I don't think that's awkward at all. Put a sofa in front of the built in and flank it with chairs on the sides facing inwards. Put a rug and coffee table in the middle.

Thank you for commenting!! I'm just worried one sofa and two chairs wont be enough seating ... both my husband and I like to lounge/lay when watching tv so I'm trying to find a solution that would allow that, which is where the sectional idea came in. The one sofa and two chairs was my first idea but I know after awhile we will be frustrated that we cant both relax comfortably the way we like to on the one couch

People feel more comfortable sitting in chairs and not on top of each other. Also, with a sectional those not directly facing the TV will have to sit at an odd angle to do so. Sectionals can over take the space and make the room feel blocked off if the room isn't very large. Consider a sofa facing the TV and then 2 swivel chairs ( if there is room for 2 side by side-) facing across 2 other swivel chairs on each sides of the sofa. Swivels will allow for people to swivel to look at the TV or to the sofa for conversation. Also, you may want to blue tape the furniture sizes on the floor and see if the sizes you are thinking will be comfortable to walk around.

A sectional would work. I would also consider a reclining sofa and a couple of chairs.

Lazy Boy makes a few reclining sofas that are wallhuggers and are sleak-looking. You can also consider Natuzzi, Southern Motion and Bernhardt.

all good points!! i love the idea of blue taping on the floor, i will definitely be doing that. we have had hand-me down couches for the past 4 years in our apartment so the couch is one piece of furniture we know we want to splurge on, which is now making this a very hard decision (don't want to make the wrong one!) thank you for your help!

i didn't even think of a reclining sofa, that is a great idea! i'm going to start looking some up now. this is my first post on houzz and i am not disappointed, thank you for the great feedback!

We bought a Lazyboy wall hugger sofa with two of the three seats reclining. It works great (automatic positioning) for me and my husband. When we have guests they sit in side chairs.

I don't know why people think sectionals fit more people. Count the actual places that one can sit. The corner is not comfortable, and the lounge sections don't have backs, eliminating that for comfort. I think it works for families with small children who cuddle up with each other, but not for guests who want their own space.

How about two sofas ?

IMO, sectionals are impossible to work with. So many dilemma posts regarding furniture are about sectionals that overwhelm a room.

Here is just one example. This is the lazy boy Duo Ryder reclining sofa. Clean lines. Back remains straight when you recline. So, it is a wall-hugger or incliner. Keep in mind, for this particular one, it does not recline fully. Slight recline and foot rest rises. Other models I mentioned have a much greater recline.

Depends on your budget, style, and what you want functionally in a recliner. Many now have usb ports in the recline button. You can see it one the side of the chair below. Also, consider a battery pack. Finally, some have an articulating headrest. The Duo Ryder does not, as it does not recline much. The articulating head rest allows your head to be pushed forward to view tv/read (when you are reclined).

Do your research.

As others have mentioned, be cautious about sectionals. No one wants to sit in the corner. Adults who aren't couples prefer an individual seat. Finally, unless you buy a modular sectional, you are committed to that arrangement for the life of the sectional. They are for some people, but not for all.

Here is a floor plan for you. With the base heaters, you will have to float furniture. I recommend a reclining sofa and 2 chairs like this. This is a to-scale 10 x 19 room. Not sure of opening and window measurements, but they are approximate.

Let me know if I can help any further.

Ryder duo® Reclining Sofa | La-Z-Boy · More Info

following

You floors are gorgeous and classic! You have gotten great sofa ideas.

Would love to know if you went with the Sullivan! I can’t find very many reviews on this sectional yet. Looking at the slipcovered. Saw the floor model with the wedge option in store and it was deep, but not too low (I liked the height) and just pretty. Felt comfortable to sit in!