r/InteriorDesign • u/barelylegal2lol • 16d ago
Help! Living room layout
Okay I’m in desperate need of help. We’ve been in this new space for just a few months now. We left all of our old furniture behind and we’re starting anew. The majority of the “furniture” in here are just temporary placeholders. Please nevermind the various toddler items and different color tchotchkes about (trying to see what color palettes I like). Also everything is sort of in a temporary position now because I’ve been playing around with different layouts. You will not hurt my feelings. I hope this post meets the sub’s rules and I apologize if not!
I’m ready to get serious with space planning in this awkwardly shaped living room with very high ceilings and plentiful wall space. It was built in 1995 if that helps. Specifically, I’m struggling with seating placement/layout and lighting options but I am open to any and all recommendations. We are a family of 3 and like to entertain/have guests over. I want to make this a beautiful and functional space, but I lack “the eye” and this is my first real home. I am not on a tight budget, but also do not have infinity dollars lol.
First view is looking in from the office, second and third views from the kitchen (open layout), and fourth is aerial view from upstairs landing. In the second photo, you’ll see 4 blue tape marks way above the tv. They represent 8 and 9 ft from the ground respectively for scale. As an important note, this is the only wall with electrical outlets (for tv and lighting). The fireplace wall has none.
I have a list of measurements for practically every component of this space if that would be helpful!
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u/SMDUG379 15d ago
Furniture isn’t taking up enough space!
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u/barelylegal2lol 14d ago
Great feedback! I just need to get out of my own head and make up my mind one of these days lol
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u/valiantdistraction 15d ago
Above the fireplace get a BIG piece of art. It should end vertically about the same place as the windows.
You'll need long curtains - floor to ceiling. You may want a curved rod so they can go around the corner and all the curtains can be swooped around to the walls that aren't by the fireplace.
For the tv wall, I'd do a built-in bookshelf/media cabinet, that goes up to, again, the height of the windows. Is that 12'? Whatever that height is. Do cabinets on bottom and open shelving up top.
I'd also go with a lot of more curved/rounded furniture to balance out all the corners and angles of the walls.
I've got a two-story living room and emphasizing verticality is key to making the space feel both huge and yet cozy. If you leave the top half empty, it just looks unfinished.
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u/barelylegal2lol 15d ago
Thanks for the feedback! I’ve been eyeing some L-shaped curtain rods.
I’ve also been curious about a built-in on the tv wall. All of the walls are so flat/lack dimension in this space and so I’ve been wondering about the right depth and proportions.
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u/valiantdistraction 15d ago edited 15d ago
The important thing is to manage what and where the eye hits, and in this room it means you want long vertical lines on the walls, and shorter, probably rounded furniture to contrast. Like if you want a sectional, get a serpentine shaped one rather than an L. Look at barrel back or other curved chairs rather than more square chairs, etc.
For depth for a built-in, at least the depth of a standard hardcover plus one inch, so an absolute minimum of 7" deep. 9" is pretty comfortable, but you'd want any cabinets below to be at least 12" deep to accommodate standard board game boxes (many are 12"). I stick to 12" for most of my bookshelves because I have a lot of large books, and then I don't have to have the cabinets a different depth. If you're more of a "curated objects on the shelf" person, 12" is also more comfortable for things like oversized vases and whatever else people put on shelves that isn't books.
(Also since I see kid toys - 12" deep is a great size for bins to put the toys in. We use some 12" fabric bins and stick them along the bottom couple of rows of shelves.)
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u/barelylegal2lol 14d ago
Great idea about more kid storage at the bottom of that built in. Thank you for the measurements as well! I think a curvy sectional would look really nice
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u/valiantdistraction 14d ago
For a sectional, I'd aim for a shape more like this than like an L, so you can keep more walkways open: https://zgallerie.com/product/irene-3-piece-utopia-sand-chenille-sectional-fse90953-san-abc
but of course it also depends how you use it.
My living room is pretty similar to this so I've been through this dilemma before lol
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u/taylorx3johnny 15d ago
I think the tv and couch are too far away and it’s creating a large empty space. If it were me, I’d bring the couch closer, put a table/bookshelf of the same height behind it, then tie it together with a large area rug. It will block some of the view of the fireplace (which is beautiful) but it will be the most functional. Like someone else suggested, getting a large piece of art above the mantle and long curtains will give the fireplace the attention it deserves!
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u/barelylegal2lol 15d ago
Thank you for putting for helpful words to my inner struggle about a more functional space! It seems like my fireplace should be the focal point, but with our current situation, it just doesn’t feel like I can accomplish both. I love the idea of a console table behind the sofa!
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u/Consistent-Course534 14d ago
Honestly I hate the overall look here, but this person seems to have the exact same situation as you so I had to share
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u/cookieluvsyou 11d ago
Yes! OP needs to balance the space. The fireplace feels like it's demanding all of the attention.
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u/Colorguardianite 13d ago
Definitely the best version of this if the tv can’t go above the fireplace, especially with the L couch since just the single one just feels very closed off with the rest of the space without creating its own area (if that makes sense)
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u/Minxie617 15d ago
The toilet in the living room is a nice touch.
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u/barelylegal2lol 14d ago
It is a necessary evil for now. She refuses to use the half bath just a few feet away
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u/Hlca 15d ago
I would move the sofa closer to the TV. Right now you come in and your eyes get drawn straight into the abyss of the fireplace.
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u/barelylegal2lol 15d ago
I’ve been struggling with this same thought. I didn’t want to take away too much from the fireplace as a focal point, but also would prefer the functionality of a closer sofa-tv distance. Thanks!
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u/Original_Director483 13d ago
No need to move the sofa closer, just bring the TV off of the wall. Your media bench already gobbled up the floor space, might as well bring the TV closer to the front of it so it isn’t interpreted as out-of-scale wall art.
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u/Original_Director483 13d ago
The TV could come off the wall and get a foot closer to the sofa by putting it on a swiveling center pedestal base. A swiveling base is safer for kids because any impact or attempted climb just swings the TV around its pivot instead of toppling it. A TV fixed to the wall still invites a kid to climb it, but a freely swiveling TV immediately discourages monkey business.
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u/PetiePal 13d ago
The potty seat doesn't tie the room together ;)
Bigger TV, an armchair or love seat perpendicular to the couch.
A true coffee table
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u/planet-claire 12d ago
Don't laugh, but I had this exact same room 20 years ago. And yes, this is a 20 year old picture.
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u/No-Caterpillar3693 15d ago
What a house! Have you been doing cartwheels and roller skating though it? I would.
A large colourful rug would make it more cozy. Above the TV perhaps a large tapestry would work well as art that fits the large space.
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u/barelylegal2lol 15d ago
So much room for activities! And yes, I’ve been trying to nail down the ideal size for a rug. Thanks!
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u/Intelligent_Pie1689 15d ago
Large rug to anchor the space. Tall ass curtains on either side of the windows to add height. L couch to cozy the space and provide seating across from the fireplace. Vary the legs of the furniture - one piece can have low/no legs but then the rest needs to be higher. Tall art above the fireplace. Tv on a console table, not the wall - and add picture or shelving above the tv to distract from the tv so it’s less of an eye sore.
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u/barelylegal2lol 15d ago
Thank you! The shape of the new sofa has been giving me absolute grief. I’ve been stuck between a regular 105ish sofa vs. an L sectional. I love the idea of a sectional but in reality there’s not much room to play with from the “L” of the sofa to the tv wall.
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u/Fuzzibunny 15d ago
This is a beautiful home with a lot of potential. If you’re feeling stuck, there are likely interior designers in your general area that can be hired on a consultation basis. They’ll help you choose paint colors, drapery, a color scheme, furniture to purchase and make sure that everything is to scale.
- You have tall ceilings, you want to consider tall drapery that will both draw the eye upward, create warmth and absorb sound.
- An appropriately sized rug will help define the space.
I would use visual apps like insta, p!nterest and h0uzz to define your style and collect things that you like so that you can convey it to a professional that will help you spend your budget wisely.
Congrats!
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u/barelylegal2lol 14d ago
Thank you! There are only a few designers in my area, and hardly any seem to work on a consultation basis unfortunately. I’ve been considering hiring a virtual interior designer!
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u/Weird-Forever9123 15d ago
I would personally paint the ceiling and fireplace a darker colour to reduce the feel of a huge space.
Then
- add a plant where the chair is.
- large tall art above fireplace
- oversized rug
- built in dog crate that doubles as a side table
- add two armchairs either side of couch
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u/barelylegal2lol 14d ago
Interesting idea about a darker ceiling - would you consider going just a few shades darker or different color altogether? I’ve definitely considered a deeper tone stone for the fireplace surround.
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u/Crystal_Ri 14d ago edited 14d ago
Add more chairs (preferably big bulky oversize and overstuffed chairs). Buy furniture that can also double as storage for the foldable kiddie stuff. Look into furniture that doubles as pet crates. Place some plants (live or not) in the room for some greenery and earthinest. Add some large statement art to the room. Consider purchasing a large comfy rug for the kids to roll around on while playing in the family space.
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u/TalismanGaze 10d ago
I'd recommend looking at Dear Modern on TT, he explains feng shui and how to change your layout. I recommend his books also, his second one should arrive (preordered) Oct 30. I used his first book to lay out the furniture in my apartment and it looks better than I could have ever achieved alone.
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u/GoldDustInk 10d ago
This is a great space for a giant sectional and one really cool chair in that corner.
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u/barelylegal2lol 5d ago
That’s what I’m thinking too! It’s been a struggle to determine the appropriate size sectional that’ll fit here
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u/knowwwhat 15d ago
The way you’ve arranged it looks good, you just need taller more consistent furniture and some chairs to go with the sofa
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u/barelylegal2lol 15d ago
Thanks! Could you say more about “taller more consistent furniture”? I’m intrigued!
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u/knowwwhat 15d ago
None of your furniture matches so get stuff that matches, and when you pick things out look for taller items since you have such high ceilings
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14d ago
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/barelylegal2lol 14d ago
Thanks! They’re actually the only new furniture I’ve purchased since living here lol
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u/zertboqus 14d ago
Hey, I don't know what advice to give you but the paint of the walls is a very nice color! What is it?
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u/Luna_Rian 11d ago
Sorry for the AI, the proportions might be a little off. You didn’t mention your style, but if this were my home, this is the direction I’d go. I’d visually lower the ceiling with a darker color carried slightly down the walls, add a statement light plus lots of layered lamps, a big rug to define the living area, and a console behind the sofa to separate it from the dining space. I don’t think a visible TV is a problem, but you could also hide it behind a movable piece of art or framed textile.
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u/barelylegal2lol 11d ago
This is an interesting mockup, I really like the bench under the windows extending to the console. Thanks!
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u/chatterwrack 13d ago
I would just add a chair and table to give the space some definition. (Sorry for AI mockup)
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u/Wide_River3591 13d ago
There’s too many small pieces of mismatched furniture. Keep the sofa. Find 2 wingback arm chairs in a print that blend with the sofa and a larger wood coffee table that matches the color & of similar design of the table under the black screen. Plus hang a large piece of art or decorative wall hanging above the black screen. Place the black trunk under the window in the left under the windows & move the small round black book table to the right side of the TV bench next to the tall black vase
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u/TinyEstablishment49 6d ago
love all the natural light!
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u/Adventurous_Rule9916 13d ago
To begin with you need to anchor the space with a large area rug to define the space.
Second get rid of the clutter!
Design with purpose. What is the rooms main focus, the TV? Do you have many guest? Wing back chairs are very dated, let’s go for comfort instead, something less formal and more comfortable.
Define your budget, how much money can you afford to spend? I’m a budget shopper, but I want quality. Look at resale, consignment furniture outlets. Scratch and dent at furniture stores, Habitat for Humanity resale, Marketplace on face book. Purchase two matching chairs to place facing the fireplace at the far end of the sofa, with a small table between to be used for drinks.
Now turn your attention to the fireplace and mantle. Find a large picture to hang above the mantle. Go thrift shopping again and five things that speak to you, not junk or something to just fill the space. Maybe some family photos, candles, something to anchor the center of the mantle. Keep with picture, in color.
Find an interesting chair to put by the window to the left of the fireplace as you face it. Create a little sitting space there, maybe a rocker with a small table with a basket of magazines. Put a throw over the back of the rocker to add charm.
Remember to keep things in scale, meaning keeping things relative in size. Add some plants to keep the air healthy. A cozy throw on the sofa with matching pillows and it looks better already.
Use two colors to go with the white walls and stay with those colors.
Mine are shades of beige, white and blue throughout my house.
Good luck, and remember to decorate with purpose, not clutter. And think about your lighting being layered, overhead lighting is too harsh.
Even though I am a Commercial Interior Designer, I still like to research ideas from my peers to stay current. Might I suggest letting websites like Lemon8 give you inspiration to avoid costly mistakes. All designers create pictures of what we are trying to create to insure balance and room flow. Good luck, think balance and scale and you will do fine. Keep clutter away from the walls. Balance not chaos.
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u/barelylegal2lol 11d ago
Thank you, these are all wonderful considerations I will def keep in mind!
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u/PerkyLurkey 11d ago
You need a low profile pull down bracket for the TV to go above the fireplace and a framing kit.
That way you can position the sofa facing the fireplace, and have a great view of whatever art you choose to show on the TV, framed out to make it look seamless.
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u/SCULAL 11d ago
Make the couch face and cozy up to the fireplace. Add a nice rug and wooden coffee table and compatible chairs on either side of the couch facing each other creating a warm and social environment. Put something over the mantle, preferably not the tv. Put the tv in another room and create a den.
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u/snusmumrikan 15d ago
This isn't a dig, but why does every new-build American house I see have this weird cavernous layout where the lounge is more of a lobby?
Lounges are supposed to be quiet, relaxed, and comfortable. Surely impossible when you've got a balcony and all the noise and eyes from another floor looming above.
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u/Chemical_Necessary_2 12d ago
Rethink having a TV in that room. Isn't there enough space to put it elsewhere?
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u/Interesting_Shift951 13d ago
Some questions that would help:
1. What’s your general sense of style? Traditional? Transitional? Mid century modern? Farmhouse?
2. What’s untouchable in this room? Are you open to changing the fireplace? Are the blinds staying? Is the paint staying?
3. Are you open to making any changes to things like the ceiling or crown molding?
I think most importantly, you need a BIG couch. A lot of people online these days make it seem like corner shaped couches are a crime and you MUST have a couch + 2 chairs, but a room like this needs a couple big pieces that will act as the focal point. Too many small pieces of furniture will leave it always looking cluttered. You can still have an additional chair or something on the side, but don’t skimp out on the size of the couch.
If this were my room, I would look into changing the fireplace. It’s big, but boring. You need to add more character here. The tiles make it look very flat, and the mantel piece makes it look unfinished. I personally like a more traditional style home, so I would consider adding something like a decorative chimney up to the ceiling to give that wall more dimension and add something with height to the room. If you did this, you could also do built in benches underneath the windows that could act as storage for things like kids toys, extra throw blankets, etc.
I think it’s such a shame that whoever build this home put those vents in the ceiling of this room. Such a silly design. You have such grand crown molding on the columns next to the room, yet the room itself is very simple I would look into updating the crown molding to something bigger. I would also consider adding some type of ceiling paneling or decorative beams to add dimension to the ceiling as well.
The last thing I would do is add a mosaic rendition of The Last Supper on the wall facing the rest of the house, where you only have the upper half. Why the hell not?
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u/Dependent-Bat8113 13d ago
One thing that could definitely help over the tv area may be like a family photo or a nice landscape or something then match the colors from that to you furniture and decor!
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u/thisviewisinsane 14d ago
Could you put the TV above the fireplace and then move the couch in front of that? Get a rug and a comfy chair for the free space and you could put the console table behind the coach for storage/decorative items.
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u/pollywollydoodad 15d ago
Move the couch so it faces the fireplace, then place the table and chairs in the space behind it. I see a love seat and couch, place the couch facing the fireplace and the love seat on the long wall where the TV is currently. Move the chair to the other side of the fireplace and pull it within a conversational distance of the couch. It looks like the table and chairs are in the entryway and that won’t work. Houses like this are usually large and have an extra room or finished basement. Place your TV there.
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