Awkward Living Area - Any design tips appreciated!

last month

We recently moved into a new home, and unfortunately, none of our previous furniture fits the space, especially in the living room. We’re struggling with awkward areas, particularly behind the couch and near the back door.

A little backstory:

Our old living room had a completely different layout that worked perfectly with our large sectional and TV. In this new space, though, it just doesn’t come together as well. We’ve decided to downsize our TV and are considering the Samsung Frame TV. Ideally, we’d prefer not to mount it above the mantle (we didn’t in our last home), but it seems to be the only practical spot, given the existing HDMI wiring and cable outlet.

We’re keeping our sectional but might swap out our oversized ottoman for something more proportional. I also plan to add artwork, a tall plant, a narrow console table, and possibly a floor lamp to help balance the space. Also ignore the rug its from a different space and temporary solution while we decided on a new one

Is there any hope of making this layout work with our current couch? I’d love any styling tips to help bring this room together

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Comments (9)

la_la Girl
29 days ago
I’d be tempted to bite the bullet and get the Tv moved to the wall across from the sectional and put art over the fireplace -

seems like replacing the ottoman would definitely help open up the space - but I would also want 2 end tables and some nice chunky lamps so the room is well lit and cozy at night, are you open to selling the sectional?
auntthelma
29 days ago
The TV really wants down from the fireplace.

I wonder if you could use just one side of the sectional. That would give you breathing room.

I did the same when we moved. Fit our furniture in even though it was, in most cases, too big. Once we were settled, (about a year after moving in), we sold our old furniture and bought what fit.
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Val B
29 days ago
You have a big empty wall to the right of the fireplace - the TV belongs there. It’s way too high above the fireplace and looks so uncomfortable to watch. People here hate sectionals, but I’ve always had one and I like them. I’d move the TV first, remove the ottoman and take it from there.
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BeverlyFLADeziner
29 days ago
Move the TV to the other wall. Remove it from over the fireplace.
jackowskib
28 days ago
I agree with others that the TV should be moved to the wall on right of the fireplace. TV should be mounted on using an extension arm so it can be pulled out and lowered/turned for viewing pleasure. Even down the road should you change up the furniture that wall would still likely be the best location for the TV.

I would replace the ottoman with two nesting coffee tables that are more open in style. And buy a couple pouf ottomans if needed for comfort while lounging.

Given the space size and constraints, I think you'll like having no sectional so there is more than one option to enter that area, such as having just a sofa and two comfy chairs.
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arcy_gw
28 days ago
Not fun the realize but the furniture is tooo big for the space. Smaller pieces would give over some walking space and yes to the TV on the huge empty wall.
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Mae Day Organizing and Interior Design
28 days ago
last modified: 28 days ago
First of all, Congratulations on your new home. Wishing you many happy days and memories.

The consensus is hang the TV on the blank wall, yes to that. If you like the sectional and don't mind having to walk around it to sit down than keep it. It is always best (as someone else suggested) to "sit with it for a while". Than decide if you want to keep or part with the sectional. You say you want to keep it but that may change over time. Do you have room to push it back with the corner closer to the kitchen? That would give you more room for the ottoman. It would be good if you can get it further away from the fireplace.
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Kendrah
28 days ago
Yep, hang it on the wall that is to the right of the fireplace. Keep your sectional for now.

I'd try a few things to make the space feel more open to counter the grand feel of the sectional:

- Get a smaller coffee table /ottoman. I'd get one with legs, where you can see the floor under it somewhat. That always helps a tight space feel more open.

- Remove most of the pillows and fluffy throws from the sectional. It feels crowded. Less is more over here.

- I'd live with it for a while before you start squeezing lamps and plants and other things into this over crowded space.

Enjoy your new home.
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anj_p
27 days ago
Agree with everyone else that the TV needs to be on the blank wall. Don't get a smaller one. Frame TVs are great IF IF IF you buy a frame for it, otherwise it's not worth the money IMO. (look @ decoframes.com).

However, I really think the sectional is too big, so maybe at some point, let a change of furniture sneak into your brain as well.

I really liked this woman's home and their living room has two focal points. Maybe you can look at what she's done for some inspiration. https://www.thesunnysideupblog.com/snapshot/faux-millet-bundle-copy-15/
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