SW fan deck, and that seems close. It’s always so hard to tell. Maybe I can try one of their sample jars, although I know they are not exactly the same.

That’s great to know that I can get covers that are meant for painting--and not chipping! Lowes or Home Depot? or hardware stores?

Thanks!

Dsimber..yes at any hardware store...

Ashley “Emanita” has ottomans that are a little higher than the Bella Living Nova set. The ottomans are 21”l x 13”w x 17.5”h; the coffee table is 47.5”l x 15.75”w x 22.25”h. I’ll “map” that out. If it seems to be the right proportions, perhaps I can take a day to check it out at an Ashley Home Store. There is none within 100 miles.

(I can see welding in their photos, so that concerns me. I don’t know how you manage to find these things, HIwE and Flo; but it is quite impressive and much appreciated.!)

Might you have a way of finding something similar in a higher end brand? Truly, I’m not trying to be a snob; I am cursed with perfectionism, so details matter and I have to examine even the highest quality of furniture. Often sale items are damaged or flawed in some way, and if I cannot cover it, such as using a tray on a dresser top, then I just can’t buy it, no matter how good the deal is. I recently found a flaw in the way one leg was attached with an EA floor sale item, and I just couldn’t do it. Perfectionsim is, indeed, a curse.)

following

Flo, thank you for the explanation. I can certainly wait for new products. I also like your suggestion of taking the project to an ironworker. I would never have thought of that, even though I’d thought of switching to wood and finding a carpenter. I have sent an email letter of inquiry to a custom ironworker in my area.

This has become increasingly frustrating; I feel relieved! Again, thank you!

HIwE: I value your feedback. Thank you.

I’ve tried the vertical print (with the other lamp):

I didn’t like this as well as the horizontal print. Perhaps you can help me understand the ideal proportions with sketches or photos of similarly scaled pieces?

(There will be no room for either photo near the window once the PB linen drapes go on sale and I have them installed.)

HIwE and other interested contributors ...

I like these proportions...but the objects are too formal for me. I want my lamp in place of the bouquet, realizing it does not have the same width. I guess that is where wall art would help fill the space. What shape(s) and size(s) would you recommend on the opposite end to balance the lamp?

btw--I love the idea of a floor vase with twigs in that space, but I would need a much more contemporary vase, and mine would need to go on the right. So...two vases in a more contemporary design than the two in this photo?

I realize I’m reaching.

Photo from Wayfair website when I did a search on vignettes over tall sideboard.

Flo:

1) Thank you for the encouragement of this particular bench. I will send that to the ironmaker.

2) It is difficult to take photos from farther back because right now I have the [artificial] Christmas tree sitting next to the island as I’m carefully removing and storing ornaments. It is a memory tree, and it brings me "Marie Kondo” joy!

Nevertheless, I have taken three photos with different photography prints as well as one with a mirror. I think I have posted these combinations previously on an earlier dilemma. The one most people liked included the mirror with another print in sepia tones. With the addition of the black lamp, I feel it needs to be a black and white print. (My favorite.) Anyway, I lived with that arrangement for several months and it never felt right to me. If I am to use the combination of the mirror and a photo, they must be hung so the reflection of the lamp is not out of kilter.

Also note that the pottery bowl does not have to stay...nor do the items on the bottom shelf (which looks bare to me without anything, but maybe because I’ve always had something on it since purchasing it in 2010.

Flo: If you click on the photos, you can see the bottom shelf. (I have since simplified. Keep playing until it looks right. Not there yet.)

Are your book suggestions for bottom shelf or for the top of the sideboard?

Vertical wall art looks much better.

I can’t bear seeing the lamp reflected at an angle in the mirror, so until I have help hanging this very heavy mirror, I’ve removed it and am trying this arrangement. (An hour from now, I may not like this, either. But I know that eventually, I’ll get it to where it feels just right.)

I could remove twigs from metal vase, switch the lamp and the vase to opposite ends, remove the bowl or replace it with something that reflects light, and make any tweaks such as adjusting placement of books or any of the items.

Please click on this photo to see the bottom shelf. Also note that there is room on the right--a small niche--for a large, tall vase or perhaps a pedestal for art.

I do love a minimalist look, but I also love my collection of books. The covers make them personal. Except for a few family photos, I feel this apartment does not yet reflect my life. After getting larger pieces in place, I will turn to those details to make this feel like a home.

The mirror and art are to close to the same size to layer but totally understand...if keeping mirror than I would bring back your horizontal wall art again layered with the mirror..

HIwE: I will try that. I have other smaller black and white photos, too. In the past I have layered them on my mantle at times. Alas, I currently have no mantle, no fireplace. My concern is getting a look that is too busy. Yet, I miss not having more art on display. Too much is being stored. I know I can rotate it, and I will, but I miss seeing it on a daily basis. I can add some to bedrooms once I know what I want in this main living area.

No worries you are far from being to busy!

Thanks for the support!

I wouldn’t add anything to bottom of buffet...I would focus on the top of buffet decor...It can border on looking country or farmhouse...maybe only a stack of books.

HIwE: I think I know what you mean. It’s probably hard to tell from the photos, but with the fine finish on this cherry sideboard, it is neither country nor farmhouse. Nothing in my space is (although that is a fun style.)

I’ll continue to experiment. These photos will be helpful. Thanks, Flo!

Exciting news! By posting a very specific request about the bench/sliding ottomans, I received an answer from Cynthia Taylor-Luce.

https://www.studio-882.com/leathercraft-furniture-rosie-bench/218-4-973/iteminformation.aspx

I’ll be inquiring about special orders to get the color I want!!

Disappointedly, I passed on the bench/sliding ottomans in the above post due to the cost of over $4200 in the lowest grade leather. However, because I’d had other ideas, I went back to one of those very quickly. The EA Ferri ottomans. But allow me to back up, please.

When our church went through a major restoration in 2014, the design team updated some details around the doors, and I was totally inspired by the color palette. I still am. Please click on this photo to see all of the different colors:

As I built a portfolio to redesign my family room, l found two continuous “themes." I wanted this color palette plus black, and I wanted an off-white sofa. Unfortunately, I gave into the fear that it would make my family feel they couldn’t relax in the room, and, after two years of debating, I finally chose a tweed that worked. I’ve regretted it every day. But gradually I am getting closer to the “feel” of the room I wanted.

Before I could finish the room, I sold my house and moved into a temporary apartment. “Temporary” may well stretch into several years, and I need to feel good in this space. One thing that has worked in my favor is the off-white porcelain tile floor in the large open plan. And I’m so pleased that I waited until I found an area rug that warms up the room with texture but stayed with my desired color palette.

Here’s what has surprised me most recently: On the EA floor sample sale were two Ferri ottomans which I asked my designer to bring to my home so we could get an idea of what direction to take. We both really liked the addition of linen-like texture, as opposed to another leather [which I’d planned for practical reasons.] We both liked the way the off-white fabric lightened the room. Knowing that I can choose to have them reupholstered very easily since it only involves the cushions, I chose to purchase them. And I’m another step closer to my original intention. I brought out more of my white and off-white accessories, and put away what most people consider to be “color.” This feels right to me, so now I can better convey that to all of you. I know that most advised me in an earlier design dilemma to add color. Please don’t worry. I can add more colorful accents at any time, and I will do that seasonally.

Next I'll be searching for a 42”w x 18”d x 18”h coffee table with a glass top and metal base in oil rubbed bronze. This size seems best for the room, and I can choose to configure it with the two ottomans to form a large rectangle (42”w x 36”d x 18”h) when the ottomans are not in use. They also look nice along the wall across from the sofa, but for now I will use them as my “coffee table.” That has allowed me to remove the current coffee table and re-visualize the room.

While looking for the coffee table, I need to decide on the drapery panels. The only reason I want them is to break up the mismatch of colors--the wood-colored blinds and the taupe walls--neither of which I can change due to the fact that I’m renting in a brand new complex. I’d like them to pick up the main color of the area rug. I’ve been watching for a PB sale. PB offers ivory in the 108” length that I need. (So does RH, but even on sale, they are too costly, I think.) It is essential to me that they hang very straight. No flare. Just barely touching the floor...and yes, start above the actual window height by about 9-10”...ceilings are 10' so I can make 108” work. I think I need to have a professional hang them for me.

It is hard to spend a lot of money on window treatments for a temporary space, but I want this place to look and feel great while I’m here. Most if not all of the pieces I’ve chosen will work in my next home. But drapery panels...well, it’s harder to justify the cost. Watching for just the right sale. Any tips will be welcome!

Thank you for your continued input and support.

New thread started: Your help, please, with last few choices to finish living/dining area?