wow that looks lovely and cozy! I would add a nice piece of artwork over the sofa. It looks very nice

I am guessing your favorite spot is the leather chair by the window???

I would put the tree where the floor lamp is now and move the floor lamp to the end of the sofa (on this end) move the clock closer to the kitchen/dining space.

the TV is a bit high, do you need the credenza for storage, if not, I'd move it and edit as much as possible, the decor looks to be extra, is that a pet bed? Trunk?

have you tried facing the sofa to the window and putting the credenza behind the sofa with your decor pieces?

I'd be tempted to remove one of the blue striped chairs - could it be nice in the bedroom?

Thank you all. I do have a large (48 x 48) piece of art to go above the sofa. I haven’t hung it yet because I need to make sure exactly where the sofa will go.

I definitely spend a lot of time in the leather recliner. Moving around the plant and floor lamp is a great idea. My dog’s bed has been moved to another room. I definitely need the console under the tv for storage.

The two blue chairs are, for me, the most problematic. There is no where else in the apartment to put them so either I keep both or donate one. If I keep them I need some sort of skinny table to put between them to hold a drink.

If you think the two chairs will never be used, maybe sell on Marketplace (it won’t feel as crowded). Could keep one and place near to wall/facing in and just test to see what you think. Exchange the plant with the floor lamp. Looks like there is a lovely chest, would it work next to couch at this end or somewhere else where it can be appreciated.

From my experience with helping my mom arrange furniture in her senior community apartment, the most important piece of furniture in the living room is the piece you use the most. From what you wrote, it’s the leather chair. It needs to be in the spot you’re most comfortable & it needs a lamp & table right next to it. Looks like you’ve done that & the best spot is the same place it was for my mom - next to the window. I agree the floor lamp would be better at opposite end by the sofa. Right now, all the light is at the other end of room. I like the credenza under TV - what else could you place in that empty space if you moved it? Nothing! And, it grounds the TV. If you move the floor lamp & that chest / table that’s by the window on the TV wall, is there room to place one of the blue chairs in that space? Looks like they are swivel chairs which are nice to have. The other blue chair could be left in place at the other end of credenza. Place the chest table by it or over at the dining room side of sofa. This creates easy access to living room, great spot for your comfy recliner chair, sofa great for laying on for a nap etc. & exta seating for the times your new friends are visiting and the room is already set up for conversation back & forth with room to pull over those dining chairs for even more seating! Lovely apartment!

Think about how many people will be sitting in your living room. If you only use the 2 additional chairs occasionally, get rid of them. In a similar set-up, when we have a lot of people we pull up 2 dining room chairs.

I'd be inclined to part with one of the pair of chairs because they seem to impede access to the room. Or possibly part with both and get a new single chair in their place. I think your sofa and leather chair are really nice so I'm glad you'll be keeping them! The room is very lovely and seems like it has great natural light. I also might swap the place of the tree and the floor lamp, just to see if that feels better.

I worked as a wellness nurse in an independent living retirement condo community and home safety was a key and recurring topic. Walk around with a yard stick at about hip/waist height-you want to have at least that clearance around furniture so you can move with ease and not risk snagging your foot on anything or having to shift sideways to squeeze through which could lead to a fall. To me, it looks like too narrow walkways through the furniture grouping.

The stone/metal coffee table is pretty, but I'd much prefer a more forgiving material like wood or use end tables only so that there's more free space to move around. I can't unsee some of the fall events I responded to and the stone/metal combination would be an absolute no-go from me-potentially lethal and I'm not being dramatic. Throw rugs are a known fall risk too, but if you don't have mobility issues or use any kind of mobility aid at all, have a normal gait/foot range of motion and have good lighting when walking around, then it's not a huge negative now.

If the 2 blue chairs aren't new, I might part with one. The sofa and coffee table appear to be new. I'd try the lamp to the left of the TV and angle the one chair toward the sofa a bit. That will give easier access to the room, which is needed. Move the chest so it isn't lined up with the console and pull the sofa away from the wall a bit. You have lovely pieces to work with.

You might try moving the striped chair that is impeding flow to where the floor lamp is located. Your credenza would be flanked by the striped chairs. Then see where you can move the floor lamp and tree.

Thanks everyone. I’m going to try moving some things around tomorrow and will post some pictures.

I would add, give yourself a pat on the back for the hard work of downsizing! For me it took some time to see what things I’d “ saved” were working, or what the new spaces wanted and would ultimately make me happier than holding on, or pieces that maybe someone else might think needed “ updating” but worked fine for me & I didn’t care to spend the time & money to replace.

Are the small chairs COMFORTABLE? It does seem you’d be better off with just 1 chair there, but maybe neither. If one is very comfortable and you think you might have guests, keep it. If not comfy and you can afford new furniture , maybe let both go and let the room “ breathe” and see if you’re even motivated to shop for a new chair and side table , or not. You can always use a spare dining chair or get a nice folding chair that stores away.

Nice looking room. I would open a little bit view from front. replace chairs, two one by the window to see if it more comfortable and open.

It’s just me living here and I probably won’t be having people over very often. Any and all advice is welcomed."

Those are very common and true words.: )

You will make friends there. You will dine there, you will go out. You will cook a LOT less, and gatherings a single pal or a mere handful.

I'd lose at least one blue chair, if not both.

My 96 yr old "gal pal....." below. I moved her here 6 years ago. You know what gets used here? A club chair/ottoman (that's her on the phone ) and her counter stool perch which she loves.

When I pop in? I sit on the couch- I don't she has since it left her home and we recovered it: )

I look at this room and all I see are fall risks. Then I notice the beautiful furniture. But back to the fall risks, because who wants to start life in a new home with a broken hip?

With the leather chair and sofa, you have plenty of seating for your needs. I'd donate the two blue arm chairs. Next, the coffee table. If you spend most of your time in the leather chair, you won't be using the coffee table much anyway. Get end tables for the sofa and get rid of the coffee table. It creates such a narrow walking path and seems like it will be rarely used if ever. You want an open clear path to walk to your favorite chair by the window.

It may feel empty to you at first, but spacious and safe is the route to take. It will eventually feel normal. And, your room is going to look much bigger.

Glad you have a dog where you live!

From my perspective as a clumsy mature person, my first thought was also the limited moving-around-space. Borrow a walker and try to navigate the room.

You have asked if there’s too much furniture - that tells me that your gut feeling is that there is.

Thinking about the coffee table - back to my mom’s apartment - She had a very small & old ’tea’ table that was her mother’s which she used as a coffee table. It did come in very handy for those sitting on sofa to set their cups on but was so small that visually it really left the floor space open. I’m suggesting this to you as a compromise - remove the big coffee table & replace with a small, easy to move drinks table in front of sofa.

Looks like the coffee table still has the tag on it?

Are all of these pieces easy to stand up out of? I would think of those who will visit and assess the furniture for what is easier to use. Think of a future injury or surgery and what you would sit in.

Thank you to everyone. You have wonderful suggestions and I especially appreciate those who have stressed safety. It’s also an important concern of mine. I moved one of the blue chairs out of the way. Here’s a photo of what it looks like. It certainly opens up the room more and makes the pathway larger. What do you think?
A lot of you have mentioned getting rid of the coffee table. Since I just bought it (yes, the tag is still on) I’ll be keeping it. I think finding a solution to the two chairs problem will help because there will be more space to navigate around the coffee table.

All of the pieces are easy to get up from. I have a bad knee and have no problem, although the blue chairs are swivel chairs and are probably not as stable as they should be. Another reason for getting rid of both and buying one new chair.

I will also find a new place for the small chest.
Here is also a photo of the art that will hang above the sofa.

Have you tried the two blue chairs at the window (add some drapes) with table between?

Try the recliner next to sofa, on angle, facing the t v.

Thanks Elcieg. Unfortunately the chairs cannot go there because the recliner needs an electrical outlet.

I would lose the tree, keep only THREE chairs at the dining table and use one as an accent near the media cabinet: ) A nice firm chair with arms is good for LOTS of folks, especially those with knee or stability issues.

Hang the art ( maintenance is usually happy to help ) add a few toss pillows to the couch and done!

If the tags are still on the coffee table can you exchange it for store credit and get end tables instead?

Your second picture of those you just posted shows exactly why it is still an obstacle course to go from what I assume is your kitchen to your favorite chair.

The coffee table seems as though it will rarely be used and is just serving as a place holder for what you think a living room should look like. If you eliminate the coffee table, ull the sofa off of the wall about 5” so it looks less smashed against the wall.

Put the coffee table elsewhere for a week and then see if you get used to the space without it.

Art is lovely, chair works great, but maybe try the floor lamp next the chair and the plant at the window.

Also, Dewenwils wireless remote (available on A) can easily turn any lamp into remote control. I used them first for Christmas tree lights.

You all are convincing me about the coffee table😊. It’s from a local Ethan Allen store. I’ll call them this afternoon to find out about returning it. I also think I will ditch the plant. I used to take it outside and hose it off, but that’s not going to work now and it will just collect dust.

Any ideas for end tables that would work?

Ethan Allen will probably tell you a credit, less 25 % . they aren't return friendly in my experience.

I think a round cocktail ottoman might be very nice. Or that size cocktail you have with a tray atop. I'd buy neither at Ethan Allen , buy out your credit on side tables instead?

Ethan Allen is over priced on side tables.....but"

Good price nice size, just below

Split to both sides of couch

( Do NOT pull the couch from the wall, please? ) Float has a purpose, there is no purpose but dust for 5")

There is nothing wrong with it looking like a room! You know your stability and motion. Sign up for all the tai chi !!

I love the progress you are making. Just moving one chair out already makes an improvement.

I hope you can return the coffee table in a way that is acceptable to you, because I think alternatives are better and you’re just getting started on brainstorming new possibilities.

Yes to ditch plant especially if faux. Or later try a smaller un-killable real plant you can care for in sink ( because real plants can make spaces fell good, if not too much work). As you open up the room, I think you’ll start getting more ideas about placing your art, and maybe adding new art, that adds color and charm but is up on the walls— no tripping, no vacuuming around!

Get rid of those two chairs. I would also get rid of the coffee table. It looks to me that it is just in the way. If it is just you, a smaller side table might serve all that it needs to.

Make the space for only you! You cant sit in all of those chairs and that coffee table is a hinderance that you will likely never use. Besides it has very sharp corners in case you should fall. I think of things like this often as I get older. My hubs has some serious medical problems and I try to eliminate sharp corners when I can. They can be dangerous!

Also there is no good lighting for the sofa. If there were a lamp between the chair and the sofa it would offer the sofa as a place to sit and do whatever it is that you might need a light for.

Make it for you!

After much deliberation, here's my plan.

Return coffee table (15% restocking fee);

Get rid of the two blue swivel chairs and replace with one chair (probably the Room and Board chair shown below, but not sure of color);

Get rid of the artificial plant;

Move the floor lamp to side of the new chair where artificial plant is currently; and

Purchase a small drinks table for other side of new chair.

What do you think???

Sounds perfect! Good conversation grouping, two places to sit & read with a light & table by each of the 2 chairs. I would think about a small table for dining area end of sofa - one that could easily be placed in middle of sofa for the infrequent times you miight have guests sitting on sofa as well as chairs. But, I think you’ll enjoy the openess your new arrangement will create in the space & the easy access it will give you to your favorite chair in best spot by that window!

Can you PLEASE just draw and measure exactly the room as empty? Add the feet and inches for every wall, window etc? The couch is 84 inches or?? The tv console is how many inches?

The "end" of the space is the entry to your bedroom. : )

Do that and there is better help available ! here.