I really REALLY want to answer you, but I'm finding it impossible without pictures. For example, style of house, what the other pieces you are keeping look like, whether you lean toward a particular style, color, etc.
Anxiously awaiting pics!

Thank you Jen. That is exactly how I feel too. More free moving multiple walking paths, thats my kind of room.

Shear, Believe it or not, I thought I had pics of my FR on my machine, but guess not. I just took some and hopefully can remember the pasting pics thing over here.
Please forgive the mess, I just took pics with my iPhone and realize as I review them, I didnt even bother arranging the pillows, LOL.

View from the hallway:

View from the top gallery:

View into the kitchen and sunroom arch wall:

View of area opposite the fireplace:

Hopefully I got the fourth side through some tricky corner angles!!

love u all....

and to answer your question Shear, we want to keep it casual, and we want to redo the whole room (not done much with it till now, lol). So only the PB kids chair and the toy storage will stay, everything else goes!

I would like to know if, for the scale of this room, the sectional is going to be okay, or if we should do the single sofa and multiple chairs. Love Jen's idea.

Your space is plenty big -- and it could easily accommodate two sofas and two chairs

[Modern Living Room design[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/modern-living-room-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_718~s_2105) by Miami Interior Designer Jorge Castillo Design Inc.

By placing the chairs directly opposite the fireplace, it gives the room a "lighter" feel upon viewing from the hallway, both upstairs and down. Unlike the photo, I would place a small table in between the two chairs to space them apart.

For the sectional option, this would be a good set up: (long part of sectional placed in front of your windows -- two chairs opposite, in front of archways; you can consider swivel chairs for this placement)

[Contemporary Living Room design[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary-living-room-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_718~s_2103) by Seattle Architect knowles ps

***Whatever way you go - please consider moving your furniture out from the wall. You would be surprised by the sense of space when you do this. It also creates a great conversation area.

Oh, the irony.

Here are the "same" view from my house. I didn't prep and primp, just walked over there and popped these off. (This is an unfinished room in our house, NOT decorated. Just functional for how often I babysit the grandkids. Trust me, I know the couch is ugly. But when you remove the back cushions, it's a twin bed. And it was EXPENSIVE only 5 years ago, so I'm disgusted with the manufacturer. We can't keep those piping lines straight. But for now, it has to stay. And the treadmill, I know. But this isn't about me!)

Our spaces are really similar. I used to have two recliners, but one broke. You know how it goes.

I would personally pass on the sectional. This particular one sounds huge and bulky. 43" deep- Is that even comfortable?

I will admit to having a bias towards leaner styles. I prefer narrow arms and sofas that are not too deep.

I would imagine a 9x12 rug centered on the room and then arrange my furniture anchored on that space. You can even tape in down to give you a visual cue. This is a good size and creates a comfortable conversation area. THe possibilies are endless! It's a great space. I imagine some sort of combination of sofa, chaise and a pair of chairs.

My family room is very similar in dimensions and layout to yours. We have a wedge shaped sectional with the back facing the hallway. It sort of circles that part of the room. It works in the space because we don't have the half walls with pillars. With those pillars I don't think I would do a sectional. The current love seat kind of closes off the entrance in my opinion.

I love the idea of two sofas. In a long ago home we had a similar room layout as in the picture above. It didn't work in this house as the TV was located in a different spot. (and this is the tv viewing room). It might work in yours given the tv location you have.

Thank you so much Janice! Lovely example pics, and great advice. Im going to try out those layouts today.

Shear your room is very similar and it really helps to see the visuals.

pps7, the sectional is 43"overall depth, but the seat depth is 23". Hope that helps clarify.

you know rrah, I think everyone really feels that sectionals are casual, and more seatign and all that, but those who have had it seem to be able to see the negative side as well... thats what I was hoping to hear here on the forum.

I'll measure and share what comes of the suggestions from today, tomorrow...

Good night y'all for now, and thanks soooo much....