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Please help: furniture choices and layout

last month

Looking for design/layout help. I want a comfortable family movie night or teenage hangout. We currently have two sofas in sort of L shape. The 32" door on the left is not a main walkway, but the one on the right is where most people enter the room. The larger 50" opening goes to the front door foyer (which now has dark hardwoods). In the picture below, what appears to be a right arm chaise would ideally be a ottoman. I like a left corner chair and armless for a cozy spot and option for another seat. We consistently have four people but up to 8 with friends. We currently like the layout of two sofas but just missing that corner and trying to make the dimensions work when finding new furniture (aka I'm about to spend alot of money and decisions are hard) Thanks! NC location and also looking for medium price point manufacturers in Hickory.





Comments (7)

  • PRO
  • last month

    I kind of like this layout - how close can you be to a TV?? i wouldnt care but this is for movie nights too

  • last month
    last modified: last month

    How large is your tv? With the new televisions, the guidelines for size/distance from furniture have changed. The viewing point is much closer to the tv than it was previously due to the higher definition screens.

    Our new tv has ultra HD (at least) resolution. It is a 77" tv. (which I was not in favor of purchasing - it seemed too large - the tv we currently had at the time was 55"). However, the only way that I would agree to a larger tv was if we purchased one that is very thin and sat flat against the wall + was able to display art (if desired) when not being used.

    However, it's funny how you can get used to the change in size - we sit about 14 feet away from the screen - I don't know that I would want to be any closer.

    Here are just a couple charts just to help with distance to screen size (your preference will be personal):



    This graph below shows the optimal viewing distance based upon the size of the TV + the resolution:



    The diagram below shows the ideal height of the tv + distance:



    How high is your mantel? I assume that it will not allow for your tv to be placed at the best height level. I've never had a tv mounted over a fp - there are many people who do - but there are also many people who warn about the neck strain caused by having a tv that is mounted too high on the wall.

  • last month

    There are many styles of tv mounts that allow you to pull it out and down for viewing. Sometimes over the fireplace is the best place for the tv to live.

  • PRO
    last month

    I do not understand the issue the ton of shelving is creating issues that can easily be solved by removing some of that and then decide where the TV owrks best If ateen hangout is the plan then ask them where and what size TV. IMO above the mantel is too high and it would nice to have the FP and TV both enjoyed when using the room

  • PRO
    29 days ago
    last modified: 29 days ago



    From your plan I see the main entrance into the room is from the front hall, so I suggest this idea. Float the furniture so you have a walking corridor for access to book shelves, door, etc. Position sectional with its back to the front hall. A sofa table, even larger than this one, would be useful and look great when entering the living room. T V over fireplace, two accent chairs (swivels would work best for your needs). With this arrangement I see seating for 8 and ottomans, tucked under the sofa table, could be emergency seating extras.


    Ditto @RedRyder about the t v mount.

  • PRO
    29 days ago

    You can always mount a TV in front of bookcases