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johnstonmrj

Family Room Furniture Layout Help for Small Space

last month

I would appreciate your help determining the best furniture layout for my son & daughter in-law’s small combined living room/dining room area in their renovated 1950s ranch. Their new kitchen has a large island which is used for dining/work, so they really don’t need a dedicated dining space, but we’d like to consider a drop leaf table that can be used for dining or entertaining when needed.
They’re looking at sectionals – they are focusing on comfort as well as style, and my 6’3” son would love to be able to lay on his couch while watching TV - not an option now. The only furniture that must stay is an approximately 80 inch credenza that their TV is currently on – although he is more than willing to mount the TV on the wall. They really would like to keep the credenza. I’ve attached a layout of the family room area, which shows a floor to ceiling large window in front of the house, and two awning windows on the 20 foot adjoining wall. I’m thinking we’re looking for a sectional, rectangular coffee table, drop leaf dining room table, and any other seating options that will make the family room comfortable and usable. We also don’t want to interfere with the traffic flow from the kitchen to the family room.

We’re feeling a bit stumped, and would appreciate any help

Comments (8)

  • last month
    last modified: last month

    For the furniture listed, I really only see one option, which puts one side of the sectional against the floor-to-ceiling window in the front:

    The chair shown would have to be moved when the table is pulled out and the other leaf raised to seat six.

  • last month

    I’ve added a few pictures from the room – they’re in a bit of upheaval as they try to complete a number of projects before their little one arrives later this year…

  • last month

    Pic of the space - the only thing they really wanna keep is the TV credenza – everything else can go - I appreciate the feedback so far – looks like a good direction, I’m very concerned about buying a sectional – they seem very polarizing…

  • last month

    I had in mind the same layout as @simplynatural though with a long sofa instead of a sectional to leave the window area more open to the right of the door. You can accommodate a very long sofa. Be sure in this space to purchase seating furniture that doesn't have bulky arms, and is not over stuffed. For the chair, get ones with open wood arms.



  • last month
    last modified: last month

    I like the flip idea for laying out to watch tv, use a laptop or phone and snacks or more stuff. I think two extra deep couches work for laying if you get the low wide rolled arms you can lay your head against comfortably or use a pillow against. The tv is on the console or mounted on the staircase wall. The super deep couch starts on the other side of the window. Make it as lokng as he needs laying out with his head at the arm. He'll be stretched out looking right at the tv. An extra large ottoman can be close to the far end he can reach when laying out for things on a tray or a laptop, etc. A second couch goes perpendictular. with the same low wide rounded arms for your daughter-in-law. Low backs and the back cushions are useless so just store them. Two should be able to snauggle without those cushions if you get couches with deep seats. It's optional with some manufacturers. I'd choose seat cushions with pocketed coil springs and latex foam. Just like the quality you'd choose for a mattress.

    Who makes these? Lexington Furniture Co. represents a long list of US manufacturers at a discount because they get furniture direct shipped. Or build your own. I'd using that setup right now.

  • last month

    They can consider buying a couch with a chaise instead of an L-shaped one. That would leave room for comfy chairs. It also gives you more actual seating because the corner is useless when you have guests. I just made this switch in my house.

    The wall where the door is might be best for the tv. Then the seating area is available for more people to sit, and the viewing is not too far away.

  • last month

    I would leave the TV on the wall it is now, to be seen from the kitchen and bar.