skip to main content

Design Dilemma living room

Help me settle a debate—left or right sectional?

last year

I’m finally getting a new couch after my cats destroyed my first one. I think a sectional works well, and my partner and I find them super comfortable, but should it be left or right facing?

i think having the sectional ”arm” on the side of the front wall would feel somewhat cramped. I’d rather have it on the right side where it can then serve as a separating factor between the living room and dining area.

what do you think?

original sectional layout below… i like this layout personally but very open to feedback!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (8)

Elizabeth
last year
I don't think you can go wrong here, but it does seem more functional as it is now so that you can access the shoe rack etc on the front wall (alternatively, you could flip it if you want that stuff hidden). It doesn't look like you have room for any other seating, so you don't have to take that into consideration.
shirlpp
last year
Neither from what you're showing. It looks tight.
Related Discussions
Please Show Me Your Leather Sectional Sofa
Q
Comments (6)
It was purchased at Jordan's Furniture. I think it is Natuzzi brand. The recliner has been an ongoing *discussion* for us! He had one that was more streamlined, but when it needed to be replaced, we couldn't agree on one. Then, we ended up compromising on one and it was not comfortable for him and too big for our space. Finally, I just decided to go with this sectional and be done. It was difficult to find one that wasn't ginormous and overstuffed looking. As far as sectionals go (esp. with built in recliners), I think we did okay, but I am not in love!
...See More
OT: Small sectional sofas?
Q
Comments (12)
I have a family room that is off the kitchen too. MY DH loves our Natuzzi. They make many different styles, colors and sizes. I love being able to read near my kitchen. I agree a sofa that you sink into doesn't work when you are reading a cook book with something on the stove. Not knowing your style, colors etc.. I found a few sofas that are apartment size. These tend to be smaller. Rowe is normally large but they do have a few that are small. How about Baers sectional? Bergstorm is a furniture that sells small cozy sofas? Here are some pictures. ~boxerpups
...See More
Advice needed regarding sectional sofa dilemma
Q
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 More
WHAT FABRIC & COLOR SECTIONAL SOFA FOR THIS RENTAL HOME FAMILY ROOM?
Q
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 More
susan49417
last year
Neither. If that is your only seating, I think you would be better served with other options. Where do people sit when you have company? Do you all line up in a row on the sectional?
arcy_gw
last year
I agree with your thinking. I keep deleting suggestions. If you put the chaise against the wall it would open the space up and help with flow. Bet it makes the space feel larger. From what I see that piece gives you the most seating possible in that size space, assuming you are standing in the front door. Is there room for the shoe shelf under the TV that I assume is on the wall we don't see? If so a closed cabinet might be a great choice. Does the piece come apart? If so before you buy put the chaise against the wall and see what you think of how the room FEELS.
ptreckel
last year
If you are set on a sectional, why not look at Reversible Sectionals? They will give you the ability to place the chaise on either end of the sectional. And, if you move, they are more versatile in a new space that might have a different floor plan. Good luck!
Lisa Dipiro
last year
Two loveseats would serve better or loveseat and two chairs
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
last year
None this is too big not matter what side you put the completely wasted seating .The one you show has 3 seats one of which makes whoever sits there has to be relinded and the other 2 are squished together .Can we see a to scale floor plan of the area that would help us help you. It seems like a dark space whr those dark wood blinds at all? Is there a TV in the space .
jackowskib
last year
If your cats still rule the joint I’d be looking for something else, like velvet or leather. Mine don’t bother these.

Related Stories

DECORATING GUIDES Geek Chic: When Left and Right Brains Live in Harmony

By Erin Lang Norris

Live with a brainy type? Math and science can make great decor

LIFE 12 House-Hunting Tips to Help You Make the Right Choice

By Laura Gaskill

Stay organized and focused on your quest for a new home, to make the search easier and avoid surprises later

WORKING WITH PROS 5 Steps to Help You Hire the Right Contractor

By Dylan Chappell Architects

Don't take chances on this all-important team member. Find the best general contractor for your remodel or new build by heeding this advice

Ideabook 911: Help Me Finish My Foyer

By Becky Harris

CURB APPEAL 7 Questions to Help You Pick the Right Front-Yard Fence

By Matthew Ankeny

Get over the hurdle of choosing a fence design by considering your needs, your home’s architecture and more

BATHROOM DESIGN How to Settle on a Shower Bench

By By Any Design Ltd.

We help a Houzz user ask all the right questions for designing a stylish, practical and safe shower bench

KITCHEN APPLIANCES Find the Right Oven Arrangement for Your Kitchen

By KitchenLab Interiors

Have all the options for ovens, with or without cooktops and drawers, left you steamed? This guide will help you simmer down

REMODELING GUIDES Replace vs. Restore: The Great Window Debate

By Lindsey M. Roberts

Deciding what to do with windows in disrepair isn't easy. This insight on the pros and cons of window replacement or restoration can help

FURNITURE What to Know Before You Buy a Sectional

By Becky Dietrich, Interior Designer

Learn about sizes, arm setups, seat types and more to get the right sectional for your space

BATHROOM DESIGN How to Choose the Right Toilet

By Toronto Interior Design Group

Style, seat height, flushing options, color choice and more will help you shop for the right toilet for you

Sponsored

T. Walton Carr, Architects

Franklin County's Preferred Architectural Firm | Best of Houzz Winner

More Discussions

what to do with this room?

7

To remove or not to remove

18

Kitchen cabinet layout

31

Upper corner kitchen cabinet yay or nay?

13

Solution needed for nightstands being too far away from wall

11