Furniture arranging help please

[TechWife]

So, I mentioned on another thread that I gave up and hired an interior designer. I think this is an object lesson for me on why I should ask for help more often. I have come to the conclusion that I may have bought the wrong furniture or too much furniture before I hired him. I can make do with what I have or I can cut my losses, use some of it elsewhere, perhaps, or sell it. So - knowing that I’m open to that, I have to decide whether or not to mention my current dilemma to the interior designer. 
 

Our new couch arrived today. We pushed the old couch out of the way. I had considered this months ago but decided I didn’t like it, but now - what do y’all think about two couches with the two swivel chairs? The grey on the left is the new one, I’d just get an identical one.  I’d have to do something different with side tables, obviously. But is this even worth mentioning to the designer as a possibility or would I hate it? 

Edited January 14, 2022 by TechWife

[Harriet Vane]

I like two couches facing each other. Best for them to match. 

[mommyoffive]

I like it.  I think it leads nicely to talking and hanging out with people.  How did you have just the one couch set in there? 

[Katy]

I like it, but I think you have to get rid of some other stuff to make it look less crowded. Probably the dresser on the right, and those folding stools beneath the fireplace. The rug is too small. Your art over the new sofa is too small. It looks like there’s some clutter in the corner window that I would replace with a huge potted plant. 
 

ETA: unless you have access to a huge antique rug, I’d replace the rug with something lighter or brighter. 

Edited January 14, 2022 by Katy

[TechWife]

29 minutes ago, mommyoffive said:

I like it.  I think it leads nicely to talking and hanging out with people.  How did you have just the one couch set in there? 

It was on the wall where the grey one is now. 

[TechWife]

44 minutes ago, Katy said:

I like it, but I think you have to get rid of some other stuff to make it look less crowded. Probably the dresser on the right, and those folding stools beneath the fireplace. The rug is too small. Your art over the new sofa is too small. It looks like there’s some clutter in the corner window that I would replace with a huge potted plant. 
 

ETA: unless you have access to a huge antique rug, I’d replace the rug with something lighter or brighter. 

We’re on the same page. I need much smaller side tables & the room needs an edit. The console needs to go, I just have to figure out where to put the photo albums that are in it. I do like the items I have on top of it, so I have to figure that out. 
The rug is what has sent me over the edge to get help. This is the second rug I’ve had for in there & I know it’s wrong & too small, but I can’t seem to make a decision when I go shopping. 
For art - this is the diptych that I have to go over the couch. The cat also accessorizes well, but he doesn’t stay still, so I can’t count on him. 🙂

 

[BlsdMama]

I love it exactly as it is? I am definitely not a home Decorating guru, but it’sa mix of comfortable (thank you throw pillows) and clean uncluttered. 

[wintermom]

How is the traffic flow in this room? Is that door at the far end of the room to the right of the fireplace used frequently? If so, I think you need a clear pathway to the door. If not, or if only at certain times of the year, then you have more flexibility of furniture quantity, size and placement.

[TechWife]

1 minute ago, wintermom said:

How is the traffic flow in this room? Is that door at the far end of the room to the right of the fireplace used frequently? If so, I think you need a clear pathway to the door. If not, or if only at certain times of the year, then you have more flexibility of furniture quantity, size and placement.

It is used all the time - it’s how we enter the house from the garage or yard. That’s why I’m thinking the console would need to come out if I go with two couches - to make a wider walk way. 

[lmrich]

I love two couches facing each other. And I love the two sivel chairs. 

It looks like you need more task lighting near the couches and chairs - floor lamp or table lamp. 

It also seems that your rug is a tad small which you already know. Could you look for a rug that gives you more texture? As of now, you don't need more pattern with those cute chairs, but a soft textured rug would be a nice contrast to your shiny fireplace - Costco has some large fluffy rugs for   a good price. I think more texture overall would be helpful; chunky blankets and wicker basket by the fireplace, and a tree in the corner would make it more homey cozy. And, since you are asking.. I think your pictures for above your couch are too small, but they are lovely. 

 

 

Here is my room with two couches facing each other (I need a tree in the corner as well now that the Christmas tree is down): 

[KatieJ]

I like two couches facing each other, but do you really need that much seating?

I like the added dimension the side console brings and there is always storage needed. I would hesitate to give that  up. 

I would pull out the extra sofa, and then play with the cute chairs. Where they are now or where the extra couch is now.. 

The fold up chairs in front of the fireplace could be replaced with ottomans.

I was just told (we just bought a new home and are working on furniture ) Thst your rug should be big enough to go under the sofa…it anchors everything. 

[mommyoffive]

20 minutes ago, lmrich said:

I love two couches facing each other. And I love the two sivel chairs. 

It looks like you need more task lighting near the couches and chairs - floor lamp or table lamp. 

It also seems that your rug is a tad small which you already know. Could you look for a rug that gives you more texture? As of now, you don't need more pattern with those cute chairs, but a soft textured rug would be a nice contrast to your shiny fireplace - Costco has some large fluffy rugs for   a good price. I think more texture overall would be helpful; chunky blankets and wicker basket by the fireplace, and a tree in the corner would make it more homey cozy. And, since you are asking.. I think your pictures for above your couch are too small, but they are lovely. 

 

 

Here is my room with two couches facing each other (I need a tree in the corner as well now that the Christmas tree is down): 

Stunning!  I would never want to leave that room and view

[mommyoffive]

1 hour ago, TechWife said:

It is used all the time - it’s how we enter the house from the garage or yard. That’s why I’m thinking the console would need to come out if I go with two couches - to make a wider walk way. 

That is a concern if you use that door all the time.  Hmmm.  It is hard to tell in the pictures how much space there is right there.  That might  make me decide on only 1 sofa.

[TechWife]

35 minutes ago, lmrich said:

I love two couches facing each other. And I love the two sivel chairs. 

It looks like you need more task lighting near the couches and chairs - floor lamp or table lamp. 

It also seems that your rug is a tad small which you already know. Could you look for a rug that gives you more texture? As of now, you don't need more pattern with those cute chairs, but a soft textured rug would be a nice contrast to your shiny fireplace - Costco has some large fluffy rugs for   a good price. I think more texture overall would be helpful; chunky blankets and wicker basket by the fireplace, and a tree in the corner would make it more homey cozy. And, since you are asking.. I think your pictures for above your couch are too small, but they are lovely. 

 

 

Here is my room with two couches facing each other (I need a tree in the corner as well now that the Christmas tree is down): 

Task lighting and texture are already on the list! I’ve wondered about a plant - I’m going to put that down as a possibility. The pictures for above the couch are each 24”w x 30”h. When they are up it will be 49-50 wide, which is roughly 60% of the width of the couch. I’ll think about what else I could place there. We have several pieces by this artist & I could possibly do a grouping of some of those and put the diptych elsewhere. 
I love your room! That’s definitely my style. I think s large plant or tree would look really good - would you do one on each side or just one off to the left? Your sliding doors are beautiful. What is your traffic flow pattern from those doors through the room? 

Edited January 14, 2022 by TechWife

[TechWife]

20 minutes ago, KatieInMN said:

I like two couches facing each other, but do you really need that much seating?

I like the added dimension the side console brings and there is always storage needed. I would hesitate to give that  up. 

I would pull out the extra sofa, and then play with the cute chairs. Where they are now or where the extra couch is now.. 

The fold up chairs in front of the fireplace could be replaced with ottomans.

I was just told (we just bought a new home and are working on furniture ) Thst your rug should be big enough to go under the sofa…it anchors everything. 

Sure, why not? We have people over in normal times. It does fill the space a lot and I’m not sure about how it would change the feel of the room because I like it to feel open & airy. 
 

When the extra couch is gone, I’m going to move the chairs around different places. 
 

I already moved the folding ottomans out from under the fireplace. I really don’t think they fit our style so they will probably be going away. 
 

Yes to the larger rug. You might enjoy watching Nick Lewis on YouTube since you have a new home. He has videos on basic stuff like sizing furniture, rugs, placing art, etc. - very informative. 

[KatieJ]

Just now, TechWife said:

 

 

Yes to the larger rug. You might enjoy watching Nick Lewis on YouTube since you have a new home. He has videos on basic stuff like sizing furniture, rugs, placing art, etc. - very informative. 

My issue is getting the hubs to agree to getting rid of non matching recliner and get new ones. 😉 Furniture  placement is good. 

We didn’t build this house, it was a model home , fits our needs at this stage of our life and it’s a very pretty setting. But are spending money on changing the electric fireplace for a gas one. Later this spring we will be enclosing the screened in porch.

New furniture will have to wait for now. 

[Carrie12345]

It’s hard to tell angles, so I could be seeing wrong.   
But I’d consider a smaller coffee table to center everything on the distance between the two windows. From this pic, the old one looks farther out? (And deeper? Duplicating the new would address that somewhat.)

Otherwise, I think it’s great. Rug size could be better, but it isn’t dramatically small like some I’ve seen. 
It’s a beautiful room!

[lmrich]

21 minutes ago, TechWife said:

I love your room! That’s definitely my style. I think s large plant or tree would look really good - would you do one on each side or just one off to the left? Your sliding doors are beautiful. What is your traffic flow pattern from those doors through the room? 

Thanks, I love it too. I will put just one large tree in the corner near the bookshelves; I don't want to block the view so I will find a skinny one, maybe an olive tree or snake plant.. 

Traffic flow with those doors is not an issue as that is just a deck that overlooks the mountain and a spectacular view. One set of the sliding doors does not work well so we don't use the ones near the bookshelf anyways. There is also access to the deck from the sunporch and from our bedroom.  

[elegantlion]

Beautiful room! I like the two couches facing one another. I don't even think the two different colors is that bad as they both pull colors from the chairs. If you had pillows in the chair fabric on the couches it would pull the look together.  I do agree about the rug and dresser. 

[Katy]

I like the paintings, and if you spread them apart a few inches it sounds like the scale will be right. I’d just remove that rug until you find one you love. In normal times I’d tell you to scour estate sales and find an antique or vintage mahal persian rug, maybe in jewel tones that don’t clash with the art but don’t exactly match either. Maybe something slightly more faded than this one in my master (which is showing up darker than it is in real life). I think no rug is better than the wrong rug. 

 

[TechWife]

4 minutes ago, Katy said:

I like the paintings, and if you spread them apart a few inches it sounds like the scale will be right. I’d just remove that rug until you find one you love. In normal times I’d tell you to scour estate sales and find an antique or vintage mahal persian rug, maybe in jewel tones that don’t clash with the art but don’t exactly match either. Maybe something slightly more faded than this one in my master (which is showing up darker than it is in real life). I think no rug is better than the wrong rug. 

 

This is a beautiful rug. I truly hadn’t thought of an intricate pattern. My husband says our current rug looks like it belongs in a hotel, so you know how off base it is! 
 

[TechWife]

Okay - the old couch is gone now. This is the current state of the living room. Much more open without the second couch. It’s really a completely different look, and now I’m torn. Definitely need different throw pillows, but I knew that already. Still need to fix side tables, no matter which arrangement I go with. 

Edited January 14, 2022 by TechWife

[Katy]

I really like your floors. Are they LVP? Can you tell me the brand & color?

I suspect the trend for flooring is moving away from gray & towards pale/yellowish beige. Yours is a nice mix without being too mottled/busy. I’ve been searching for something just like it. 

[elegantlion]

I can't remember what else you've tried with the chairs, so forgive if this has already been done. What about switching the white chair  and the plaid chair in what is the front left of the picture, then move the plaid chairs a bit closer together, so it feels a bit more tied to the couch - like small end table between the chairs. Or does that present the same problem as having two couches, that you'd need to move the dresser?

Edited January 14, 2022 by elegantlion

[Storygirl]

I like the way this room looks better without the second sofa, as long as you will have enough seating room without it. (And I have two matching sofas that face each other, so I'm not against that look.)

I agree the rug needs to be bigger. I would measure from almost-to-the-wall under the sofa to the center of the fireplace and then get a rug that is twice that wide, so that the rug will sit under the sofa and center the room. I did this for my family room and found one on Amazon for a great price, though it took a lot of browsing and waiting for the price to come down. It would fine for the plaid chairs to not sit on the rug; it doesn't need to be big enough for them to be able to sit on the rug, although that would also be fine.

A couple of placement issues -- the chair by the fireplace is too close in and would look better if shifted so that it doesn't overlap the fireplace. Obviously, don't push it back to block the doorway. 

And hang your pictures lower, when you redo what you have above your sofa. The center of the picture should be around eye level. The general rule is to have the center of the picture be between 57 to 63 inches above the floor.

I would invest in a new coffee table and side tables for your next expenditure. I'd think about choosing a darker wood, to give your room some contrast, since everything in there is light so far.

I really like what you have so far!

Edited January 14, 2022 by Storygirl

[Scarlett]

My preference is two matching sofas, bigger rug with more color or pattern, move the console to make a better pathway.

Lovely room either way though.

[TechWife]

1 hour ago, elegantlion said:

I can't remember what else you've tried with the chairs, so forgive if this has already been done. What about switching the white chair  and the plaid chair in what is the front left of the picture, then move the plaid chairs a bit closer together, so it feels a bit more tied to the couch - like small end table between the chairs. Or does that present the same problem as having two couches, that you'd need to move the dresser?

It presents the same problem complicated by the fact that they are swivel gliders, so they need room to move. 

[thewellerman]

I'm not sure there is enough space, but what if you put the gliders on either side of the fireplace, and the 1 couch across from them?  Coffee table in the middle and remove the white chair. 

[Alte Veste Academy]

 

2 minutes ago, thewellerman said:

I'm not sure there is enough space, but what if you put the gliders on either side of the fireplace, and the 1 couch across from them?  Coffee table in the middle and remove the white chair. 

I would do this too, enough to the left to make the area to the right work like an open hallway to the door you use so often. You could put the console behind the sofa with some useful/decorative objects to ground the couch there too. Our sofa backs up to our island this way (with a walkway in between and room for bar stools), and it delineates the space very well. 

[TechWife]

1 hour ago, thewellerman said:

I'm not sure there is enough space, but what if you put the gliders on either side of the fireplace, and the 1 couch across from them?  Coffee table in the middle and remove the white chair. 

We’re trying to make a space that encourages flow from the front f the house toward the back of the house. We recently had a loveseat arranged facing the fireplace and it made everything choppy looking. That’s why we went with swivel chairs - we can tilt them toward the center or turn them completely around to face the kitchen, which is completely open to this room. The kitchen bar counter is about six feet from the back of the swivel chairs. You can see a little piece of it in the first picture. Later I’ll take a picture of the room from a different angle and add it. 

[prairiewindmomma]

I would probably put the two matching chairs opposite the couch, to rebalance the visual weight of the furniture. Right now it is off balance.

[KidsHappen]

I like the two sofas facing each other and get rid of or move the white chair. I think the ottomans under the fireplace are fine especially if they aren't in the way and are used. You could move the console to another rom if it is in the way but it looks good there if you have the room.

You do need a bigger rug and then some splashes of color which you could add with throws, pillows, window dressings and art on the walls. The art needs to be a little larger and go up higher on the walls because right now everything seems to close to the ground leaving large white spaces at the top of the room. I wouldn't overdo it with throws and pillows, kinda keep them on the minimal side in keeping with the room.

That's not really that much to do and I think it would really pull the room together.

[TechWife]

@thewellerman - this is from the back door. You can see where the kitchen starts. 

 

[Chelli]

With the above picture that you posted, I'd move the plaid chairs to across from the couch and get rid of the white chair. That would make the living room more open to the kitchen area. Having the two plaid chairs there cuts off the flow between the rooms. 

[TechWife]

1 minute ago, Chelli said:

With the above picture that you posted, I'd move the plaid chairs to across from the couch and get rid of the white chair. That would make the living room more open to the kitchen area. Having the two plaid chairs there cuts off the flow between the rooms. 

The plaid chairs are swivel gliders & they need room to move. The console would have to go so we could have a walkway to the door if we did that. Not impossible to do, just requires some thought. 

[thewellerman]

What about 2 matching couches facing each other and no chairs at all? Put 2 large, but low profile pouf type ottomans at the kitchen end of the coffee table.  

This idea will make 3 long visual lines down the room towards the door, and might feel sterile and unbalanced, though. 

 

[Harriet Vane]

With the new pictures, I think my favorite is one couch with the chairs scattered around as shown. Keep the console table. I'd go with a bigger rug with more color and bigger art above the couch and call it a day.

[thewellerman]

What do you want to be the focal point of the room? When I look at the pictures, the swivel chairs really stand out to my untrained eye, and sort of chop the room in half.  

If you frame the fireplace with the chairs, remove the white chair entirely, and put the two couches across from each other nearer the kitchen, all the visual focus will be together.  

I have no idea what I'm talking about, actually.  I just have a reckless pinterest education, but I do think figuring out the focal points will help settle the room and bring cohesion. 

Edited January 15, 2022 by thewellerman

[elegantlion]

With the new picture in mind, can you get a taller end table to put between the two chairs? Maybe one that is open at the bottom for the visual but with the top about the same level as the chair arms?

This may be cottage for your style 

Or this one