Help!Small Seattle living room + two totally different hosting styles

4 months ago

Hi everyone— first-time poster.

I'm Siv, my husband Mike and I live in a house with a living room that's about 15×12. Cozy, we tell ourselves. Character, we say. In reality: small.

Here's my puzzle. I'd love any creative thinking from this community because I'm honestly stumped.

My hosting style: On weekends, I like having a few girlfriends over for afternoon tea. Teapot, little plates, maybe some scones if I'm feeling ambitious. It's low-key and cozy. We sit on the sofa, we chat, we nibble. The coffee table needs to be low enough that it doesn't feel like we're reaching up for our teacups.

Mike's hosting style: He'll have his buddies over to watch a game or just hang out with beers. These are not small guys. Our sofa sits fairly low, and when they're leaning back with a drink and some snacks, reaching down to a regular coffee table is a whole ordeal. I've watched them contort like they're doing a side-plank just to grab a chip. It's absurd.

Just wondering if we need one piece of furniture that can somehow accommodate a low, elegant tea surface for me, and a higher, more accessible surface for him and his friends when they're over. Does such a thing even exist?

I'm attaching a photo of our current sad little side table setup . Budget isn't huge, but we're willing to invest in the right piece. Any suggestions—specific items, brands, or just design concepts—would be so appreciated.

Thank you!

Siv

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Comments (5)

wsea
4 months ago
last modified: 4 months ago
There are adjustable height coffee tables
Siv Tang thanked wsea
Kendrah
4 months ago
- Relocate the little right hand bookcase to elsewhere in your home.

- Place on left and right of your sofa two end tables that are the correct height for your low seater sofa. They should be the same height as the arms of your sofa so that you can easily reach it without having to reach up or down. Do not clutter these with decor. Keep them empty.

- Try it out by moving your coffee table to one side of the sofa, see if that is about the right height, and have your husband hang out there with snacks and a drink.

- When the guys come over, they should each have their own bowl of chips and drinks next to them. When you are hanging out with your friends keep on using the coffee table as you do now.
Siv Tang thanked Kendrah
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PRO
Mae Day Organizing and Interior Design
4 months ago
last modified: 4 months ago
What about a larger sturdier couch for those guys?

You may want to add a coffee table that lifts up for eating. Here is a link with some examples of coffee tables that lift up like the one in this picture. This coffee table is $155.00 at Walmart. They may do free shipping.

Link: Coffee Tables that Lift up for Eating - Search Shopping

40" Coffee Table Lift Top, Multi-Function Convertible Coffee Table with Drawers and Hidden Compartment, Converts to Dining Table for Living Room - Walmart.com

You could use floor cushions for your lady friends and High Tea.
Siv Tang thanked Mae Day Organizing and Interior Design
PRO
Mae Day Organizing and Interior Design
4 months ago
last modified: 4 months ago
Jarenie 80" Convertible Sectional Sofa, Small L Shaped 3 Seat Couch with Reversible Storage Chaise, Modern Polyester Fabric Sofa Couches for Living Room, Apartment and Small Space, Beige

The ottoman can be used as extra seating for the ladies for those big guys. Anyway, just a suggestion for your consideration. Best Wishes.

Jarenie 80" Convertible Sectional Sofa, Small L Shaped 3 Seat Couch with Reversible Storage Chaise, Modern Polyester Fabric Sofa Couches for Living Room, Apartment and Small Space, Beige - Walmart.com
Siv Tang thanked Mae Day Organizing and Interior Design
NiCOZ5
4 months ago
From Pottery Barn
Siv Tang thanked NiCOZ5