How many "we" watch TV together in the room? Age range?

Do you use the fireplace?

We are empty nesters but the kids come by very often :) There are 7 adults in total!

Never in the summer, but sometimes in the winter. I'd say not a lot. Unfortunately, I'm not sure that removing it would go over well with my other half.

How unbored do you want to be? I'm going to suggest some wild things so you can have a laugh, and then other people will come by and give you very serious advice.

First of all, consider painting your maintel pretty much the same beige shade as your wall (in a gloss) or a muted pastel you like. Just not white. Then use an oversized tall flat firescreen to hide the brick. If I can find an example I'll post it.

Put 2 swivel lounge chairs in the corner where the masage chair is now. Is that a beloved chair? Keep it, but put a swivel chair between the fireplace and the chair and give them a table to share. I like this swivel chair

https://www.interiordefine.com/lawson-swivel-accent-chair?adgroupid=&campaignid=20039431164&creative=&g_acctid=855-997-9769&g_adgroupid=&g_adid=&g_adtype=none&g_campaign=ID+%7C+Performance+Max+%7C+Purchase&g_campaignid=20039431164&g_keyword=&g_keywordid=&g_network=x&gad=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw29ymBhAKEiwAHJbJ8iziT-lqHQMDyZqlUxT6w0ayLzJaNxmheWOSyl5OTY6Gcf67zjzc0BoC4kUQAvD_BwE&keyword=&material-type=138060&options-6677=138060&sku=LWSN.FABRIC.CHAR.SWIVEL.SE-161&utm_adgroupid=&utm_campaign=PerformanceMax_Purchase&utm_content=&utm_keyword=&utm_matchtype=&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_term=

And here is the sofa.

https://www.slumberland.com/p/infinity-cognac-4-piece-modular-sectional/QK1063411.html

Pick whatever color you think is fun. I'd pick green.

Can you put a low console or cabinet on the step up (where the coyote is sleeping) and put lamps on it and some decor?

I would do drapes on all the windows in a fabric that plays off whatever swivel chair (or chairs) you pick.

And a big round coffee table or ottoman for putting feet up. And a floor lamp near the windows.

https://www.wayfair.com/home-improvement/pdp/symple-stuff-cicero-single-panel-steel-fireplace-screen-w001840340.html

I know you said you are replacing the carpet but I think layering over a dark area rug, with black in it, would give the space some drama

Thank you so much mytwo cents for helping me out! Those pics are defintely unboring! I've already told my husband that the massage chair is going whether he likes it or not. I love your input and furniture suggestions and it gives me a place to start. I might be able to fit a small low table behind when my pup is but it would have to be very narrow.

I'm definitely down for some colour. Question...so you'd place the sofa on the wall opposite the TV? Or put it on the wall opposite the swivel chairs?

Might seriously look nice over your mantle depending on your taste

https://www.chairish.com/product/3628364/1940s-florida-morass-landscape-watercolor-painting-by-jean-goldsmith-framed

https://www.chairish.com/product/8660373/vintage-abstract-expressionist-painting-by-bronfman-framed

If it would fit I think the TV would be better on the wall on other side of FP. Sofa then directly across from TV and then adding chairs on step down and window sides. Basically a u shape seating area. I’ve included a houzz photo so you can have a visual of this layout.
I feel having the TV between the FP and windows (which are nicest features of room) isn’t doing you any favours. By adding some nice art on wall where tv is now and then some drapes , you’d create a better focal point and sight line into room.

I was thinking that if you put 2 comfortable swivel chairs to the right as you step in (one would be partially at the fireplace), then to the left there would be one continuous curve of sofa to give you the 5/6 other seats you need. In front of that sofa seating put a huge ottoman or table. For lighting, if you can't squeeze a console with enough surface space for lamps, you could probably find a multi-arm floor lamp to put in the far left corner behind the sofa,, and a skinny floor lamp at the window end of the sofa just for reading.

I think if you pick the "right" swivel and sofa your husband doesn't have to give up his massage chair, but that means you'd need to be willing to live with bold fat contemporary furniture everywhere, not the usual demure stuff. Shock of the new, and it might be way too much in the contet of your whole house.

Whatever you do I think you should consider at the end whether an area rug with very dark tones in it helps make your sunken living room more of a choice than an irritating mistake.

If you go to the Room and Board website and look for the Astaire sofa, you can play around with assembling upholstered seating units until you come up with what works for your space. The Astaire comes in a bunch of different fabrics, including colors

I tried out 2 configurations for your space if 5 people want to sit on a sofa to watch your TV or look at the fireplace. This would go where your sofa and loveset are now.

Click on the images to enlarge them\

or

or

If you click on the photos you can see how wide and how long these are and here is the link to the actual site.

https://www.roomandboard.com/catalog/custom/fabric-sectionals/astaire-custom-sectional

I think if your husband could still have his masage chair in the corner if you put a chunky swivel chair with it.

This is not a cheap chair but I think if you put it in a coversation with the massage chair, have a round table between them, a lamp on it and your mirror there too, they can all live together.

https://www.saatva.com/furniture/anais-chair?sku=245-CH300202&cq_src=google_ads&cq_cmp=20298782328&cq_net=g&ds_rl=1273833&gclid=CjwKCAjw29ymBhAKEiwAHJbJ8rLXozDw27ATPEyXnfhhRNGjaTnAvhIY0oX-c2dX7SHH107zxdR7VBoCBGwQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

By the way, I like the concept of the TV on the right wall if it actually works so that everyone can see the TV

7 adults =NO NO NO to one of those sectionals. Grown people like their own cushion and arm rests. Your issue is you have too much in that space. I might look into removing one of the sofas and replacing with a chair arrangement.

1 sofa/loveseat gives 2 armests, so then you need 5 chairs.

What kind of chairs with arms are you imagining that will fit into a sofa sized space and elsehwere in the room for watching TV?

Thank you everyone for your thoughtful advice. If theh sofas were in better condition, i would keep them. I will definiitely be getting now window shades. We are carpeting the sunken area as it gets very cold in the winter. The massage chair is GOING!

You have all given me some great ideas - just need to execute them!

I would do a sofa, love seat and chair. I would switch the sofa and love seat placement and keep the TV were it is. I think it will open up the space some. Get a nice recline to replace the old chair.