Sofa with back to fireplace

Cheryl Melton

11 years ago

My living room is so difficult to layout. I've rearranged dozens of times and finally found a layout that works well, except for the fact the fireplace is behind the sofa. It bugs me, being that it's supposed to be the "focal point" of the room. Before I had the sofa along the back wall (under the collage wall) and chairs flipped facing the tv but that made the living seem so long and miles away from the tv. If I pull the sofa away from the wall, it creates this dead space behind it that will never be used. I've tried angling the sofa to the fireplace but it looked strange and didn't work well. What do you guys think of the current layout? I need to make a decision before I finalize it by taking the tv down...ha ha

Thanks!

Featured Answer

PRO

Barbara Brown Interiors, Inc.

11 years ago

It is a tricky space and I see why you are struggling. Kudos for not giving up though! I do not recommend your current layout.

Here are some thoughts based on the photos alone (it's always best if you can use a to scale floor plan to help with figuring things out.)

Float sofa in front of the TV, away from the wall with pictures. In the area behind the sofa; Sofa table with pair of lamps. Under the sofa table baskets with kids toys stored out of site. I also really like the idea of a desk placed against the back of the sofa ( as you would a sofa table) lamps, chair, and you're using the awkward space as a little office area.

You're going to have to make peace with the angled FP , it's ok that it's not symmetrical. A pair of chairs working with the sofa and you've optimized your space, and it works with your FP. Having the main pieces of furniture floating in the room takes away from the angled wall.

Enjoy!
Barbara Brown

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (11)

PRO
Carolyn Albert-Kincl, ASID
11 years ago
Your current arrangement appeals to me and should work perfectly once the TV is moved to the wall opposite the sofa. To make the FP area work better, add a small slipper chair and small round table near it, or two small poufs in front of FP.
Cheryl Melton thanked Carolyn Albert-Kincl, ASID
Related Professionals
Crestview Interior Designers & Decorators · Clarksdale Interior Designers & Decorators · Elizabeth City Interior Designers & Decorators · Petersburg Interior Designers & Decorators · Bangor Interior Designers & Decorators · Akron Interior Designers & Decorators · Anchorage Interior Designers & Decorators · Lafayette Architects & Building Designers · Enid Architects & Building Designers · Oshkosh Architects & Building Designers · Modesto Architects & Building Designers · Chatham Architects & Building Designers · Savannah Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Detroit Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Willmar Kitchen & Bathroom Designers
njschaefer78
11 years ago
I like Barbara's ideas. Alternatively, on the wall that currently has photos (opposite of TV) you could do a little table with two chairs, a second, separate but functional seating area.
Cheryl Melton thanked njschaefer78
Cheryl Radigan
11 years ago
Back your sofa to the wide post in the room. You can find two narrow tables to place on either side of the post for light and scale. That gives you a focal 'choice' of window, fireplace, or TV….AND a purpose for that post. Personally, I would place the TV in a low cabinet in front of the window, thereby eliminating any glare from the window.
miacometlady
11 years ago
I can't see around not facing the couch towards the TV and sofa. As suggested, place a bookshelf with storage for kid stuff or place a desk either up against the sofa or on the wall behind sofa.
Irene Morresey
11 years ago
Could it go with the back towards your dining table
Irene Morresey
11 years ago
Sofa with back in dining table
droosth
11 years ago
I think Barbara had a really good idea. :)
Trine Vig
11 years ago
.
Maureen
11 years ago
I might try moving the seating area more into the middle of the room, facing the tv/fireplace. I would place the table that is under the tv to behind your couch and add your two matching lamps. Move the low cabinet to under the tv and lower the tv and add shelving to make that wall more attractive. Then move your corner cabinet to the middle of the back wall and add art on both sides.
Tree Section Residence · More Info

study · More Info
potchiemagoodleberry
11 years ago
flip the seating arrangement around so it can face both the tv and the fp, and push it back slightly, place the table that's under the tv behind the sofa, with a chair to create a desk with a lamp that can illuminate the desk area and offer light to the sofa. place the long, low media piece to the tv wall, and since the tv is a bit too high, lower it slightly and run the wires under the drywall....so easy with a $5 "snake" from the hardware store. curtain panels on the windows will fill in the empty feeling space and will bring in an element of softness. keep us posted!! :)