Layout for remodeled 'great' room: sectional or sofas?
We're mid-reno and I'm probably overdue to order new furniture. Since we have only one main living space, we need seating that can look good but also withstand big slouchy tween/teenage boys. The overall living/dining space is 20x26 and I need to decide whether to do a sectional or two parallel couches with some swivel chairs in the mix. Floor plan is below.
We've had 2 parallel couches for the past few years and it works very well for our family. So well that if we did a sectional I'd want it to be U-shaped so that movie/game nights can continue to have each kid sprawling on his respective side.
One other priority - either tight-back style or back seat cushions that won't get destroyed by aforementioned boys. It's nearly impossible to find a tight back sectional. So far I've been looking at the Crate & Barrel Axis II, which seems to get good reviews for durability, but am heading out to Room & Board today which has more tight back models. Any recommendations for the overall layout and/or specific ideas for sofas or a sectional would be very appreciated!
Comments (8)
smalloldhouse_gw
3 years agoShamelessly re-upping my own post! I need to order something this week, when my workload is light and hopefully when I still have a chance of getting something delivered by the time that the construction is done in the spring. I've been reading the archives and playing with layouts. I went to Room and Board yesterday and fell in love with everything there, but still can't decide. Is there another option I haven't thought of? Please help!
Option one: 2 8ft couches (and two round swivel chairs)
OPTION TWO: A big sectional (8.5ft x 14ft), maybe space for two small chairs or ottomans
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Comments (8)I looked at the dimensions on the Pottery Barn sectionals last night on line and I was impressed that it said the seat depth was about 23". Overall depth was 35"...so that seems to me like the back pillows would have be pretty supportive to prevent us from feeling like we were falling backwards but at least it might be worth trying. I also want to go try the Clayton Marcus at our nearby stores but unfortunately DS is home sick and I think may be tomorrow as well so it may be Friday or this weekend before I can pick up where I left off. I'll be sure to post the results of our next foray out to test sofas! I really appreciate the suggestions--thanks....See MoreAdvice needed regarding sectional sofa dilemma
Comments (5)That is the only living space in the house. It's a townhouse we're renting for a year or two. We sacrificed on space to be close to the beach, which has been an awesome choice, until Irma, of course. We don't have any other "real" furniture for the living area, and we wanted to avoid purchasing anything until we bought a home, but when the old sofa had to go, we had to replace that. So we don't have any other seating, but it's really not a big deal. We don't have kids or family in the area, and we don't have a bunch of people over at one time, so the sectional is enough for our current needs. Is there anything in particular you would suggest for ottomans? I would like something that fits physically with the sofa to get something close to a chaise feel without having to close off the space permanently as you would with a chaise. Finding the right size is important too, as I dislike the really big ottomans for sectionals; they take up way too much space and prevent the use of a coffee table....See MoreOver large sectional sofa decor dilemma
Comments (2)start with an actual coffee table or ottoman, that fits the space and find your self a large art piece that spans 2/3rd of that wall. (or do two of them). I don't know what you like, but it needs to be more horizontal than vertical. one or two or multiples...See MoreWHAT FABRIC & COLOR SECTIONAL SOFA FOR THIS RENTAL HOME FAMILY ROOM?
Comments (13)Thanks for the great tips. Yes, it's a good point that 16 won't be sitting at the same time...more like 12 or so. Sadly, I have to go fairly dark due to the cleaning and staining issues. I should have added that I plan to add a large 12 x 15 area rug to break up the dark sofas from the darkish wood. I can't go with medium gray because it will look too "matchy-matchy" with the med. gray stone fireplace. Quick question/concern...I searched for sofas that are made from "Sunbrella" people here suggested and there are only a few and they are outdoor sofas. Mostly, the Sunbrella fabric is pillows. Also, I'll be removing both sofa tables behind the sofas that are there now, so that will give me another~ 4+ feet. But I still plan on putting more narrow sofa tables as I don't want the sofas right up against the walls, so it will be more like an extra 2 feet I'll be gaining. Any other suggestions for a "tough" fabric that won't be torn easily? We've had issues with guests sitting on the sofas, etc., with keys, etc, in their back pockets that tear the fabric or snag it. What are opinions on leather? Vinyl? Also, I'd like to lighten up the room with a cleaner, more modern white (ish) paint, maybe with a touch of gray, )but not with any blue or "pink" in it.) The walls are now painted Sherwin-Williams "Accessible Beige" and the Doors (not seen in the pictures are "Dovetail"...which I LOVE, but is way too dark for the walls. I've already gone down the line of the "Dovetail" paint strip and the lighter colors look kinda "pink-ish" in that room.) Thanks again everyone...See Moresucasastaging_redesign
3 years agolast modified: 3 years agoThis is one of my favorite layouts and would
probably work for you! Two long sofas and two accent chairs- ottomans or poufs in front of fireplace
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smalloldhouse_gw
3 years agoThank you both! I do like those layouts (although like most Houzz photos, the space is MUCH more grand than mine!) Two sofas are definitely the more flexible option, as well as less expensive. But I worry about not having enough seating. Part of my justification for this whole project was that we were squeezed in a very small 12x20 living room (the space was previously divided in half between living and dining.)
Here's the old space, followed by what it looks like now...
smalloldhouse_gw
3 years agosucasastaging_redesign
3 years agoAwesome! I love bookshelves- brings a very comfy and homey feeling:)
i still think you could do two longer couches (maybe 7-8ft) one facing fireplace and one facing wall/ back to doors- and two accent chairs across from it- may just need to play around with spacing a bit
i also like the layout you posted with couches facing each other and the two accent chairs aligned with fireplace
I think the U sectional might be too much for the space- If you were going to do a sectional- maybe a layout like this would work also- and still give your boys their own “sides”
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Painted Peggies (zone 6a)