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Home Decorating Furniture Living Room

Living Room with 3 Focal Points? Help!

19 days ago

last modified: 19 days ago

My wife and I are struggling to design and lay out our living room. This room doubles as a true living room (conversational) and a TV watching room. We do watch TV and movies but spend equal time listening to music and reading.

Our struggle is that this room has potentially three focal points. The fireplace, the views (which are great), and the TV was "intended" to be on the large blank when the house was built by the previous owners. The way we see it, we have three options and I'd appreciate everyone's input on the layout and furniture arrangement.

Option 1: TV Centered on Large White Wall

We'd likely get a large (95"+) couch and center it on the windows, facing outward. We'd get two swivel fabric chairs (possibly reclining if they're streamlined) and place them against the windows, facing inward. This setup would provide good TV watching spots for 3 people (two swivel chairs, and the person on the left-most end of the couch). The couch viewers would unfortunately have to tweak their neck when watching TV.

Option 2: TV Aligned Left on Large White Wall

Basically, we'd go with the same layout as above, but this would slightly optimize the TV viewing for the folks on the couch. However, it would highly reduce the viewing for the swivel chair on the right.

Option 3: TV Above Fireplace

We tried this when we first moved in, and for whatever reason, we didn't like it. The mantle is currently too high (it would need to be lowered) and we didn't love the TV being the main focal point when you walk into our front door into the living room. However, this setup provides a ton more flexibility on layouts. We could keep the couch as described above, and put a smaller couch along with a recliner with their backs against the large white wall (perpendicular to the large couch). The only cons of doing this are that it makes the TV a large focal point, and when watching the TV (if it's above the fireplace), the TV viewers are somewhat looking into the rest of the house, all the way into the kitchen (it's a very open floorplan).

Comments (25)

jcarian53
Original Author
14 days ago
Hi Marcie - see the current thought on our layout with measurements and possible configuration.
Featured Answer
anj_p
19 days ago
Do you have enough space to do back to back seating? you could try doing two "zones" if you do... couch with tv watching on the back wall, views and fireplace there other way? not sure if that's kosher design wise but it would solve your problem.
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The striped sofa looks good. You could get that + the chair and then one more accent chair. I think the size of that sofa works well if you are going with the plan of sofa facing fireplace with sofa table behind it. Only thing with that is if you are planning on flanking fireplace with 2 chairs you might want to get 2 matching chairs. If you have to buy the set, or would like to buy the set, using that chair in another room might be an option in that case. If you are placing sofa in another position, the chair may work fine with one or two other chairs. From my perspective, + Feng Shui perspective, I still think your best option may be tv in front of windows on long, low console and sofa on that built in wall. I read some interesting ideas about camouflaging the built-in wall, further up thread. One thing that was mentioned was hanging a piece of art - or maybe more than one. A tapestry was also mentioned, I think. I wouldn’t worry about sofa being too short for wall - I don’t think it is, and in any case it gives you more room for a couple of end tables and table lamps. Or you could use a floor lamp, on fireplace side of sofa and a table lamp on other side. Layering lamps that way would give room more height + visual interest. That striped sofa is much better than the other used sofa you were considering a while back. Much nicer style, and more current. Much better lines. And the seat cushions look 100 times better to me. It’s a better made sofa, in better condition, I believe. And the chair looks equivalent. Sofa facing fireplace is the next best option - as we discussed a while back here. Sofa with back to windows I would do as a last resort. Well, actually, for me from Feng Shui perspective, I personally wouldn’t do that placement, period. But it’s not my house. :) It all comes down to what you are most comfortable with. That is the main thing.
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The art over the fireplace is far too high....and almost too large for over this mantel. Remove the clock. Then try three or four of your pieces of art (one at a time) set on the mantel and just leaning against the wall. One of them will look better than the others. Leave it there for a few days. There is no rule that the biggest must go over the fireplace. It may look better on the dining room wall or over a long console table or cabinet. It is better for art to be hung at eye level to most people. The sconces above your mantel can be changed or removed if they serve no purpose or are not your “style”. Because this is your entertaining room, you will want enough seating for the largest number of people you would have over: a pair of sofas and a few chairs in a permanent arrangement upon a large area rug, plus some additional seating in a couple of quiet conversation arrangements in a corner or near a view window. You will need some tables and some lighting. Start furnishing the room with what you already own. Live with it for a while. Rearrange it if desired. If you don’t already own a large enough rug for this room, once you achieve a good furniture arrangement which pleases you, measure around that arrangement and look for a rug large enough to hold the entire arrangement or large enough that the front half of all your seating pieces will be ON the rug. Carpeting can be cut and bound in the size you need and there are large area rugs available.
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Here is a living room I just finished in the Chicago area. They wanted blues, charcoals and whites. https://www.houzz.com/photos/chicago-hinsdale-century-home-contemporary-family-room-chicago-phvw-vp~161878169 Here is the rug. Comes in multiple sizes. https://www.wayfair.com/rugs/pdp/mistana-lucienne-geometric-gray-rug-w003245296.html?&experiencetype=2&selectedvertical=2 For pillows, I would look at Home Goods. They have quality pillows at lower prices. Less expensive than getting your gray ones covered. Here are some you might consider The issue I see with your home is that you have many rooms to use, but you are using mainly just one space. I don't know how often you use the sun room. You might want to consider, moving your dining table in there for one week and see how you like it. Maybe you'll get used to it. Down the line, I would recommend considering taking down some walls.
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jcarian53
Original Author
19 days ago
Thanks! I don't think that would work very well for the intent of the room.
daki
19 days ago
I think it somewhat depends on the number of people watching tv and the type of seating they / you gravitate towards. How about centering on the wall and having the tv wall mounted with an arm that can swivel? That way you can keep it out of the way and adjust the angle depending on the seating arrangement when needed.
My3dogs ME zone 5A
19 days ago
Is there apt to be a glare at times if it's centered on the white wall? I don't know if you have pull down blinds on the doors and windows.
PRO
JudyG Designs
19 days ago
last modified: 19 days ago
This may be one of the times the t v should go over the fireplace.

I also like the sunburst mirror over the cabinets.
PRO
Mae Day Organizing and Interior Design
18 days ago
last modified: 17 days ago
Hello J,

Wow, your questions and problem solving efforts are sincerely commendable in light of the configuration of the room. Love a challenge. If you can give me the measurements of the room I can put together a 3D rendition and see what can be done here. This one can be fun. I love putting together out of the box designs.

Marcie
comer99
18 days ago
Following
PRO
Mae Day Organizing and Interior Design
14 days ago
Hello J,

Brilliant!!! Perfect. Good on you!!

What about putting the two matching cabinets on either side of the TV/TV console?

Then the Two chairs you have now where you have the two chairs with the ottomans in the rendition (until you can get the other chairs).

A couch would be great there. Perhaps a small side table?

The coffee table may block your way in and out of the room.

Kudos to you. Well thought out. Go for it!!!

:-)
PRO
Mae Day Organizing and Interior Design
13 days ago
Hello J,

I am putting together a 3D rendition for you using the measurements you gave me. I'll be out today but back tomorrow. See you then.

Marcie
PRO
Mae Day Organizing and Interior Design
13 days ago
J, Can we get a picture of the room with your back to the glass doors. I need to see the area where the front door meets the living room. Thanks
jcarian53
Original Author
13 days ago
Yes - attached are four new pictures (moved some stuff around a bit)
PRO
Mae Day Organizing and Interior Design
13 days ago
Hello J,

Thanks for the pictures. That helps a lot. The closet dimensions look like it is about 5x5. I will add that into the build.

Marcie
PRO
Mae Day Organizing and Interior Design
12 days ago
Good day to you J,

The 3D renditions are complete and ready for your consideration.

In the pictures you will find:
1. Your two chairs
2. Your TV
3. Your two console on either side of the fireplace (true, they are not exactly like yours. just something close.)
4. One sofa 6'10" sofa
5. One area rug (optional of course)
6. 4 side tables
7. 4 table lamps
8. One corner TV console
9. One round coffee table. Round because it would be easier to move around the room with a round one rather than a square one. Better on the knees.
10. Two window like mirrors or pictures over the consoles on either of the fireplace.
11. Two small cushioned & cloth covered stools for extra seating.
12. One large piece of art on the wall to the left of the TV; to fill the void.
13. One large decorative panel in the smaller opening directly to the right of the front door in the entry. Why, well because it is pretty and because it gives the space more of a room feeling.
Suggestion: Please turn your large mirror, on the entry wall, to a horizontal position. It will fill the space and give a better reflection of the light from your large windows and just look better. :-)

If this layout does not work for you I do have another layout that may work as well. Please let me know.

Here are the pictures. MAE
PRO
Mae Day Organizing and Interior Design
12 days ago
PRO
Mae Day Organizing and Interior Design
12 days ago
PRO
Mae Day Organizing and Interior Design
12 days ago
Hello again J,

Here are a couple of other ideas closer to what you laid out. The couch in this is a 4'5" love seat placed in front of the screened off walk through.

Hope this helps.

MAE
Lars
12 days ago
I agree with JudyG Designs that this is one of the times when the TV should go above the fireplace. It simplifies everything, and then you have a real focal point.

I was taught in Interior Design school that the fireplace always had to be the main focal point, if you have one, and especially if you use it. In any event, you do not want to have chairs or a sofa with their backs to the fireplace.

With the TV over the fireplace, arranging the furniture will be extremely easy and look best.
PRO
Mae Day Organizing and Interior Design
10 days ago
Hello J,

Here is a great YouTube video regarding TV placement you may like. It is very instructional and hopefully helpful. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psclZo0hYSI&feature=emb_logo

Best Wishes,

MAE
PRO
Mae Day Organizing and Interior Design
8 days ago
Hello J,

I don't know if you are still checking on this feed but I thought you might like to see one with the couch facing the fireplace, The TV over the fireplace and no screen added to the

walk through near the closet. I hope one of these works for you or at least helps. My husband and I have to have our TV set low because we have back problems and it really hurts to have to look up for that long but it may work just fine for you. It does for many folks.

Best Wishes,

MAE
Jean
8 days ago
We had a similar problem and used the Mantel Mount - tv pulls down and side to side.
PRO
Mae Day Organizing and Interior Design
7 days ago
last modified: 7 days ago
Yes those wonderful mounts work well but not for us because we still need the TV to be at eye level and the mounts can't do that. It would have to be pulled into position so it would be in front of the fireplace to get it where we need it to be in order to watch it pain free. Plus over heating the TV and almost frying it was a big problem.

Regardless of what went wrong for us folks need to do what ever works best for them. Whether it is to mount it over the fireplace or on another wall. This room does present a complex problem for seating.

So J., I wish you the very best in your new home and hope you find many happy days and fond memories to come.

MAE
PRO
Paige & Coleman Interior Design
7 days ago
How about an "L" shape sectional to mirror the stairs. Would offer more usable space in the room. You could back with a slim sofa table for separation from the entry. Then keep your recliners, this may give you more viewing options. There are even comfortable hidden recliners in some contemporary/transitional style sections these days.
jcarian53
Original Author
6 days ago
Thanks for the input, everyone. I should have noted, that on the wall with the glass windows, the door on the right-hand side is a true door and opens up inward. We can't place a chair or something else in front of it because then we wouldn't be able to open it.
PRO
Mae Day Organizing and Interior Design
2 days ago
Understood. Can you replace the French doors with sliders? The would make it easier when is comes to the furniture layout. :-)

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