Help me turn a Formal living room into an elegant, comfy lounge

January 11, 2016

I'm making over my living room and want to go with a seating arrangement with 4 comfy chairs around a round coffee table or ottoman. This will be my Mom cave where I can enjoy my morning coffee, read on my iPad, and enjoy a glass of wine with neighbors or a quiet chat with my hubby.

The room is 11' 4" X 14' 10" wide. There are 2 window walls, 1 solid wall and it is open to the foyer.. You can see some BEFORE photos in my post. The room has been painted a medium gray and we installed hardwood floors to match the foyer. Then I stopped and became paralyzed trying to figure our layout and furniture choices.

And now my questions and cry for help....

-I'm terrified of making a mistake with scale in this room. I want the chairs to be large enough to be comfy so you can curl up in them but not so big that it feels off. How do you determine what size chairs and ottoman/table to go with? I've tried drawing a floor plan and it looks good on paper but I've made that mistake before and it was a costly one. Any guidelines I can follow? Is it s room large enough for this seating arrangement?

-I wish I had a fireplace in the room as a focal point, but I don't . :-( Any other ideas for creating a focal point?

The only other piece of furniture that will go in the room is a vintage black and gold curio cabinet which will go on the solid wall (it's too wide for the window walls). I'll post a photo soon. , I'd also like a Daybed or upholstered bench/backless sofa to kickback and relax. Not sure if this creates too much furniture clutter...space planning no is not my strength. And I'm sure a little bar cart will find its way into the room.

Your expertise and ideas are appreciated!

Comments (60)

lafleming
Yeah, based on my inspiration room choices, it's obvious I long for a fireplace in that room. I'll need to check out electric options. We live in a corner lot so both windows face a street but it's a beautiful golf course neighborhood and a nice view from either direction. Love the idea of a chandelier.
January 12, 2016
havingfun
this first one is 39" wide. With 18" between chairs it means that there is 3 feet of room left on the less wide side
Alton Rolled Armchair - Graphite · More Info
Baxton Studio Hildebrand Gray Linen Modern Tufted Bench · More Info

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these 2 are 30" and 31" making altogether around 6.5'. this leaves you just under 5' left.
GDF Studio Barzini Fabric Club Chair · More Info
with the space remaining, i feel a bench would be your best shot.

Sterling Industries Double Bench in Cream Metallic Linen · More Info

Pebblebrook Rug 3'6" x 5'6" - SILVER · More Info
my vote would be for this or a white shag.

Coffee, Sofa & End Tables - Overstock Shopping - The Best Prices Online · More Info
let me know if you wish to remove some or all.
January 12, 2016last modified: January 12, 2016
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Got the floor plan drawing-but can't get the shrimp pot picture off-Also-I had turned the floor plan the correct way-don't know why it sent like this- As you can see-It's a small space-And everywhere you go there is a walk-through. I have switched the two rooms back and forth from dining to breakfast to entertainment-There is a comfy den where the fp is that we use a lot- but it is small and we entertain and cook a lot- We need comfy spot for eating and for overflow for parties! At one time the room on the right was a formal dining room and the room on the left was a catch all serving many purposes-but never pulled together-It has housed a breakfast table,couch,bookcase,-tv,but when you were in there it was never quite right-For instance-I would have food and snacks on the breakfast table-and guests in the comfy den-but when they would come to get food-they would pull up at breakfast table where food was being served then stay there and watch tv from table-Yucky. So I need a bar/credenza/buffet or something. I have two huge armoires-that are the bulk of the problem because they take up most of the wall space. One is 59" by 19 "deep and 8'tall the other is 53" wide by 18" deep and 6' tall-family heirlooms that I would like to keep-Especially the bigger one. Also-I have a rectangular dining table that that seats 8 that I can use for the time being but would like a new one eventually-I need to seat 10. The den is a dark red with dark brown leather sofas and copper coffee table-dark stained wood blinds-Off white shag rug-My favorite room! Love it-Just saying-cause the rest of the house needs to blend with it a little-
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You really need a very large table in that space. You won't be happy with an underscale one. Looking at your photos, even the demi-lune you have looks a bit underscale for the massive space. That's why I suggested a large antique secretary for your living area. The size of your rooms calls for pieces larger than standard furniture. Think antiques from Europe that came out of manor houses and estates. That will help you get the sizes right and they'll suit your architecture as well.
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RubyRoses
love the 1st chair having fun posted.
January 12, 2016
havingfun
just worried about the space involved, anyone have a good handle on it? well and the cost, usually way out of my league. tehehe
January 12, 2016
lafleming
In looking at photos on houzz, I can definitely see how a rug can pull it all together. Thanks emmarene for that reminder. I like to keep furniture and rugs neutral and play with accent colors in art, pillows and accessories. Here are a few rugs that I like. I'm also thinking a rectangular rug would work best under the circle of chairs.

So....what size rug would one put into this space?
January 12, 2016
lafleming
Havingfun, I love the style of the first chair you posted. Looks tailored but comfy. Where can I find one like it? Also, your dimensions were really helpful. I guess it would be better to just focus in on the 4 comfy chairs and ditch the Daybed idea. I want the room to feel fresh and inviting, not too cramped.

I couldn't see the rug you proposed...can you repost? Don't think shag will work with 2 golden retrievers. Need something low-pile that's easy to clean.
January 12, 2016
lafleming
Acm, I loved your post. Thank you for the great ideas and most of all for "permission" to just do it. You're the girlfriend I need by my side when I'm standing in Ethan Allen for 2 hours only to leave without anything because I'm afraid I'm making a bad decision. You're right, this should be a lot more fun and a lot less stressful. You've given me a new outlook! But I'm scared of that colorful room and rug you posted.
January 12, 2016
havingfun
Alton Rolled Armchair - Graphite

If you ever work on computer, there are links under the pics.
URLhttp://www.pier1.com/Alton-Rolled-Armchair---Graphite/2945401,default,

Here is the rug again. from Horchow - sometimes they do have good deals
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Now that i see how much you are willing to deviate, will give you some more. As much as i love blue, the 3rd rug looks blue and taupe, no grays, 1st looks all taupe?
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Just been out shopping for a few days, fingers are about to fall off. lol

want me to pull other chairs?
January 12, 2016
Carolina
Here's a floorplan that shows these chairs and this coffee table (for size reference). If you choose chairs that have visible legs and no bulky armrests, it will look more spacious.

I also put a freestanding electric fireplace on your wall, but you could place your cabinet there.

If you want a chaise, here's another floorplan option for you. Would be too crowded for my taste. But if you start with your four chairs and coffee table, you can always see if you feel there's enough space for a chaise.

I would suggest you use painters tape or paper to mark out the space the furniture of your choice will take up in your room. It helps you visualize a bit whether it will work for you or not.
January 13, 2016
lafleming thanked Carolina
RubyRoses
probably will need an 8 ×10 rug
January 13, 2016
lafleming thanked RubyRoses
PRO
RugKnots | Area Rugs
You said that you lean more towards traditional/classic styles...do you like the look of Persian rugs?
January 13, 2016
PRO
RugKnots | Area Rugs
Do you like any of these?

Wool and silk:

http://www.rugknots.com/collections/8-x-10/products/hu9-6-15-924

http://www.rugknots.com/collections/8-x-10/products/ap9-4-12-510

http://www.rugknots.com/collections/8-x-10/products/ap9-bl-4-12-652

http://www.rugknots.com/collections/8-x-10/products/aik-7-6-15-1186

Overdyed rug...I think would look fabulous in your lounge! It has a low pile for the dogs and add a cool, glam touch that is still classic and traditional

http://www.rugknots.com/collections/8-x-10/products/apvbl4-12-628

Here is a link to our 8x10 section:

http://www.rugknots.com/collections/8-x-10?page=1

Regardless of whether or not you like our rugs (I promise I won't be offended!) Don't buy a rug from Ethan Allen! They are grossly marked up. For the about same price of some of the rugs from Ethan Allen, you can get a custom, hand knotted rug from us. That is how much they mark up their prices!
January 13, 2016last modified: January 13, 2016
lafleming thanked RugKnots | Area Rugs
emmarene9
I think you might like a rug in these colors.
January 13, 2016
Carolina
The rug in the first layout, with only the chairs, is an 8' x 10'.
January 13, 2016
lafleming thanked Carolina
lafleming
havingfun thanks for the tip of using houzz on the computer. I only use my iPad and had no idea I wasn't seeing everything. The iPad experience limits the number of photos you see and eliminates the links so you can't see where the items are from. Learn something new every day!
January 13, 2016
lafleming
carolins thank you for the floor plans. SO helpful to see. I sketched mine out with circles and squares on graph paper and it really didn't help much. I do agree that the bench makes it feel a little crowded so I have crossed that off my wish list. I like symmetry and balance anyway and your first sketch just feels "right" to me. Hubby is clearing the room for me this weekend so I can tape off the elements as you suggested. So excited!
January 13, 2016
lafleming
havingfun thank you for the rug ideas. I'm not crazy about rugs in general but I do like the Safavieh Adirondack Collection ADR108B Ivory and Silver Area Rug, and the Jaipur Rugs Fables FB08 Grey Rug you posted. I have this rug (image 1) in my foyer right next to this room (it is silver/ gray/charcoal/taupe) so I need to make sure the new living room rug doesn't compete or clash. Any thoughts on what would work well? I like the style of the pier 1 chair you posted but would like to find something a little higher-quality. Also, since the walls are gray, I'm trying to find chairs (4 of the same) in a color other than gray or maybe with a gray accent. My home is a mix of grays, taupes, blacks, ivory, with pops of color here and there. I like the mix of colors in the chair shown in image 1 (but not sure if it's comfy enough...I need to find it in a store to try it out) and I also like the chair in image 3 but that may be too much pattern with 4 chairs. I could play it safe and go with something like image 4. I welcome everyone's thoughts. The feedback and ideas have been wonderful!
January 13, 2016last modified: January 13, 2016
lafleming
Rugknots I checked out your website and like this grey & ivory rug. Not sure if it will work but I'm going to keep my eye on it. I know someone said you should choose the rug first but I think I need to settle on my chairs first, then the rug.

http://www.rugknots.com/collections/grey/products/hu9-6-15-921
January 13, 2016
lafleming
cute chair...maybe for my teenage son's room. he probably will not want it either but he'll just throw clothes on it anyway. and when it's clean in there, I can enjoy it.
January 13, 2016
havingfun
the floral pattern in image 3 is nice enough. but i tend to go more monotone, so i can have a whole new room by changing soft things.

Don't worry about the son, within a year of leaving my house, my son became a super neatnick. though in the last 15 years, he has some how forgotten how to cook and do his laundry. I apologize women of the earth, i did teach him!

It seems to be the year of color, yeah! So many seemed to be sold out.

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to make sure you can see. i will do in a few entries.
January 13, 2016
havingfun

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Olive, i know this is a more modern take but it shows it works. I don't normally get this color much
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Blue Blue Blue blue blue, can you tell my favorite, might be gone a while, got lots!
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don't seem to get a lot of traditional lately

last set coming up!
January 13, 2016
havingfun

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Yellow, this can be quite remarkable, see the yellow pillow above? already making a statement.
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i know this brighter, but does show how well these colors go, the brightness is matter of how much statement you want. always fresh looking though!

i wore out, and could not get pics in any of the colors for some reason. so you need to go to Birch lane. They have a sale on so i was impressed with color style and price! I did search, Joss & main, Wayfair, and Pier 1, all normally high on the good choice. Nothing!

You can of course do pinks and deep reds, but that does not strike me as you. One other color is melon. this is one of my favorite pics.
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Talk tomorrow! Have fun!
January 13, 2016
Carolina
Is there enough space between the columns and walls for people to use those openings to get to the chairs nearest to the longest wall? It looks wide enough in your photos? Otherwise you'd have to go in front of other people to get to and from those chairs, which is not ideal, but not a huge problem. Just a thought... :-)
January 15, 2016
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RugKnots | Area Rugs
lafleming, that is a great pick! Please do take your time as decorating is a long process. We do have free shipping, free return shipping, and money back guarantee so if the rug ends up not working out, you can ship right on back with no cost to you.
January 15, 2016last modified: January 15, 2016
havingfun
hi lafleming, been a couple days, want me to take some down?
January 15, 2016
lafleming
sorry for the delay in getting back here. Had to travel this weekend and was out of town for a few days. Hubby didn't move furniture since i wasn't here to "direct" him. So now I need to wait till next weekend to tape off the layout.
January 18, 2016
lafleming
carolins I just measured the space between the columns and the wall and it is only 18" so too narrow to walk through. i see what you mean about not being able to walk around the 2 chairs at the opening to get to the other 2. I guess that's my general concern with this layout. I love it but is it really going to work if my guests need to climb over each other to sit down? In the layout you posted, you are showing 1 ft 5" between the chair and ottoman. I guess I need to really carefully with the depth of the chairs and look for something compact but comfy so you can move around the room. I'm confident I can find chairs I love. But finding chairs that fit AND that I love is a bigger challenge.
January 18, 2016
shirlpp
Yes, 4 chairs are ideal for this setup, but 3 might work also.
January 18, 2016
classysass
I love your room and your colors are so sophisticated. In keeping with the style of the house, I urge you to take a risk. Please don't play it safe. Traditional doesn't mean boring. I loved the chair with the floral print in the back. That room deserves some really nice pieces. How's the budget? If you want to be comfortable, visiting with friends, choose down cushions. With high quality furniture, you'll never need to buy new pieces. You can reupholster if you need a change but classic styles stay current much longer than trends.
January 18, 2016
havingfun
in regards to the fitting of the chairs. I always felt that it would have to be more of a u or cup shape with the chairs, that is why i thought a bench ottoman rather than round etc. did you check birch lane for chairs? and did you decide on colors yet?
January 18, 2016
lafleming
I did check out birch lane and really like many of their chairs. They seem to get good reviews but I'm hesitant to buy 4 chairs without sitting in them. If anyone has experience with their upholstered furniture, please comment.
January 18, 2016
lafleming
I am targeting a 10k budget for this room so I do expect to get quality chairs. I am willing to take some risk but have yet to find the right elements to feel like I'm getting a big reward along with that risk. I see mixed reviews on using a "free" design service from a furniture store. Good or bad experience?
January 18, 2016
havingfun
my concept is use them to get the measurements for sure they can graph it out perfectly right? but all they are going to show you are chairs you can find on your own?

my thought is if you are budgeting 10k, why not go to a designer. they are going to get you access to places we can't. Start with here, because you can check out what they do here. and what they say. I am really surprised there have not been more professionals, i usually believe in starting with those who have helped. I will look around for ones, I have been impressed by. Sometimes threads just weave on by.

Do you want me to pull things down now? or do you want to use as reference, we are getting short on time, soon it will be here forever. Though i don't find that offensive it can take up valuable space. Remember let us see!
January 18, 2016
Carolina
I feel the same about buying chairs online. Unless you have no easy access to furniture stores with items to your taste. Chairs can look lovely and be comfortable for another person, but not for you. So I will always want to sit in a chair/sofa before buying.
January 19, 2016
shirlpp
There are fewer and fewer furniture stores to visit and check out the furniture. In this Cyber-World, sometimes the best that we can do is rely on the reviews.

The free design service at the furniture store is going to steer you to products that they sell only. This could be good or bad.
January 19, 2016
decoenthusiaste
havingfun caught me on another thread and asked me to check out this one. As for spacing, if the ottoman serves as a coffee table, it should be no more than 18" from any chair to be useful for setting down a cup, eyeglasses, etc. That might tighten things up a bit and open passage past the columns. Do you live near a city that might have more high end furniture stores? Going on a 2-3 day shopping trip might be worth it.
January 19, 2016
havingfun
thanks deco, any ideas where she should start? lafleming, I called deco, cause she always plays nice with everyone. deco, we are having problems with finding quality chairs that she can try in person.
January 19, 2016
decoenthusiaste
I asked if she was near a larger city that might have more high-end stores to shop. I know she would want to try before buying four chairs. If this is to be a "lady lounge," it might be interesting to have a mix of chairs. Finding four comfortable chairs but in different styles might be easier at second hand or antique shops. Here are two groupings of chairs - maybe too casual for this application, but it can be done. I'm thinking that a chair for comfortable reading, with both arms resting on the chair arms to hold a book, would differ from one that is comfortable for using an ipad. For that you could use a chaise or bench with a C table. Personally, I'd like a chair that rocked for one of them. If hubby is joining her occasionally, he might like a sophisticated lounge chair. They can be tied together with color and matching pillows and an anchoring rug.

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January 19, 2016last modified: January 19, 2016
lafleming
Deco, thanks for joining my dilemma and thanks to having fun for reaching out. The different chairs idea is interesting but I'm sure I want to go with 4 of the same. I love the symmetry , repetition and balance. Also love the symmetry and balance in the image you posted with the 2 daybeds...will need to consider that for a different room. I'm located about 2 hours from Chicago so I could visit furniture stores to test drive some chairs.
January 19, 2016
lafleming
Please comment with your favorite, brick & mortar quality furniture store recommendations....what would be your top 5 stores for quality upholstered furniture? I'm about 2 hours from Chicago so I'm guessing I can get to just about any store.
January 19, 2016
havingfun
How about the big design places they have now? are they any good?
January 20, 2016
Carolina
Room & Board, Crate & Barrel are in Chicago. I like what I see on their websites (unfortunately I'm not in the USA, so haven't seen them 'live').
January 23, 2016
Carolina
http://chicago.racked.com/maps/best-home-stores-chicago
January 23, 2016
lafleming thanked Carolina
lafleming
great link from carolins ! some really interesting "off the beaten path" stores in that listing. Looks like I need to plan a girls trip to the city. Thank you!
January 24, 2016
lafleming
having fun, if you need to streamline your postings due to space, you can take down your images. I have screen-captured those that will help me continue my planning.
January 24, 2016
havingfun
sorry, too late. crate and barrel and room an board, do more original than them, unless you see something you really love. they are kinda like you pay more for fancier name? not necessarily better quality?
January 24, 2016
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I like Jimmy's art. Some nice pieces.
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