apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Maybe a couch isn't the way to go at all. Why not try some lightweight foam furniture that can move around? I saw some foam pieces at MoMA recently that were so cool -- I'm sure someone (maybe Ikea?) makes an affordable version. They're also fun for kids to jump around on and make into a fort.

Is that a fireplace? I'd try to make that a focal point--maybe with a secondary sitting area?

I like the sectional idea, but could the TV go on the wall where the recliner is (with a stand, of course)? I don't know the cost differential, but if I were you, I think I'd opt for a cheaper sofa & 2 chairs--but same deal with facing the wall where the recliner is. Personally, the off-center nature of the built-in bothers me, but if you used it more as like a bar or something, and have it fall into the background, it would be less noticable. Your TV would also be at a better height for viewing, I think.

Good luck!

Normally, I would tell you to rip out that built in (it looks like cabinets with a countertop) to gain some more room, but being a mom of a 3 yr old myself- you need that space to hide toys etc... in. Also, putting that tv up on top with all the equipment is safer than about any other option at this point- I just lost a dvd player to sticky fingers. I think a sectional is a fine choice, a nice sized sofa with chair would be a good choice too... especially when you don't want to sit by the kids. But....I would look for a less expensive option. Kids are hard on furniture. Even the most well behaved ones. Also, I think you are smart to focus the furniture toward the tv for now. That is what everyone will be looking at- I finally gave up with "focal points" at my house- the kids watch tv- and so do I. I may as well admit that fact and live with it- comfortably. As for fabrics- The darker the better for now- and a microfiber will be your friend since they can be cleaned, a leather would be good too....

My sister has three kids and a dog. She opted for a warm brown leather sectional with an emphasis on a rich warmth. It gets jumped on by kids and the dog at times, and just seems to get softer and more broken in with time. You can accent with pillows to tie in your wall colors.

Everything seems set too high in your room though.

Your pictures are way, way too close to the ceiling. I would get a neck ache in that room. By bringing things down, including moving the tv to a stand of some sort, things might seem warmer.

And if that is a fireplace as someone mentioned, I'd turn the room in that direction with the built in behind the sofa for storage.

BUT, lower your pictures!

Hi

Thanks so much to all of your for your help!

A couple of responses/questions:

1. Nope, that's not a fireplace, though I see how it looks like one. It's kind of an odd alcove space, and right now there's a mirror leaning against the wall in it for my kid to look into.

2. I agree, the pictures ARE too high! It's the doing of my wonderful but very tall husband, who thinks lower pictures are too low. I'll work on him--and hopefully your opinions will matter.

3. Sounds like a leather sectional is a good idea, but I wonder about the feasibility of finding one that isn't either incredibly ugly or incredibly expensive. We have a leather couch upstairs and so far it's held up well. Any ideas on where to find a reasonable one? Online?

4. I think for both safety and cost reasons moving the TV to the wall where my husbands Lazboy-- which predates me!-- resides isn't really possible. It's also worth noting that the heating unit runs along the base of that wall.



Please keep it coming, this is so helpful!

Since you have some nice colors going on with your walls, I would stick to a neutral leather sofa and add some pillows or accent chair with more color (that great red from the wall).

As for that sofa, check out this amazing leather modern sofa at Macys. They are having a big sale now too. The color would go great with that built in.

http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=252510&PseudoCat=se-xx-xx-xx.esn_results

I however would suggest anything but orienting it toward that built in (it would close off the room). Put it against the right wall. Add a small but cushy chair that would face the builtin and put that tv at an angle in the left corner of the room on the builtin. =) It still gives you good viewing from all the seating but wont close off the room. Good luck!

Macys used to have an incredible furniture care package - when something spills, you call them and they send people out to you to clean it. This is an added cost but I have friends with 3 kids and their sofa set looks almost brand new and its nearly 8 years old.

"I however would suggest anything but orienting it toward that built in (it would close off the room)."

I agree with this suggestion. The room is off balance (besides those too high pics! *wink* lol)

This is a wonderful suggestion-- my favorite! We can easily reorient the TV (I just checked) and can fit an 80 or so inch sofa along the right wall, and a comfy chair about 34 inches wide facing the TV. Thank you so much-- I will start shopping tomorrow!

Hi

Today we did it--purchasing a new HTL antique coffee leather sofa, chair, and ottoman --for under $2K. They get delivered Wednesday and after we readjust everything I'll send in pictures. Thanks again!

Sara

GREAT! Can't wait to see it!

I have pictures but can't figure out how to post them... help!