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sidatgt

Please help us plan the layout of our L-shaped living/dining area

7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago

Hi there! We're moving into a beautiful apartment in San Francisco with views of the downtown skyline from big full-length windows in the living room. This is our first apartment together, and we're starting from scratch in terms of furniture. The thing is that the living room has a bit of an odd layout, so we're scratching our heads trying to figure out a good plan for what furniture to buy and where to place it. We'd love your inputs! We're trying to solve for the following: dining area

  • in front of the kitchen
  • thinking of doing a 6' x 3' rectangular 6 seater

living area

  • seat 6-8 people
  • give at least a few people a good view of the skyline which is beyond the patio
  • my wife and I like to watch TV together now and then, so placing a TV on a wall that faces some of the seating. But TV viewing only needs to be optimized for 2 people, not for group viewing.

I've attached a video walkthrough of the living space, as well as a floorplan and some photos. Thank you very much!






Comments (10)

  • 7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    Congrats! Lucky you guys! This is a thread I want to follow and see what advice you get.

    Your living room has two focal spots on opposite ends of the room-the diagonal fireplace and THAT view. Swivel chairs!

    Will you be keeping the mirrored wall?

  • 7 years ago

    Yeah! Flo is here!

  • 7 years ago

    Hi @jansgirl..thanks! and yes, we have to keep the mirrored wall. The landlord installed it.

  • 7 years ago

    Hi! I am SId's wife and co-habitant :-) Thank you for all the advice @Flo Magnan unfortunately SF's weather does not always allow for outdoor dining to be an option. It can get cold and windy so think we would have to go with the indoor option.

    We like the idea of the sectional - what types would you recommend for that space? We are having a hard time finding a reasonable priced one that we like.

    As for the TV - would you do a console or a swivel arm given the angles in the room?

    Thank you all for the ideas!


  • PRO
    7 years ago

    Console for the TV, since it will be mostly for the two of you. Basset Furniture is one source you might try. I would go with a microsuede fabric so it can take the "guest" and people sitting and spilling factor. I haven't had time to lay things out yet, but we need to find a much more creative solution for your dining area. 9' wide is really tight. Not sure if you are moved in yet? or if you can test sizing out, but a good way to get a feel would be to lay towels down on the floor the size of a table and then put some shaped like chairs. This will help you see the challenge of this space. I am thinking about some kind of table that for everyday you could sit on one side and gaze out your wonderful windows and for when you entertain, it can be configured for more people? Have to think on this a bit. bbl

  • PRO
    7 years ago

    What style are your leaning toward?

  • PRO
    7 years ago

    Here is my first cut at your space. Rev. 1 (and btw, super-duper measurements!! kudos!). I put an approximately 11' length of sofa along the wall and since you have that short wall before the windows, I put a large ottoman type piece. I put a swivel chair in "corner" of the living space near the windows so you can swivel to converse or watch TV? maybe, or swivel toward windows for views. I put a 60" long (max. to maintain walking space to other part of the apartment) and keep it 16" deep because it will stick out 17-18 with baseboard, cords, etc. Set TV on that console. I put a 52 x 30 coffee table that would be 18" from the front edge of seating area. You could also put a small round decorative stool/table, beside the swivel chair for a place for someone to set a drink/cup of coffee, etc. Now to the dining area. To get a nominal seating for six in this area, you need a 30" wide table and you might have to have it made. A live edge custom table with metal base might be great in your space if that is a style you might like. Then in the living area, go modern and sleek. I would do the coffee table, even smaller if you wish with glass top and metal base to work with the dining elements you select. The chairs at the dining table have to be really narrow across the front seat edge. That is the big challenge. This table is 60" long and 30" wide. For every day, 4 chairs could be placed there, two on each side with the additional two chairs in the corners just to give a more open feel and help maintain views. You will need some additional lighting and a arc lamp would work well on the fireplace end of the sofa and you might want another floor lamp beside the window end of the TV console. Unless you shorten the sofa on the long wall, you have no space for end tables and lamps. So something to think about when shopping. I put a 36x16" bench in front of the fireplace for one person. The seating area will only seat 5 so total would be 6. You could bring in a chair from the dining set if needed and just squeeze folks in. Watch the size of cushions for any sectional you buy, each person needs at least 24" of space, and generally don't like sitting next to each other. Also, TIP, make sure your sectional pieces join together "under" the pieces so you don't have brackets on sides. This allows for greater flexibility in "next" house and even if you just want a seasonal change of some kind here. I'll play a bit more with this later today and see what other options I can come up with for you.

  • 7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    Ah, SF weather! I love it.

    If I had your dining room I would be so tempted by a set up like this (below) without the sofa, of course, in front of your glass doors. Unusual, I know but your view is so great.

    Add a seat at each end. The minimum length would be 96" to place these four chairs. I'd want about a 12" overhang for a chair at each end (think placement of 12" dinner plates on a narrow table!) You show off the view to guests yet close enough to lean over your plate and yell at the person down the table!

    I sold old harvest tables that we cautioned customers when they planned to use them as dining tables. We had comments that you felt quite close to the person across from you as your plates were only about 6" apart. A different dining experience than your average 6X3!

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    Another option is a drop leaf table. These are from Crate and Barrel. Pull up both sides for a big table or just one of the sides. My dad built me one like the round one below. Usually it was against the wall w/ one side extended. Sat four great. Pulled it out and lifted up the other leaf for six people. A bit more casual but we were young and fun!

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    And big , cool art on the wall!

    As this is a rental will you be able to install a light over the table?

  • PRO
    7 years ago
    Good ideas Susan. I was thinking along the line of putting a drop leaf up to windows in the dining area for every day with the one side up for two. Then you pull it out when hosting more. So, similar concepts.