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aneta_fidler

Livingroom arrangement challenge

6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago

Hello,

We just recently remodeled our main floor (kitchen, dinning room, and living room) and I'm not exactly sure how to finish off our living room. The room is big and open with high ceilings, but the layout is tricky. The fireplace is tall and asymmetrical, the window is huge, and

I don't know how to best set it up so that it's nice and welcoming. Currently we have a small TV set up on a small chest on one of the walls, but we're getting a bigger TV and I'm debating where I should put it and how to best set it up? My husband keeps saying we should put it above the fireplace, but I'm not so sure about it. Should I keep it on the wall like we have it now, or should I listen to him and try it on the fireplace? How do I dress up the fireplace so that it looks nice (shelves, built-ins, etc.)? What about window treatments? I'm so lost, not sure where I should begin with this room. We'll need to keep the sectional for now, but will need a new coffee table and other pieces to finish it off.

Thank you in advance for your ideas and suggestions.

Aneta









Comments (23)

  • 6 years ago

    You guys spent extra money do have that nice detail put on the fireplace I would NOT "ruin" it by mounting a "black hole" in front of it.

    So I could very well see putting to the left of the fireplace, on a pull out that would allow it to come out from the wall for better viewing when needed, or leaving it were it is.

    If you put it to the left of the FP then at some point you could have the sofa face that wall and add some chairs to look out the window and chairs that would look back at the barn door. thus taking advantage of all the views!

    If you keep it where it is, then a sofa facing the tv and perhaps two chairs floated by the fireplace and two chairs facing the fireplace.


    I think part of the problem might be the sectional making you think you are more limited than you are. But I would not put it on that lovely fireplace lol.

  • 6 years ago

    Right now, it looks quite cave-y to me. I think it could be made more intimate and cozy with some different lighting.

  • 6 years ago

    yes, turn the sectional to take advantage of the view outdoors and maybe hang a large mirror on the wall to reflect it. put the tv elsewhere as suggested.

  • 6 years ago

    Art over the fireplace, the tv in an entertainment armoire, a room-darkening pull-down window shade if you watch sports during the day on weekends, light-filtering draperies. More lighting if it feels dark, and more art if you have more empty walls.

  • 6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    what about the space to the left of fireplace? if you built that out w/shelving, cabinet, would the tv fit over there?


    when you get a new one try mounting the tv on the wall and getting a longer console to go under it.






    or do a type of built in on that wall


    some other ideas for furniture placement. these are all similar rooms to yours.

    this one^, is very similar to your room. see how the tv fits along side? (yours would be on the left) Is this doable?











  • 6 years ago

    Agreed. Not above the fireplace. Try a set up to the left of the fireplace and rotate the sofa so it is facing the windows. Right now it looks like your sliding barn doors are the center of attention in the room and while they are cool, they should not be a focal point.

  • 6 years ago

    I like the idea of turning the sectional towards the window. Better viewing for tv from that angle and take advantage of views. Building out some cabinetry to the left of the fireplace and place tv there. Gives you storage and place to showcase art or favorite books/things. Better lighting and a more colorful area rug.

  • 6 years ago

    I always prefer my tv to be near a window - that way the seating is set up to enjoy the view.


    This need not be a built-in to accommodate that. Built ins can be very nice, but they can also limit what you can do with a room, as well as how much space you have to hang art work...


    So, flip the sofa to enjoy your view, with the TV to the left of the fireplace on the current piece of furniture you are using. See if you like it before spending more money on anything. You'll also have less glare of the TV when it isn't across from the window.


    And, if you're not loving the sofa, maybe replace it with 4 comfy chairs. They will block less of the light.... Maybe 2 recliners and 2 chairs so relaxing and snoozing is still an option... Then add some color to the space.

  • 6 years ago

    The sectional limits you considerably. It automatically cuts off the room and you loose that open feeling. If you can replace it with two couches and two chairs, that will give you more options to create that welcoming, cozy feel.

  • 6 years ago

    I think Lynn G had a great idea of moving the TV to the left of the fireplace NOW. See if it will work for you in that location before buying the new one.

  • PRO
    6 years ago

    Consider using a motorized lift for the TV, and tuck it behind some cabinetry or a larger piece of furniture. I love mine; not having that giant black hole staring at me is a blessing!

  • 6 years ago

    I agree with RL Relocation LLC

    Flip the couch and put the tv to the left of the fireplace. Open up your view to the lovely big window. See how you like it and go from there.

  • 6 years ago

    When you can, ditch the sectional for a comfy sofa and two inviting chairs. The sectional is a room-killer because it's a room-dictator.


    Is your Living Room your Den/entertainment room, or is it the only room in which to welcome guests, or is it both? If it's the latter two, then the sectional plays its killer role.


    In any case, good ideas suggested: Have the back of the sectional [couch in future] placed to act as barrier of the walkway and facing windows; Move TV left of the FP. At minimum, put art over the TV [high wall L of fp], and on the wall where the TV is now.


    Do not keep TV where it is. Do Not put TV over the fireplace.


    Do not get a bigger TV than what will fit to the left of the fireplace.

  • 6 years ago

    Agree that the view is more important than the telly. Some great suggestions here. If it's a sectional sofa, doesn't that mean you can arrange it into different groupings? If so you might split it to balance two sides of the room - which is more conducive to conversation than sitting in a row. Lose the pointless little table between it and the window, at least, to give more space.

  • 6 years ago

    If you can't replace the sectional, maybe remove the 2 curved sections and then use the straight sections to make a big comfy couch and add a couple of chairs (light colored) and a coffee table. Side tables for chairs and some different levels of lighting (i.e. table lamps, floor lamps, wall sconces, etc.). Shop the other rooms in your house! I have a trunk similar to the one you have your TV on right now that I use as a coffee table. Place the couch facing the fireplace, TV to the left of fireplace, and chairs flanking either side of the couch/facing each other across the space. Looks like there is a table behind the sectional, possibly use that temporarily to set the TV on and see how that feels. It's always good to try out new layouts with what you have if you can, then make purchases later. That fireplace is way too pretty to cover with a TV, though! Love the beams too.

  • PRO
    6 years ago




    If you have to have something below the TV then select a floating shelf unit.



  • 6 years ago

    Hang it on the wall where the current tv is or on the wall to the left of the fireplace, with a nice cabinet below it (or built in if affordable). The question is , how much do you watch tv? that should also decide where you put it.

  • 6 years ago

    I agree with placing the TV to the left of the fireplace. Would you consider changing your grey paint colour to the same colour of white that's on your fireplace? If not for the whole room, then at least for the walls on either side of the fireplace? I think this would really help to lighten the room, and make for a more cohesive space in that the fireplace might not seem quite as tall or asymmetrical as it appears now.

  • 6 years ago

    There are many opinions here so I will be brief.

    1. TV left of the fireplace is ideal so that the glare onto the TV from the windows is avoided. Plus your TV should not be a min focal point in a room.
    2. Ditch the sectional. It’s bulky and swallows up the room and interferes with style. You can get a deep-seated couch (as much as 45”) if you want “comfy and cozy”. “ and several club chairs or accents chairs.
    3. As for window treatments, opt for something that allows you to continue to enjoy the view even when you choose to block sunlight and heat. There are many options.
    4. Art over the fireplace is nice but you risk damaging fine art. I would opt for a beautiful mirror or nothing at all.

    I guess I wasn’t that brief.

  • 6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    Along with the idea of putting the TV to the left of the fireplace, consider a built-in unit that TV would sit on, have drawers underneath and shelving above the TV.

  • PRO
    6 years ago

    Hey @aneta please provide a room-plan or dimensions to receive an interactive 3D design of your space

  • 6 years ago

    It's so easy and everybody caught it . The sectional is facing the wrong side . If you have a beautiful window ...don't you always want to face that view ?! Once you turn it around the. You place the tv ...but not over the fireplace ...corner left is perfect . Then send a floor plan ...! P.s. Have fun changing things around ...enjoy , live with all the changes for a little while ..then change again or keep ...having fun together In a new house is what you should have ...

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