Adam that set up with the sofa in front of the window looks best. Now you can get a couple nice accent chairs for the back wall section. Maybe put a small side table in between the chairs. Look at some nesting table designs even since it looks like you have the space now. Consider putting standing floor lamps behind the chairs.
You can hang a nice big piece of art or a grouping of frames on that bare wall. Alternatively go with your bookshelf idea behind the accent chairs and mount lights on the bookcase it. Def get a bigger area rug and a coffee table to tie it all together. Good luck and hang in there it's coming along nicely.

Some inspiration pics.
http://houzz.com/photos/245921
http://houzz.com/photos/1058724
http://houzz.com/photos/208885
http://houzz.com/photos/2998358
http://houzz.com/photos/247419

put the shades on the window.

Thanks guys for all of your comments and suggestions. I definitely agree with you about the rug and the window shades. I was thinking about adding some wooden venetians blinds and having the coffee table and bookcase the same colour. The bookcase, however, would be better in the other part of the room i would have thought... I would also love to have a wood burner or small fireplace as my flat is wuite cold as it is very open and no door connecting the living room, hall and kitchem. I just dont really know where it would fit in best taking into account additional seating and lighting. I have just realised I forgot to add pictures of the other part of the room so here they are...

:)

Great improvement already- just needs some artwork for your walls

About something like this then :) I love that cat :)

The white walls make it seem bigger, but it doesn't feel that cosy. I am thinking about going for a dark hardwood floor or painting one of the walls a darker colour to warm it up. I was going to go for a grey colour scheme, which looks very clean and modern, but now I'm having my doubts...

And i want to put a fireplace in, but not sure where would be best.

Okay, put the tv where the mural was, make that your accent wall. Put the sofa facing it to the left and leave the bay window open for a pair of comfy chairs. I would paint the accent wall a green/ brown color. Fireplace with tv on top on the accent wall. Artwork, throws, pillows and colorful area rug.

The `problem is that putting the sofa facing the "mural wall" it is very close to the TV and also gives you very little access to that part of the room as it is quite narrow (3.3m) I think the distribution I have now, like in the last photo is the best one and i just put the shutter behind the sofa down when watching TV. I want to put one of these in

http://wheelheat.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/COMO-RIKA.jpg

but dont know which would be the place both practically and aesthetically. As I said, i really love greys and graphite tones, but I wouldn't know how to make it cosier. I still have to choose the hardwood floor to go over the tiles i have now so maybe that would make a difference.

So I had been living with the last distribution for a while and it was extremely impractical... I had to pull the sofa out each time to open the windows.. you didnt feel the breeze and as the windows heated up with the sun, the sofa did too and i had to have the blinds down all the time cutting off air flow and light.

I decided to make another change, which is better except for the TV which is now at 20ft/6m from the sofa and a bit difficult to watch although im getting used to it.. i dont think i will ever get this right and will have to make some kind of compromise...

I like it a lot better with the tv on the mural wall, but i think the table/chairs should go back to where you had it originally - in the dining area. Can you set up the sectional in front of the tv somehow.

I cant because it would be 1. too close and 2. cut off the entrance to the living room.. maybe i should get rid of the table all together...

I would keep the table and chairs for eating, desk, and when you have company for supper.

I think the sectional is too big for the room. Could you used just one piece of it.

Can just the one piece of sectional go in front of tv, with coffee table inbetween. So you would see back of sofa from dining table. The dining chairs could be used for extra seating if need be.

in front of the tv is way too close... only 10 feet.. the pic was an idea.. i have other areas in the house to put the table too.

Ive put it back how it was originally... and mega eyestrain... i have just reformed my flat and this is really the only thing which is causing my discomfort. I just dont know how i can create a comfortable layout and be comfortable in my living room. :(

I think this is what you were suggesting...

Consider painting the dining room wall in an accent color. I would suggest red like you have in the mural but it might clash with the flooring color. Red is an appetizing color that works well in dining rooms.

I still have to replace the floor with laminate.. I was going to go for a darker colour to warm things up. I had also thought of cladding a wall with stone to give more interest to the room. I have to really work out this layout before I start buying furniture though or decorating. By the way, everything is covered in dust and covered with old throws because I am having my kitchen renovated at the moment :P

In such a small space I think stone would constrict it more visually. Paint and art are a better choice.

I am late coming to this discussion but we had our TV in front of a double window for about a year and the light did not bother us (north wall). But when spring came we decided we liked the view out the window better so moved the TV catty-cornered beside the window. I do not like it all (I have something against furniture being catty-cornered) but works for our long narrow room. So will stay for now.

what about the layout?

erinsean, tons of light comes through those windows and you can put the shutters down and it bearable, but you take all the light out of the room and cant open the windows. It gets really hot here in Spain and having the windows open is a must, plus I love the natural light. All of the layouts seem to have drawbacks...

I don't know if you have the sectional still and I'm not sure where your electrical outlets are located, but could you put the sectional (or whatever seating you choose) along those two walls and do the stone thing behind that seating then put the TV where the two rooms meet and do a room divider to cover the back of the TV?

I ended up splitting the sectional. This layout is working quite well for me now I have got used to being "so close" to the Tv (6ft tv-sofa distance). I can open the windows, let the light in and I donr get blinded from the light behind the Tv from the window.

Hi Adam,

I would place the sofa on the mural wall - with a large mirror - hung high - to bring in light to that area/open it up/create expansion. There are also mirrors that emulate the look of windows with 'panes'; that might be an interesting option on that wall. I would hang the mirror high - so that you don't have to see your reflection all the time. Many people don't like the feel of living in a 'house of mirrors' - and I am one of them! But mirrors can be hung above eye level, and can do a lot for a space, visually and energetically. Alternatively, a large piece of stained glass would have a similar effect and could be artistic and striking. I would put a couple of side chairs - or a settee - on the wall facing the windows - with some art on that wall. Also - it's never really the best placement to put the sofa/chairs with backs completely to windows. Not the best placement in terms of energy flow/feng shui - if you can avoid it.

I love your idea of bringing in a fireplace. I, personally, prefer electric ones for several reasons - including the benefit of being able to use them all year round, without the heating element - and not having to be concerned about them making the space too hot. If it's cold, one can opt to use the heating feature. But - whichever fireplace you choose - they can certainly make a space! I would put the fireplace in your dining area and hang a flat screen over it, or next to it. You can get one that angles - to provide you with more options. Also, if you opt to position the TV over the fireplace - having a fireplace with less height would allow the TV to be viewed without having to angle it down so much, etc. Also, the screen does not have to be huge; you can get a screen size that will provide you with a good comfort level for the viewing distance(s). In addition, I would paint the wall there an accent color. You can use the grey, if you like. Other interesting possibilities would be sage green, a lighter 'sea' blue (these might provide an organic feel - perhaps - since you have the doors to your patio/outdoor space there. These colors also give a visual effect of more space). Red is dramatic and can be energizing and can work well in some dining spaces. A brown accent wall could be another interesting option, particularly with the style of fireplace that you like, and your dark wood laminate floors, If you haven't painted yet, consider using a 'green' - i.e. environmentally friendly - type of paint.

And I suggest that you get a really comfortable chaise/recliner/club chair - a 'TV chair' - so that you can comfortably watch TV in that area - which in this configuration, will double as a second seating/entertaining area. This will really free you up from being trapped by the position of your sofa, in order to watch TV comfortably. You can position the chair to the right side/end of your bay windows - facing the dining area - as a general placement; but you can really put it wherever you would feel most comfortable watching TV. You have a lot of space there to play with. Even if the chair were slightly in the entry area - it will still be 'facing' the entry - as opposed to having your back to the entryway - which is a better position energy/feng shui wise; and the chair will not block the space like the sofa does. And, really, you can put the chair as far back into the room as you would like - for your comfort. You will unblock the entry, and the flow of the room, with this furniture arrangement. All of your furniture will be facing better, energetically - and you will be able to see/enjoy the fireplace from the far side of the room, as well. I think this arrangement will afford you the opportunity to really enjoy the spacious open feeling that your layout provides; and you will have two really nice seating/entertaining areas in your space. I would put the dining furniture away - unless you need it for yourself or company, everyday. When you do have company over for dinner - having the fireplace in the dining area will set a beautiful atmosphere. When you want to watch TV with guests, you can use the dining chairs - or perhaps have some comfortable, folding lounge chairs on hand. You also have the option of hanging art or a cover over the TV, when not in use.

Hope this helps, Adam. I think your space has some fabulous potential! Happy New Year! :)

After reading through some of the other concerns, I would just like to add: Perhaps some Shoji paper blinds/shades would work on your bay windows. They would offer you plenty of light, and provide privacy - but the light is a somewhat diffused/filtered light - which is nice. Best of luck, Adam!

I just read your last two posts. Ideally having the TV and sofa on opposite walls sounds great.. but having it 20 feet away is a lot... and it would involve getting rid of the table.. which isnt a problem as i have the terrace and an area off the kitchen.. would need a HUGE tv.

This is what ive been thinking, but the tv is a bit too close for my liking this way too.. cant seem to find a happy medium.

Hi Adam,

Interesting... I just had a thought to check this page again... and saw your posts.

Really cool colors and ideas in the shot with the stone looking wall. Love the plant there, as well; good choice. Beautiful window treatments - and I think I'm seeing what looks like an ultra-cool floor lamp. Very nice ideas, Adam. You have great taste!

I know my previous post was very long - a lot to read. But just to quickly mention, again: I would not advise putting a sofa/settee, etc. with the back totally to windows. I would switch it to the other side, facing the windows - and hang the art a bit higher. I must say it's exciting to actually see the art on that side wall; I thought it would work there - and it absolutely does! I really love your choice - and how you brought in color with the red there. Brilliant.

Your space is challenging, with the layout - and how you would like to use it; but it has great potential. I totally understand the issue with the 20 foot distance - between the two main walls. On the up side - the layout offers you some great space and expansiveness. The sofa works best on the 'stone' wall - from a Feng Shui perspective - because it is in the command position there. Also, you can get an idea from the reflection that the TV is offering (in your stone wall shot) how beneficial some sort of reflective object would be on that wall. As I mentioned, I think that a mirror element on that wall (or perhaps a sculptured art piece, made from reflective metal) would be beautiful - to bring in light and help to open up the space there. The stone constricts the space a bit - but it looks lovely with your color scheme and brings in some interesting texture. I think a mirror or a sculptured metal artwork/piece would balance it out, open up the space - and look really cool!

I was not envisioning or suggesting that you watch the TV from the 20 foot distance from the 'sofa wall'; but was more envisioning you using that area as a primary entertaining area (perhaps for music listening, conversation, etc.) - and have another chair (a recliner, chaise, club chair - whatever you would feel most comfortable with) for viewing the TV; and place that chair on the bay window wall - adjacent/to the right of the windows and angled towards/facing the TV (which would be in the dining area on the other main wall). That would be a 'general placement' for the chair - but you could position that chair as far back into the room as would feel comfortable while watching TV (so it would not be 20 feet - and this seating option would give you a lot more flexibility).

Your vision for the space is wonderful. I would just put the sofa on the 'stone' wall with some sort of reflective object on that wall, shift the settee to the wall facing the bay windows - and get a 'TV chair' for viewing the TV on the dining area wall. Another option would be to get a cart with wheels (they have some nice ones - loft style - with nice wood and very large wheels that I think would blend well with your décor) and position the cart, with a TV on top of it, on the wall between your bay windows and terrace door - and you can swing it around when you want to watch TV.

Again - love this shot with the stone wall and plant - as well as your elegant window treatments, color scheme, textures and furnishings. Fabulous! I totally understand your vision and what you're aiming for. Very cool.

I'll check in again soon, Adam. :)

Hi Adam,

If you decide to go with the TV cart idea - this is the kind of thing I had in mind. [https://www.houzz.com/products/recycled-pine-wood-console-wisteria-prvw-vr~99485[(https://www.houzz.com/products/recycled-pine-wood-console-wisteria-prvw-vr~99485) Doesn't have to be this one, of course; but I think this sort of industrial style piece might work well in your space, and with your décor/concept.

I also am checking back in after a long while, I love your last idea and I'd love to see more photos as you do the work. :-)

You do have room to move the sofa further back from the TV. Is it just you and kitty who live here?

How about something like this for the tv/fireplace?

I have moved it back as far as possible leaving the minimum space for the table and its a comfortable viewing distance now. Definitely want to make a feature of the stone wall... Dont know what options i have for a fireplace though as i have no gas and live on a third floor with no lift... have the terrace directly above me though so no problem with the escape.

Rethought it out.. Feels so much open this way.. I guess either way you have to make sacrifices. A low sofa will allow me to open the window and raising the TV up onto the wall allows me to raise the shutters half way without reflection. My TV is also plasma which reflects a lot more than glossy LCDs so that may help a bit too and i have a feature wall for a pic and fireplace. What do you reckon?

Do you think the Tv is too high or is it the right height?

Dropped down a bit ,when you are sitting down on the sofa make it at eye level ,its hard to keep your head up for a long period of time , make it what's comfortable for you :)

Coming along..

what a difference. Nice!

Thanks for the update. Looking so much better.

Beautiful. You have great taste. And the photos with your cat in them should for sure be in a fashion magazine. The cat is stunning - and the backdrop now matches the cat! Love the plants, also. It looks like you found some interesting, light diffusing window treatments... they look great. What did you use?

They are japanese sliding panels, think they are a mixture of paper and polyster. Were relatively cheap too so can change them if i get bored further down the line.

Thanks for info, Adam. Love the idea/look/texture of the panels, very nice choice.

From ikea actually, cost 14€ each, but certainly don't look cheap or tacky ;)

I tried all the different positioning suggestions on here and had to centre it around my own personal use so it was functional for me (although all had their drawbacks). So it came down to what i use my living room for: work, which i do 10 hours a day at the table with my clients and the TV at lunchtime and in the evenings. Therefore, i wanted to separate the two areas while keeping the open feel and I think i have acheived that with the sectional and positioning. I'm still missing pics, the stone wall i would like (not sure which one though), some bookcases and little details and decorative pieces.

Added a couple more pieces

Nice - my only comment would be that perhaps black cabinet instead of white - to tie-in with the one under the tv.

Looks much more cozy.

I think its ok to mix black and white. The coffee table is white and table too.