Post a to scal plan here on graph paper in jpeg format. Post in a comment DO NOT start another post. The size of the sectional also. Is this the only space you can put the TV? As much info as you think is important too all f this done on the post in comments

I think you can safely ignore all of the above rant. If you look at other posts by the same "pro" you'll see this robotic set of demands in capital letters, even though nobody starts new posts -- what have you.

Those are pretty colors you've got together in that space. Are you planning to put stools at the counter half-wall or not?

Before you spring for new furniture, what do you want to be gazing at most often in that room? Is the TV a minor part of the enjoyment, whereas the fireplace and view are the real amenities you enjoy? Or do you really want the room to give you optimal comfort watching TV in this space -- and how many people will be watching at one time?

I like to be happy walking in my front door at what I see, and I love to show off my home, but I don't really decorate for guests.

My two Cents, your comment to ignore Patricia’s post is uncalled for. Somehow I have a sense she was in the field long before you were.

agree with @BeverlyFLADeziner with the sectional placement. facing the TV and FP

you can always add a sofa table to the backside to create a design feature.

A substantial rug would be great.

I would remove the clock and limit the decor on the mantle to a couple of dramatic pieces.

drapery panels to soften the space.

While a graphed floor plan in jpeg is handy, it's not necessary. The length of time spent in the design field is irrelevent.

Beverly has a brilliant plan of course.

Since you are just moving in, try it like this for a week, then rotate the couch the other way for a week or 2, then try a different angle. This will help you decide whether the sectional works for the space and how you live in it. Don't make hasty decisions to get new furniture or anything ( even a rug ) until you get a feel for this house.

Good luck!

Beverly's layout looks great! Give it a try to see if it fits your family's needs. The colors are beautiful and the furniture looks very comfortable. Congratulations on your new home. Hope you have many happy memories in your new home. Best Wishes, MAE Day

Thank you everyone for your very helpful comments and suggestions! I like the idea of trying a different layout and sitting with it for a little while to see how it feels and functions. If I switch the sectional so that the corner is facing the fireplace, do you think it is an issue if the back of the sofa faces the front door?

You can always add a couch table behind that part of the couch to dress up the entry view. You can add battery powered lamps to the table and that would give you more lighting in the center of the room. Couch tables can be so much fun because you can dress them up to make the first thing you see pretty.

Agre with trying Beverly's layout, which is what I was going to suggest, but I suspect that, in a vacuum, you'd be happiest with a single couch facing the TV/fireplace combo, with a couple of arm chairs on the righ-hand side to create a conversational grouping. Sectionals tend to be a bit inflexible.

Plenty of bookcases or console tables that can be placed behind a sectional if required.

The back of my sectional faces the entry to the seating area. I have a glass console table to hold lamps. Don’t worry about that.

Keep sliders (or thick athletic socks) under the couch. You can move it more easily. Keep each layout for a few days so you really “get used to it” before saying “no”. Beverly is usually right, so her suggestion should be tried first.