Decent couch, coffee table, and rug, but no idea what to do with it.

4 years ago

What needs to change? What needs to be added? What needs to be taken out? What colors can I incorporate? What should I do with all the space to the left? All advice will be much appreciated.

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PRO

Barcelona Designs

4 years ago

Maybe you could shift the items in the room a little bit to create a different kind of space. I see that the TV is mounted, so it would probably be difficult to move. However, if you get the chance, why not set it up in the wall that's by the floor lamp? (not the one directly in front, the other wall). See here, where I placed the red square:

If you are able to do this it would then by easier to create a space around it, though it's hard to go any further given that we don't know the exact layout of the room. But you could place some interesting cabinetry under the TV, get another rug, place one couch on the adjacent wall, and the other directly in front of the TV, thus creating a comfortable space for lounging.

Doing so would separate this room in two places, so you could get a separator and use the remaining space for something else. This image is from Remodelista:

I'm just using it as a tentative example, since your space is obviously quite different. I do believe, however, that a similar scheme could help you solve the problem of space distribution. You can make another thread with this room's measurements (maybe with a sketched floorplan) so we can help you better.

Now, about the furniture. I agree with other commenters that a better rug could help you feel a bit more at home. A possible lounge chair and side table could provide you with a place to do some more stuff besides watching TV. Lighting also needs to be upgraded. I'm going to go on a limb and assume that there is a big window or light source in the part of the room that we can't see, because otherwise the room would be much darker with just that floor lamp on. Like user Norwood Architects stated, some table lamps could create a much better ambience.

As an ending note: do try to incorporate some decorative items: family photos, artwork, plants, bookshelves, you name it. It doesn't have to be a lot, just a few key eye-catching items to make the home feel a bit more 'you.' It does look a little bit empty, but that's a good thing, it means that there's literally lots of room for improvement. Cheers!

Comments (25)

loobab
4 years ago
Can we see the rest of the room?

Those colors are very neutral so you can do whatever you want.
decoenthusiaste
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
You need a bigger rug; at least 2 feet wider than your longest sofa. Pull all of the seating down in front of the TV; the smaller sofa can float and the bigger one can hug the wall.
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I could add a glass top, which may have the added benefit of keeping the kids from sitting on it. It's completely sturdy and level unless you put too much weight on a certain spot, then it tips over. As you face the chair, to the right is a fireplace. I tried to leave enough space to have access to the books while still incorporating the chair in the rest of the living area. I'll try dilly's idea of pulling the chair way forward into the main seating area. The wall lamp was a new addition that I never have really liked in that space, so I don't mind getting rid of it. I have a tall ficus I could try out for greenery. I swear I kill anything green, so I never have plants in the house. I'll also move the pic down a bit. As far as other accessories, DH does make a mean martini! Here are some older pics of the room. It's still really bare and stark. I've been looking for the perfect rug since we moved in, so everything else is on hold. I love that pillow! The orange scares me, but it's just a little splash. This from someone who has always loved color but really wants to paint, bleach, and cover every inch of the first floor white a la Darryl Carter
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Are you limited to just choosing from this collection? If you want pieces that have the same wood finish, then keep looking for what you want. Will it bother you that the sofa feet are another wood tone? I think either rug is fine. Do you have kids/pets? If so, I'd want to make sure the rug and sofas are cleanable :-)
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PRO
R.D. London Studios
4 years ago
From what I can see I would add art and end tables. More photos would be helpful. Best wishes!
ingrid_vc so. CA zone 9
4 years ago
As mentioned, you need a much larger rug. Find one that has some color and life to it because right now you have a dead space. Large paintings on the two walls, pillows that pick up the colors in the rug, a side table with a lamp on it, these would all help furnish the room.
PRO
Norwood Architects
4 years ago
Very much agree with Ingrid - a rug with some pattern, color and texture would go a long way toward livening up the room. The room appears large enough that it can handle more "stuff" in it. Might recommend adding a chair and table on the open side of the arrangement - something with color and pattern to act as a foil to the neutral couch and loveseat. Not a fan of the floor lamp. It projects too much concentrated light onto the wall and ceiling. Table lamps should provide more ambient lighting. Think I would switch out some of the sofa pillows with some that, once again, provide color, texture and pattern. Don't really care for the coffee table. Would suggest replacing it with something with more substance to help anchor the room. Am thinking a wood coffee table would work well with the neutrals since it would probably be darker. Good luck!
D M
Original Author
4 years ago

Update - what do you guys think? I took out the old pillows, added something on the coffee table, and added artwork (I haven't hung the artwork correctly-please ignore that)
njmomma
4 years ago
following
decoenthusiaste
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
Keep tweaking! I'm afraid I'd think my visit was being timed by the hour glass! lol Center the table with the sofa. You can go as big as 75% of the sofa's width with the art, and hang it 5" above. Have you centered the seating in front of the TV?
PRO
R.D. London Studios
4 years ago
I like your changes! Best wishes
PRO
CDR Design, LLC
4 years ago
You have some nice sofas, so a good start.

Design does not happen in a vacuum. So, would you kindly post photos of all 4 walls. Then, I can help you. Thanks.
D M
Original Author
4 years ago

Update; different angles.
PRO
CDR Design, LLC
4 years ago
Thanks so much. Now, need a photo of the wall that tv is on. Thanks.
D M
Original Author
4 years ago

sorry for the mess. :/
decoenthusiaste
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
TV needs to center on its wall above a credenza 25% wider than it is (not on a TV stand.) Then slide the seating to center in front of it. Then we'll see what other items you need.
susiesworld
4 years ago
Please get rid of the floor lamp in the corner. Go for a hanging lamp instead. Use a swag hanging lamp if you can’t hard wire. Will give the room so much more character. Try target or IKEA for one that’s interesting and inexpensive.
J D
4 years ago
Do you need to center the sofa in front of the tv? It seems there is a Tom of underutilized space and the furniture is all pushed towards one side of the room. For this room, I’d probably move the current configuration more towards other side of room, and there would still be tons of room for two chair across from the love seat. Getting those big pieces and the layout is important to do first
J D
4 years ago
By the way, I do agree that the tv needs to be more centered on the wall it’s on
J D
4 years ago
Sorry for all the comments. If you prefer that the couch, loveseat and chairs all be centered in front of the tv, I suggest a somewhat deep credenza behind the chairs to occupy that empty space. Could be used for storage and two lamps could sit on top, to add more layered lighting to this room
everdebz
4 years ago
Curious if there's a view you enjoy out through the patio doors ..?
Gcubed
4 years ago
Center TV on its wall (and mount if you are not in a rental). TV stand below to span most of that wall. Center sofa across from it. Pull loveseat and other seating around it. Is the sliding door/window supposed to have something in front of it (is that dining space)? If not, you could create a reading nook or something like that. Art over sofas (maybe mirror if it reflects nice outdoor view). West Elm makes a overarching lamp that attaches to wall (sconce) that is plug-in. Might work to bring light into muddle if room without corner floor lamp.
PRO
BeverlyFLADeziner
4 years ago
I would center your sofa on the back wall with art above

Place the loveseat in front of the window/door and add a lounge chair to the setting

Replace the TV unit and mount your TV directly to the wall with a minimal cabinet mounted below. See picture.
PRO
CDR Design, LLC
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
Thanks for the additional photos. Before decorating a space, you need to set a good floor plan. Right now, you have foot traffic walking through your furniture arrangement. You don't want that.

Here are three options from which to choose. These provide a dedicated space for the furniture arrangement, without foot traffic walking through. After rearranging your furniture, you need end tables, lighting and decor. This can be accomplished just needs to be in the correct steps. Hope this helps!

Option 1

Option 2

Option 3
D M
Original Author
4 years ago
What color and style of TV stand should I purchase? I think once I have the tv stand and it's positioned correctly (centered) i'll be able to move around the furniture and get your guy's input again.
PRO
CDR Design, LLC
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
Before you purchase a tv console, you need to choose a furniture arrangement and measure the tv, as well as the space it is going in. We also need to know what ideal height you like to view the tv.

So, instead of buying a tv stand first, I'd move the furniture first, even though it is not the tv stand you'll eventually be using.