I did a mock up for you using your measurements. I think you are close with your present set up. I moved your desk back by the shelves ( which makes sense) . I added a small (52 inch) rectangular table to eat at and added 2 small chairs. I left your couch on the same wall it is on but moved it closer to the storage wall. Moved your TV and stand down as well. I have a small oval coffee table that works ( you may be able to find a similar sized one at a thrift store). Add some pillows for color- it looks like you have greens , mauves or reds and blues in that carpet? So add one or two of those colors in pillows to liven up the space. I left your HUGE papasan chair out on the enclosed patio which will make a nice place to hunker down and read in the light. Add some fun art work ( thrift store finds or canvass from a HomeGoods or Target) on the wall. A floor lamp near your couch might be helpful too.

( enclosed porch at bottom)

Haha, yes. The papasan IS huge, but it's so comfy. The thing I'm worried about with this layout (ok, two things) is having the table block the path created by the (already cramped) apartment entryway. Also, the "patio" is a bit dark (no lighting fixtures over there) and drafty because of the windows. I don't know that I'll be doing much reading/relaxing over there... Any alternatives?

These blackout curtains come in 108 and 120" priced for a pair, come in several colors

overstock.com ITEM# 16699814

Do you have to have a dining table? Do you have people over for dinner often? CAn you put a bar stool (or 2) at the kitchen opening for eating. That would eliminate the need for a table and open up more space for living/studying.

Perhaps if the dining set is not used on a regular basis, put it in the patio area if needed for guests. Some candles on the table at night. If you hang some insulated/blackout curtains on the wall to the outside it will cut down on the draft.

Susan's idea of putting a small table on the 'patio' is your best bet.

Ooh I like this idea. Would it be way tacky to do floor to ceiling blackouts in this color/pattern to pull some of the mustard yellow out of the rug?


(I'm hoping to find a better pattern, but it captures the idea well enough).

Also, what would be my best bet for lighting in that area?

I think pulling a color from the rug is an excellent idea. I just used green. I have plugged in a table lamp and a floor lamp. That is so much better than overhead lights. I think in my floor plan I had the table and lamp on the patio end of sofa, but either end would work. Where ever you need the lighting.