sooo pretty! Well, since this isn't your furniture, allow me to trash it :-). It's way too clunky for the space! I would love to see a straight line sofa with less bulky feet so you have some air underneath, facing the fireplace and a chair in that left corner. You could store your media in a sofa table along the back of the sofa. Maybe put a couple of ghost chairs or something on in the space opposite the main window to add seating but not visual clutter. Send us the after pics!

OK my living room is so similar to this, same entry same huge space opening going to the dining area. Yes basically flatscreen over the mantle and a cabinet next to the fireplace. All of our furniture has clean lines and have wood legs. You have to decide i think between two small chairs or a big comfy one - ours is oversized leather, still sleek but you just sink in it. Also we have a long three seat sofa. We have hard wood and our rectangular rug is place horizontally to offset the length of the room. I would think about bench / ottoman things that can be pushed to the side like on casters so that you have a place to put your feet up set drinks on, extra seating. We have a bedroom bench, we recovered, cut down, added casters too and use for all these things. pushing it out of the way is important.
Christina
hope this helps!
www.nestbliss.blogspot.com

My living room / front door entry is very similar, but no door on the wall to right of fireplace, and the entryway opposite the bay window is a large arch rather than a single-width doorway. We've chosen to flank the fireplace with chairs (a club chair and a rocker) and to place a sofa facing the fireplace. Sure, the back of the sofa is staring you in the face when you walk in the front door.... but we actually like that it separates off an "entry area" -- we weren't crazy about the house's front door just popping you right into the LR seating area. And someday we'll find just the right console table to put behind the sofa to use as a landing strip.

I'm envisioning a sectional where the staged sofa is with a small return into the room, and then on the wall with the single large chair, 2 small bucket chairs (swivel?) which can be surprisingly comfy. I would try to push the sofa probably closer to the door (maybe a small, narrow table along the return's back for doorway/ landing strip stuff) so that the return doesn't abut a chair on the opposite wall and make the room feel to cramped to walk through. This is assuming I'm judging the measurements of the room accurately...

I would keep a (different) couch where it is, but put 2 chairs perpindicular to the couch (so when you walk in from the front door and look to the left you see the 2 chair backs). This will help separate the space, but still allow for an "airy" feel b/c there will be space between the chairs (as opposed to having a couch there).

Another option would be a bench or 2 ottomans, which would still separate but keep it open up top.

Something needs to be done with the "entry" space though, since this would create a separate living room feel....I can't think of what it needs but will try to come up with something!

PS -- it looks like a great house - congratulations!

I'm kind of stumped as to furniture placement, but my first thought is that you can minimize the feeling of "falling into" the room from the front entrance by placing a waist-high shelf perpendicular to the wall next to the door (and opposite the wall of french doors to the dining room) to create a kind of hallway. If the shelves are open (like those Ikea Expedit shelves) it wouldn't be claustrophobic, and would steer foot traffic along a particular path through the room. It would also make for a good landing strip when you walk in. Anyway, maybe you'd be able to figure out more easily where to put the couch and chair(s) once you add that new "wall."

I agree with a sofa facing the fireplace with a console table behind it. This will create a nice table with a decorative plate for dropping keys when you enter. Chairs on either side of the fireplace with a coffee table and rug pulling it all together in the middle.

Small sofa with its back to the dining room, with a sofa table behind it. Sofa can be also be an El, with its second side backing up to the window (with a little air between).

Small white painted and glass-doored piece for the media components so it reads like part of the fireplace, or do a built-in. Small-scale armchair in that same corner, in front of the media piece.

If you still need more occasional seating, and have the room once everything else is in place, I'd find a small bench or daybed the approximate width of the sofa, and place it in front of the fireplace.

Keep furniture slim enough that you can group it in the fireplace/window corner of the room and let traffic flow around the arrangement rather than through it. I like the suggestions above to use the sofa with a console table to separate the entry. Also think about getting by with less seating for every day but having additional seats that can come out only when needed: ottoman instead of coffee table, stacking stools, chairs from adjacent rooms.

Change the light fixture chandelier thing immediately.

Thanks so much!! Please keep the comments coming! And for those who say they have similar set ups in their homes if you wouldn't mind showing me pictures that'd be lovely also!! And thanks for the well wishes!!! :-) Definitely will send more pictures once we get in and settled!

SG

I've seen one fabulous solution to this problem that was streamlined and a bold statement. Try two identical 9 or 12 foot couches -- straight down both walls. The wall facing the windows is the accent wall, go strong on the color. ALL the storage goes into shelving that balances the doorway on the other side of the fireplace (it would be wonderful if you could build-in, of course) and use a number of small accent tables rather than side tables or a coffee table. Double chandeliers and sconces -- go for mood lighting. An art deco or other period cabinet opposite the door as coat storage. Basically, it becomes a true lounge.

Oh man, get rid of that fan lamp if possible!

What you really have is not a 19' x 12' living room, but a 19' x 12' living room and entrance combo. Thus, your living area is probably more along the size of 14' or 15' x 12, and that needs to guide your furniture selection.

What makes it feel awkward is the lack of a doorway to the kitchen and closet beyond the living room, opposite the front door. What is behind that wall? Is it the kitchen? Is there anyway to put in a doorway there? If you can change that, it will make the world of difference.

In any case, I agree that your best bet is to face the sofa, or better yet a sectional, towards the fireplace, and place a console table behind to better define the 2 areas. I would also put a gorgeous rug the length of the entry (allowing a sufficiently wide wood border). A classic deep, deep red Persian would be nice.

As others have mentioned, it will be very important to find furniture, especially the additional chair or chairs, that are not too bulky. For example, instead of a sofa with wood legs, a sofa with metal legs and a lot of "air space" underneath will feel more airy. You may be able to find a small-scale armchair, but a slipper chair will be easier. The furniture currently in there is far too bulky.

If your taste runs to the modern, Le Corbusier's LC-2 furniture series is a nice neat size, and very handsome. The series marries well with more traditional pieces and architecture; it would look smashing in your living room sitting on a big red traditional Persian. (looks awesome in dark brown, although maybe not with a deep red Persian!) Look around for vintage ones (e.g. on 1st dibs), which would add a nice textural element to the room. The design appears to be more or less the same vintage as your house, which is why I mention it.

I know that on top of the mantel seems to be the most logical place for a flatscreen, but it is really too high for comfortable viewing, especially in the size of that room. I would put it to the left of the fireplace, hanging it seated eye-height (putting it just below the edge of the mantel), on one of those arms which allow you to swing it out and angle it (so that it is not obscured by the fireplace surround). Having a custom unit built would be the best solution.

I think it would be lovely to bring in some of the original historic character of your home back into the living room with a vintage lighting fixture from an architectural or salvage company or vintage lighting specialist. I am guessing your house is '20s-'30s, and think this light would look gorgeous:

http://www.eclecticrevival.com/fixture24.htm

Good luck!

I personally do not like TVs above fireplace mantles. Especially if you have nice and low furniture. Do you really want to tilt your head all the way and look at something mounted just below the ceiling?

Here is what I would do:
Console table with storage to the left of the fireplace (as you suggested) with the TV on top of that. TV may be placed on the console or mounted on the wall behind it.

Main sofa - should face the fireplace. With this arrangement, you can watch TV comfortably AND you will create and foyer/entrance area from the front door.

I suppose the main sofa can be a sectional, but I prefer 1 or 2 chairs placed across or perpendicular to the sofa.

That is a tough one--I have a 12x16 living room, so I can relate, but I have it a little easier because of your door situation. I'll second the suggestion that furniture legs (having "air" beneath the furniture) makes a huge difference.

I would place the sofa in the same place (a sleeker one of course) and place two airy chairs opposite it. Behind them, I would place a narrow credenza on that wall and place the tv there, so you can see it from the sofa, because I agree that the tv over the mantle will cause neck strain. If all of the above works, you will have to walk through the seating area to get to the other rooms, so coffee table choice will be important. You could flank the sofa with end tables instead. But I see no other option other than placing the couch perpendicular to the door wall, which I consider bad feng shui (having your back to the front door).
If that does not bother you, then I agree the console table behind the sofa is a great solution.

Thoughts to consider: is there any other room where you could watch tv? Will you use your formal dining room? Using the rooms in a different way might solve your dilemma.

I would do a three-seater sofa facing the fireplace centered in the room for the most part. Then a long ottoman/bench with cushions under the window. If possible add another chair in by the french door. Then you'd probably have seating for at least six.

I agree it's tough because of the circulation pattern. I would take a look at this blog http://www.younghouselove.com/2008/03/weve-been-benched/ They have a slightly similar layout. For your room you don't need the dining setup like they have, but could probably use a small upholstered bench in front of the fireplace. I also agree that TV above fireplace is not a good idea - it's actually placed way to high for comfortable viewing. Put it on the long wall. Additionally, for your landing strip you may be able to place a credenza sort of thing where the plant currently is, and create a nice display with photos, artwork, vases that you see when you walk in the door. Good luck!

Definitely sofa facing the fireplace and definitely console/landing strip behind the sofa. I second the use of a runner to delineate the "hallway," that is, running a narrow rug from the front door, parallel with the sofa and console. If that's a matching arm chair I can see in the next room, through the doorway, I would put another low console/window seat under the large window, and one of the arm chairs to the left of the fireplace as you're facing it. Put a floor lamp behind that chair to add a lighting level to the area. Storage/shelves under the window seat. Then, on the wall across from the window, making another vignette with the other chair, a small table, and a reading lamp. You'll have separate areas, enough room to move around, etc. Make sure to anchor the living room area, as opposed to the hall area, with another larger rug. A low coffee table would complete the look.

Keep this rhyme in mind: Accent chairs, buy in pairs.

Here are a couple of more ideas to put together the room:

A vintage '30s torchière, which can be easily found in antique lighting stores quite cheap:

http://hidden-valley-antiques.com/photos/torchiere1.JPG
http://hidden-valley-antiques.com/lighting.html

These are beauties!

(not sure if they are authentic? ; check here for more info: http://jetsetrnv8r.wordpress.com/2008/08/28/vintage-furniture-corbusiers-lc-series-–-real-or-fake/ )

The store, Red Ticking, was featured today on AT:

http://www.1stdibs.com/furniture_item_detail.php?id=302131

Here are some ideas for rugs; for the most part, these are investment pieces, but look around at estate sales for some good buys, and check sales:

http://www.therugcompany.info/woven-classics/the-rug-company/ushak-501.htm

http://www.yossawat.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/The-Right-Track-by-Peter-Cohen-4.jpg

Bonne chance!

http://www.wovenlegends.com/lgrubiapages/rbi523.html

http://www.wovenlegends.com/lgrubiapages/ru17.html

http://www.wovenlegends.com/lgrubiapages/rbi3176.html

http://www.wovenlegends.com/lgrubiapages/ru12.html

http://www.wovenlegends.com/lgeuphratespages/4008r04.html

http://www.wovenlegends.com/lgeuphratespages/4004r08.html

http://www.wovenlegends.com/lgkentpages/s9r01.html

http://www.wovenlegends.com/lgkentpages/s43.html

http://www.wovenlegends.com/lguskudarpages/sy223a.html

http://www.wovenlegends.com/lgsardispages/7999s07.html

Oops! Forgot to mention that the ideal coffee table (frequently paired with the LC2, which was designed as space-saving furniture) is the Noguchi.

The glass top keeps it light and airy, as does the organic shape.

http://www.dwr.com/product/living/coffee-tables/noguchi-table.do?sortby=ourPicks

Once the seating is in place, put down a carpet to pull it together and define that area as separate from the entry. Maybe a 5x8, 6x9. There should be 2 or 3ft of wood still showing all around it.

my living room is very similar. i like the sofa facing the fireplace with chairs flanking the fireplace. you have a couple of other areas though where you can place pairs of chairs with tables. not a fan of the tv over the fireplace, a real pet peeve actually. i chose to put my console table on the wall to the right of the door instead of doing a sofa table, it allowed me to push the sofa closer to the door to get some more space in the very small living area. here's some photos of my (very unfinished) living room, i do have a coffee table in the middle - it's in the shop. http://www.flickr.com/photos/29585051@N00/sets/72157623315551647/
my tv is in the armoire, in the future i'd possibly like to place it above a sideboard in the same spot to open up more space.

I love it, you're just like me! I have no idea how to put furniture in a room, either. I really admire people who have this talent. Good luck to you!