Hello AT,
We are in the process of decorating our living room (we moved to NYC 4 months ago).
We have been searching for a coffee table for a while, but we could not make the final decision.
We liked Parsons cocktail table (48lx24w) from Room and Board in walnut finish and the Par 4 laminate table from DWR...
However could not make the decision as Parsons seemed too big for our space and Par 4 is too expensive and even may be too “square.”
I recently started to think of getting a round or an oval shaped coffee table?
We also need a TV base.
We are thinking of west elm’s modern storage media stand in walnut finish.
However, we could not decide on that one too as we do not want to have a lot of furniture in the room and we do not want to make the TV the focus point of the room.
Another option may be is wall installation for TV and having two shelves for the cable receiver, DVR, DVD player etc.
It would be great to hear your thoughts suggestions on coffee table and tv stand/base and any other stuff-curtains etc.
Thanks for all your suggestions/help!
Thanks! Ismet
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Just a general comment/gripe: For these "what would you do" types of posts, would it be possible to post a thumbnail to a larger/clickable image? It is very difficult to make any sort of assessment when these images are so small.
view hejiranyc's profile
I've seen those railroad apartments you're in on the Upper East Side - They're nice enough, but extremely narrow.
First thing: No matter what you do, the TV is going to be the focal point. Get used to that idea and move on...
Swap the Sofa with the TV - You want to face the entrance when you are seated in the room.
Get a long low console for the TV/stereo/etc, but don't mount the TV on the wall (I dont' think your landlord would appreciate you doing that) You also need an end table or small dresser with storage for books/magazines and remote controls - that goes on the end of the sofa towards the dining area. The other end gets a floor lamp in front of the radiator. Your leather chair sits angled in the corner on the right (not facing the TV) with a small round table and a lamp.
Don't do a coffee table at all - get a round leather ottoman instead. You also need a much larger rug for your seating area - at least an 8x10. The one you currently have you should use in the bedroom or kitchen.
Get some full-length draperies on those windows, but hang the rods so that they extend at least 6" past the window openings - you don't want the draperies to cover much of the windows when they're open.
Consider replacing the retro dinette with something more organic and smaller - perhaps a small wooden pedestal table and just two chairs with a round pendant above?
view bepsf's profile
those are good ideas - but i'd add one small detail - make the ottoman a storage ottoman for storing blankets, throws, if you have friends sleep over for a night. or you could put games and stuff in there. i now have a storage coffee table and wouldn't trade it for the world!
view Joan in SB's profile
Thanks everyone for your comments and suggestions. Bepsf yes we are planning to replace the retro dinette but probably after we find the tv stand and coffee table/ottoman...
view bonosila's profile
I personally prefer the ottoman. You can kick your feet up on it and use it for storage, which is always important in an NYC apartment. As a fellow NYCer, I know how a TV can become the focus of your room. I suggest some good wall art and maybe some shades for your windows.
If you're just looking for a good place to find some nice tv stands at great prices free shipping, try www.TVStandsDirect.com. I got a fantastic TV stand there and couldn't be happier with the way it fits in my apartment.
view tightspaces76's profile