Need to reconfigure my living room

13 years ago

This is the front room in my 1920s bungalow. It's an awkward space as it's long and narrow. I really like the coffee and front tables, but will likely switch out the couches in the near future. I like the idea of a sectional, but am somewhat limited by the doorways on either side of the couch space. Either way, I would like more seating as I currently can only fit four. Additionally, I would like to change out the wall art to some things that stand out a bit more. Finally, it would be great to change out the fireplace facade at some point.

Any and all ideas would be greatly appreciated, especially with the furniture spacing.

Featured Answer

Mike Slater

13 years ago

Hi Jons112, I have a dinning room that is a bit like your living room: it's more hallway than room.

I have a few thoughts.

Because of all the doors and their trim, you already have a lot going on. You might consider taking out the bulky lamp in the corner and the lantern on the floor. You might also consider shortening or changing the drapes that pool on the floor. I agree with Tammy that the coffee table takes up too much space. You could put a C shaped table at one or both ends of the couch for drinks. (See below)

I also think Tammy is right on with the advice to find a slim couch and armless chairs, or at least small scale chairs. You can easily find a small rolling ottoman that will do double duty as a tray or seating if needed.

To my eye, the rug doesn't match. Replacing it either with a textural rug--perhaps a white flokati or one of the many shags out there--or a flat weave rug to pull in and blend some additional colors.

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Comments (7)

carole
13 years ago
a more slimline couch with your chair would look fab,that will make the room look bigger,you could place the settee differently in the room and have more chairs along the wall
but it will give the same effect as a sectional and i am not sure if that would be functional,as for the art,make the whole wall stand out??
Tammy Sprinkle
13 years ago
Hi there. I really like your wall color and the trim work being white. It looks crisp with the wood floors too. I like a small scale sectional and I would place it on the wall where the small chair is now. You can leave a walkway behind it to access that doorway. The lounge part of the sectional can create a second walkway along the area where your current sofa is. On the other side of the room I would place 2 armless chairs like those in the picture below. I would get rid of the coffee table because it takes up too much valuable floor space and place an ottoman in the crook of the sectional like that in the picture below. As for the fireplace, I agree with you a new facade would make it really nice. I think a lighter neutral color would make it recess into the wall more visually. I would use a creamy Travertine like the one pictured below and add a little molding to add visual height like that shown too. An area rug with some color to match that in throw pillows or artwork would be nice too.

The sectional is from Furniture Depot, the Chairs are from Home Decorator.com.
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B Elmore
13 years ago
Love your BT!
Darzy
13 years ago
last modified: 13 years ago
I think a small sofa and two chairs would be more versatile for your space. Also, a bench like coffee table would take less space in the narrow room. Also, a large area rug would make the room feel bigger. The small rug accentuates how small the room is.
Darzy
13 years ago
Here is a nice HOUZZ article on arranging a long, narrow living space.
https://www.houzz.com/magazine/how-to-arrange-furniture-in-long-narrow-spaces-stsetivw-vs~672823
Mike McNaughton
13 years ago
What a cool room. I love the trim. No sectionals unless they are small. Single pieces will give you more flexibility and interest. I would consider putting a chair in front of the door at the end of the room. You can arrange it to still get into the closet. If you don't use the closet as a guest coat closet, you don't even have to make it accessible from the front door.

I would also consider painting one wall a different color. Maybe the wall opposite the fire place. Maybe hang a mirror on one of the walls too. At certain vantage points it will make the room seem wider.