Help with furniture location/selection for long weird living room

January 14, 2017

last modified: January 14, 2017

I'm struggling with furniture selection and placement in my living room. Right now we have a sofa and armchair but find we don't have enough seating when we have company and half the sofa doesn't get much use since it's an awkward spot to sit and comfortably see the TV (mounted above fireplace). The images below show 1. how the room is laid out now (the exception being the Ikea shelving unit has been replaced with the Ikea Hemnes 8 drawer dresser). 2. an image showing the other angle of the room (taken when we purchased the house) 3. the rough dimensions of the room.

A few challenges we experience with this room:

1. It's pretty narrow, the fireplace is HUGE and not centered to the room or the long set of windows along the front of the house, and the living room is both a room and a hallway between the front door/stairs to the dining room/kitchen.

2. the fireplace is HUGE and not centered to the room or the long set of windows along the front of the house, and the living room is both a room and a hallway between the front door/stairs to the dining room/kitchen.

3. the living room is both a room and essentially a hallway between the front door/stairs and the dining room/kitchen.

I'm trying to figure out the best furniture for this space that will maximize seating while also making the best use of the room- right now it seems that the space on the west side of the room is sort of a dead zone

Comments (29)

everdebz
So we get it - does the sofa sit directly in front of the wide window/ and in front of the tv? How wide are those 2 windows? Likely you don't want the tv in the corner, awkwardly - but better to prevent walking through?
January 14, 2017last modified: January 14, 2017
batson_cassie
Good questions, yes the sofa currently sits directly in front of the windows- the sofa is 79" long (here's another pic). The windows and the sofa are not centered to the tv- essentially the windows are centered in the room but the tv/fireplace are not.
January 14, 2017
Related Discussions
Weird mid-century living room - help picking color scheme?
Q
Comments (1)
I would do adjacent walls in the orange not facing ones. I think the walls are too far apart. I have a orange, north facing den and love it.
...See More
Living Room Fireplace/Furniture Location Dilemmas
Q
Comments (7)
Go with the 3rd option. Corner fireplaces consume too much real estate in a room as well as date a design. These fireplace positions became popular more than a decade ago when gas and electric units were introduced and a corner unit was unique. Your layout has created a great conversation area and uninterrupted traffic flow. With that said, assuming it's a gas fireplace, where the unit can be placed will be driven by the specifications and clearance necessary for installation. Consult with an installer on restrictions and that will ultimately give you the fireplace position. I hope that helps you in your decision.
...See More
Need help with furniture layout/design in long living room.
Q
Comments (28)
This room really has good bones,nice light and you are truly off to a great start. I would use bamboo roman shades with curtain panels to the side.The roman shades come in so many great tones ,look on overstock, local retailers like home depot. I think your room would look terrific with the firplace as your focal point in that area, float your couch towards flank the firplace with your chairs or pull them to wards the wall also float? I also like the reading corner idea you have many options to try out. You could also use your ottoman topped with a tray as the cofee table, seems the one is a little out of scale. When able have neat shelving units built or maybe you can find ready mades to hold your speakers etc..and pull in decorative items in the tonal values of your great. art piece over the fireplace.same for pillows for the sofa to start adding pop and tying in a few more colors . You are fortunate you have many options with this room. I also love the idea of a desk area ,rooms that are multifunctional can be just terrific. If you have a Homegoods in your area they have great rugs at great prices, as does Tuesday Morning. Bamboo roman, shades actually depending on the weave can let light in just filtered and not completel block the light. check out JCP for those.. I have bamboo grommet curtans love them i can see out but it blocks the view in and just adds a nice glow . Good Luck, you have a beauiful room ,have fun.... the nice thing is nothing has to be done at once it''s a fun adventure !'
...See More
Furniture ideas for a long narrow living room/dining room.
Q
Comments (14)
Hi! This is a great idea to install a bench in your living room. "Joie de Vivre" can answer your need! The Wayfarer Modern Wheelbench gently rolls to your favorite seating areas in and around your home. You can enjoy your mug or cup of tea, while sitting on your bench. Thanks to especially large armrests, you can relax your arm in an ideal position and set your drinks on it with no need to stretch out to the floor. To have more information about the product, do not hesitate to visit our Houzz page "Joie de Vivre"
...See More
batson_cassie
Here's some added detail to the floor plan. Totally not to scale but I don't think, based on the layout, that the tv can go anywhere besides above the fireplace
January 14, 2017
everdebz
Seems I need to want to know: how many feet 'away from' center, is the fireplace from the center of the couch? making sense... :)
January 14, 2017
everdebz
You probably don't at all want to move that doorway to go into the kitchen! ? In other words, would it be nice if the tv and the seating could move down to the 'right'? even if sofa would be 'off' from that window?
January 14, 2017last modified: January 14, 2017
batson_cassie
It would be great! And we have some pretty great long-term plans but for now we have to work with what we have in terms of layout. Just trying to find the right furniture and placement for now.
January 14, 2017
everdebz
A moveable chair or two then for company, where it's comfy? Keep them on the west area....
January 14, 2017
leelee
The tall white shelf looks a little cramped in the corner by the window. You might think about adding 4 hairpin legs and turning it on it's side to go under the window. That would make it look more like a console and less like shelf.
January 14, 2017last modified: January 14, 2017
PRO
Flo Mangan
I like your fresh paint colors. Nice job. I have an alternative thought. I will do a layout for you shortly.
January 14, 2017
batson_cassie
Thanks leelee! That shelf is actually gone an replaced with a dresser we use for misc storage and as a buffet when we entertain. Here's an updated picture now that I had a chance to sort of clean my house today!

Flo, thank you and I'm so excited to see your idea!
January 14, 2017
PRO
Flo Mangan

batson_cassie · More Info
In a long space, it is usually best to create two seating areas so I have come up with this idea. I move the TV (which you might resist, but hang with me here)! I put a console under the high window on the end away from the fireplace. You can put your sofa across the space (using your measurements) and put a small table on the window end. A lamp on that table would be nice. I put two "swivel" chairs 28x28 either side of TV, so essentially 4 can watch TV easily. I put a sofa table behind the sofa so you can have a lamp there as well. Then in the "fireplace" area created a cozy seating area with a chaise lounge, the chair from your living are (blue) and you can have two small tables to set a cup of coffee, etc. Either side of the fireplace (don't have good feel for the space) you could place either bookcases or half round matching tables with lamps. This arrangement provides seating for 6 people easity and you probably could use the ottoman for another seat. There is ample "walking room -- need 3' wide for that) from the front door, through in front of the fireplace and on into the dining room. I have guessed at window sizes and placement and the size of the opening to the dining room, but I think I am probably pretty close. I also put a floor lamp in the far right corner down by the TV for evening light while watching TV. This would be a very interesting and inviting arrangement IF you can be convinced to move the TV. :) We don't like TVs over fireplaces for many reasons.
January 14, 2017
batson_cassie
Flo- I really like this idea and will move existing furniture around to see if it feels like it can work in the space. I worry about the walkway to the DR feeling choppy/closed off by having the couch running perpendicular to it. I'm not at all opposed to moving the tv if the layout feels good. The biggest challenge we have with the space is comfortably seating 5+ people on a pretty regular basis. I've toyed with the idea of a L shaped sectional as well but the one side of the room still feels like dead space so we'll see how two seating areas might change that
January 14, 2017
leelee
batson_ : ) still the same scenario with the shelves/dresser. Needs to be centered with the window--not jammed into the corner to interfere with the drapes.
January 14, 2017
PRO
Flo Mangan
That dresser might work as a "sofa table". Are you seating 5 now?
January 14, 2017
batson_cassie
The dresser is 37" H and the sofa is 34" H so... maybe but the difference may be too much. We can make 4 work with three on the sofa and one on the chair but we have to pull seating in haphazardly from other rooms for any more than that right now.
January 14, 2017
leelee
Can you scoot the dresser over to center with the window, please and show a pic?
January 14, 2017
batson_cassie
I actually really hate it centered but snapped a shot for you. I did take your suggestion and move it a little away from the window as well so the curtain has a bit more breathing room.

Ps- I know my art needs to be lowered and/or hung ;)
January 14, 2017
PRO
Flo Mangan
Yea, dresser too high for sofa. Do you have anything else that could do that? I could try reversing the set up. Maybe put a desk on far end behind sofa. I will play with some ideas for you.
January 14, 2017
batson_cassie
I'm open to new purchases, sofa, chairs, tables etc. probably won't happen overnight but hoping to have a game plan to work toward instead of spinning my wheels and buying things that don't quite work
January 14, 2017
PRO
Flo Mangan
Here is another option. I reversed things and changed it up a bit for you. I also added two chairs and kept chaise and other items. The two chairs I added are near fireplace area. I would use compact chairs like "campaign" chairs or simple ones to take up less visual and actual space. This arrangement would seat from 7-9 people depending on how much they like each other! lol I also added a TV!! I kept the one over the fireplace and added one on the other end. Everyone is happy! This would be kind of cool too.
Rev. 2 · More Info
TV, two swivel chairs and a chaise on the far end; sofa and two smaller scale chairs on the fireplace end. Along with small tables, lamps, etc. Here is a "campaign" chair. This type chair also folds up and could be stashed away if desired. They are leather and quite comfy.
Authentic Models Rhoorkie Campaign Chair · More Info
Above layout came out really dark for some reason. If you can't see it, let me know and I'll repost it.
January 14, 2017
batson_cassie
Oh my goodness do I love those campaign chairs!!! I'm loving both of these ideas and really excited to move things around tomorrow to see what feels good. Thank you so much for the ideas- I really appreciate your time and expertise
January 14, 2017
PRO
Flo Mangan
So much fun. Appreciate your enthusiasm. Yes, the campaign chairs are awesome. I look forward to getting your thoughts tomorrow. Of course, you are very smart to get a "game plan" because that does help avoid mistakes. Just post things tomorrow.
January 14, 2017
everdebz
So another area on the west wall? [darn wish a person could move doors where you want them...]
January 14, 2017
batson_cassie
Everdebz- if only I could snap my fingers and make walls move!

Flo- thanks again, more tomorrow!
January 14, 2017
groveraxle
Question: when you have people over and need more seating, are you watching TV? Or are you conversing around the fireplace? How many people normally watch TV in this room?
January 14, 2017
batson_cassie
Groveraxle- when we have gatherings that are 5+ people we are usually playing games around the coffee table (so I suppose it doesn't matter where that happens but we are generally functioning as one group, not smaller separate ones. The fireplace is currently non-functional but we hope to remedy that soon. 3-4 people watch TV together on a regular basis
January 15, 2017
groveraxle
Thanks, Cassie. That information helps in trying to make the space more functional.
January 15, 2017
groveraxle
This is a 10' sofa. To make the room work for you, I think you'll have to ignore the fireplace as focal point. I'd center the seating on the windows, move the dresser to the stair wall, and, if you haven't already, hang the TV on a fully-articulating arm so it can be turned and tilted to maximize the view.

Arrowmounts TV Mount for 32"-55" w/22.5" Arm Full motion, 600x400 · More Info
January 15, 2017
April C
groveraxel, I really like your layout. I have a similar living room; this threes has been very helpful.
June 20, 2017

Help with furniture location/selection for long weird living room

Comments (29)

Related Discussions