Software
Houzz Logo Print
beyken

living room to watch TV and looking nice when not watching tv

7 years ago

Hi there,

We're going to buy new sofas for the living room. My husband likes the idea of leather and I'd like reclining sofas comfortable enough to watch a movie but also nice looking when receiving guests and just want to chat. How can we have both?

Comments (17)

  • 7 years ago

    How about leather reclining sofas? I am sure you can find or have these made.

    beyken thanked Mrs. S
  • 7 years ago

    I bought a really nice sectional in Taupe colour leather from the Brick last year for my family room. It's actually components so you can configure as a couch or sectional. The end pieces are power recliners. So comfy!!


    beyken thanked Marie
  • PRO
    7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    Very few rooms need or even look good with two sofas unless a very large room and you lose flexibility in arranging as well . Let alone in leather which takes over a space.. A nice comfortable leather regular sofa, and two comfortable fabric chairs and an ottoman or two. ..........: ) Stay away from love seats as there is less flexibility and no more seating than two chairs

    beyken thanked JAN MOYER
  • PRO
    7 years ago

    IMO reclining sofas only belong in a media room . They are bulky almost defeat the purpose of a coffee table , often have problems down the road with mechanisms. As Jan mentions a sofa and 2 chairs are a nice combo , A T.V that actually disappears would be my choice if I only have the one space .A couple of ottomans that can also double as seats in a pinch. I happen to love leather but it is nice to mix it with some fabric if you are concerend with leather overload( not me).It would be nice to actually see the space so posting some pics is always a good idea.

    beyken thanked Patricia Colwell Consulting
  • 7 years ago

    Thank you so much for your time and great suggestions! I like the idea of the leather sofa with two armchairs and maybe 1 or 2 ottomans. Here are some pictures of my place and the actual layout which is a challenge for me since it has a L shape. The TV is now in a corner. Take a look and let me know your thoughts. Also, what kind of armchairs would suggest that go well with a brown leather sofa? Thanks again!


  • 7 years ago

    These are some pictures of the sofas that we've liked so far...

  • PRO
    7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    The space seems very heavy with both the sectional and dining table all on that side and only a tv on the other side. The first and third sofas you show in the photos belong in a media room. They are too bulky. The second photo is more appropriate for the space. You could use the back of the sofa to separate the dining and living areas. Move the tv on the wall with the tree. A nice rug would warm up the space. You also have a huge gap in the space where 2 arm chairs and ottoman would fill nicely as mentioned previously.

    beyken thanked All About Interiors LLC
  • 7 years ago

    I always feel engulfed by those large loungers, I don't care for them at all. That is just me, I know many who feel differently. So I guess the question is, how often do you entertain or need the sofa for entertaining? A compromise would be other chairs that are less imposing for the rest of the set up for guests. I mean if it is just your hubs buddies who are coming over to watch the game, they will probably also love the lounger sofa. I get hot being engulfed by leather or vinyl. YMMV.

    beyken thanked l pinkmountain
  • 7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    In a non mansion size space, those puffy dark reclining leather sofas dominate a room and suck light. They are very hard to decorate around. I know they are very popular but we see many posts here where people have bought a set and then can't understand why their room doesn't look homey or put together.

    I don't think your space is big enough to pull off all that sofa bulk. Remember, you are seeing the sofa it in a giant well-lit show room, not a regular size space. Plus, as they recline they will engulf even more floor space.

    beyken thanked deegw
  • 7 years ago

    Can you take a picture from the sliders to the wall across and plant wall towards dining? I think you should nail down the layout first. I agree with above, the first and last are too bulky and don't go in a livingroom. You have a lot of brown already, but the middle could work with a light rug, and lighter side chair/tables. The pros here can really help with layout so you don't cover windows and doors with furniture. From what I see now, the tv can go on wall with the plant with sofa facing... You have a pretty space to work with!

    oiiu - Polyvore · More Info

    beyken thanked kulrn
  • 7 years ago

    following...

  • 7 years ago

    Ditto what Kerry said.

    beyken thanked Annette Holbrook(z7a)
  • 7 years ago

    Agreed, but it's probably the least comfortable?

    The third one looks like it's ready to eat you. (sorry!)

    On the other hand, I've been doing a lot of posture alignment classes lately, and there's agreement among the experts that those super comfy, super soft, slouchy sofas/chairs//mattresses, etc. are actually very bad for your posture, causing all kinds of physical problems (muscle weaknesses, herniated disks...) down the line.

    Firm chairs that make you sit relatively upright with back support are the way to go.

    beyken thanked nosoccermom
  • PRO
    7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    I honestly think a line has been crossed between the luxury of ones bed and entertainment seating............

    The take -over -the -room -big brown- lump may as well come with coupons for beer, potato chips ,and a large allowance for the future angioplasty !?

    Sectional seating / sprawl pits hold the same "appeal" lol

    beyken thanked JAN MOYER
  • 7 years ago

    following

Sponsored
Moda Kitchen and Bath
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars46 Reviews
Fairfax County's Custom Kitchen & Bath Designs for Everyday Living