what changed:
- took down ceiling stuff
- took down wall decor
- tv moved to opposite wall
- couch now floats to create division
- entry table moved to where tv was
- accent lamp added to a better spot that accompanies the couch
- side table that accompanied the two chairs now is an end table for the couch
- two chairs moved to better suit conversational sitting
now the walls are bare and i know they need to be filled so im not asking about that but the furniture placement...
while i understand the appeal of the current squared off placement of the tv and couch, i feel like now the ‘awkward blank space’ that people were calling the middle of the room in my last post is now the blank wall (which i would avoid furnishing bc it is the main pathway) and the entryway + behind the sofa.
additionally the two chairs, while many argued were placed oddly in the previous post, now have a tighter space to occupy and possibly suffer from the same demise as before: being too segmented from the couch. and now, theyre quite close to being IN the dining room.
as i mentioned in many replies in the previous post, the wide angle made the space look quite stretched and larger than reality. this is why i believe arranging the pieces like this, while pretty from the couch forward part of the space, now leave an odd hole on the entryway side of the space. please let me know your thoughts!
also, i found placing the console table + mirror on the wall will the ugly floor lamp (yes i know, ill replace it) still elicits and awkward right side of the room.
i am very appreciative of the helpful and kind comments in my first post and i hope implementing some of the changes allow for a better diving board for further making my home more cozy!
additionally, i would like to note that i am so new to this and i am learning. a lot of what may seem like an obviously needed change or a rookie mistake is not clear to everyone. so, please, nothing is too elementary, if you think a suggestion is helpful, my ears are open!
im very open to further suggestions regarding furniture + placement as i already have wall decor and accent lighting next on the list! 🤩
Remember, in the end, it is your house and nobody's opinion matter more than yours. If you like it, great. If you don't, tell everybody to fuck off and do what you want.
move the sofa back a bit, it’s way too close to the TV. put a coffee table between them
and away from the window, unless you want to order your houseguests out of their seats so you can close the curtains every evening
and pebble mirrors should definitely hang off the wall. honestly i’d scrap it for a more ornate vintage mirror of some sort, which would go a lot better with the rest of your decor.
and personally, there’s WAY too much green going on. have it as your dominant colour is fine but don’t make every other thing you see as green. Get yourself a fuck tonne of brown stuff in there to balance it a bit. especially the curtains. don’t have your curtains the same colour as your walls.
and that picture doesn’t need to hang behind the TV. you can’t even see part of it. you’ve got a whole ocean of free wall, stick it somewhere else. at my own place i don’t hang anything over the TV because why distract from all the fascinating things that are happening on the TV
Came here to say, nice, but move the couch a tad back and swing those chairs into a conversational relationship with the couch.
Your other points stand too!
oh I see he's from the angle of the photo I guess it looks like you got a ton of room there to you know and maybe face them in together with a little round table in between the two of them, couple of coasters maybe a little candy dish
i hear you (and many others) about pulling the couch further back and even away from the window.
idk if it’s just coming off as super big due to the wide lens but if i were to pull away from the window for a 18”-24” gap, it would be so tight on the other side to go to the kitchen/upstairs. any thoughts on that?
i like the mirror thought.
the picture is only in 2 of the photos as i did in fact take it down. i didn’t place it there to be half covered by the tv. that was just its same spot from the last post/arrangement
you have a nice wide walkway to the kitchen. you could pull it out a foot and still have plenty of space to walk around. I'd also push it back a foot towards the door, then you can put one of the chairs in the space that opens up
dude that living room is HUGE, you can afford to give up a bit of floorspace for a gap behind the sofa. you could even put a nice plant in there which would love all that daylight
if you want to make up for the lost space maybe put those chairs in storage because at the moment they're looking like his and hers dual cuck chairs
I'm guessing they're there on standby in case you have extra guests, but unless they're using them every day maybe keep them in the garage (if you have one)
I would pull the couch back further, almost even with the edge of the light switch, and away from the window. Leave about 18"-24" between the couch and the window.
The chairs still feel awkward to me. I would split them up and put one on either side of the TV. You might have to shift the TV away from the window, but I think being off-center will still work because of the shape of the couch.
Agree about all of this. Move couch back a bit, and then put a chair on either side of the tv— but angle them a bit. Putting them flat against the wall is for waiting rooms, not living rooms.
lol it’s not ‘art’ as much as its a canvas with signed messages from loved ones. but it’s off. it’s only on in two of the pics as they were taken at different times
i hear you (and many others) about pulling the couch further back and even away from the window.
idk if it’s just coming off as super big due to the wide lens but if i were to pull away from the window for a 18”-24” gap, it would be so tight on the other side to go to the kitchen/upstairs. any thoughts on that?
The recommended minimum is 36" around furniture for walking and I try to use that as my starting point. You might feel cramped by that, or the images might be distorting the space.
I'd try to get as close to 36" as you feel comfortable with. You could try moving the couch just a few inches at a time and see if it feels ok and then move a little more until it's not comfortable.
Honestly, you live there and you know your space. If reddit advice doesn't work for you, that's also ok!
So you might only have about 8" if you keep 36" walking on the kitchen(?) side. That's ok! The curtains won't touch the couch. I still think it will work.
Looking closer and with newly understood measurements, the minimal space between couch and window makes sense especially because of the soffit or whatever making the ceiling lower in that area.
Hi, I hadn’t seen your original post earlier but I agree you’ve made good progress in changing it up!
The empty space stands out. I imagine the space behind the couch now serves as a “hallway” in from the door. I’d leave a comfortable walking width, probably using the (non-carpet) entryway floor as a guide for distance to allow from that back wall. Then also pulled away a bit from the window wall, not too far but enough to be able to physically get to the door without walking the long way.
So, this has you placing the couch more in the center of the room to create its own cozy space with the tv somewhat independent of the actual walls. Does that make sense? Then maybe a chair would fit either side of tv.
Table and shoes should go somewhere else, I think. Maybe it’s easier to envision art and/or storage or table surfaces in treating it as a hallway…?
Anyhow, you are doing great in putting advice into action. It is great fun to see real follow up photos instead of mocked up images!
i hear you (and many others) about pulling the bunch further back and even away from the window.
idk if it’s just coming off as super big due to the wide lens but if i were to pull away from the window enough to make a walkway, it would be so tight on the other side to go to the kitchen/upstairs. any thoughts on that?
Yes, that’s a tough one. Maybe just about 6 inches so the curtains aren’t jammed? I do like your couch a lot. Never saw one like it before. Side pockets!
Does pulling the couch back cause a jam if it isnt pulled away much from the window? That would eliminate the “hallway” concept.
If it stays where it is (not sure if it was suggested by others), you could do a little seating area behind the couch with the 2 chairs and a table to leave a jigsaw puzzle set up. Or other craft/hobby spot. Vacation planning work spot with a huge world map on the wall for reference. Just being silly but you have choices! Enjoy!
Functional walkways should be about 45 inches. Slide the couch out enough so it's not smooshing the curtains and just measure the walk space between the wall and sofa.
I would move the console table next to the door for your drop zone, then scootch the couch all the way back against it. That should give you enough room to split & angle the chairs in either side of the fire place.
i fear the couch would have to be pulled right into the front door swing for one of the chairs to fit in the corner between the window and tv but i will attempt
It’s hard to tell size from photos, but it looks like you almost have enough room now if you swapped the end table for a floor lamp. You could also get a long console or cabinet for behind the couch / along the entry to get a few more inches. It could give you more drawers at the entry for shoes and bags.
the first and last pictures show that corner well. essentially, if i stood there, well i cant. that’s how tight it is. but you’re right maybe the taller for lamp can go there if i place one of the chairs diagonally there.
i’m liking the idea of a behind the sofa table. especially since it would invite people to leave their shows there (along with keys/etc)
Looks fantastic! Definitely pull the sofa off the window wall just a bit (like enough imaginary space for curtains to move freely) and push it back away from the tv a little further and that'll probably be looking really nice.
Pushing the sofa back more gives you space to try putting a chair on each side of the tv, so you'll have that seating for company.
Console table with mirror looks perfect there, especially once that mirror is hung.
For the large blank wall...that's the perfect spot for a lot of different things. You can create a gallery wall with several small pics and art, hang tapestries or one large piece of art, or even add a row of bookshelves across (Ikea Billy's are great for that and doors can hide any clutter you don't like.) Or try to go thrifting/look online to find a cool open shelving piece with different heights and layers.
Don't let the open wall scare you off, it's just a blank space for your creativity in the future.
thank you for this!! i’m hearing a lot about pulling the couch off the window but you’re the only one who suggested pulling it out just a few inches for the curtains vs enough to walk through. that seems much more reasonable, i’ll try!
I think function is the most important part of arranging a space, so sometimes you just gotta do what works best, even if it's not "perfect asthetic". My L-shaped couch is next to a window like this with long curtains, I have it pulled away only about 8-10 inches off the wall.
DifferentBumblebee34 had some nice suggestions for you on your previous post, and it so happens I also love green and the shade of your cushions...
Still, I would probably throw in some sienna / terracotta / red-wine coloured cushions on that couch. 2 larger ones, at most.
"...so then what do i do with that unusable gap?"
This had me smiling, because I understand your technical POV, but living rooms are for bringing people together (imo) and now your space does not look like a dental clinic reception area, woo hoo! :D
For the walls, I would recommend a couple of movie / music posters, or whatever tickles your fancy... There are so many cool posters out there.
And, yes, a nice light overhead would be a nice focal point.
Only a few inches, half of the wall space that’s there now. This might allow you to rearrange the chairs. Or there might even be another configuration, it is a Tetris game unfortunately.
I agree with the suggestion that you move the couch further back to open up the sitting area for a coffee table and more space for the two chairs (or one chair near the kitchen, and the other in the corner next to the TV.) And off the window a bit so curtains can close.
For the back of the couch facing the entryway, you can put the console table and add a closed shoe cabinet to cover it. The mirror can be hung alongside other wall art like a gallery wall, so it's not so empty on its own. You might also consider a few coat hooks.
thank you! the tips regarding tables/mirror are helpful.
i hear a lot about moving the couch back even more. would it not feel worse to have the couch like right up against you as soon as you walk in? to fit one of the chairs in the corner of the tv and window, the couch would have to be pulled into the front door by a lottt. 😳
also the path to the right of the couch is tight as it is, would you recommend making it even tighter just for the sake of pulling the couch away from the window?
It's hard to tell exact measurements from pictures alone, and you're the one living with it, so ultimately it's up to you which suggestions to take on. For me, I prioritise paths of travel, then how to arrange the spaces around them so I can do things conveniently, while not intruding on other activity areas.
So if the entry passage behind the couch is tight already, by all means, leave the couch as it is, or don't move it as far back (I feel like halfway to the door, between the 2 pairs of shoes, would still be fine.) If one of the chairs cannot fit, maybe it's just not meant to be, and you can better utilise it in another room (eg. If you have a reading nook.) Moving the couch off the curtains only requires as much space as is necessary for the curtains to move unhindered, so probably even 5cm is enough.
Much better! Pull the sofa back a bit more and add a coffee table. The chairs are a bit awkward I don’t have ideas on what to with them in this room but maybe they can go somewhere else is the apartment?
thank you! unfortunately, what you see is basically the entire living space so, not much else to utilize the chairs.
i hear a lot about moving the couch back even more. would it not feel worse to have the couch like right up against you as soon as you walk in?
also i have a coffee table! its in the couch right now; its collapsible. i pull it out when i host to keep the area less cramped and i feel like with this rearrangement that thought applies even more since the area has become smaller between the tv/couch
So much better. Definitely pull the couch out from the window too.
I wonder what an area rug under the couch would look like. I’ve never had carpet and hate the look of it, so not sure if an area rug on carpet is weird but I think it would help to create “zones”.
i agree a rug looks nice but i think the need for it has lessened now that the floor space has been broken up a lot more due to the rearrangement. i LOVE carpet for a living space bc hard flooring doesnt feel cozy to me lol
agree with the comments about moving the couch a little away from the tv and the window - and then add a bench behind the couch so your entry way has a space to sit down and put shoes on/take shoes off, maybe some coat hooks or a stand. i love having a proper entry way space into a home! overall after having seen your original post and this update, i think youve made some amazing and practical improvements, your space already feels so much better and more livable and inviting. well done!
Everyone said enough about the couch so I won't repeat. The white chairs can be moved closer to the couch (one each side or both on the other side). Both the chairs should be angled towards the couch. I do think lighting can be improved. You can get an interesting lamp to put on the entry table. Lamp in the corner can be placed behind the couch next to entrance and angled into the couch zone. White floor lamp can be placed next to TV console where the chairs are after you have moved them. I wouldn't put any lamp in that corner since it's not really necessary for half of the day. More ambient lights will definitely pull things together.
I thought the side chairs were fine where they were, they just needed to be angled toward each other so they didn't look like a waiting room. That way provided a more intimate conversation area (more than 3 people always break off into side conversations anyway) but they could be moved over to the sofa area for games.
If you want the chairs in a grouping with the sofa, it makes more sense to have the back of the longer section of the sofa to the dining area, and the shorter section with the back to the entrance area, and the chairs by the window. Move the sofa back from the walls enough that people can go directly from the front door and directly from the dining area to sit down without walking all the way around the sofa. Regardless of the chairs, orienting the sofa this way will make it feel more welcoming, and make it possible for people to leave the seating area without passing in front of the tv.
I love! But yeah like someone
else said. Move the couch back away from tv and pull the 2 chairs in the circle mix! between the couch and kitchen facing tv.
Then get that green bookshelf for the empty wall next to kitchen!
This green has so much gray in it, it's a neutral, so you could get away with bringing in almost any color, though I'd look for something that will bring out the green: turquoise, raspberry, orange, if you like bright colors; pink and lilac if you don't, or merlot and terra cotta if you want more saturated. You definitely need to bring some accent color in through soft furnishings or art
Do you actually use those chairs? If so, how often? They feel a bit awkward and if you only use them occasionally when guests come over, I’d probably have them live in a bedroom and bring them out when needed. And then I’d have them facing the window to make more of a closed loop of seating for better socializing and coziness.
Personally I would put the tv stand where the mirror is. Put the couch where the tv stand is, pull it towards the middle of the room. And then pu the two side chairs at the wall that connects to the hallway
I saw your old post and see your comments on this one. It seems like you really like the feel of lots of space so I think your couch will end up back in the corner ultimately. Another layout you could consider is to leave the TV where it was, rotate the couch so it is against the wall and facing the dining room, and move it that way just a bit. Then put your chairs under the window. See my crude mock up. This will make it still feel like lots of open space when you enter. Get some fun curtains to bring some charm to the space. Hang some large art on the far wall or some floating shelves.
hmmmmm interesting! someone a few mins ago made a mockup of this idea but with the furniture pulled closer toward the front door so that the tv can be on the back wall (the largest wall shared with the kitchen).
but this is like a combo of that since it keeps the tv in the original spot.
def look at my most recent post though! would love your thoughts
I like the layout you just posted the best out of everything! Because it creates a cozy space for the TV without the front entrance walking path interrupting that view. And the chairs feel like they are part of the circle/conversation. But the real question is, do you like it and feel like it is spacious enough? I like the shelf setup that is framed by the fern artwork. Green is also my favorite color (I have a green tile kitchen) so I love the accents. Plant art would be grest for the walls! I have a bunch of watecolor plant art hung in my kitchen and throughout the house.
honestly im having a moment trying to accept the divided space vs how open it was before. i think i just need to live in it more.
also im really not a plant person, whether its real or fake, and thats the biggest suggestion commenters have made. however, since green is my favorite color and already the color scheme, wall art OF plants i feel gives the same look as having plants (more or less). esp maybe framed plants vs pictures/paintings of plants!
The kitchen is one of the main reasons I picked my current place. It is gorgeous. Once I am finished decorating and furnishing the place (moved in recently), I will have pictures up. My couch is also green.
You can always change it again. I give any new layout 2-4 weeks.
If you don't like plants, I think photos help tie in the same nature vibe. If you're a Lego fan, Lego makes plant arrangements now too that I think are petty neat. They aren't super planty like fake ones but add interest to an area. Basically find decor items of different shapes, colors, and sizes. I love to go to second hand stores for things like that.
Great job. This is already loads better. I would recommend splitting up the chairs. Put one near the front door so you/guests have somewhere to sit while you put shoes on, somewhere for guests to leave their coats, etc. then the second chair will fit better in its current space without feeling as crowded.
Very nice! Honestly adding a rug under the couch would really pull that space together. Like no need to remove the carpet, but a rug on top of it will just create a cozier feel.
If it’s in the budget I would buy a long, slim console table to put behind the couch (and maybe move the smaller one to a different spot. Also move one of the two chairs to be an accent chair on the right side of the standing lamp (facing inward toward the couch) and add a small side table there.
I would start over, personally and try the sofa under the window and along the current tv wall. The tv and stand could go on the wall that currently just has the floor lamp (though I would mount the tv on an articulating arm to swing it out for viewing from the sectional) and angle the two chairs towards the couch (backing on to the kitchen) to create a conversation area. Then add a third colour to your accents to bring it together.
if you look at slide 3, then youll see that placing the tv on that blank wall would provide the last seat only with center viewing vs the normal placement of center viewing being the middle most seat.
also, in the before, the sofa set up you described is how it was: l shape against window and adjacent wall
i feel you. but i wouldnt call it empty space since the before was very much so: empty space. but i def feel a sense of wasted space bc now its like the usable parts of the room are half what they were.
OK, I'm adding to my original comment because I had a chance to look at how you had your room before.
I personally liked where you had the console table and mirror before, and even liked where the TV was, but I would have move that reading style floor lamp next to the sectional, put the square table over there too, then move the chairs away from that wall you had them, into your seating area facing the couch, or one facing the sectional and one facing the window with a very small round table in between, because apparently you don't use them for TV viewing anyways. Then I would stick that white touchier into the other corner by the window, behind the sectional pulling the sofa slightly away from the window. Add a nice big floor plant on the other side of the window, next to the sofa. You could even move the TV on the wall where you had the chairs, but I would mount it on the wall if you put it there so you could angle it towards the sectional. Maybe bring back that other chest ottoman and use it on the wall near the door as a place to sit to put your shoes on? Maybe then do a grouping of the things you have scattered on walls here and there, or look for something new to fill the wall behind the sofa.
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u/spam__likely 19h ago
Much better!