You aren't going to find many fans of the TV over the fireplace here, or of sectionals. Whether it's a sectional or two sofas, or a sofa and two chairs they will be or can be in an "L" shape, so you can have it both ways. The reason I don't like the TV over the fireplace is because it puts the TV at a height that isn't comfortable for watching. The reason I don't like sectionals is because they have the potential to seat fewer people (non-family members). Family might like piling up together on a sectional, so which one you get can depend on how you expect to use the room. Before you order furniture, draw your floorplan on graph paper. Cut out pieces of furniture on the graph paper. Now you can move them around to try out different arrangements and see which size sofa would work best. No software necessary. :-)

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There are a lot of elements in the room with the TV placement, windows, openness to other rooms, walkways, fireplace etc and you are about to invest a significant amount of money in furnishings, rug etc - I would be very tempted to work with a local interior designer to help you get the layout and furnishings right -

i always think sofas & chairs are more flexible than sectionals - but people have different preferences — for sure i think you will need to float your seating on a (large) rug -

the space is so nice and bright with natural light - congrats on your home!

I am ok with not many people liking the tv above the fp or not liking sectionals. I tend to lean in agreement with that also. I just felt like I was forced into putting a tv over the FP because of seeing it. But now that I see the visual picture sent above, that opens my eyes more. I also agree that sofa & chairs might give more/better flexibility.

Yes I’ve nevyquute understood the appeal if sectionals- I think it is mostly photo - friendlier option and removes the angst of picking sofa m(s) and chairs, so is popular at online retail. I have seen them work out better in something like a family media room organized toward the TV and it’s family cozying up together. Ok, grumpiness over.
It’s a very family- specific question as to how many people , what ages, how will you use the room, will you have guests. Adult guest will not prefer to sit all smooshed together on a sectional, and not in the corner of it.
Agree with playing on paper of with software to see some options and measurements.
Akso, how comfortable do you want your furniture to be? Most available is not very comfortable until you get into higher end, IMO (ok still grumpy). Or you need to be able to try it out IRL and then order. A truly comfortable chair is a dream come true. I can’t give a specific brand or style, but I think there are some less expensive chairs that are inherently more comfortable due to shape and size, hence not as reliant on high- end cushioning. I guess an example is I have some old Pier 1 wicker chairs that with a bottom seat cushion with down pillows in back are more comfortable than many current chairs. More for smaller adults though.
Anyway the pint is to first identify the “ ideal” or target types of pieces - sofa , chairs, ottoman , or whatever- and then see what are the best iterations for your lifestyle and budget.
I do think it’s not easy to furnish a room instantly unless you have a larger budget but even now the supply chain is wrecking that, which is why folks are ordering what’s available right now.
If you’re willing to shop second- hand there can be some good finds but again, more like a slow treasure hunt than quick fix.

I'd do a sofa facing the fireplace with two lounge chairs facing each other on either side of the sofa. Get swivel chairs so people sitting in the chairs can see the TV.

I agree with your working with a designer who can see the potential in your room and help you resolve your furniture purchases so that they work for your family AND your budget. I get nervous when people say things like “oversized comfortable chairs.” Big does NOT necessarily equal comfortable. You REALLY need to sit in chairs and couches to see what fits. BIG PUFFY chairs and sofas aren’t always the most comfortable. And they can be elephants when trying to fit and arrange in a room. Flooring??? Rugs???? Light control for those windows? Art? Lamps? There is so much to think about. And a skilled designer can help you sort it all out!

Sabrina - This is the way I think I am leaning. sofa and 2 lounge chairs. Although not crazy about swivel. But this layout seems to be the most logical for the room. Its a good sized room, so I think I can this without the room looking crowded also. Will need the chairs to be a little wide, because the 6lb dog rules the house and needs to sit beside me when watching tv. lol

Tracefloyd - Thanks for the visual, that is super helpful! Great ideas.

I think of neutrals or blues or a touch of green in coastal homes as in these inspo photos.

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Fantastic pictures and ideas. Thanks!

What do you currently own and choose to sit on? Do you like to lay down while watching TV? Do you want to have your feet up? How many people normally sit in the room? How many when you have guests? Do you want to cuddle with someone? Do you have difficulty getting up from a seated position? Do you do sewing, crafts or puzzles while watching TV?

Choosing furniture that is going to function well for the way you live requires knowledge about how you will use the room and your personal preferences. Size also matters. My mom was 5'2" and my dad was 6'4". They never liked the same seating.

Recliners are probably the most frowned upon option per designers, but many people love the comfort. Some also need to put their feet up.

Many don't like a chaise lounge, but my sister and her husband have a sofa with a chaise and use it every day - her laying across the sofa and him on the chaise. They have 2 chairs but choose the chaise sofa.

I love my sectional, but that is what works for me in my space. Only you can define this.

Hi Jennifer. Great questions and ideas! Currently have sofa w/chaise and a club type chair that reclines. I always use the club chair that reclines. Its a wide club chair so its me and the little dog in that chair. LOL. So this makes me think that perhaps I will do a sofa and two club recliners. I like the club square type recliners, because they don't look as much like grandpas recliner lol. The current furniture that I have will be going on a different level in the family room type area.

@Ken A - My dog is part of the reason I need the sectional. She thinks she should be sitting with me and my guests. A 50 lb German Shorthaired Pointer doesn't fit nicely on a chair with a person sitting in it.

Some option