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jsway14

Help! Small/Narrow family room!

11 years ago
Please help me!! The room is 130" x 175". We probably have to leave the TV where it is, all of the wires go through the wall & into a cabinet in the laundry room. Although, we would be open to move it if we were absolutely wow-ed by an idea. The sofa & bookshelf will be gone soon & dark laminate flooring will be going in. I was thinking of putting a chaise sectional (with the chaise on the opposite side of the fireplace) across from the TV with a rug under & hopefully an end table on the chaise side? Or maybe a sofa across from the fireplace but it would leave a very small walkway into the room. The last time I had a design thought I ended up with this...so needless to say, I don't trust my ideas ;) Any help is appreciated!!

Comments (73)

  • 11 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Btw, Room and Board has an excellent selection of "create your own " type custom sectionals. They have a handful of various styles that offer those round or angled corner wedges....,.something that would work well in your room....allowing you to choose the right-sized pieces to configure.

    http://www.roomandboard.com/catalog/custom/sectionals

  • 11 years ago
    Thank you for the link, Avery. My husband likes the sofas you shared. I would like to eventually move the TV above the fireplace/next to fireplace (he doesn't...but you know what they say, happy wife = happy life) so I am leaving toward the L sectional. I'm going to look at their create your own section though!
  • 11 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Hi, you're absolutely right about being/having a happy wife, lol.

    And I agree that angled chaise style is unique, probably not for everyone...... :-)

    Here's another one that could possibly work in your space because of its scale and size (123x67). This would leave you a wider walkway area between the sectional and wall.

    It is also armless on one side....similar to a sectional with chaise but with a full height back vs. just a chaise arm at the shorter (left hand) section. As you know, the armless section would be next to the pathway into the seating group....and IMO would give the walkway area an even more "open" feel.

    Also, having the full height of a back at the shorter portion means you can sit back more comfortably to relax, watch TV (especially when the TV moves to the fireplace wall)......more versatile than if it were just a regular chaise arm with a lower arm height.

    Extra bonus....it even has a storage component beneath the longer sectional portion. :-)

    http://www.roomandboard.com/catalog/living/sectionals/oxford-storage-sofas-with-chaise

  • 11 years ago

    I would use two small loveseats in L shape and add a printed fabric small ottoman with legs that could be used for coffee table.

  • PRO
    11 years ago
    By taking two focal points and putting them into one location (fireplace and television above fireplace) you just cleared valuable wall space. You can now put two sofas facing one another for conversation or viewing the television. By adding a ArtScreen you can keep the space formal for company and informal for family. Please view attached images.
  • 11 years ago
    Try a narrow sofa with legs to see under. Maybe some more lighting to open up the room. The couch is a little to big.
  • PRO
    11 years ago
    The most important thing is scale of furniture and function in the space.
    The sofa overtakes the room
    Looks like the kitchen is at the end
    Do a proper floor plan with furniture laid out to scale
    Call a local designer for a basic layout
    Professionals will help you and safe you money
  • 11 years ago

    Hey jsway14 I'll throw my 2 cents in. First of, how many people generally use the room - do you have children? You are battling some difficult and limiting dimensions so your furniture choices are limited as well. If it is only 2 of you then perhaps 2 oversized comfy chairs (the kind that swallow you up) that are easily moved or rearranged and perhaps a coffee table with baskets underneath or ottoman that also acts as storage. Perhaps the 2 chairs plus a loveseat? I agree with Rod and the others that suggest the TV over the fireplace as you must concentrate your focal point to one spot. No one has mentioned the ceiling fan, it is dark and obtrusive - can that go? As difficult as it may be due to finished development recessed lights really would be a huge benefit. If you are going with built ins or shelving I would not go above the height of the mantle. In your enclosed space you will need to rely on optical illusion so continuing the height of the mantle from side to side will make the room seem wider than it is. Anything going vertical will only continue the feel of long and narrow. TV above fireplace and art similar scale to the TV on either side will create the illusion of a wider space. Floor to ceiling shelves will close the room in to much, you can see what I mean in the other photos posted. Also, what is on the other side of the wall where the TV is currently? If the TV must stay where it is are you able to build a recessed area to house it? That is a bit of work but if you are handy it is relatively inexpensive.

    I would suggest creating a ' to scale' drawing on paper then cutting out different types of furniture and arranging them on that. Go to your favorite furniture stores and take measurements of different pieces. Good luck!

  • 11 years ago
    D. W. Jones- thanks so much!! We have one toddler & will be adding to our family soon. Day to day I t's just us three but we do get visitors quite often. I would be open to doing the two chairs, I just worry about the wasted space at the joint of it (loveseat against window wall and two chairs facing the mantel... The space to the left of the two chairs.) I guess the fan could go but we use it all of the time and would have to replace it with a floor fan which is an eyesore (to me). Across from the current location of the TV is a large window with shutters. I'm open to putting the TV above the mantle, just worry that if you are sitting facing the mantel you are about 170 inches from the TV so you will feel like you do when you watching a movie in the theatre from the front row...the problem we have now. We are planning on an L sectional with the short side facing the fireplace and putting the TV above...just not quite 100% sold on the sectional. I'm afraid it will look consumed by the sectional...Thanks again for all of your input, I'd love to hear more!!
  • 11 years ago
    Shirley- how do I go about finding a designer that will help me with just a basic layout? I've looked on yelp and googled but most of what I find is a $1500+ design fee per room.
  • 11 years ago
    We have a family room similar to yours. Had a much loved expensive sectional purchased for a previous home. Up until it was put in place I kept telling my husband it would not fit, won't fit, won't fit! Oh, it fits! As you can see, it does consume the whole space, but we do have room to walk around it on all sides. The TV is above the fireplace and although we are pretty close, it is fine. We have a large ottoman that everyone can put their feet up on and it is very cozy. I can also view the TV while working in the kitchen. The subject of placing the TV above the fireplace has been discussed many times on HOUZZ pros and cons and I do like having only one focal point and think it looks odd and distracting to have more than one. In some rooms over the fireplace is the only location that works.
  • 11 years ago

    What a comfy and cozy space you have there, luckey! I also like how you added that extra high bar type seating behind the sectional...what a great idea! :-)

  • 11 years ago
    some ideas to,help. I think a small love seat in front of the entrance with a table behind it would be nice. maybe put the tv above the fire place . add some shelving along side it.
  • PRO
    11 years ago

    Apartment sized sofa or love seat under window with matching chair in L configuration.

    Or L shaped apartment sized sectional with high back on long leg low back on short leg of L.

    Low built-in book cases flanking the fireplace to make the room look wider.

    Smaller non matching, but complimentary chair to the right of the fire place.

    Clear glass or plexiglass coffee table - depending on you taste. TV too high.

    Have included images for inspiration and 1 floor plan(omit table behind sofa)

    Any furniture you plan on buying, get measurements and make cardboard cut outs and try in the room - no room for mistakes :)

    www.sellorstay.ca

    www.upstageandsell.ca


  • PRO
    11 years ago

    more


  • 11 years ago

    New Sofa, smaller in scale especially height. Make sure that the design is profoundly simple. Put it opposite where the old one is with a very narrow console table behind it for lamps and drinks and such thus there would be no need for large end tables. Perhaps now you can see out windows as you sit? Give in and put the tv over the fireplace. I know, that's a tough one

    Get a smaller scale comfy chair and an ottoman that can double as a coffee table, and place the chair with its back to the camera. For a second chair, use a wooden arm chair instead of matching the lounge chair. You can see throughout the arms and legs and will give seating but the visual suggestion of more space. Put it in the outside corner on an angle next to the fireplace. Use only a few very special items as decor, thought not quantity is best. Try to keep the colors calm and edited to keep the mood placid. This too will contribute to an inviting feel.



  • 11 years ago
    Thanks so much everyone. I'm so excited about all of the feedback! The ceiling fan is getting replaced, all of the furniture will be gone, TV is going above the fireplace, medium/dark wood floors are going in & we are 95% sure we are doing an L sectional. I'll be sure to post an after picture when it's all done.
  • 11 years ago
    Actually...I could use some help choosing a sofa. What do you think?
    1. Light gray sofa (minus one cushion on left side)
    2. Dark gray sofa without chaise.
  • 11 years ago

    Light grey sofa is better in small area

  • 11 years ago

    I agree with Bears72....the style overall of the light gray sectional "fits" better better for your space. I love the tufted cushions of the other one, but the wider look of the arms I think will make that piece look too "oversized" in the room. Plus as Maura Hamilton mentioned above, a sectional with legs will help to make the piece look less heavy.

  • 11 years ago

    PS also pay attention to the depth of the sectional. The sofa in your original picture/post looks disproportionate IMO partly because of the depth (and of course the length). It looks like something about 6+ inches or so less in depth of your current sofa would look better.

  • 11 years ago

    No to both of those choices,jsway14; they will swallow even more of the room than your current selections. Avery showed you a a very good choice above, and King Lane has given you an excellent set of guidelines to avoid making the same mistake twice. I sense you are guesstimating, and urge you to be precise in your measuring so money and time are put to best use.

  • 11 years ago

    I had a large sofa in a long narrow room also. I completely agree with D W Jones. It's a family room so I think chairs would be a better choice than any sofa/sectional. If you must have a larger unit, use the chair and a half. Good luck jsway14! let us see what you decide in the end please.


  • 11 years ago

    Both sofas above are beautiful. The lighter one may give you a more open feeling - you don't want dark colors to visually fill up the space. Also the lighter one with legs appears to be off the floor which helps as well. I agree with other Houzzers to keep your room neutral and add color with accessories. Make sure you check the seat depth of your furniture! In the US the manufacturers sometimes call smaller scale furniture "apartment size."

    I also have a long, narrow living room with an oddly placed fireplace, though different from your layout. My husband suggested taping off the floor with the dimensions of the various sectionals we looked at, and it made a huge difference in furnishing our room to scale. In fact tape off the dimensions of every piece of furniture and then walk around in it to check the flow. Keep the backs of the pieces low so as to keep sight lines open. I love the suggestion to do built-ins as tall as your fireplace with a strong horizontal mantle running across the whole width (very Craftsman style - see many examples of this on Houzz). This will keep the eye moving horizontally across that narrow space. You are getting lots of thoughtful advice - take what works for you and I just know your room will be gorgeous!

  • 11 years ago
    I like the light gray choice. Definitely stay away from anything too dark.
  • PRO
    11 years ago

    Both sofas are too big. Should be more like these.


  • 11 years ago
    King Lane, thank you for the photos! We ended up going with that option but it's an armless chaise instead of the traditional chaise. Thanks again everyone!! After photos soon :-)
  • 11 years ago

    I imagine all of the thoughts and opinions are overwhelming. It's easy for us to make suggestions but we don't have to deal with all of the realities and parameters that you do such as the reality of moving electrical outlets to relocate the TV. It's very easy for us to spend your money lol! There are many great suggestions for you to consider and it's great to know so many people are willing to help. Best of luck with the project and all the best with the upcoming new addition to your family! Ps, what are you going to replace the fan with? Cheers. Dwj

  • 11 years ago

    Ps. As mentioned there are a lot of great posts and design suggestions for you. For this project I'd say forego paying for a designer, sift through the ideas and try your hand at being your own designer. Trust yourself, create your own colour palette and have fun. Put the money you save towards your furniture or accessories making sure they are durable as with two wee ones your home will become a jungle gym. :)

  • 11 years ago
    DW- I am so thankful for the advice and suggestions. We have decided to move the TV above the mantel and will probably replace the ceiling fan. We use the ceiling fan all of the time so maybe a smaller one? Only issue is, or ceilings are high so the manufacturer suggests using the downrod which makes it looks so bulky. lowes.com suggests 44 inches for that rooms square footage...I need to measure the one we have. What do you suggest to replace the fan??
  • 11 years ago
    It is very overwhelming though, this is my first go at putting a room together! I will definitely be using bits and pieces of everyone's advice to make it work for our family. Everyone that replied helped me convince my husband to move the TV, too. Job well done! ;)
  • 11 years ago

    Hello Jsway. My initial thought was you could replace it with lighting, since recessed would be difficult I thought maybe a long track light with small heads - where every other light could face one wall and the others the other wall. Maybe others posting could suggest something different if I am out to lunch on that. That said if the fan is important for moving air then by all means keep it. You may even consider more of a hugger type that is closer to the ceiling, perhaps white? It should be fine for moving the air If the fan is a bit higher. Rethinking the TV issue, relocating it may also be a decision to make once you have determined your furniture and where it will be placed. If the majority of your seating, ie a sectional faces the TV where it is now then that may end up being the best location after all. Remember to consider your new floor and wall colors when choosing your furniture color. This has probably really messed you up now, my apologies. If I can find a suitable light fixture that may work okay on your ceiling I will post it. I'm sure by now all of the suggestions are becoming as clear as mud.

  • 11 years ago
    Well, everyone...here is the new couch! Thanks so much for all of the input. While the TV is in the best viewing position, the larger side of the couch faces the TV, we will be moving it above the fireplace soon. Any suggestions for a rug? Thinking 8x10 and would like to use a geometric pattern (or something similar) using the peacock feather turquoise and blue.
  • 11 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    I like it jsway....looks so much better! Sounds like you like it too....which is the most important. :-) Just got our new sofa as well and area rug shopping too. So many choices, can be overwhelming. As for your rug....do you have a budget range in mind?

  • 11 years ago

    Btw, where did you get your sectional? Like the bumper chaise....that'll be a great place to sit back & watch TV regardless of where it's mounted. :-)

  • 11 years ago
    Really good choice! Well done! Not having a full back on the part that faces the fireplace was an excellent decision!
  • 11 years ago

    So, these are some that I saw at West Elm and Room and Board in the color you're looking for or as close to the peacock blue color that I could see.

    Most were textured rugs with a very subtle or tone on tone pattern. WE bring much more affordable than R&B. But I will keep looking.

    In the meantime, your thoughts?



  • 11 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Here's another one from West Elm.....a kilim rug with a nice pattern. But I think this particular color is only available via special order which means it could take up to 18 weeks.... :-(

    Also as I'm looking it appears that many with a sharp looking geometric pattern are flat weave- or kilim-type rugs. Are you looking for more of a plush or is a shorter, flat or no weave ok?

  • 11 years ago

    Here's some with more of the color you're looking for and with geometric patterns.



  • 11 years ago

    And some more ....


  • 11 years ago
    Avery! You are awesome!! Thanks soo much! While I would love something plush and soft, we have a toddler and three dogs so I think something short would be ideal. As for a budget, I'm would like to stay around $500. I've been poking around RugsUSA.com and they currently have a 70% off sale so a lot of the rugs I like have a $1000+ price tag. Not sure if that's just their gimmick but they have a huge selection.
  • 11 years ago
    Avery- Sorry, I missed your first question. It's the Orion sectional from Living Spaces. They called it an armless chaise :)
  • 11 years ago

    No problem jsway.....really you did good with your sectional choice! Any luck so far with the rug search? I've been looking for one too.......it's not easy with so many choices plus not knowing if we want to go more neutral or more color/pattern....and then most everything I like is so $$$. :-(


  • 11 years ago

    If you've found some you like, post them on here so you can get some feedback to help you narrow it down :-)

  • 11 years ago
    Love the sectional! Do you shop Home Goods, Wayfair, or Joss and Main. You can get a really nice wool rug that size for under $500. Here's one from Joss and Main.
  • 11 years ago
    I agree that discount rugs can be found at either wayfair, overstock or even pop into a Homegoods if you have one:) I found this grey and cream rug at HomeGoods for 199$ regularly 500$! This is going to be my baby's room....I've got a lot of work ahead of me ;)
  • 11 years ago
    I do have the Joss & Main app, a local Home Goods and have looked at the wayfair site. I think I just need to be more patient. Now I'm second guessing my rug plan. Do you think a rug should be the fun pop of color? Or, should I go with a more neutral rug and use pillows & other accents for color? Not quite sure how to rug shop!
  • 11 years ago
    And now I think I should do a white/ivory and gray rug and use blue/turquoise as an accent color. What do you think? I don't know what would look good :-/ I do like the softer and faded look of the turquoise rug though.
  • 11 years ago

    I like the Diana rug. I would go for a little bit of color.

  • 11 years ago

    i would also want to make sure the rug is soft because your kid will be playing on the rug a lot.