Thanks all for the comments so far. Let me see if I can respond: teacats - the chairs I bought first because I liked them and they were on sale! This was before we had even started looking at pianos (I originally thought we were just going to have an upright). I can't really return them so I think I have to work with them for now or maybe move them to another room in the future, if possible. I was disappointed in the rug color - it was a lot darker than the picture online. I still might be able to return it but I'm contemplating that one. It's a nice rug. I may be able to use it in the dining room instead. I was unsure on having the backs of the chairs to the door - you think that would work? The room is about 18' long x 13' wide. Your suggested artwork is very nice as well. I'll keep it in mind! pipdog - I thought about the corner by the window as well but that means the lid opens to the wall and its in the light and by the furnace register. The lamps aren't staying - they are just temporary for now! aktillery - thank you for that post. There are some other options to consider there. I need to figure out how to make a floor plan to scale so I can see if the room is big enough to have the piano more toward the center. I'm afraid for the piano by the window. My parents' black piano faded over time because it was right by a huge picture window (and still is) cyn427 - I'm having a hard time visualizing what you mean. The corner to the left as you walk in? Seems like the piano would stick out in front of the door but maybe I'll have to try it. It's only 5' long (it's a baby baby!)

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.

I lifted this from someone's website. It's good info. Ultra suede microfiber comes in different qualities so that's something to be aware of. It's not costly as I purchase it for $2.99 yd at a local fabric mill/outlet. I'm not trying to dissuade or persuade you but I just wish more young families were aware of this "silver bullet". First a photo of a sofa/chaise in an off-white and then the info follows. So microfiber is a bit of a polarizing fabric. Some love it, others hate it. It is undeniable that good quality microfibers provide the best combination of durability, stain resistance and clean-ability. I’m mainly talking about Ultrasuede, here. It really does feel like suede, unlike some cheaper microfibers. And I’ve heard stories of Sharpie disasters on Ultrasuede-upholstered furniture being averted with a rubbing alcohol and elbow grease. Even WHITE! Want to talk double rubs? How does 200,000 strike you? It doesn’t get any better than this. Lots of color options, too (solids). If you are environmentally conscious, Ultrasuede is a great choice, as it is made from 100% recycled fibers.

I'm most competent guessing what I'd do with a space, which is my pleasure on these forums. I like small rooms better than too large, and I love the idea of all the living you do in there.. I also love blue, and easy to imagine that's the direction I'd go. I notice yours has a lot of dark stuff around willy nilly, contrasting with the light walls -- black chair, mirror frame, a lot of wood trim, black TV, wood pieces, and so on. Assuming I was keeping it all, and adjacent spaces would allow, I'd take the walls darker, to a medium tone at least. That's the opposite direction of most suggestions, but it would encourage all those currently high-contrast darks to blend at least somewhat into the background. That'd make the room feel larger and provide a better, calmer background for our things we love around us and all our living. Less contrast would mostly fix any off-center FP issue. And it would allow me to deliberately introduce accents that do contrast, including whites, of the exact kinds of pieces and colors in the nice places I wanted attention to go. I could also very happily go the direction of Manon's gorgeous collage with light walls, but I think it'd require significant editing to lighten up much what you already have. Otoh, with something like a muted tone of that beautiful blue for the walls?