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claire_croft11

Decorating an Awkwardly Shaped Living Room

8 years ago

Our new home is a very oddly shaped townhouse and our living room is a particularly strange shape. We are having a really hard time figuring out the best way to arrange furniture. There is a large bay window, several doorways and a fireplace. It is a very large space, but all the various openings make it hard to figure out the best configuration. The previous owners had very little furniture in the living room and it's clear to us that they did not ever figure out the best configuration. I've attached a photo for reference. Three of the walls have large openings (one has pocket doors), and the fireplace is on the far right wall next to the pocket doors. We would like for the fireplace to be a focal point (though its in an awkward spot) and we are not looking to place a TV in this room, as this is our "formal" living room. Not shown in the sketch is a radiator on the left wall of the bay. It is about 3 feet high and we are not opposed to replacing it with something smaller/less visible. Any advice or ideas would be greatly appreciated!


Comments (22)

  • PRO
    8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    One idea is to create a few different seating arrangements. Two sofas aligned w fireplace and sofa table separating them, yet creating two different conversation areas Chairs and coffee tables to connect them. The corner where the radiator is round small table with two chairs at an angle or if the space is large enough game table and chairs. You mentioned formal LR so this might not be appropriate. Nice space and layout to arrange furnishings. Not in scale and without measurements this is just an idea. Two stools or bench in front of FP for additional seating. Layout inspirations ignore decor. Have fun with your ideas and design strategy in your new place.


  • 8 years ago

    Will the pocket doors be mostly open or mostly closed?

  • PRO
    8 years ago

    We need dimensions (lengths) of all the walls to give you precise input. It is clear to me though that you will have to have a couple seating areas and not worry much about the "focal" points in the room.

  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    Thanks for all the comments so far. I've attached an updated floor plan with measurements. The pocket doors will be open 100% of the time (they currently need to be restored and are not able to open). I should also clarify that we live in DC and the room is quite large by DC townhouse standards, not by typical suburban standards!

  • 8 years ago

    What will be the traffic paths through this room? Keeping the large pieces lined up with the fireplace in the middle of the rooms as Jodie suggested also allows you to keep the paths between the pocket doors and the entry way and the door above that clear.

  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    If you can $$ swing it, I would have a custom-sized sectional made to fit into the bay

    Also, I wouldn't necessarily make the fireplace the a focal point with furniture arrangement.


  • 8 years ago

  • PRO
    8 years ago

    How tall are your ceilings? Tell us your needs and wants for the LR. Do you entertain or have family gatherings? Any special needs or pets?

  • 8 years ago
    All three doorways are used to walk through the space. The doorway on the left is to the front hall/front door. The doorway at the top leads into the front hall as well and to the stairs (it is sort of superfluous) and the door with the pocket doors leads to the dining room. This is our main entertaining space for visitors, along with the dining room for dinner parties. Our ceilings are 10 ft tall.
  • PRO
    8 years ago

    I have tried to replicate your space with your measurements, but am missing some measurements, so this is as close as I could get. I'll explain this layout next.

    layouts · More Info
    I put a game table in the pop out area which is about all you can get in that space. Then in the larger area, I put two swivel chairs and a small table and then a unique chaise lounge of some kind with a small table and a floor lamp behind so you have a cozy reading spot or additional seating for a conversation area. I put a bench in front of the fireplace for additional seating and it could be moved over to the conversation area when needed. I assumed you would be walking through the pocket door area, through the room to the other side where there is the 4' opening to more of the home. This allows room for views out the windows which I assume could be a patio or garden? Some of my angles might not be perfectly accurate especially on the pocket door wall and I didn't put what I guess are "window seats" on the front side only by the fireplace. Just didn't have enough information, but overall the basic floor space is roughly accurate to your measurements. The scale is 1/4" = 1' or each little square is one square foot. The swivel chairs are approx. 30x30 and the small oval table between them is 24x18". The bench by the fireplace is 48"x 16" which might be too long, that would require verification. All measurements require verification. The Chaise is 66x32 and a small table 12x12 or a round 12" with a floor lamp behind or a floor reading lamp. Given the shape of the space, I think this arrangement or concept would work quite nicely. Of course, the furniture you select will need to be carefully measured, or it won't work. You might be able to get a slightly larger game table in the pop out area and 4 chairs, just depends on size of table and chairs. You could put a lounging chair and table for a reading nook in that area as an alternative, but I was trying to maximize the "functions" in the space for you. Enjoy!

  • PRO
    8 years ago


    Samuel Tufted Roll Arm Chaise Lounge Navy Blue · More Info
    I don't know your style, but a chaise like this could be used for everyday or seat two for entertaining.

  • PRO
    8 years ago


    Vintage and Stylish Metal Accent Table · More Info
    A small side table by the chaise gives a person a place to set a book or a cup of coffee etc.

  • PRO
    8 years ago


    Gabby Nora Nailhead Swivel Chair, Gray Zulu Feather · More Info
    Comfortable swivel chairs to set across from the chaise.

  • PRO
    8 years ago

    There are many swivel chairs on the market in various price ranges, so the budget will drive that section probably.

  • PRO
    8 years ago


    24 in. Metal Round Chairside Table · More Info
    Table for between the chairs.

  • PRO
    8 years ago


    Nordic Style Wood Floor Lamp with Linen Crash Shade · More Info

  • PRO
    8 years ago


    Standard Floor Lamps Cross Design with Black Shade · More Info

  • PRO
    8 years ago

    Lots of floor lamps out there to choose from just have to decide on décor style and select pieces that would comfortably work in the space.

  • PRO
    8 years ago

    I agree with others, that you need to make separate areas of seating spaces. A seating arrangement near the bay window with two chairs-maybe swivel if you have a nice view-and an accent table. For the formal living room, I would make the fireplace a focal point. Good Luck!

  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago



    I would define two spaces with rugs - couch and one chair (due to doorway) and a really large coffee table, as per set up below and a console behind the couch - in front of fireplace. The second area would be at the back of the room with a large bookcase on the far wall and make this a reading area. In the bay, perhaps bench seating and a small table and chairs and this area would be a great spot for your morning coffee or as a games area or for your tablet to do some work. Try an on line floor plan and play around with set ups. It's really hard to suggest without seeing the room. Would it be worth your while to hire someone to give you ideas on optional layouts that suits your family and your needs?

  • PRO
    8 years ago
    Any thoughts on what has been posted for you?