Software
Houzz Logo Print
humblehart1213

Living room that needs help!

7 years ago
I have a small living room and I am happy with my white sofa, drapes and my area rug but I don’t know what to do about a chair(s)/artwork/tables. I have two captains chair shown but I am not happy with them. I don’t know if I should consider a grey fabric occasional chair or a larger upholstered chair. I don’t think that I could do a matching love seat because it would block an entrance to the room. I have a large mirror on the opposite wall so I think a mirror over the chairs would be too much mirror. The room is very small; the rug shown is 5’x7’. Any suggestions on ways that I can improve this room?

Comments (63)

  • 7 years ago

    following

  • 7 years ago

    Following

  • 7 years ago

    How is this room currently used and by what number of people? What is your vision for it?


    The china cabinet is now the main event in this room. You need to rearrange you furniture so the sofa is not staring at the cabinet. Many good recommendations above. I would consider putting it on the wall where the two chairs are, putting the sofa where the cabinet currently is located, getting a new coffee table, and floating chairs.

  • 7 years ago
    I am sooo grateful for all of your comments and helpful suggestions. I swapped the couch and the chairs. Someone asked what my style is and I would say it is elegant traditional; my goal is to get some grey chairs, but as you can see, this is a very small room and the two narrow profile captain chairs fill the space. I will work on new artwork and textured grey and white pillows. I tried putting a teak screen in the corner...not sure that it works either. The reason why I bought a white couch is because the windows fade all upholstered pieces in front of them, which could be problematic if I put grey chairs in front of them. Any other thoughts now that the furniture is moved?
  • 7 years ago

    Very pretty. You need a horizontal piece of art for the wall behind the sofa. The clear pieces disappear, at least in pictures.

  • 7 years ago

    So much better, even your chairs look better, now just get the jelly fish off the wall behind the sofa. Your home is beautiful!

  • 7 years ago

    The "off" piece here seems to be the shabby chic slipcovered sofa. I think you would have done better with a contemporary Chesterfield. Not as comfy/snuggly, but this doesn't appear to be a lounge room. All the rest seems modern and even MCM or Art Deco, so I don't get the sofa. The rug should be wider than the sofa; can you upsize? The parsons chairs all need to be around a larger rectangular table so you can use the armed ones at the ends of it. You probably plan to do that when you find some replacement chairs. I would lower the Chagall considerably if keeping it over that low chest. However, I would prefer it hung 5" above the sofa. Try the dining mirror vertically with the 6 glass or lucite pieces flanking it.


    Jackson 84" Tuxedo Sofa Sky Neutral · More Info


  • 7 years ago

    With the extra photos, now the room makes sense. The new arrangement is a huge improvement. I would still replace the chairs with actual lounge chairs; they should be small enough so they don't overlap with the arms of the sofa. You may have to scoot the sofa down a bit and put a lamp or plant in the corner by the window.


    I would also get a rug that's at least wider than the sofa. Lower the art over the chest and get something that coordinates for over the sofa, maybe a nice Dufy:

    Bouquet d'Arums Art Print by Raoul Dufy at Art.com · More Info


  • 7 years ago

    Looking so much better. Agree, lower the art over the chest. Keep us posted on any additions.

    It takes a while to find the right things for your room.

    I wonder if the china cabinet could be put between the two wall lights. I know your ceiling light may then be off with the center of the table, but it could be moved if it worked out.


  • 7 years ago

    You could move the art/chest to the china cabinet wall if it could be moved, then you would have some lovely art to look at.

  • 7 years ago

    Following

  • 7 years ago
    Colorful artwork behind the couch and a couple of pillows will add some color. The rug still seems small to me....
  • 7 years ago
    Is there a reason the dining table is angled? Are the chairs in living spaces actually dining chairs?
  • 7 years ago
    Following
  • 7 years ago
    Your living room is improving now you have to address the dining room. It definitely needs a large rug and no tablecloth it’s so yesterday. You could add a bit of colour in the rug . Do you really need timber screen in the living room, it’s a different style to the rest of the furniture. Please replace artwork above the sofa it’s almost invisible and does nothing for the room.
  • 7 years ago
    Actually the screen could be used on the wall as artwork hang it up horizontally. You might have to do some adjusting to do that.
  • 7 years ago
    Looks beautiful! Much better! I love all the help on this site.
  • 7 years ago



  • 7 years ago
    Groveraxle: that’s a great photoshopped rendition of this room. The curtains really pull it together.
  • 7 years ago
    Groveraxle, I agree with RedRyder, you are amazing at Photoshop and I can’t thank you enough for your comments! I am going to remove the rug today and go shopping for new chair(s). I only have 7’ between the edge of the couch and the Chinese chest, so I am not if I will have enough room for 2 chairs. Here is a question for the followers: with only 7’ of space, do you think 1 chair and a small side table is better or should I look for 2 chairs and skip the table? Or, save my money and get the matching slip covered loveseat or matching chair to the couch? I will post new photos later today without the rug (can’t afford both rug and chairs right now ). The total width of the room from the wall with the windows to the China cabinet is only 9’ 8” wide. I couldn’t move the sofa to the wall where the China cabinet is because the sofa is longer than that wall. When you live in a small house like I do, it is easy to overwhelm a room with too much stuff. Someone asked how I use the room and I have to say it isn’t used much but when it is used, it is with a few ladies from my neighborhood come over for coffee and dessert. Thank you again for all of your suggestions...they mean so much to me!!!
  • 7 years ago
    If you use it for coffee/tea get togethers, then I’d get 2 chairs (small footprints but comfortable and low backs do window is not obscured) and put a drink table in-between.
    I think adults prefer own seats vs sitting together on a loveseat
  • PRO
    7 years ago

    Maybe one of these original artworks would add some texture and contrast to your wall. Here are some ideas to ponder. Good luck and enjoy decor !

    To check more unique collections please visit my shop -

    http://www.pooviartgallery.com




    Abstract Landscape painting · More Info






    cityscape painting · More Info


  • 7 years ago
    Those are dining room chairs, scaled to be used at a table. You need something more substantial. A larger rug would be more appropriate.
  • 7 years ago

    Kelly, do two small chairs and skip the table between. They can all use the coffee table.

  • 7 years ago

    Following - Grover, any chance you could visit my [Living room dilemma[(https://www.houzz.com/discussions/living-room-finishing-touches-dsvw-vd~5686903)? You were such a big help in my last home and I used most of your suggestions :-)

  • 7 years ago
    Love your soft colors & elegant style. The buffet is so large & dark in this small space I’d prefer to see something else. At the least, I’d move it to the wall where the mirror is now. That way it is in the short space, not gobbling up the longer space. The rooms has much better flow with the sofa on the wall but the 1 chair is jammed into the sofa space. Moving the buffet, perhaps one of the chairs could go on that wall with the stuff now over your chest. I’d move the chest in front of the sofa to act as a coffee table & move the teak screen to where the chest is now. Invite the grandkids over for cookies & have them do the moving!!
  • 7 years ago
    Updated look! Well I think I have found new chairs on Houzz. See attached photo. If you are wondering why I am focused on grey it is because the kitchen is adjoining and it is grey and white. You can see a portion of the island in the second shot. I removed the rug and that helped a ton!!! I added a second Chagall print that is framed the same way. I wish it was horizontal in orientation but it’s not so I will make due for now. Here is my newest dilemma: if I order two of the chairs they could encroach into the couch arms. I have taped them off on the floor below the captains chairs, so you can see what I mean. They would fit if I put them side by side and flush up against the wall (not on an angle). Any opinions about this idea? They are small in scale and lower in height so they won’t be as tall as the captains chairs.
  • 7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    My opinion is that the light grey or beige looks quite dull next to the white couch. Even with the blue rug that grover has photoshopped in. Are you planning to keep couch? If so, maybe a chair that contrasts with the couch a little more? Personally I'd actually replace the sofa with something a little more traditional

  • 7 years ago
    I like those chairs. I think adding pillows and accessories with the blue will be lovely.
  • 7 years ago
    I like the sofa moved to the other wall. Looks much better. I got these chairs and they are actually comfortable and they are narrow enough that they don’t take up a lot of width yet they have arms that allows for comfortable sitting.
    If you read the reviews they are very positive and they come in the Gray.

    I had an extra room that I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with and it is not a ver large or wide room either. Some people in my development used the room as an office but since it when you first walk into the house I decided to use it as my lounge/wine room. So you can see I fit four of these chairs and a cabinet and a round ottoman as a table. I’ve attached some pictures of my room so you can see.



    I think you could also use a round table that’s not glass.

    https://www.lampsplus.com/products/flynn-heirloom-charcoal-upholstered-armchair__6v643.html

    Here are pictures from the website and you can see they come in a few colors.
  • 7 years ago
    I agree with the other person that the light gray chairs are too washed out. I think you should have something darker. Plus going darker pop and will bring out depth to the space.

    The arms on those chairs I think are actually going to make it wider that what you have planned out. I think you need to go with different chairs.

    I am glad you took the lamp off the trunk it was out of place there. It’s appropriate in the corner. I like the three plants you added to the coffee table. It really needed it. I like that it simple yet adds a bit of a modern feel and having a plant always softens a room.
  • 7 years ago
    Thanks for the feedback Blondiegirlkk. I like the chairs you selected - I am a big fan of nailhead trim. I am waiting to hear what a couple of other people respond and then I will make my decision. I sooo appreciate all of the feedback.
  • 7 years ago
    Also I would get rid of the pillows on the side chairs even when you get new chairs you don’t need those pillows. I would move the captains chairs back into the dining room and flank them on the wall, one under each wall light sconce. That way if you needed to pull up an extra chair it’s there. And find a narrow buffet cabinet then to go under the mirror and have the chairs on each side.

    You may want to consider hanging the mirror above the sofa and a you can hang artwork in the dining room. That mirror right now is just reflecting the chandelier because it’s hung too high and it’s too close to the chandelier.

    Here’s some examples of concept of captains chairs placement and sideboard cabinet
  • 7 years ago
    Following
  • 7 years ago

    Kelly, that overlap isn't horrible, not a deal-breaker, but I wonder if an arrangement like this would work:

    Try it with your captains chairs and see what you think. (Note: above drawing not to scale.)

  • 7 years ago
    I believe you said you only use this room occasionally so I’d be inclined to keep the Captains chairs. They are fine for occasional use. What catches my eye now is the crystal pineapple & candlestick combination on the dining room table. I’m sure they are beautiful and perhaps expensive but this spot needs a bit of size, zing and color that can be changed seasonally. Perhaps an orchid pot for Spring, a big leaf for summer, etc. You’ve come so far!! Wonderful application of ideas you’ve received here
  • 7 years ago
    Thanks everyone for your help. You all have terrific suggestions and I will keep you posted.
  • 7 years ago
    I have started another discussion regarding shutter color...I am completely stuck. So feel free to check out my home exterior dilemma..Here’s a sneak peak...
  • 7 years ago
    My vote is black. It’s clean, classic/classy and yet also modern. Then if you add a color to pots or your front door or rich medium tone wood to the black and white is stunning. I always try to think about the K.I.S.S. rule that many designers and my mom would say.... Keep It Simple Stupid. LOL. Plus with your dark roof I think it goes really well. Good luck!
  • 7 years ago
    Match the shutters colour to the roof colour, so maybe charcoal or black.
  • 7 years ago
    Soft black. You want the shutters neutral so you can dress up the door color and use any flowers you want around the house and in pots.
  • 7 years ago
    Your sofa is very causal and the china cabinet has crystal. I find that juxtaposition a bit unsettling. I think that the rug is too small, and the chairs don't compliment the other furniture.

    Can the hutch go elsewhere? If it has to stay, could it be reconfigured to function more as a bookcase? Are you willing to replace the rug and chairs? I think you need a reset for this space. Perhaps if you posted its dimensions someone could come up with the some alternative furniture placements.
  • 7 years ago

    njay are you reading the notes or just chiming in without thought to what has been discussed.

  • 7 years ago
    Following
  • 7 years ago
    The new configuration in your living room looks much better , but , ... Do you really like to sit on the sofa next to a big opening to the hallway? I would change the cabinet with the wall that the sofa is on now ..move the sofa to the wall facing the window and light and enjoy looking outside you could keep the chairs in front of the window and have a lovely grouping facing each other for conversation if more people are in the room ....??? My thoughts
  • 7 years ago
    I agree , I think you should face the beautiful garden area with the sofa ...why are the drapes closed with such a nice view anyhow ? I too would switch the cabinet with the sofa ....
  • 7 years ago

    Love what you have done with your new front entrance.

    Do you have a before pic?

    Which windows were you thinking of putting shutters on.

    Dark Grey (almost black) for a color to pick up roof color.

  • 7 years ago

    Since no one is commenting on Kelly's other thread about the shutters...



Sponsored
Bella Casa LLC
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars17 Reviews
The Leading Interior Design Studio in Franklin County