I really love furniture in any form. If you love sectionals go for it. First remember the size of your room. Perhaps if the sectional is large then a complimentary chair isn't necessary. Just use a smaller side chair that can be pulled up when necessary. It is your choice. Color is a big factor. Dark colors make the pieces look heavy as well as the covering. Leather is a hard covering. Pets (cats) love leather and will claw it. Taking all this into mind make a decision. Good luck and have fun in your new room.

If this the only room to relax in, stay with a roomy sectional with an additional chair or two. But this room looks large enough to make up a couple of conversation clusters of chairs and smaller sofas, which would be my choice.

Most sectionals are uncomfortable and bad for backs. Older people have trouble getting in and out of them. Depends on who is using the room. I have noticed that most adults want to have conversation and leaning back tends to inhibit that. Plus, adults want a little more space between them and the next person. I would go with a good sofa and several good armchairs.

I love the blue sofa, and I am also a fan of sectionals. I do agree that the chair and ottoman seeem a bit crowded. Can you angle the chair and pull it back from the coffee table. I am an older woman and have a sectional, and have no prblems getting off of it:). More contemporaty tables would add interest for sure. If they are not in the budget right now, don't worry about it. The room is inviting!

We had a sectional years ago. Very inefficient use of space. The corner is unusable when there're a lot of people as knees knock & it's hard to get into & out of corner seats. If the coffee table is far enough away for easy ingress/egress, then it's too far away to be used to place drinks and snacks. People have to scoot all way to front edge of seat to reach table.

it looks it is to busy. so you need smaller version of the sofa.

I would use the sofa but the chair I feel is too big and blocks the view to the window

I don't see anything wrong with the sectional, I think the problem lies with the huge coffee table that chokes the room paired right next to the large ottoman. Although the chandelier is beautiful, it seems a bit much for this sleek couch. I would probably get rid of the ottoman and throw a pillow on a smaller coffee table for feet.

It was hard to cast a vote on this one. I am not a fan of sectionals, but that's my personal opinion. Many chairs are now build to be reclining loungers that look like very nice chairs that have a variety of upholstery fabric. Or a glider type chair with a matching ottoman that can recline. These would be easier to place and rearrange in a room than a sectional. It really depends on what you mean by "lounge in the room" and how many people enjoy the space.

I have had and still have what is called a pit group. It is 10 individual pieces (4 corner pcs, 4 armless pcs, and 2 ottomans). I have had it for many yrs. Upholstered twice and debating on upholstering it again. It being individual pieces has allowed me to change it around rather than keeping it pushed together in one big arrangement that is why I've had it for so many yrs. It has served it purpose because it was built quite well. Would I buy one of the more modern sectionals today? No and the reason being is because they are not flexible enough. Most sectionals that are made now come either attached on one or the other ends or in the middle. I really appreciate being able to have a sofa (2 end pieces and a middle piece placed together) or (a seating of 4 chairs individually placed with an ottoman in the middle) pieces can be used in living setting or family room. It has been a wonderful investment.

Sounds like a happy, casual, gathering place for your Mom and family members, friends--possibly including kids and pets. TV, snacks, reading, games, chatter, naps, whatever! A no-nag, put-your-feet-up kind of place... With that in mind, what about a comfy, stretch-out sofa plus a couple of cushy chairs-and-a-half, all either slipcovered or upholstered in easily spot-cleaned, marled or tweedy fabric. Whether coffee or side tables, comfort is key: an easy reach and informal style--not starkly modern, not heavy/bulky, probably reclaimed, light, even whitewashed wood. Task lighting--table or floor lamps--will flatter room and occupants better than an overhead down-light. Lavish texture on this space: rugs in warm colors, layered on carpet or hardwoods, will define spaces within the room; throws and pillows in luscious shades set an inviting mood, as do puddled drapes. Mom's TV and sound system don't need heavy cabinetry, just simple shelving with cord-minders. (And while lines of sight should be clear from seating, avoid making this just "the TV room.") On the walls of this not-so-big room, a coat of warm ivory paint, maybe a couple of interesting floor plants and a gallery wall of treasured family photos. Relax, enjoy, repeat.

I think the whole room is lovely. I like the "not matchy" choices. But do you put your feet on the coffee table when watching TV? If so, an ottoman might be a better choice. Where is the TV located? If not viewed from this room I'd ditch the chaise in favor of a better arrangement for conversation. I agree with the comments above about depth of the seats... hard on us short people and bad for backs.

I like the color of the sectional. Perhaps consider changing out the white throw pillows to add some pattern and color accents. I think the chair is too oversized, dark and the ottoman closes of circulation. Add a patterned side chair that is scaled down a bit and compliments the color of the sectional. Use some of the blue accent pillows on the chair to tie the pieces together. The coffee table is too large. Try replacing it with a streamlined table similar in style to the end tables. If you like to put your feet up while lounging, there are coffee tables with nesting ottomans. The chandelier is a bit too much for this room. Add some color to the niches to have them stand out a bit rather than blends away with the walls. If you feel bold, use an accent paint on the upper tray ceiling.

It depends also on the size of the room. My living room is large, therefore a have a large sectional and 2 arm chairs and of course how you use the room. We use our living room as another family room. I don't believe in furnishing a room for a twice yearly use. It can still be beautiful.

I just recently redid a large family room with a large sectional (I do really like it), but it's very limited on changes to the room. I would recommend a large sofa and a matching loveseat, this allows for more armrests and it makes it easier to get out of chairs. I know my mom will not sit on my sectional because of the armrests. I would also consider acquiring two chairs with low seat backs that can rock or twirl - more fun and relaxing that are complimentary in color to the couch such that all the pillows can be interchanged.

First, I would suggest to set priorities. Since it is "Mom's house," I would consider her comfort first. Does she like sitting/laying on a couch OR prefer sitting in a chair? Next, how often is everyone going to be together in this room? Once/twice a week OR once a month? Both options can work beautifully, but you must consider which seating option is most desirable.

Jane bi-sectional from Gus Modern. Smaller sized with reversible chaise for handy arranging and re-arranging. Use one chair with it. If she wants it dressy, go for the beautiful velvet version. It will look more like the inspiration picture.

I like the over sized sofa for comfort and new design, but the coffee table is too large and the chair should go. A chair that fits the look of the sofa would pull the room together with out your eye jumping around to each piece of furniture. Also maybe a pillow in the new chair to match the sofa fabric would compete the look.

I would do a smaller sectional if sectional is what you want. Half circle one. Or possibly 2 sofas(not huge but according to the size you would need in your space)

I am a fan of 'love seats' even if two are perhaps angled with an end table between to allow them to share a lamp. How many people rush to sit in the middle seat of a 3 seater couch? Nobody, unless it's the last seat in the house. People go straight to the ends and I suspect the 'arm rest' is one of the reasons. The guy in the middle is a hindrance to conversation between the two on the ends,. They're talking over him as he leans back or he's translating to each of them. If he's part of the conversation, his head is snapping first one way and then the other.

Room looks large enough to accommodate larger sectional BUT remove dated recliner which is too large and somewhat outdated. Remove coffee table and also side table as no cohesion with sectional. Buy wing-back style of chair with exposed legs like sectional; two tiered smaller glass topped tables (brushed gold accent metal). Photo showed too much heavy furniture bunched to one end of the room but now, Total Update! Good luck!

If that's your room in the picture, leave it the way it is! It doesn't take up the entire room and it's beautiful.

The sectional appears fine as long as is in good condition. The chair, footstool and coffee table are too large. I would replace them with one or two lighter weight chairs; rockers or zero-clearance lightweight recliners if lounge needs precipitate. The chairs need to be in a slightly bold pattern to add interest to the room. Cushions on sectional should match flower in foreground of picture (?peach-color) or pick up a color from new chairs. Chandelier needs to go.

The question starts with your mom and her room but changes to we through most of it. What does your mom think about sectionals in general and does she sit in them? That being said, I picked smaller with another seat to hedge my bets.

If the room is somewhat choppy, why not use a combination of chaise lounge, smaller sofa and recliners/chairs and ottomans that compliment a multi familiy seating area. No one wants to touch others while reclining anyway if the purpose is to nap or watch movies. It will also look more spacious to have separation between the individual areas

I vote for the oversize sectional for family time and lounging. I have 2 oversize sectionals and two sofa/lounge chair scenarios in my home. As a home stylist I always put form over function, as a mom of three teenagers i put tasteful function over form. No one ,and i repeat no one ever sits on the pretty linen sofas. We spend our family time together in our living/family room on the sectional. If i had enough room I would have done a giant "U" shape , I have an "L" shape. I would suggest a sectional in a slipcover that can be removed to be cleaned, Crate and Barrel has very nice sectionals in different styles, we love the LOUNGE. Shop online for larger scale ,down- filled throw pillows in softer fabrics. The faux fur blankets from Restoration Hardware are a must for family time, they look beautiful, are stylish and everyone will want one to themselves!!!Try a smaller round fabric covered ottoman for putting up ur feet, and small little round tables that can be pulled into the sectional area for snacks and drinks. Enjoy your time with your family...it goes by too fast.

I dislike sectionals. Would rather have a nice comfortable sofa with 2 to 4 comfortable chairs, depending on the size of the room. People like their own space not "touching each other while reclining or napping" like Renee Tayman said. Also, I would not recommend a love seat for the same reason. A love seat is basically seating for only one person.

Well, I think a 'love seat' is for two, hence the name.

Yes, carolynsmimi, but that is an entirely different situation. Usually only one person uses a love seat when wanting to nap, watch TV are just be comfortable. Sofas or comfy chairs are a better option. I remember when a matching sofa and love seat was the fad......now it's those horrid sectionals and, what I call, "puffy" chairs". This big "bad ass" furniture is a crime to good taste.

We have a sectional and we love it. To get around the "elephant in the room" concept buy one that can be split apart into pieces fairly easily. We have a massive one from Ethan Allen and we change the layout all the time. Sometimes the whole thing is together and when we get tired of that look, we pull the sectional apart into two sofas and place them opposite each other with a recliner in the middle/end of the room. We did not buy the extended lounge piece and opted for a rolling ottoman instead to allow greater flexibility for who could is it from any position on the sofa. I guess it depends on how you plan to use the space. I would never put a sectional in a formal living space that was only for entertaining but would highly recommend it if this is the place you and your family are going to hang out. Just make sure it's versatile enough for your needs. We have 3 young children and one older son -our sectional stands up well to our family, can be "flexed" to fit how we are living at the moment and allows us to all fit in one room to watch tv or a movie. And one other consideration - if you have a spouse who likes to lay out on the sofa when watching tv while "resting their eyes" you definitely want more than just a regular sofa. For us, we have one of those dads, that meant everyone perching on arm rests, the floor, and or the coffee table just to watch tv together.

Just my two cents from someone with a large family who has gone both roads - sectional and individual sofa and found the sectional to work the best.

judygilpin Too many chairs make a room look like a bus station waiting room. They each have to have their own space. I have a family of 8. If I had 8 chairs in my living room.......That's why I prefer a couple of love seats in an "L" configuration with an end table between. Then, yes, chairs. I will agree with you, I choose a chair if given an option but I will take love seats over bulky 3 and 4 cushion couches.

I think the sofa is great but the chair takes away from the whole mood of the room, also the ceiling fixture is too diningroom looking, not casual enough for a comfortable gathering room. Otherwise, I like the room. Pat

Whomever said to keep Mama in mind for getting out of the sofa is right on. We older people don't like a bunch of pillows. We don't like sofa's with a lot of depth. We like firm backs and not a lot of smushy pillows.

They make sectionals that have The ability to be broke up in many different configurations used separately or together or in many different styles, where you can use some of them as a sectional and break some of them up and use them as chairs you could use some where they are made to look like two couches that are across from each other or connect arm to arm and still have pieces left over to use as chairs. The configurations that you can use with these pieces are unlimited it or I should say limited only by your imagination I know I have one of the sectionals and I love it I love it so well that I literally have had it for over 20 years that's how well it is made and looks almost like it's brand-new it was made with Italian leather in a I guess you would call it a caramel Color so it can be used in any room and I can change out the pillows in so many different colors there's literally nothing that it doesn't go with

You have a good one if you have good leather. And, after 20 years, sounds as though you do.

I was never a big fan of sectionals but somehow ended up buying one for my living room. It forms a simple sofa (no chaise) and turns out to be one of the best design decisions I ever made. For Christmas and Thanksgiving, we split the sofa into three pieces and easily move them to three corners of the room, which enables us to pair two Ikea tables to form square seating for eight, right in front of the fireplace. Beautiful and comfortable, without any feel of a folding table. I have a small dining room, and between these two rooms and the family room, I am able to seat 24 pretty comfortably......something I could never do with a standard sofa. For people with occasional space issues (90% of us, probably) this is a terrific solution.

I'm being curious... are those lamps actually plugged in... I'd go smaller scale furniture. But that's because I'm facing your same delima. we have a family room and a living room and use them equally but seating in the living room is more important because it's open to the dinning and kitchen guest will stay in there for sight lines vs going into the family room... which is secluded.

I'm going back to my original comment......I don't see what's wrong with the way it is. But, I may get rid of the oversized leather chair and do 2 comfortable chairs, in a pattern that blends with the existing sectional. I guess I never understood what was wrong with the room.........unless you wanted to make it more casual. Someone also thought your coffee table is too large. I don't think it is. Anything smaller with a sectional would look out of proportion. As a designer, I'm almost thinking this is a "fake" post just to get people involved, because I wouldn't change anything but perhaps the 2 chairs I mentioned above.......unless you've lived with this too long and you want something different.

The color and size of sectional are acceptable. Coffee table is too large and the color and style weighs the "center of the seating area way down , as well it makes it too tight. The large black leather chair do likewise. This room is completed by a huge "Royal Size" light and the dullest window accents known to man. If you think of this room as an outfit.....it fails, fails in many critical areas. Pull the monster table out 1st. 2nd make a major decision on 2 matching comfortable chairs in one of your favorite colors. 3rd. Visit JoAnn Fabric or a fabric store in your area and be sure to buy your fabric on sale. January is a great month to buy! Purchase a PRINT that has

your sofa, chairs, accent from floor and wall color. They have gorgeous mid to large print floral, nature, etc.. Buy enough for new drapes, at least 4-5 same print pillows, color of chairs (1.5yd),( .5yd) of color of sectional. Bring in diff. textures thru accents and finish it off w/an oval coffee table top/base like your end table, which allows you to open up the space. You then need to bring in some natural wood objects in your displays, etc.. MAKE THIS ROOM BREATH AND COME ALIVE!

As far as leather chair and ottoman-do you have room to the right to set up a cozy reading area for those great moments you love so much!

I agree with judygilpin that this is probably a fake "problem" or picture. The photograph looks too professionally done. As there is already a sectional in the room, is the question to replace it with an even larger one that would be in proportion with that huge ceiling fixture? As "James" has not weighed in I tend to further doubt that this is anyone's problem room (though it could use some improvement according to most respondents).

I agree

The sectional looks beautiful & ankers the space. The sofa table and chair are too heavy in colour & style in my opinion. They compete with the sofa & make it feel cramped even in such a beautiful big space. If you would have a lucite or glass coffee table, perhaps even like your side tables with the black frame or simply paint that table white. A simple, thinn lined contemporary wood table would work too.

And a contemporary side chair with low back, similar in style of sofa but different fabric. Like a light cream/white, light grey or sofa colour & and a light colour pattern or a strip. Perhaps in different texture. Linen would be nice. Play with accent pillows & throws in different textures & colours between the sofa & chair.

Well by looking at the picture i can see a large center table which i think is a issue if you can use a more suitable one would really be nice

Looks good the way it is. The only change I would make it the Lounge chair. It is to heavy and close to the style of the coffee table. I would get some thing a little lighter in weight with no wood

If the picture shown is your living room then I would suggest a leather sectional as maybe not larger than the one shown but less chaise lounge portion and more sectional and not as stiff. I have the perfect sectional and everyone loves and wants it. You still could easily have a comfortable side chair or smaller recliner (no need for an ottoman. I would change out the end tables (no need for the one left of the sofa). The coffee table is nice square but too massive. I would say glass top with attractive area rug under it and connecting all pieces. I would do a few other things, but then you didn't ask.

Does the sectional block the doorway? How much space at entryway?

I have never liked furniture in-front of doorway, unless it is 4-5 feet into a room giving good passage and view. Then one can place a console or piece of furniture a-back couch with an art piece that becomes focal point at entry.

What is on wall at entrance? Are we looking at a large T.V. and fireplace?

Is this room a family room or a formal living room? If former--then sectional is good idea and we should downplay the "fussiness". If formal, then I would like to see 2 couches facing one another and perhaps 2 occasional chairs placed in the room with small side tables. Given there is a chandelier( I would change) and niches with small consoles underneath, I would assume more of a formal area? If not-get 2 large marble plinths and put modern sculptures that fill the space and remove mirror and other small images.

The sliding door gives me impression room is more of a relaxed family room?

I like the sectional and the blue is lovely. We can go into different styles and change, but why bother? This is nice and work with what you have , until you can't. The coziness in the room is apt but the dimensions of the large chair and coffee table are not .

As for replacement of the black leather chair I would appoint 2 other chairs and a occasional table in-between, thus maximizing in seating area, but also allowing for a secondary tier, if entertaining. Opens up space to glass door and gives a nice element.

Do straight back chairs and not rounded as the eye goes around the room, easier.

Palette is calm--do you have punch in paintings on wall on opposite side--if so, can pick up color in chairs within your decor and get pillows to work with rest of room. Get architectural lamps for sides. One stand-up, the other on table, but both same medium. Change chandelier into something more contemporary or make that your visual? Ship around....the internet is at your fingertips!

If changing plinths in niches with heavy stone--downplay coffee table with a modern glass one. Table in-between chairs could be wood. Keep sleek and refined and should work with chairs . Mid-century style with a textured or patterned fabric?

Mix and play with different mediums, but don't get stuck with the ordinary. Have fun.

Good Luck.

O dear! That chandelier!

The sectional seems to be the correct scale for the room. A sofa table behind the sectional would work better than the two end tables; perhaps you could put the two end tables together to make a sofa table for holding lamps.

I agree that the coffee table and chair seem too large (or too close) for the grouping. Some curved lines would be inviting, such as a round coffee table and two curved side chairs, with table between, on the window side or diagonal from the sectional. Maybe a print that has curved lines on the chairs or pillows.

The chandelier seems too heavy and brings the ceiling down - don't bump your head.

OMG! I am in love with your ceiling light fixture! Where did you get it? As for the rest of the room, I really like it as is. For a bit of change, I would add a pop of color by changing the pillows, and the rug. If wall space permits maybe an oversize picture with some color.

I have come to the conclusion the picture shown may be similar to the perfect arrangement the person is asking advice for. But I think it's a professional picture and gorgeous for certain. Anybody with digs like that doesn't need our opinion. It's already professionally decorated and that light/fan fixture must have cost, whadda ya think? Up to $1,500.?