Can you post photos of the space? Is there enough room around the perimeter to position the furniture like this? Do you already own the sectional? If not, you might have more options with a sofa instead.

Unfortunately this would block the path that is most frequently used to go to and from the kitchen from this room. I should have said that in the original post. Thank you for your suggestion!

@Jessica L where do you and your husband like to sit when you watch TV? Does one of you like to lay down? Has any of this furniture been purchased? You mention a sofa but there's a sectional in there? Does your husband have a favorite favorite chair we need to consider?

You say you want the focal point to be the fireplace. That's a challenge for me with it off-center. Does it have to be the focal point or can you just make sure you are able to enjoy it? Can it be one of several focal points?

Are there no windows? Or can my old eyes just not see them?

Do the built-ins go to the floor or is there blank wall at some point you could put a piece of furniture in front of?

Is the room mostly used by you and hubby or do you have a bunch of friends over sometimes? Or do you entertain in a different room? Kids? 

How do you feel about putting a short sofa or loveseat on the short wall opposite the TV, where you drew the chairs? And how about a pair of swivel chairs facing it? They could be turned towards the sofa for conversation, to the TV, or one could be turned to the fireplace.

Or how do you feel about a sofa parallel with the wall with the built-ins and fireplace but pulled towards them so they don't block the entries? And then have a chair and ottoman over by the corner with the built-ins? I think that makes the fireplace and TV area the center of attention if not a focal point.

By the way, option 2 that you presented isn't bad. If you like it, go for it. I found my hubby's sectional to be problematic when we moved to the current house, so I don't like recommending them.

@KL thank you! 

To answer your questions: There is a wall of windows behind the two chairs. They weren't included in the drawing so you didn't miss anything.  

We currently have a sofa against the short wall facing the fire place and the chairs are currently where they're pictured. We are recent empty nesters. Most of the time our current situation works fine but it becomes awkward to seat people when we have more than 4-5 people here, which happens fairly often but not frequently. 

My husband sits in one of the chairs to watch TV and I usually lounge on the sofa when we watch. 

Thank you again for providing feedback and for your questions!

@KL thank you! 

To answer your questions: There is a wall of windows behind the two chairs. They weren't included in the drawing so you didn't miss anything.  

We currently have a sofa against the short wall facing the fire place and the chairs are currently where they're pictured. We are recent empty nesters. Most of the time our current situation works fine but it becomes awkward to seat people when we have more than 4-5 people here, which happens fairly often but not frequently. 

My husband sits in one of the chairs to watch TV and I usually lounge on the sofa when we watch. 

Thank you again for providing feedback and for your questions!

@KL I forgot to mention that the sectional was a mark-up of a possible layout idea, but not what we currently have.

@KL I forgot to mention that the sectional was a mark-up of a possible layout idea, but not what we currently have.

@Jessica L. Ah….I'm a sucker for a sofa under windows, so I can curl up in one corner and watch the world go by…or just sit there. I think I'm part cat.

Empty nesters...us too. I kept thinking we'd have company over, but we don't. Glad you do. I liked having the kids and grandkids over. I hope to do that again soon.

So this is your only room for entertaining? You two must be a very warm and welcoming pair. When more than 4-5 people come over is it family or friends, either or both? What do you do? All watch a game in that room? Have conversations all over the house? Are these family holiday or other gatherings? I mean if it's family, yes you need a place to sit, but chairs will get moved all over and there's card tables and folding chairs. If it's other couples like yourselves, then I guess it's more formal than family. I'm just trying to get a feel for the demands on your room. 

Do you like sectionals? Or would you be ok with a sofa and 1 or 2 chairs except for when you have company? If you are getting a sectional for extra seating, let me know. I'll try to get over my dislike of them.🥴

If I was a loner introvert who never had company, I'd like the sofa and a comfy chair with ottoman option. Then I'd put up a card table and put together a puzzle on it.

With your gang coming over, I could see a sofa and two chairs and still have folding chairs ready. But that's what you have. Are you looking for a change? Is that why you are looking for a sectional? 

I guess whatever furniture you get, avoid the big bulky overstuffed type and go for lean trim lines.

But if you want a sectional... You have my support of your Option 2.