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amybmengel

Confounded by how to furnish this living room

9 years ago
New to Houzz and asking what I'm sure will be the first of thousands of questions. Just bought a very unique 1967 contemporary home. It will need a lot of renovation in due time! But to start, I'm just trying to furnish it.

The living room currently has a sofa and loveseat that came from the old house and that I'm not committed to. TV is on a particle board stand from college decades ago. That's pretty much it - a blank canvas!!

A few factors - there is a giant, hulking, fossil stone fireplace with a conversation pit (the 60's were a magical time, I hear). That poses challenges for furniture placement. There is also a bank of five full height windows/sliders leading to the deck and I'd like to not block them (the view is great). Another large window on the wall opposite the fireplace gives a view to the yard and I'd like to not block that either.

What do you say, folks? What kinds of sofas/chairs, how would you arrange them; where would you put the TV and on what; how do you account for the fireplace wall? What about other decor or accessories?

Comments (16)

  • 9 years ago
    Additional photos
  • 9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Try the TV on the short wall where the sofa is now. Then put both sofas facing each other. TV will be in the middle. Like this. Then you'll have that lovely view from either sofa.

  • 9 years ago

    That fireplace is really something! What are your thoughts there?

  • 9 years ago

    I see now that it's sunken...is that right?

  • 9 years ago

    Oof, not even sure. It's definitely unique. When we bought the house we were thinking rip it out, but it is massive - demo would be expensive. The wall has actually grown on us in the few weeks we've been here. But the pit aspect is very weird, and it is literally like having a campfire in the middle of the living room. I think it has to either stay or go -- I don't see an in between option of filling in the pit but keeping the wall/fireplace.

  • 9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    It's a beautiful space. Congratulations.

    I absolutely love the smaller sofa. I think I would use that one as the main sofa on wall where larger sofa is now - and bring in a couple of side chairs, instead of two sofas. Maybe a couple of club chairs, or even swivel chairs. Perhaps a couple of overstuffed chairs, even. But I might go more streamlined, just to keep spacious feeling. Having the side chairs offers more flexibility for seating placement and opens up the space - so less of the views would be blocked, etc.

    I saw these side chairs and saved this pic for myself. Love these chairs.

    Maison Calvados · More Info

    If you are comfortable with where tv is now, I think it's fine there. Probably a sacrilege to put it next to that amazing fireplace/conversation pit. Maybe something like this mid-century style for a console.

    Draper Mid Century Low TV Media Stand · More Info

  • 9 years ago

    Awesome house! Definitely going to be an interesting challenge finding great solutions furnishing it.

    Consider it a reverse inglenook. Lose the fireplace screen and tools you have now, maybe a set of tools hung from the bottom of the mantel instead and you are probably in for a custom made screen/drape over the firebox opening. Stack of floor pillows that get put down to sit near the fire.

    It's a hazard though. Could a mini deck or hatch cover it when not in use? Would a short railing along the side keep people from falling in?

  • 9 years ago

    It's a shame the pit is so deep and the fireplace so low. We had one in our last house (inherited) that was only one step down and the fireplace was up on a hearth. Mom filled in the pit, ran flooring across it and it made for a great area.

  • 9 years ago

    If you still want a fireplace...


  • PRO
    9 years ago

    Wow! That is some fireplace. I agree, it either all stays or all goes. Although Groveraxle's picture is kinda enticing. A low slung sectional would be great in this space. Some ideas..


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  • 9 years ago
    Thanks for all the suggestions - keep em coming!

    The low slung sectional is a good idea for maintaining views - especially some of the ones Blue Booby posted that are partially backless.

    Groveraxle has some interesting ideas on the fireplace. The hanging fireplace is awesome but rerouting the chimney sounds expensive. Not sure how we'd hand cords and cables if we put the tv on the mantle. But I did measure and filling in the pit to even it with the floor still leaves space between that and the mantle, so it's possible we could do a short horizontal fire insert.

    Putting the tv on the short wall is something we discussed but couldn't figure out how to do without putting the sofa right in front of the wall of windows (and then we'd be staring at a wall and not out the windows). But these suggestions have me rethinking lots of options!
  • PRO
    9 years ago

    Definitely think about putting the TV on the fireplace, or where the fireplace currently is. It might make your space a whole lot easier. Below is an image from our design portfolio to help you imagine it.

    Modern Desert Contemporary Residence · More Info

  • 9 years ago

    That grover. Always comes thru in a pinch. If you really like the wall, I think grover's suggestion is the way to go. Otherwise, bite the bullet and demo the whole thing. It is kind of a safety hazard.

  • 9 years ago

    The stone wall is a winner. Don't even think about taking that out or painting it.

  • 9 years ago

    I also think the TV would be great on the stone wall. For now, just put it to the right of the fireplace on a stand. It will disappear into the stone and give you one focal point for your furniture. That gives you lots of options for seating. I would use one sofa on the long wall, another facing the fireplace with a sofa table behind it or against the wall, and two chairs facing away from the big window wall, to maximize your views.