Need help with an awkward living room layout
As we are in the process of renovating a 100+ year old home, we are limited to designing a living room in a very awkward space. The best place for the tv seems to be above the fireplace (ugh, I know, but we tried other walls, and it either took focus away from FP or cut the LR space in half). Anyway, we cannot figure out how to place rest of furniture due to (1) a wall that the stops halfway across the fireplace and (2) a recessed area across from the fireplace wall that must stay that way due to HVAC vents in wall.
One option is put a sectional in the corner with built-in bookshelves behind it, but then you are looking at the tv on an angle; it doesn't feel very functional, but it also doesn't extend beyond the wall. Another option is to 'extend' the wall with a straight couch and place a sofa table behind it to create the illusion of a wider room (it seems both goofy and a perfect solution; so far this feels the most open and functional even though it cuts into open space). In this case, we would put two single chairs with a side table in front of the large triple window where the sectional would have been, and then the built-in book shelves would be accessible from floor to ceiling (instead of being covered with sectional couch as in the first option).
I am open to new suggestions and opinions. This is an open floor plan where LR opens up to the kitchen on the right and the main entryway to the left.
Note: we would buy new furniture to fit the space, so you can ignore what is currently there. We're just moving things around to try and simulate options. I also know the TV is absolutely gigantic for that FP.
The recliner next to the sofa is to simulate a 4-seat couch or side table next to 3-seat couch.
Comments (6)
Tara
3 years agoRelated Discussions
Help with awkward living room layout?
Comments (11)You could scoot both sofas into the corners and that would help to open up the passage. But, what is that in the corner to the side of the window? Are those stairs? And, that low cabinet under the TV looks like a knee knocker. You really do have obstacles in the one and only pathway through that room. They are easy to step around, but on a constant basis they can be supremely annoying. The easiest and most immediate thing to do is to scoot that one sofa into the corner as much as possible in order to open up that passageway. Moving the TV to another wall is problematic for so many of us since the cable wires that most of us still have are not that easy to relocate. It is not a perfect and there is only so much rearrangement that you can do. It is what it is. In a more perfect sense, I would get rid of the carpet that is going to have a path worn into it, since that is the only access. And, I would get rid of one of the sofas and that low cabinet. But, that is probably not what is practical for you to do....See MoreAwkward Living Room Layout - Help
Comments (4)You can probably do a sectional here; just be sure to measure carefully because your sectional will need to be a pretty specific size. Just know that you will never change your furniture arrangement. Two sofas are actually more functional than a sectional. No one can really sit in the corner and with two sofas in an L-shape, you can put an end table there. I think the TV is in the best place it can be. The mantel is way too tall for it to go there, and a TV in front of a window is a no-no. A corner TV isn't desirable either, but it's the least bad of the options....See MoreHelp with Layout for Awkward Farmhouse Living Room
Comments (6)I like the fireplace as is, and a warm white on the walls would enhance fireplace and all of the wood.. I would go warmer than this. Benjamin Moore’s Ballet White or Swiss Coffee could be possibilities. I like BM’s Natura Line. As far as furniture placement, I think 2 seating areas. One option, instead of sofa, etc. could be a center cocktail table or ottoman with four chairs. Or if you would rather have a sofa arrangement. I would put a small scaled sofa on the wall facing windows. Small scaled sofa would go where black marker is in this view. w/ rug: https://www.roomvo.com/share/o0am4r And sofa could possibly be larger; it is difficult to estimate available space there. so I am saying small scaled to be on the safe side. And if there is to be a tv in the space, I would place it on long, low console in front of windows. Additional seating by fireplace, but I have not yet figured out what would be best there. A chair or two, I think. Perhaps a chaise....See MoreAwkward Living room Layout!! HELP
Comments (8)I can understand why you would want two sectionals. It makes sense with the tv above the fireplace. I think any seating you put directly across from the tv would be a strain to look up at for any length of time (unless you get a reclining couch/sectional). @Beverly s idea to open the room would solve many problems if the space above isn't being used. Otherwise I might try to leave the sectional ends open to each other so one side isn't rejecting the other. Or give the left side some light armchairs that can be moved around the space when needed...See More
freedomplace1
3 years agolast modified: 3 years agoThe sofa with sofa table idea sounds good.
This mount could be useful with tv:freedomplace1
3 years agoSome type of divider screen, panel(s), slider, etc. behind sofa could be another option for creating partial wall.
Laura T thanked freedomplace1
Tara