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living room Home Decorating Furniture

Have I chosen the optimal layout for my living room?

3 years ago

Hello.

I've lived in my townhouse for about 5 years and am ready to finally invest in decorating some of the rooms. My living room is up first. But I have this nagging feeling that it may be laid out wrong??

I've attached a few pictures. For reference, the room dimensions are 16 ft. x12 ft.

Ultimately, I like the layout. I used to have my TV stand on the wall where the bookshelf is now, and the sofa directly across from that. I ended up rearranging because there was so much wasted space by the window area. I like that this layout uses more of the space, but it does feel a little cramped. I've been contemplating two matching, smaller accent chairs in the corners on either side of the TV, but not sure if that would be too tight.

Any thoughts on a potentially better layout?

P.S. Since I'm looking to redecorate, most of the pieces I have in here are "up for negotiation" (including the TV which I realize is kind of ridiculously large), and I am 100% getting rid of the leather armchair for in favor of something smaller and brighter. The only thing I have to keep is the sofa -- it's not even a year old and I do love it :)

Thank you,
megan

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Comments (4)

PRO
RL Relocation LLC
3 years ago
My personal list would include:

Eliminating that bookshelf.. it just doesn't fit in the room and is causing a cluttered look

Eliminating the small table, and the corner lamp next to the tv

Wall mount the tv, and get a narrow console to house the stuff, even a floating wall mounted one

this will give you a bit more space on the floor and a bit more open feel,

Adding some much-needed artwork to the space.

a more colorful rug to contrast all the gray.

Think about where you can add texture.

Smaller-scale floor lamps.

I don't think you have room for 2 chairs I would look for one that swivels and perhaps rounded to best fit the space.

Remove the mini bar, put three a bench, or two poufs that could be used as footrest or seating.

Bench with storage could be great there.
megan c
Original Author
2 years ago
Didn't take all the recommendations but did take a few and I'm happy with the end result.
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justgottabme: Yes! excellent plan! The Tv needs to be in that corner next to the fireplace -- either mounted on the wall or sitting on a console or cabinet. Having a cabinet in that spot would anchor that whole corner. And more excellent ideas above too! Love the idea of bookshelves in each of the corners -- perhaps just try basic Ikea Billy shelving -- or other build-it-yourself shelves (try stores like Targer or Walmart)-- just to see if that plan will work for you? Or look for vintage shelving or bookcases on your local Craigs List! Swivel chairs can be found -- check your local Craigs List! But for now -- once you move the TV -- try placing one sofa facing the fireplace -- and another one facing the window -- forming the classic L-shape.
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How large is the space and how many do you typically seat to watch TV? How about when you entertain? How far is it from the end of the fireplace to the window wall? Usually it works for us to divide a long room into two zones. But not necessarily with a sectional. & I'd never put a TV over that fireplace.
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@elcieg, I like this suggestion so much—thank you. It feels like I'm pulling a lot of the furniture into the center of the room and closer to the front door, rather than having dead space in the pathway to the bedroom. @margaretcarrollinteriors, thank you! The width of my space is just too big for the TV and couch to be on opposite walls, I think. I'm going to noodle with something like this—either with the TV square to the TV or angled. I just wish I didn't have piano/desk/TV all along the wall. (And great to see you're in Bethesda—I'm in DC!)
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martinca_gw sunset zone 24
2 years ago
‘ and thanks so very much for your time and effort to offer suggestions. it was much appreciated.’

At lest I’n guessing that part just accidentally slipped off the reply .
PRO
RL Relocation LLC
2 years ago
looks great!

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