Furniture/decor advice

last year

My husband and I (and dog) have just moved into a new apartment. It’s a rental so we didn’t get to pick the lighting fixtures, etc.
We bought this teak dining room set (with only 6 chairs - because we thought we might want different chairs for the ends… but could just buy 2 more of the same).
We’d like to keep the dark grey sofa and the navy blue curtains but the coffee table, plant stand and glass shelf to the right of the tv are temporary.
The tv is currently too high.
We don’t know what else to buy for furniture - what colour(s), etc - and what else to get (wall art, rugs, etc).
I think there’s enough dark colours and there needs to be some curves as it’s all straight lines. Maybe a round, wood coffee table (medium brown to match the teak)? There’s a coffee table & tv console in the same set as the dining table/buffet, but is that too match-y?
Maybe it needs 2 white/cream/beige accent chairs, or a loveseat and chair? A large plant or two… bright coloured wall art? We don’t know where to start! My husband was thinking of a low console under the tv with some floating shelves. We’d like the space to be cozy and good for entertaining (once in a while). Outside the patio doors is a large empty balcony where we’ll eventually put an outdoor dining set, etc. Also, by the entrance to the apt, we’ll need an entry table for keys, dog leash, etc. maybe with a mirror above?
We were also thinking of painting the wall behind the buffet. Maybe navy like the curtains? Or a shade of green? Thanks for your advice!

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Comments (9)

jck910
last year
I would remove the dark curtains they make the room feel oppressive. OR shorten them and hang them just above the window trim. Your rug under the dining table needs to be much larger - at least 24" wider all around the table. Table shoukd be centered under the light and the light should be 30" above the able - it is too high.
dan1888
last year

Lounging sectional with the tv lower on the wall ot a minimal console. The right end shows what you can do with a large ottoman to increase lounging for a couch. I'd prefer trays instead of the coffee table shown here.
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S R
Original Author
last year
Unfortunately, as I mentioned, we can’t change the overhead lights as it’s a rental unit.
We live where it’s hot and sunny all year round, so we were thinking the dark curtains would block out some of the heat… and good for watching movies when it’s sunny.
I like the large sectional idea, but we just bought the sofa. Maybe a mistake but we do like it.
Any suggestions on what furnishings to add to the room - chairs, love seat, tv console, side tables, wall art, rug for living room? Colours? Style? I appreciate your suggestions!
dan1888
last year
last modified: last year
Add large ottomans to your sofa to extend its lounging capabilities. Get the ottomans the same height as your seat cushions.
Gizmo
last year
Ask the landlord/rental mgmt if you could 'swap lighting'--i.e., put your own up...keep existing, and reinstall when moving
ffpalms
last year
Here’s some ideas for rugs and furniture that I think complement the space. I also mocked up your dining table centered under the chandelier with a larger rug. I think the travertine top on the coffee table might tie in well with your floor.
ffpalms
last year
I wouldn’t reccomend a dark accent wall behind the buffet because it would make the mini split over the door really stand out. A gallery wall might work well there to accentuate the ceiling height. There’s a lot of dark doorways and rectangles in the space, and adding colorful art and more rectangles makes them all look more interesting as a whole. This is a quick and messy mock up, but I hope it helps you visualize how your own art would look.
S R
Original Author
last year
ffpalms… all excellent points and great ideas. Thank you for your suggestions!
Jenn-z9b-AZ
last year
dark colors absorb heat. light colors reflect it. lighter drapes would really be better.