Hello everyone! New poster here! My boyfriend and I recently bought our first home, and these boards have already been an invaluable resource for us.

Our current challenge is how to make the best use of space in our long, narrow living room. This is the room we live in. It's primarily used for lounging and TV watching, so it's essential to us that the TV be accessible. We want to mount it on the mantle. Unfortunately it's also our only real space for entertaining, and we'd love to incorporate a small office area as well.

I've made two plans at this point: one featuring a sectional sofa that would be great for lounging but might leave limited/awkward seating for entertaining. The other features a couch, loveseat, and chair that provides more seating, but I worry that it would feel cluttered and limit the flow of the room.

Both of these plans are to scale for the 11.5 by 21 foot room, with a minor exception. The fireplace pictured here is about 10 inches smaller than the one we have. The door in the back of the room leads to the backyard, and it's used multiple times a day, so flow from one side of the room to the other is very important.


So I would love any input you guys can offer. Do you think these are my two best options? Have I overlooked anything? Personally, I am more inclined towards the sectional, but the boyfriend prefers the other. Who is right?!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: ohnoitslindsay,

Here's Option 2!

Hi and welcome! My eyes were drawn to the first layout. I don't know why, maybe it is because is looks less cluttered but would it provide you enough seating?

Can you take an actual picture of your room? That might be helpful for those that are really GOOD at this stuff.

I like the first #1 layout because it fits the use of the room "Primarily used for lounging and TV watching, so it's essential to us that the TV be accessible."

The longer sofa with foot rests helps those wanting to lounge and look 'up' at the TV.

I think the layout is good even for the office idea (desk).

GREAT job in doing your floor plan and setting up the furniture plan so we could understand what your room is about.

I hope you will be able to share photos when your project is ready to show!

Welcome to the Boards! Thank you for posting!

I'm for #1 as well. I think it's a more workable plan.

Martha

Thanks SO much for your insight, guys! Here are some pictures of how the space is used now. I finally convinced the boyfriend it's time to replace the over-sized sofas, so that's what inspired this project. It will take some time to fit it into our budget, but we wanted to have a long-term plan for the room so we don't end up wasting money on things that won't work down the road. Step one: new seating! I'm hoping since that's the essential purpose of the room, everything will be easy from there, haha.

And the other view... yuck.

That wall color is beautiful!!

I also prefer #1 or as an alternative a sofa and 2 chairs. Much more versatile than a loveseat.

Thanks! For anyone wondering, the paint color is actually Walmart brand's Mysterious Ocean Fog. We're really happy with how that turned out!

I also like #1 layout. Now that I see your 4 legged friend, i understand the importance of keeping path free to door. Love the wall color! You're very wise about creating a long term plan.

Your room functions as it is now and your future plans will be even better!

Thanks for sharing with us!

Wow, that's MY living room with the archway on the other end! What year was yours built? The wall color is wonderful.
Where is the TV in option 1? I like the furniture layout although I have the loveseat/couch arrangement that you have now and have found it works very well. Looking forward to any ideas and would love to see more picture of your house.

I love #1 but after seeing your real livingroom.I like your leather set too.LOVE the wall color and colors in the room too.Hard decisions....

I like the idea of the sofa with the lounge part in #1, however will you be bothered by having to walk around the chair next to the arched doorway? Right now the path from door to door is fairly clear.

Leaving room is the mostly used part of a home.Here all the members share their tension, happiness with each other. This should be designed and decorated in proper way. Thanks for giving the tips on living room layout.

Hi Lindsay, Love the wall color too! I don't have much input to add to the already good responses, but I do want to leave you with a link...this might be a cool coffee table to house your laptop and serve as a make shift office. I have one of these and my Hubby and I use it every day. This is actually where we eat and surf! Check it out. Good luck on finding the perfect furniture for you space.
Rubyruby

http://www.ohgizmo.com/2010/05...e-turns-into-a-desk/