I've said it a million times, my living room layout is not ideal. As much as I adore my home.
The space where I can actually put furniture is quite narrow, as I have to leave a 'hallway' behind the seating in order to be able to reach the bathroom and bedrooms.
The previous owners had a sectional in the room, which worked ok for them. However, when researching my furniture options, I opted for a sofa and 4 chairs instead.
The two leather chairs by the window are recliners and where you can most often find Sweetie and myself, on the evenings we are at home.
The two white chairs swivel and rock, so folks can swing around and chat or watch TV.
I really tried to maximize seating for when I entertain, since I really love to host dinner parties.
Funny thing is....nobody ever sits in the living room when I entertain! They all gather around the kitchen counter!
Go figure.
I have been trying to figure out a coffee table for the living room since I moved in. I still haven't come up with anything, and I'll be in the house two years in April.
The nesting tables were originally against the wall, as in the photo above, and could be pulled out as needed.
However, I've noticed that my family is too lazy to pull them out. They'd rather put their beverages right on the hearth.....or even directly on the rug.
Um......NO! That's NOT OK!!
So, when I packed away all the holiday décor, I put the nesting tables right in front of the sofas.
But I think I hate them there. No....I KNOW I hate them there.
The search continues for the perfect solution. Or even if it's not perfect....perhaps something that doesn't make me crazy every time I look at it.
It needs to be very small in scale, as the space we are working with is limited. I've been doing a lot of searching online, trying to find inspiration.
This one's nice, but of course no longer available. Figures.
However, I think I'd prefer something with soft edges so I don't end up covered in bruises when I'm trying to get around my living room.
I have often read that if you have a small space it's a good idea to have furniture that seems to 'float' in the room, as it doesn't take up visual space. This Lucite table is a good example of that, but I'm not sure I can deal with a Lucite table in my country home. It seems very modern to me.
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This one seems interesting - it can be narrow for everyday use, and then the side portions open out when needed. It's from Ikea, and the price is good.
This little table may also be an option - the dimensions are right, and I could use it as a desk for my laptop when I'm working from home.
But, ouch, those sharp corners again! I just know I'd be all bruised up.
I'm pretty clumsy like that.
Plus....it's kind of boring.
So, then I get thinking of something softer like an ottoman with a tray on top.
This one's nice and neutral, and a pretty good size. Good price, too.
This one's also a nice, neutral option, and super inexpensive.
How long would it take my daughters to destroy this one with the ivory fabric?
I love these x-style benches, but I'm not sure about the stripes on this one. Not sure it's right for my home.
This one is very current, with the nailheads....maybe a little TOO current for my eclectic country style living room.
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Perhaps a round ottoman is a better idea? This one is a great size....not a bad price....neutral color. I like the legs, and the tufting....hmmmmm.
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I'm also kind of drooling over this super cool carved coffee table from World Market. It's 28" across....might be just a teensy bit too wide.
What do you think? I'm definitely open to suggestions! The space I have to work with is so narrow, I think I can't go more than about 27 inches wide with a round option, but with a rectangular option I think it may have to be more like 24 inches wide, maximum.
Help!?
You might try something like my round red ottoman I ordered from Target.
ReplyDeleteBrenda
I'm considering a round ottoman, but I want to keep the color neutral as I really like to change up the colors in my living room from time to time.
DeleteOh- So many choices. We have two separate 'living' areas and I use an ottoman in both of them. I have a 'throw' over them and then I use a tray that can be moved around at will. It works quite well for me. I had a round one at one point but we did not like it as well- it seems that it didn't 'center' properly so no one could use it comfortably (if there was more than one person sitting there. Good luck---decisions, decisions, decisions...Oh! and in my sitting room I have a "concrete base" with a piece of glass floating on it with well rounded corners and it is perfect for there. xo Diana
ReplyDeleteI think your home is a good bit bigger than mine, easier to figure out what to do with it. My old coffee table, which is quite large, is perfect downstairs in the girls' family room space, but it's an easier layout down there. Sigh, the search continues....
DeleteI have a very awkward living room layout too, so I feel your decorating pain! I bought two round leather storage ottomans a few years ago from Overstock. You can take the tops off and so not only can you store stuff in them (which we never did), but you can then flip the tops over and the other side is a handled tray. Perfect for holding food, drinks, decor. Ah - I just found it - though mine are a darker leather:
ReplyDeletehttps://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Safavieh-Round-Storage-Tray-Saddle-Ottoman/4236583/product.html?recset=f3b1c153-5670-47dd-8173-cd0d572d1fab&refccid=4JUNXOIXL2D2AZSHDHPKV2D55M&searchidx=13&recalg=63&recidx=13
Another idea in general, though I don't know if this would work for you. Do you really need all that seating? If not, I'd suggest removing the two white chairs and bringing the sofa and two leather chairs closer into the fireplace area so that they're flanking the fireplace. Put a coffee table in the space between the seating area. You could put a sofa table behind the two leather chairs.
DeleteBelieve me, I thought of everything, Melanie! We do use all that seating when we have family gatherings, and still have folks sitting/lounging on the floor. Plus....I paid a fortune to have those chairs made, so there's no way I'm putting them down in the girls' pigsty! The room is quite long, if I brought the seating in front of the fireplace it would leave quite the 'void' on either end of the room. Uggghhh, long narrow rooms are rough!!
DeleteThe other thing to consider is push the chairs back to the wall and give up on creating a walkway behind them. Who cares if the path goes in front of the chairs? It would open up your area for a larger table and create more space in the room itself.
ReplyDeleteI thought of that also, Carole - perhaps I'll give it a try, and see how I feel about it. No doubt my rug would get destroyed, with a path down the center, but maybe the pros will outweigh the cons.
DeleteLove seeing your home, get so many new ideas from bloggers. I like to move furniture around for different arrangements. I like the drop leaf table, so many possible functions for it. I look forward to your blog each day, your home looks so inviting for relaxing, cooking and entertaining. Look forward to spring to see what project you will be completing, love spending time outside and getting some exercise. Winter time makes me a little lazy, so look forward warmer weather.
ReplyDeleteWinter makes me a little lazy also, Theresa!! Every spare moment I have, I seem to be sitting on the chair by the fire reading a book!
DeleteMy living room is also a problem for me as it doubles as the entrance, the passage to the dining room/kitchen and to the stairs for the bedrooms! I admire how you found so many ideas for your coffee table. I like the idea of the drop leaf table... I'm not sure about the black Ikea one... But it also could work well as your armchairs are light.
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of the dropleaf table but I honestly think that one would be far too wide....sigh. If only I had the skills to make my own table!!
DeleteI love how your home is set up and I think it's perfect <3 I actually am more inspired when I look at how people make smaller spaces beautiful AND functional!
ReplyDeleteXO Ellen from Ask Away
www.askawayblog.com
That's what I'm working on now, the functionality!! I don't know that I'm ever going to find the right coffee table....I might have to think outside the box here!
DeleteHow about a pretty garden stool?
ReplyDeleteOoh, a pretty garden stool - good idea, thanks Diane!! I'm off on a search!!
DeleteI agree with your assessment of the set of tables currently being used as a coffee table. There are some really nice upholstered "tables" that also offer some storage. Something on casters might come in handy... Also agree with having your "hallway" behind the furniture. xoxo
ReplyDeleteOh, I'd love something on casters! I seriously may have to think about creating something myself! And you just made me think of the wicker basket that's underneath my china closet - I keep my tablecloths in it, and it's on casters....might just be ideal!! You're one smart cookie, can't wait to get home and try it out! xoxo
DeleteSo many great choices. I am loving the round ottoman idea. Good luck I know you will find just the right piece.
ReplyDeletexoxo
Kris
I did love that round tufted ottoman, Kris....
DeleteWe had the same problem with an odd shaped room and small space. We found that a low to the floor rectangular ottoman at Home Goods fits perfectly and didn't overcrowd the look of the room. It is padded fabric covered and is comfortable to put your feet up. It has ball feet and are low to the ground. The top looks like the one with the nails above. A tray would go good on it. One problem.....the neutral color got dirty fast and pilly. I just have a throw over it. Hope that helps!
ReplyDeleteAnd I just know my girls would destroy something like that!!
DeleteThe world market coffee table is awesome..
ReplyDeletePlease visit: http://from-a-girls-mind.blogspot.com
It really is, isn't it? Unfortunately I think just too large for the room. Oh well.
DeleteI have an awkward living room too...only one arrangement. I like the round ones you found the best...I found a round glass table that I'm considering...the glass doesn't take up visual space. Good luck on your search! ;)
ReplyDeleteI have had a glass coffee table in the past, the only problem is having to dust it pretty much every single day, with the wood stove!!
DeleteI feel your pain, Debbie. My house is so tiny and the living room and den both have a lot of doors and pass throughs, so the furniture placement is a nightmare. Everything has to be the right size (small) and the right scale (small) so the room can live large. Can't wait to see what you choose...lots of pretty here...
ReplyDeleteYou've done a great job with your room, Kim, everything looks perfect in your home!!
DeleteWhat a dilemma! The options are not great, and I totally understand your frustration. I too have a very small space to work with, and a walkway that goes through my living area. I've tried many different arrangements, like you, and would like to have a coffee table but have just given up on that idea. I like the idea of a small ottoman with a throw and tray on it. Good luck with your dilemma :)
ReplyDeleteThanks!! Sounds like you and I are in the same boat!!
DeleteHello Mountain Mamma,
ReplyDeleteOf the options you displayed in this post, I am loving the round, tufted ottoman with the cool legs. It is soft and doesn't have any sharp, bruising corners. One can set a tray on top of it for beverages, etc., it could also be used as extra seating during social gatherings, and it can easily be moved around and used a as foot stool if desired. I'm looking forward to seeing what you finally come up with. I know what ever you decide will be beautiful, just like the rest of your lovely home.
Blessings,
Mrs.B
I liked that ottoman also, Mrs. B, but ended up shopping my own home and coming up with a solution that doesn't drive me nuts!
DeleteHow about this one? http://www.worldmarket.com/product/wood+and+metal+multi+level+coffee+table.do?&from=fn with its side table (if needed) http://www.worldmarket.com/product/wood-and-metal-multi-level-accent-table.do?&from=fn . I saw it in person and it is quite sturdy and well made.
ReplyDelete- Sasha
Or 2 of the side table to form a multi-layer coffee table that can be pulled closer to chairs by guests when needed.
DeleteI love both of those Sasha and had looked at them previously but the dimensions didn't quite work for my teeny tiny living room. Love them though!!
DeleteI was very interested in this post because we have an awkward living room too. Small and with only one short section of wall against which to put or too-large sofa. We definitely would have bought different living room furniture if we'd been able to start with all new just for this house! Really makes for challenging solutions, doesn't it?
ReplyDeleteIt sure does, Leigh! I see all these gorgeous, perfectly proportioned rooms all over blogland and come home and see all the imperfections in my own home....despite the fact that I love my cozy home!
Delete