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vesnatk

Are these sofas too large?

4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago

We recently moved into a new home and need new sofas for the family room (approx. 21'x17.5'). I like the look and comfort of Pottery Barn York grand, deep sofas (95"), but worried that two of them might be too large for the space. I'd appreciate opinions and advice on layout and sofa size. I'll attach the sketch of the living room and some photos. The room has corner fireplace.






Comments (19)

  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    Adding Living room photos. Note that furniture in photos belonged to the

    previous owner and is no longer in the room.








  • PRO
    4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    We can't read your "sketch" . Are the photos your current? Or the previous homeowner?

    If yours? take the tv off the fire, remove the top of hutch, and put the tv to that hutch spot.

    PS....Pottery Barn is not good quality. At all. Just sayin......

    Please post a larger more legible drawing of walls, windows, posts etc. : ) I don't even love the idea of TWO sofas.

    vesnatk thanked JAN MOYER
  • PRO
    4 years ago

    I have no idea about those sofas so post a pic of those but I agree first figure out where the TV goes since where it is in the pohots is not good I agree the wall beside the FP is good.

    vesnatk thanked Patricia Colwell Consulting
  • 4 years ago

    Is your sketch to size and if not, choose an on line room planner that allows for addition of exact dimensions, structural components and hopefully, size option of the couches.

    It looks like a good layout, but if too tight for room, you could use two large chairs instead of the second couch and a cozy angled chair/ottoman or chaise at other end. Try to place seating into middle of room so couch isn’t right up against the columns.


    vesnatk thanked Maureen
  • PRO
    4 years ago

    Much better, right here as above...





    vesnatk thanked JAN MOYER
  • 4 years ago

    Thank you all for your input. I agree with everyone that TV is no good above the fireplace, and I'll plan to have it on the wall next to the fireplace. The previous owners had it above the fireplace and the pictures are of their furniture. I've posted the updated floor plan that's hopefully easier to read, as well as pictures of Pottery Barn sofas I like. I tried to make the floorplan to scale and the furniture is to scale as well.


    I am open to get something not Pottery Barn but I keep going back to them as I generally like the look and haven't had time to find something comparable elsewhere with better quality. I live in NC and there are plenty of furniture stores but I haven't had time to explore.


    I am open to suggestions for a better layout if two sofas is no good. I am not good at this and only thought of two sofas as I currently have a sofa and a love seat and don't love the matching love seat idea. I can upload pictures of my current furniture but it's really only temporary until I figure out what to replace it with. I've been in this house only 2 weeks.

  • 4 years ago

    You live in NC?? Do not buy pottery barn sofas. Make the time to shop and sit on and compare! Isn’t that like the furniture capital of the world?? There is a huge thread about people who do not like their Big Sur sofa from PB so be sure and read all their comment.

  • 4 years ago

    Thanks, Kathy. I don't know how Big Sur compares to York sofas but I am aware of negative reviews on PB in general. York sofas do seem to have many good reviews online.

    I love the idea of checking out the local furniture stores, but it's been challenging to find time and arrange baby sitter for my two young kids. Also, I always take forever to make a decision so it always takes multiple trips to accomplish any new purchase... But, having said all that, you are right, I do need to find time as challenging as it may be.

  • 4 years ago

    Your floorplan posted above works well with the furniture you're thinking of using. If you don't want two sofas though, you could use one longer sofa facing the tv with two chairs near the fireplace as shown, and just one chair on the room entrance side so the room is more open.

  • 4 years ago

    I’ll babysit!! 😂😂😂 I remember those years….

  • 4 years ago

    1. I have a room of similar size and a wonderful friend who made a floor plan for us before we moved in with our 2 sofas, 86" each, placed exactly as you have on your sketch. I said no way, would be too crowded. Well, as luck would have it, our second sofa could not fit through the door into our den/office so we ended up with no alternative other than the set up that my friend (and you) have worked out. It works perfectly and I absolutely love it. I provides so much comfortable seating. I'm not a fan of sectional sofas or love seats and this is a wonderful alternative.


    2. I think it is important when using this much furniture in a space to get something with a low profile, not over stuffed or too many loose pillows. I would get something without a skirt, a tight back, and narrow arms.


    3. Furniture shopping can be a major time suck. I would first shop online. Figure out what the good brands are, models by those companies you like, and if they have everything you want such as the fabric you like, the firmness you want, the right size, AND what the order time is. It is taking a very long time now so be prepared.


    4. Next, I would call ahead to stores and ask if they have in the showroom what you see and like online. ALWAYS CALL AHEAD. It is so very frustrating these days that so often when I go into a store and ask for items, sales people end up just showing me what they have online. Urgh! I can do that myself from home in the middle of the night! And, ask when is the best time to come in and talk to a furniture sales person. Stores as so short staffed and often sales people so unknowledgable that you can learn more online. I have been furniture shopping lately and have had good phone conversations and facetime appointments with sales people who know their stuff. Much better service than if I went to the store.


    5. Just because you are where furniture is made, doesn't mean it is where the furniture is distributed or sold. I do like Rowe sofas, know friends who have had their's for ages and they have worn very well. I think they are made in NC.



    vesnatk thanked Kendrah
  • 4 years ago

    Thank you, Kendrah! This is very helpful feedback and information.

  • PRO
    4 years ago

    From personal experience let me say this - if you like to sit on couches - choose comfortable for you to sit on. So that the depth and height of the sofa is consistent with your height and shin length. Otherwise it will be uncomfortable to sit, stand up and your feet may hurt. I like to lie on sofas. I'm lazy. I like to lie in my spare time) I choose wider models. The couch should be tried on before buying. If you need sofas for guests - you can not worry and choose any model. guests do not sit or lie down for a long time)

    The main thing-your comfort. Excuse me for my English, I'm just learning)



  • 4 years ago

    There are furniture marts/malls at High Point and Hickory (NC) that sell the pieces you see on the floor, so only waiting for delivery (unless you rent a uhaul). Obviously, choices of fabric etc are more limited but at least you can sit on and see the pieces.

  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    Jan is correct that you shop online for a quality sofa but actually purchase it from a dealer. Still, once you go into the dealer's store or showroom, they likely won't have every piece you see online, so you need to call ahead and know what to expect. And, although most sofa's sold online are of poor quality, not everyone can afford a well made sofa and sometimes you have to compromise a bit. I am curious about Room and Board furniture, which you can purchase online and almost all of it is made in the USA.

  • PRO
    4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    Room and board is really great on case goods. The hard stuff. Take a pass on sofas, : ) and other upholstery unless a headboard/bed

    Honestly? Folks need to stop thinking of furnishing homes in a "oh yeah.......a new sofa maybe " sort of way. it needs to be planned and planned for the eventual obsolescence, whether it be due to general soil, abuse by kids.......... or just a style refresh. No sofa or any other soft furnishing is forever unless you pay a "foreve"r PRICE. Many can't do that and "forever is now about ten years give/take.

    Not everyone buys the same car. The difference is the reliability factor - even without luxury it is better in cars: ) there's a "lemon law' . But it is UN realistic to believe that a sofa that cost 2500.00 twenty odd years ago ........can be made for that price TODAY. That 2500.00 sofa is now.....6,000.00 plus - which means 2500.00 doesn't get you much.

  • 4 years ago

    I appreciate all the tips on how to search for quality sofa. I'm preparing myself for a long process here, including even longer delivery time. To Kendrah's point on Room and Board, I did notice also recommendations for Maiden Home. Anyone has any feedback on these?

  • 4 years ago

    I have several Room and Board pieces: Dean sofa, two Andre chairs (these items in ~2015-16) and a Jennings bed (bought in 2020). I saw the sofa and chairs in store, but ordered the Jennings bed sight unseen. Everything has held up well to daily use (including pets) and their delivery service is fantastic. I follow the Hoss Homestead on IG and love the look of the Reese sectional in her home. I wouldn't hesitate to buy from them again.