Hoping to get more nibbles on the original post, but for example, would something like the arrangement below work (first picture)? I feel like I know nothing about how much space is supposed to exist around furniture or what makes good design. We like what we like and sometimes it works and sometimes it really, really doesn't. We're really open to any suggestions you may have. Below are pictures of what we were thinking of in terms of coffee table style (picture 2). Also, not plotted into the arrangement below, is where we are going to put our record player console (picture 3), which is 60"L x 19" W x 24"H. Thoughts?

Nudging this post with the hope I can get some bites. We are really at a loss for where to start, how to arrange things, or even what size of furniture to be looking for. Open to suggestions for how to arrange things, what sort of things we can fit in the space, and even recommendations for specific items.

I will give you my opinion on sectionals they are the most expensive way to have the least number of comfy seats all your guests lined up sitting like on the dreaded middle seat of a sofa is not IMO a nice choice . Arm rests = comfort so IMO a sofa and 2 chairs always better than a sectional BTW hard to help with no actual measurements of the spaces you want help with. Best is a to scale floor plan on graph paer with all windows doorways , where those doorways lead and the measurements clearly marked of all items and pics of the space always helpful BTW if you are not in yet do not buy furniture what works on paper often does not work in real life , walkways and sight lines are issues that really can't be designed without the space .

pictures of the space and scaled floorplan will help.

Hm, I'm a little confused. Both my original post and the first comment have floorplans to scale with doors, showing where they are leading, and measurements. The room is 13'11.75" by 19'10.5". I can see both the images even if I log out of my account. But based on the comments it sounds like the floor plans not visible to the rest of you. Is that correct?

In terms of the chaise sectional, I understand why some don't like them, but the two people who will spend the most time in the room are me and my spouse. We like to sit on the same furniture but we both like to stretch out. Additional seating for guests is a big plus, but the area won't be just for entertaining.

I can see your floor plan.

If you know the limitations of sectionals and that is what you want, then you have a starting point.

It looks like there are French doors behind the sectional. Or is that a window?

I don't think you have enough room for the two chairs and the sectional, considering the dining room.

There are French doors behind where we would plan to put the sectional. The current residents currently have their couch in front of these french doors, which they treat as a window. The french doors lead to the porch which is accessibly from the front door just a few feet away. We will also likely block the french doors since between the vent, the built-ins, and the need for traffic between the space, there don't seem to be many options. On the other hand, I might just be unable to think more creatively about the space which is why I was hoping someone with better spatial sense might weigh in.

If we opt for a chaise sectional are we we going to have to accept that it will be the only furniture in the space - just the sectional and the coffee table?

Thanks Emily. What about an orientation something like this? These are the dimensions of the Maiden Home 101", our record table console (behind the couch), the coffee table I'm planning to build and then two smaller chairs facing the couch. The rug shown is 10' by 13'. These aren't the colors that we would go for, but are just meant to show the scale. Would a set-up like this make sense?

Yes, I understand mixing periods and styles (mission and mcm) is not for everyone. And maybe if we were truly starting from scratch we might not mix styles. But the truth it, the record console is one of the few pieces we have that is nice and we use it all the time. I also don't mind period-mixing as much as most people, especially if the wood tones work. Since all the tables would be true walnut I was hoping that would unify the look a bit.

Thoughts? For the couch we were thinking a dark blue. I'm also eyeing these chairs and this rug. The room has yellow stained glass windows on either side of the fireplace.

Yes that floor layout looks great. The furniture will also look nice together. I purchased that same rug for my daughter’s apartment and we love it. Colors are great, it has worn well and it lays nicely. Post a picture when you get it all together.