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kimberley4972

Help with Living Area Layout

4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago











I have thought and thought and overthought the layout of the living area in my new condo. my main concern was what seating to purchase since the wall the tv will be on is not centered to any potential seating areas except maybe one seat.

I had a designer from Pottery Barn come out and give me some options. she said definitely

couch against the long wall which is why I went with the long side of the sectional against the long wall but now the short side of the sectional looks funny in front of the bay window and not one seat is centered to the TV. (I am getting a larger TV and a different stand.)

I didn’t go with a couch and loveseat because of the busy look of all the pieces and the additional space it would take up.

I have contacted the store I purchased the sectional from to see if I can exchange it for the flipped option with a long side in front of the bay window.

Also - the rug is not staying - just temporary

I would love your recommendations!

Here are some pics with the TV against the wall coming in the front door.








Comments (55)

  • 4 years ago

    I think you might try keeping the current couch, but rotating it so that the long section is in front of the windows. Then the back of the couch helps reinforce the walkway behind, and you can put your TV on the long wall where it will be much easier to watch. Still room for the arm chair too. Try that before making any other decisions.


    As for the entry, I think you want a very thin console table on that left wall, with a nice piece of art over it. The table allows for mail/keys to have a drop spot, they sometimes have a drawer where mittens (etc) could hide, and it ground the whole place.


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    Kim Kowalewicz thanked acm
  • 4 years ago

    we all know the way to make this room work and cozy is to put the tv on the longest wall.

    Float the sofa so the back is to the entry, effectively making it a separate space at the same time..

    The pottery barn girl should be fired lol. that was a very bad assessment of the situation, and just about everyone here concurred where the sofa should be.



    Kim Kowalewicz thanked RL Relocation LLC
  • 4 years ago

    Definitely going to put a thin 'drop everything' table on the entry wall. I wasn't impressed with the recommendations from PB. I did mention putting the TV on the long wall, too, but she was very sure about a couch/sectional going there.


    I am going to try the tv on the long wall and rotate the sectional. I am hoping that will be what I am looking for with this room. That will open the bay window up as well. I am about ready to pay the restocking fee, send it back and start over.


    Thanks!

  • 4 years ago

    potentially you could put a sofa table behind the sofa as your thing drop all area as well.

  • 4 years ago

    I have been thinking of that today. i moved the tv along the long wall and turned the sectional and I love it that way! I am now thinking of where guest can put their drinks and feet when relaxing - which is why I was also thinking thin long sofa table.

  • 4 years ago

    Can you post a picture maybe we can help with that part as well.

  • 4 years ago

    Thanks for all the amazing comments and suggestions. i am finally feeling good about this layout. here are some pics. I need to get a rug, tv, sidetable (?), coffee table and lighting. I want to get an electric fireplace/tv stand or a fireplace and put the tv on the wall although I would like the tv to be movable.







  • 4 years ago

    Try to put the sofa to the window so you can pass by to the dining area without walking in front of the living area.

  • 4 years ago

    or if you can just float it all together, so no sides touch either wall.

  • 4 years ago

    If I put the sofa toward the window people would still need to walk in front of the living area to enter the dining area. People can go around the back of the sofa to enter the kitchen/dining area. I will float the sectional and see how that looks and works. I thought there was a three-foot rule for walkways? Do you think a side chair would be too much to add to the space?

  • 4 years ago

    Also wondering about a sofa table. Square or round? I wanted an ottoman to set feet on, but I don't really have room for a side table so I am leaning toward a coffee table. Plus I believe a wooden coffee table will be a nice compliment to all the fabric as opposed to a fabric ottoman. I want my space usable and warm and cozy. :)

  • 4 years ago

    @BeverlyFLADeziner Thanks for creating that visual. My problem would still be the tv being way off-centered from any seating area of the sectional. I have some neck problems so turning my neck all the time to watch tv is what I am trying to avoid.

  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    I like the room better now. You could have chair in front of the window, plus a side table. Think about 'c' tables, maybe nesting set, for as needed tables. I'd get the console first, then look at other items. A storage ottoman with a large tray when you need a flat surface may be an option.

  • 4 years ago

    Please move it off the dining wall 12 inches, it hangs over the edge and looks strange, if you moved it all the way to the window, people would not have to walk infront as the opening between the wall and the sofa would now be on the dining side.

  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    @RL Relocation LLC

    I know you have a sectional, but I think @RL Relocation LLC is trying to tell you to move your sectional similar to this set up.

    The bay window space can have a sofa table behind the sofa if there is room. On the sofa table behind the sofa, you can add two lamps, and some decor.

    Inspiration:


    Clairemont Whole House Renovation · More Info


  • PRO
    4 years ago

    As long as you're moving around furniture, why not try this layout.? I don't like that diagonal walkway through your seating area. This layout avoids that and creates a natural foyer area.

    If you want to add an electric fireplace, the room would look better with a long electric fireplace with the TV mounted above. See examples below.

    Kim Kowalewicz thanked BeverlyFLADeziner
  • 4 years ago

    @njmomma @RL Relocation LLC If I move the sectional in front of the bay window then the shorter seating would face the long wall with the tv which would cause an awkward viewing angle. My sectional has one side longer than the other. I will try that layout tmrw though as i want whatever is best for the area. Thank you!

  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    @BeverlyFLADeziner I am going to try that layout tomorrow. My concern is that the shorter side of the sectional would be facing the tv wall and I am not sure if I will like that. My sectional is longer on one side. I will find out tomorrow though!


    i would love to do an in wall fireplace but I do not have the finances doe that right now so just looking for a stand alone electric fireplace. :)

  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago


    Beverly has a great idea too, especially if its only you who needs to face the tv, also you could lay in the corner and face the tv with her set up. I would try that

  • PRO
    4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    The fireplace is only 3" deep and can be mounted on the wall or recessed if you have the room.


    https://www.amazon.com/Tangkula-Recessed-Fireplace-


    https://www.amazon.com/Ignis-Electric-Fireplace-Crystals-

    Kim Kowalewicz thanked BeverlyFLADeziner
  • 4 years ago

    Ok, here it is with the sectional in front of the bay window. this is my favorite layout except for the tv location not being easily viewable from all seats.


    This rug is temporary. I know I need a bigger rug. 😉



  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    Here it is moved away from the wall. (I realize i need a bigger tv, tv stand, etc. Trying to get the layout determined first.)











    also took some pics with it moved out and back a little. Not sure how far it should be from the window wall. Thanks for sticking with me with this!






  • 4 years ago


    This looks the best, and you can still put an armchair by the dining entry. you need a much larger rug tho

    Kim Kowalewicz thanked RL Relocation LLC
  • 4 years ago

    @RL Relocation LLC thanks! you dont think it’s awkward having the tv so close to the end of the sectional? what do you think about the tv on the wall or leave it on a tv stand? I am getting a larger tv and a different tv stand (as well as a larger rug). I am thinking of not on the wall to keep it mobile if needed.

  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    @BeverlyFLADeziner I would need to hire someone to wire it in as all my outlets are low and I wouldn’t want a cord coming down.

  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    If I had the opportunity to return the sectional, would you suggest I return it or is it okay for the area? I personally want something cozy and don’t know if a couch and side chairs would give me that feel.

  • 4 years ago

    the sectional shape clashes with the bay window. could u live w/a comfy couch centered in front of window - or along entry side then go with a comfy chair? maybe one of those oversized 1.5 ones?

  • 4 years ago

    OH, If you can return it, absolutely do so. it is completely wrong for the space! At this point you are already "making work" I feel like the PB girl sold you on that and it was very bad on her part.

  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    I will have to pay a restocking fee but if I can get that lowered I will. what would you suggest for the area? i have attached the layouts from PB.

    As you can see the tv on the long wall was never suggested.

  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    Not every living/family room needs a sectional! A 3-seat sofa and two comfy upholstered chairs will be more flexible and give you more arranging options.

  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    NO sectional! and no pottery barn layouts lol. one 3 seat sofa and 2 armchairs, perhaps an ottoman so you can put your feet up.

  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    Agree 100% with RL, to me that sectional seems wrong for your space.

  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    I'd be happier with a sofa and a couple of chairs with ottomans than with a sectional. And keep the TV on the long wall! If you post dimensions of the room including window and door openings, you will likely get some help suggesting the size of furniture. I think the sectional was too large for your room.



    Kim Kowalewicz thanked P Banos
  • 4 years ago



    Kim Kowalewicz thanked RL Relocation LLC
  • PRO
    4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    Your current sized TV screen seems dwarfed by the room and the sectional. A 60" or 65" screen would be a better size for the room.

    I would advise a layout like this below. Note the direction of the rug and how it is placed under the sectional. Use the Blue Painters Tape and tape out a 60+" FP and a 60" TV screen. Note the screen is measure diagonally, so the tv is only about 53" wide.

    The TV and the FP both have simple electrical cords that can be slipped through the drywall easily to reach the outlet. Check tutorials on YouTube to see how this is accomplished.

    Your room is not large enough to accommodate an electric fireplace with a wood cabinet surround. The shape is all wrong for the room and it forces the TV to be too high on the wall.

    Kim Kowalewicz thanked BeverlyFLADeziner
  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago



    I am going to return it although I will take a loss. Here are the dimensions. What size sofa would you suggest to float as the width of the room is 13’.

  • 4 years ago

    You should be ok with a standard 72-78" sofa.


    You could probably add two smaller armchairs (think closer to 30" than 40")

    Swivel base armchairs would be good if your people are likely to go from conversation (facing towards sofa) to tv watching.


    How many people do you expect to use the room daily, and for visits? This set up would seat 4 comfortably, 5 with someone in the middle of the sofa.


    If you get an ottoman, it can double as a footrest and extra seating. I'd give an armchair by the window a side table and a small otttoman.


    A floor lamp between the sofa and the armchair.


    A rug with a pad underneath. If you go to a store that sells high-end broadloom, some sell remnants at very discounted prices. They can cut and serge the remnant to the perfect size for your room. I've done this for several rooms and love the quality of the rugs and the perfect fit. Or, if you shop for hand-knotted rugs they often come in dimensions that are not "standard" and you may find a good fit. Ideally all your chairs have at least the front legs on the rug.


  • PRO
    4 years ago

    Sizes for this furniture are critical. Apartment sized furniture would be the best.

    Kim Kowalewicz thanked BeverlyFLADeziner
  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    @BeverlyFLADeziner

    @RL Relocation LLC

    @P Banos

    Adding to this post as I have now returned the sectional and purchased a 77" sofa. Do you think I should float the sofa to face the long wall which the tv will be on or move it and place the tv on the smaller wall? Reminder - the smaller wall is not centered on anything and would make tv watching awkward.

    I am planning on getting a rug, side table, media console (or wall mount the tv),coffee table or ottoman (not sure which) and two swivel chairs. I am open to suggestions!

    Looking for rug ideas - pattern, plush, low pile, etc.?,

    Also - I purchased a 65" tv which feels huge! I was thinking about having it wall-mounted, but I would need to be certain which wall to put it on.





  • 4 years ago

    Following

  • 4 years ago

    I like that sofa better for the size of your room. Can the sofa go a little further from the entrance, maybe up to where you have the little table now? Then we can see spacing for an armchair.

  • 4 years ago

    Here you go. I have room to move the sofa. You’re sure the tv should go on the long wall?

  • 4 years ago

    Also should the sofa be in line with the entrance wall or can it sit back some?

  • 4 years ago

    I think for comfortable tv viewing that's best. Otherwise you are almost looking at the dining room.


    Do you think you now have room for an armchair in front of the window?

  • 4 years ago

    Yes, not an oversized armchair but a regular sized one.

  • 4 years ago

    Here it is with an accent chair from a bedroom.

  • 4 years ago

    So you have room for a small armchair, a side table, floor lamp. I'd look at round coffee tables, or a round ottoman (put a large tray on top when you want flat surface).


    Kim Kowalewicz thanked P Banos
  • 4 years ago

    I think you should purchase a larger rug next that will help you see the whole picture. then an arm chair and ottoman, new tv stand and coffee table.

  • 4 years ago

    Can you find out if there are any carpet and rug sellers in your area that sell remnants? I had remnants of beautiful wool broadlooms cut to size and serged for use as area rugs. The total cost was less than many area rugs, and the quality very high. Plus I was able to fit the space perfectly.