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tropicaliente

what wrong with my living room?

7 years ago


living room · More Info


living room · More Info


living room · More Info


living room · More Info


living room · More Info


living room · More Info


Comments (37)

  • 7 years ago
    I think your room is lovely but I would choose a larger rug that the furniture could sit on and side panel draperies to soften the window. It is so nice to see an original, personal room.
    tropicaliente thanked Pat Reddrick
  • 7 years ago

    Agree about a rug and curtains, I’d also move the chair with its back to the entry opposite the other chair.

    tropicaliente thanked k9arlene
  • 7 years ago

    The little desk in the corner is throwing the balance off. Sofa should be centered on the wall. Use art instead of a mirror over the sofa.

    Try this arrangement. Sofa centered on the wall. Two chairs facing each other.

    tropicaliente thanked leelee
  • 7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    Please show us a picture if you try the arrangement above.

    tropicaliente thanked leelee
  • 7 years ago
    You have some very pretty things! I agree with larger rug, some window panels, and either move that one chair back some, or put a narrow console table along that empty pony wall with some decorative stuff on it
    tropicaliente thanked phorton61
  • 7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    Art for over sofa. The mirror isn't reflecting anything to soften its effect. That's why art is better for adding color and warmth to your room.

    tropicaliente thanked leelee
  • 7 years ago
    I was going to suggest moving the middle chair over to the window wall and the little desk to the pony wall but went back and saw the tall lamp and tall monitor on it so that wouldn't work as is
    tropicaliente thanked phorton61
  • 7 years ago

    You need curtain panels and definitely a large rug in a medium-toned color to ground your furniture and make this room look more comfortable. Another problem is that all your furniture has legs, which does not give a cozy, welcoming feeling to the room. It would be better if you could move the computer station to another room, if possible. It doesn't really belong in a living room. Your table lamp is too small, you need something with a lot more height for a living room. The box tower by the chair gives a "cute" feeling that doesn't add anything, sorry. Try a small table there, hopefully in a darker color.

    tropicaliente thanked ingrid_vc so. CA zone 9
  • 7 years ago

    The room is so carefully matched in tones of cream and white. So much so that it lacks any focal point. A large investment rug will give this room the anchor it needs. Also you are beyond the tipping point of risking this looking like a young girls room as opposed to adult living space with the decor. PS: please hang the mirror about 4-5” higher it’s driving me nuts where it is... thanks :- [

    tropicaliente thanked nuthinontv
  • 7 years ago

    I would remove the tucked throw from the settee and try tossing the flokati over it instead. Then you can have a real rug and coffee table. Overall, the room reminds me more of a glam boudoir than a living room. Then the computer and TV destroy the ambiance. Strive for some balance, and consider somewhere else for electronics to go. Then think of how you can introduce more bling through lighting. Your two lamps aren't in the mix with the soft feminine seating. Can you install a chandelier or hang crystal wall sconces?


    The Prairie By Rachel Ashwell · More Info

    Soft and Elegant Bedroom · More Info


    tropicaliente thanked decoenthusiaste
  • 7 years ago

    Pat Reddrick Thanks for the compliment... I figured a large rug would look best. It's an investment I have yet to make. I've been stalling because I want to choose a non-toxic area rug. From the little research I've done so far, they seem to be quite pricey. :)

  • 7 years ago

    Pat Reddrick and thanks as well for the suggestion of side panel draperies.

  • 7 years ago

    k9arlene Hi, are you referring to the arm chair on the right of the sofa? Do you suggest that I place it next to the arm chair facing the sofa? So that both arm chairs face the sofa?

  • 7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    Here are the latest pics with a different set-up. See my next comment for more info.

    living room · More Info

    living room · More Info

    living room · More Info

    living room · More Info

    living room · More Info

    living room · More Info

  • 7 years ago

    leelee Thanks and here are some pics (above) of what you suggested. Of course, the mirror would have to be centered. As well, the computer would have to be moved. Not sure where to... because although it shouldn't be in my living room, I have no other place to put it. Unless I try to squeeze it in between the living room and the dining room. It's a condo so there's not much space. If I were to go with this set up, the vase and boxes would have to go.

  • 7 years ago

    phorton61 Thank you! You suggest a console by the pony wall... interesting... I always thought of decorating the pony wall... but, adding a narrow console to that wall can work, I agree. Any suggestions for the height?

  • 7 years ago
    I would flip everything.. tv where the couch is. couch on the pony wall.
    if you dont wamt to flip them for whatever reason,
    get a coffee table and get rid of the stacked boxes. I cant figure out what they are for. its very pretty things just need a better arrangement.
    tropicaliente thanked Kerry Blossom
  • 7 years ago

    BeverlyFLADeziner Yes, I agree. There's something about that mirror... I know... I got it used and restored it myself. It's a 1972. I supposed I can put it on the other side of the pony wall, near the entrance door... which would be directly facing the sofa... Something to think about.

  • 7 years ago

    ingrid_vc so. CA zone 9 I agree about the curtain panels and large rug. The computer is a problem... I knew I should have purchased a laptop instead. I need to fit it in somehow; maybe between the living room and the dining room. Adding height is definitely necessary. So, do you suggest a taller table lamp? What about the height of the side table? Should it be taller as well? As for the box tower, it'll have to go. I initially didn't want to go any darker. But, I'm starting to feel that my living room is a little too girly and lacks color. So, thanks for your advice.

  • 7 years ago

    nuthinontv Yes, I know... the height of the mirror drives me crazy too... I thought placing it low would make the room look larger. Instead, it just looks awkward. I may have to remove it and place it directly facing the sofa in the entrance.

  • 7 years ago

    decoenthusiaste

    I love the flokati over the sofa idea! Yes, I need to invest in a real coffee table and rug... hopefully, a non-toxic rug. The glam boudoir made me laugh... You're right though...I know that the computer and TV destroy the ambiance. But, I'm lacking space. I need to fit them in somehow. The lamps are a little off as well. A chandelier would be awkward as it would only be approximately 8 feet away from the one in the dining room. Wall sconces are something I've always wanted to try. I just couldn't picture them on each side of the mirror. But, if I remove the mirror, wall sconces are a great idea along with some artwork... and crystal is a great idea... thanks.

  • PRO
    7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    Overstock has organic hemp rugs. 8x10 is in the 300-400. smaller is cheaper. and they're having a 15% sale, so you could prob get something for the mid-200's.

    (they are pricey!) this one is in your price range. natural cotton braided jute

    https://www.overstock.com/search?keywords=organic+rugs+&SearchType=Header

    this blue would work w/your sofa and it's wool. 5x8, 171. before coupon.

    https://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/The-Alliyah-Jacobean-Elegant-Hand-carved-Botanical-Vines-Accent-Wool-Rug-5-x-8/11832477/product.html


    And here's a guide to has the non toxic

    https://gimmethegoodstuff.org/choosing-a-non-toxic-area-rug/

    tropicaliente thanked Beth H. :
  • 7 years ago

    Kerry Blossom I tried the set-up you suggested. The room just felt too confined. The boxes were just temporary... lack of budget. You're right though, they need to go... and yes, a proper coffee table is necessary. Thank you!

  • 7 years ago

    Beth H. : thank you... I'll look into it :)

  • 7 years ago

    How long an extension cord would you need for the computer if you put the desk at the pony wall? A cord cover run along the baseboard would hide it.

    tropicaliente thanked decoenthusiaste
  • 7 years ago

    How about putting your computer desk where you have the tv? The current arrangement is clustered all in one tight group. A 5x8 area rug and a larger coffee table would balance the proportion or use a large ottoman type coffee table. Place the 2 chairs facing one another and maybe put the floor lamp next to or near your sofa. Curtain panels would soften and dress up the room. Home Goods has some beautiful panels for a very reasonable price. You would only need one panel on each side. I think the table lamp should be taller. Hope this helps

    tropicaliente thanked stevelynn
  • 7 years ago

    I don't know if you'd want to invest in a laptop computer? Then you could place the desk on pony wall and keep the computer lid closed when not in use?

    Do you think that would work?

    I like the sofa centered, too.

    I'm not sure the boxes are keepers. A tiny table might work there instead.

    tropicaliente thanked leelee
  • 7 years ago

    decoenthusiaste yes, it could be done...thanks.

  • 7 years ago

    stevelynn The T.V. has to stay in that corner... The sofa may appear small, but it's actually 7 feet long. Do you think a 5x8 area rug is a good size?

  • 7 years ago

    leelee Yes, at this point the computer or possibly laptop is heading to the pony wall. My living room looks so much bigger now with this new arrangement. The only concern I have is the baseboard heater. I'll have to pull in the armchair a little more during the colder months which will offset the balance... That's a cute side table btw.

  • 7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    BeverlyFLADeziner I'm going to try your suggestion very soon, thanks.

  • 7 years ago

    Kerry Blossom Finally, I'm going to have to try it again... Many are telling me to flip it... just need a pair of helping hands :)

  • PRO
    7 years ago

    Do yourself a favor and buy gliders so that your furniture can glide over your wood floor.

  • 7 years ago
    Latest update: I flipped everything and unfortunately the pony wall is not long enough. I won't have much space on either side of the sofa. As well, it looked awkward. It seems that I'll be using the placement as shown in my second set of pics. Now, the fun begins...shopping for the artwork behind the sofa, a new area rug, more practical side tables, and some final touches.
  • PRO
    7 years ago

    Wait, wait, wait. Try this layout.

  • 7 years ago
    It's the sofa against the half wall that looks awkward regardless of the spacing on each side. It makes the condo look twice as small. The other way allows for more walking space which goes from one end of the condo to the other. It maximizes the space making it look more open and less cluttered. thanks anyways!
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