What a cute room! For now, could you "pretend" that the hutch is your fireplace, and float the couch facing it, and then place one chair to the right of the couch, tucked at an angle between the hutch and the window, and one to the left of the couch, tucked at an angle to the left of the hutch. Is the room big enough to float the couch? I like your coffee and end table. I bet they'll sell quickly.

A bigger picture would have more impact than the small picture and sconces, so this might be where to get some more colors introduced into the space.

I like the arrangement as it is now. I prefer looking at the front of the china cabinet instead of the side as you would if it switched places with the couch.

Thanks so much! This is all very helpful. I love the mirror idea. I agree that it is nice to see the hutch directly vs the side. My thinking is that the coffee and end tables are just too large for the space... we have 5 young children and there just doesn't seem to be any room to play or move easily. Also they have grooves with grout along the top that are very hard to clean... Yes the curtains could be improved! Do you think a blue toile could work with the plaid? I love toile.

If you decide to use the hutch for books as tracie_craig suggested, you might also consider removing the doors. It looks like the hinges may be surface mounted rather than inset, so repairing the wood could be easily done.

I think the arrangement is great. I think more updated lamps on the tables and at least one more lamp would help--maybe on the piece between the chairs? The painting over the couch is a bit too small, even with your candle sconces on either side. I agree that full length drapes would look great. I think you can move the chairs back closer to the window to give more floor space. I like the coffee table, but you could replace it with an ottoman--something softer so the kids can play on it. You could also update the floor lamp with something more updated too. Target has some great ones--I am thinking about a tripod leg one.

I like it the way you have it, like to look out a window when sitting on the couch.

That is a nice room, and already looks inviting.

Will you have a TV in there? If so, I'm thinking the left wall for that. If the top lifted off the sideboard-and-hutch, the sideboard could be placed under the TV.

The couch could be where the hutch is now, inviting guests in to sit. The chairs seem nice where they are now, showing off the long windows behind, and could be adjusted a bit to wherever they worked best.

An ancillary chair might be between the entry and the sideboard, but in general this would keep all seating invitingly available from the entry, as it is now, nothing turning its back on it.

We only put a couch against a wall if there is no other option. Here are our two couches in our old house.

I have the same set-up and that's the best arrangement for a small room. I like having the windows clear for accessibility and to enjoy a beautiful unobstructed window. In your case the large white chair is blocking the window quite a bit. I think two white slip-covered pieces are too bulky for the size of the room. It looks like it could be a comfy bedroom chair though, so I'd replace it with a small non-upholstered chair that will also work when you install the built-ins.

I like your table lamps and would keep them.

Looking at your set up again, may a smaller, more narrow coffee table?

Consider an oval table as the children won't get hurt.

An upholstered ottoman as a coffee table would be a good choice for additional seating. I never put food or drinks on mine so I don't miss a traditional table.

Thanks everyone! I'm going to do some rearranging and will post some updated photos. It is always a balance of waiting until we can do everything exactly right and just making the best of what we can do now. I love the idea of a round/oval table with no sharp edges.

Also, this is my inspiration photo. We love the idea of 4 chairs eventually. I found it on pinterest but the link is to garden web. Does anyone know whose room it might be or anything about it?

You use Google's Image search.

Everyone loves that room lol. I found this:

http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/2537498/zuzus-room

Your room is lovely. What do you think you'll use it for? Reading, playing, homework, socializing? Personally, I'd keep the couch. You can nap on it, cuddle while reading, and squeeze more people on it than if you have only four arm chairs.

Thanks all! TChat thanks so much for posting that, that's so neat that there are lots of others who love the room! We will use it as a music and reading room. We already have a movie area downstairs and a sunroom/family room area, so two couches seems to be enough... But I hear you that you can definitely squeeze more people in with a couch!