Is the rug too long to fit the other way - with the short end under the sofa? I'd want the sofa lined up under the window, since the media console is movable, and the window isn't. What size is the rug?

I added an album where the rug is turned the other way- its this one from the imgur album. The problem is turned that way it buts up against the fireplace mantle.

The rug is 9 x 12. My worry is the couch would look really weird off center from that half wall but ill give it a shot. I may just need a bigger couch- sectional maybe so it doesnt seem as obvious.

Are you adding any other furniture to the room (chairs, side tables, lamps, etc.)? Does the television have to remain in the current location?

Sorry, I have to agree with Apple pie order. Can you return it and use the credit towards the same rug in the next size down? Also, yes, you should center the sofa in front of the windows.

In your second photo, I like where the rug falls in relation to the doorway, window wall, but it could be pulled out away from the wall, just under the front sofa legs and have it maybe fall with enough hardwood floor space for a walk isle in front of the console and in front of the fireplace. If you burn wood in that fireplace, your rug will otherwise get sooty, dirty very fast. It's a beautiful light, airy space - just needs a smaller rug.

I will be adding other furniture as I go. I just moved in. And Im thinking of putting the rug in my bedroom instead :) TV can only go on half wall, otherwise itll be in the middle of the entryway or above fireplace which is too high.

I would be inclined to have the rug as shown in the last picture, pulled away from the hearth, float the couch facing the fireplace and put the tv to one side of the fireplace. It could be lower and easier to view. Add shelving around it, or a console under it and bookshelves on the other side.

Hi Heather-

That is a pretty rug.

However-

The most important question is, will you have real burning logs in that fireplace?

If so, there will be sparks flying, and having that rug so close to the fireplace is a real fire hazard, (that the relatively small stone piece in front of the fireplace will not prevent) and that is waaay more important than any decorating rule.

If that is not a consideration, we can all take a breath.

The next question- Is this rug returnable or not?

Because it really is too big.

You are of course going to add more furniture to the living room which is going to be placed over the rug, so that is not a major issue.

What is more problematic is that as one enters your home and walks down the hallway, one would be walking half on and half off the edge of the rug which is a no-no.

In any room, in any part of a room, one should not be walking half on and half off the edge of the rug.

Assuming you cannot return or exchange this rug, what I would do is slide it away from the fireplace towards the dresser.

That will mitigate both the fire hazard and the half-on-half-off stride.

You will then gain another problem: As people enter your place in their street shoes they will trek a very dirty path on that outer edge of that pale colored rug.

Unless you do as the Persians do and take your shoes off as you enter and expect your guests to as well.

You can have a tray for their shoes, and another one with fluffy white terry house slippers of different sizes that you will wash after each use, with non-skid bottoms (closed toe, so people won't be embarrassed by holes in their socks) , and you can slide over that trunk so people can sit on it to take off their shoes. You can get an inexpensive metal tray for shoes at the pet store, the kind they put at the bottom of a hamster cage and put any kind of pebbles in the bottom.

It is a gas fireplace- no real wood! Thank god or I wouldn't dare put it so close.

But yes, my biggest issue with it turned sideways is the misalignment with the door. I dont really like the idea of rugs in high traffic areas.

Can I also say that not only is the rug too big but I think the pattern is as well, although maybe it'll be better on a smaller rug.

Heather- In your second photo it is not next to the door, and the fireplace is not a problem. So you just have to decide whether you would rather have it in the living room or the bedroom.

I would not get a sectional. They do not solve any problems, they just make make more, as they are oversized pieces of furniture themselves, and your room is not that large.

You could keep your eyes peeled for two comfy chairs to face the sofa that are on casters or to which you could add casters, so that if you and your guests are watching a movie, they could just re-position their chairs so they can also enjoy the show.

You also need and end table for in between the two chairs, and at the sides of the sofa.

And after you get the chairs, hit the tag sales for some great large trays or TV tables for your popcorn and wings!

If you're going to have the tv hung so high, it may as well be over the fireplace. Pull the rug back so a few inches of floor show between it and the hearth. Then you can float the sofa so it faces the fireplace and add a pair of chairs on each side.

lindsey-

It looks like the cable outlet is on the wall where the tv is currently mounted.

BTW, I actually moved the TV lower... Its in the linked album. I did that later though so not every image has it.

I've never had cable; can the outlet not be moved?

I understand that maybe Heather doesn't want to, I'm just asking for information :)

It could be mounted over the fireplace but I do not want it that high. I actually moved it lower because it was a huge strain on the neck.

If you keep the sofa between the windows, I'd be inclined to get a nice console for the TV to sit on. Are you thinking of two chairs or a love seat/settee for additional seating?