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carol_theresa

Trying to better use Living Room space for big family

25 days ago

We have a big family, so we like a lot of seating in our living room. We also have a piano that is used daily. I’m feeling ready for a new setup, but not sure how to execute it. I’d appreciate any tips or tools! (Tv is in the armoire-like piece.)

Comments (23)

  • 25 days ago

    A floorplan with measurements would be a big help for the talented designers on here.

  • 25 days ago

    So you need to seat 8?

    Have you considered moving the tv to over the fireplace, since the room is small.

  • 25 days ago

    @K Laurence. Measurements are 21 feet long by 12 feet wide (not including 2 foot alcove from bay window). I’ll work on a floor plan

  • 25 days ago

    @shirlpp. I have considered that but don’t prefer the look. But I do recognize that we have many factors to try and fit in—including people! The previous owner had it hung in the book shelves to the left of the fireplace.

  • 25 days ago
    last modified: 25 days ago

    Just a random thought , without benefit of floorplan, how about placing your longer sofa in front of the bay window,: move piano to wall opposite from where it is , depending upon length, mount TV on long wall with a media console with storage below ( looks like you could use ) , occasional chairs flanking fireplace & more seating where piano was? Again, need floor plan, just guessing at this point. As I stated, I think some of the talented designers could come up with something.

  • PRO
    25 days ago

    Here's a layout for your room.


  • PRO
    25 days ago

    First off, move the two leather sofas a little back from the fireplace. You want to be able to have the furniture breathe some and right now it is pushed all the way back. Next up is adding some C-tables, or more side tables if needed. Then look at getting some swivel chairs instead of the armchairs. You should be able to at least add two swivel chairs where you have chairs now. Otherwise look into getting some ottomans and poufs if you need some more seating. Below is a design of ours, please notice how the sofas are pulled back from the fireplace and not squished towards it.

    Parisian Elegance · More Info

    Wine Country Charm · More Info


  • 24 days ago

    Thank you, all!

    An issue with placing the longer couch against the bay window is that our two heater vents are built into the wall there, so they’d essentially be covered.

  • 24 days ago

    Also, not sure if this is helpful the way I laid it out, but here are some measurements of the walls, etc. I am open to any and all ideas! Just want better flow and enough seating.

  • 24 days ago
    last modified: 24 days ago

    I don’t know if you’re considering new furniture at all, but here’s my thought: your two couches are in a big, hulking style but your room is smallish for all you’re trying to squeeze into it. Sleeker couches could fit better here while still providing just as much seating as your fat couches.

  • 24 days ago

    @littlebug I think you’re right! Do you have any suggestions of a sleeker style that would style have a traditional bend?

  • PRO
    24 days ago

    There are vent covers that can be used to push the air to inder the sofa and out the front so in front of the bay is perfect for a sofa I like Beverly's layout put the TV above the fireplace on a pulldown mount then no need for the armmoire at all

  • 24 days ago

    Heaters are a non issue when managed well. I agree with sofa in bay window as a plan.

  • PRO
    24 days ago

    Would definitely recommend moving the tv to above the fireplace. Have done that in two of my own homes now and it works out well. It is a real space saver.

  • 24 days ago

    Ok, made some changes to try out

  • 24 days ago

    This corner is still wonky though.

  • 24 days ago

    Nice cozy room but too many big pieces. Some thoughts:


    --Move left sofa in front of but not in the bay area. Magnetic plastic vents can direct heat/air outward.


    --Move the other sofa to face fireplace.


    --Add two swivel armchairs to flank fireplace.


    --Build a bookcase same height as those by the fireplace with space for TV. Idea for that right wall.

    Lakewood----Dallas, Tx · More Info


    --Remove the armoire and move the piano to the side wall. Pianos should not be positioned on an external wall.


    --Down the road, try out comfortable, family friendly sofas and swivel chairs with smaller proportions for your small room.


    --Streamline the window curtains and some of the small pieces on the walls.

    Transitional Living Room · More Info


  • 24 days ago

    Still interested in seeing the layout Beverly and I recommend: 1 sofa in bay and the shorter sofa facing fireplace. Then move white chair to flank fireplace as you have the other armchair. Your sofas may be too bulky for this L-shape configuration, but give it a try. You could then move armoire temporarily to the wall to right of fireplace eventually getting some built-ins there for TV and books.

  • 24 days ago

    @housegal200 I like those ideas, thank you!

    When you say to put the other couch facing the fireplace, I assume you mean on the opposite side of the room against the window?

  • 24 days ago

    Oops, I think we posted at the same time. I understand now. Thank you!

  • 24 days ago
    last modified: 23 days ago

    Float one of the sofas to face the fireplace so you have an "L" configuration. See Beverly's layout.

  • 23 days ago

    Great advice so far - i’d be tempted to replace the armoire with a Samsung frame TV on an easel in an effort to lighten up the furniture




  • 23 days ago

    " Pianos can be placed on outside walls in modern, well-insulated homes, but it is still best to avoid direct sunlight and drafts from heating vents or high-traffic doors to protect the instrument from temperature fluctuations. In older or drafty homes, placing a piano against an interior wall is recommended for stability. "