Living Room Furniture Arrangement (was Interior decorator on a budget)

ictulips02

Mar 4, 2015 at 7:30am

There is also a Raymour and Flanigan outlet further out 22, quite a ways out. The stock is cheaper, but not always plentiful.

TarheelsInNj

Mar 4, 2015 at 7:31am

Great! We're not quite ready to pull the trigger so I'll definitely shop around. That one just caught my eye.

Love this one at Macy's
http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/karlie-fabric-sofa?ID=1878851&CategoryID=35419&LinkType=#fn=PRICE%3D0|699.99%26sp%3D1%26spc%3D20%26ruleId%3D%26slotId%3D6

We've had this one in our family room for years and it cannot be beat for value and durability.
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S29840520/#/S29840520

pmartinezv

Mar 4, 2015 at 7:40am

West elm also has some nice ones if you can get them during one of their 20% off sales.

This one comes in many colors:

http://www.westelm.com/products/paidge-sofa-h211/?pkey=csofas%7Call-sofas%7C&cm_src=sofas||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_--_-

And I love this one but may not be your style. Also in many colors:

http://www.westelm.com/products/finn-sofa-h764/?pkey=csofas%7Call-sofas%7C&cm_src=sofas||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_--_-

And another that is also nice.

http://www.westelm.com/products/livingston-sofa-h553/?pkey=csofas%7Call-sofas%7C&cm_src=sofas%7C%7CNoFacet-_-NoFacet-_--_-&group=1&sku=6070270

TarheelsInNj

Mar 4, 2015 at 7:49am

@pmartinezv I like the first Macy's one you posted, and am going to try to ignore the fact that it's on a BIG sale right now cheese

Those are some nice choices at West Elm too.

@dg64, the Karlstad is not exactly my style but I was intrigued by @afa suggesting you could change out the legs. Doesn't look like it comes in a tan though, and that's what I'm leaning towards.

pmartinezv

Mar 4, 2015 at 7:52am

TarheelsInNj said:
@pmartinezv I like the first Macy's one you posted, and am going to try to ignore the fact that it's on a BIG sale right now Those are some nice choices at West Elm too.

@dg64, the Karlstad is not exactly my style but I was intrigued by @afa suggesting you could change out the legs. Doesn't look like it comes in a tan though, and that's what I'm leaning towards.

Macy's I ALWAYS having a sale. If you do decide to go for it, wait until Easter, Memorial Day or some other "special" holiday for an additional coupon. Also if you don't have the Macy's card, get it for this one purchase. Interest free and you get some additional benefits. I cut up the card right after to prevent any further use. Same with West Elm. Their store card is one of the very few I ever got because for such a large purchase you get 10% back in West Elm Dollars. You can get a couple of items a few weeks after buying the couch and you can close it immediately (after paying it off of course!).

afa

Mar 4, 2015 at 8:02am

I don't want to keep pushing Ikea, but this one comes in tan, it's a little less modern looking than the Karlstad, AND it has a cushy bench if you're into putting a bench in the window seat:

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S09033807/#/S49033787

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S99033643/#/S59033602

AND WASHABLE COVERS. Seriously. So important. Between the dog and the baby, there's going to be pee on the couch. And other things.

pmartinezv

Mar 4, 2015 at 8:08am

afa said:
Between the dog and the baby, there's going to be pee on the couch. And other things.

That is why we keep getting leather couches. At the end of the day they are the easiest to clean.

TarheelsInNj

Mar 4, 2015 at 8:10am

OOOOOOH, I like that one! It must be new! (oh, yes, that is probably why it says "NEW" at the top!)

My only hesitation is the back cushions. You can see from our photos that the top of the couch cushion is the dog's favorite hangout spot - and that's actually true for every couch she's allowed to go on, not just our red one oh oh

I've been thinking a couch with a solid back would be the way to go, so I don't have to worry about one holding its shape.

I know it sounds like the dog rules our lives. LOL. That's not really true, but you know what they say about old dogs and new tricks. After 8 years of living with her there are just some battles I'm not going to fight!

pmartinezv

Mar 4, 2015 at 8:12am

TarheelsInNj said:
OOOOOOH, I like that one! It must be new! (oh, yes, that is probably why it says "NEW" at the top!)

My only hesitation is the back cushions. You can see from our photos that the top of the couch cushion is the dog's favorite hangout spot - and that's actually true for every couch she's allowed to go on, not just our red one I've been thinking a couch with a solid back would be the way to go, so I don't have to worry about one holding its shape.

I know it sounds like the dog rules our lives. LOL. That's not really true, but you know what they say about old dogs and new tricks. After 8 years of living with her there are just some battles I'm not going to fight!

He is a member of the family and you are simply giving him a 'voice'. cheese

Totally understandable in my opinion. We do the same thing at our house.

dg64

Mar 4, 2015 at 9:04am

This one at West Elm has no loose back cushions and would complement your armchairs.
http://www.westelm.com/products/wrh-archie-sofa-h951/?pkey=csofas%7Call-sofas%7C&cm_src=sofas||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_--_-

Somethingz_Fishy

Mar 4, 2015 at 9:19am

A couple options...

http://www.clubfurniture.com/padstfaupso.html

http://www.clubfurniture.com/isdsttubafas.html

TarheelsInNj

Mar 4, 2015 at 9:49am

Fishy, I really like that first one! Do they have in-person stores, or just online? I worry a little about buying a couch entirely online, although since it's not our main family room it doesn't have to be super comfortable.

meihua

Mar 4, 2015 at 10:15am

I really like the chairs with the backs to the foyer. I'd definitely go with a bench in the bay window. I like the one afa posted with the storage in it. I'd maybe add a tall bookcase in the corner near the dining room. Also--have you considered getting a radiator cover for the radiator. Even if you keep a couch there (which I like), you can put a lamp or two and some other decorative items. I also like this coffee table from West Elm. http://www.westelm.com/products/cast-base-coffee-table-g803/?pkey=ccoffee-side-tables%7Ccoffee-tables%7C&cm_src=coffee-side-tables||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_--_-
We have an upholstered ottoman (also have little kids) we use now and I really don't like it as it's hard to put glasses and snacks out, even if we use a tray. So if you go with an ottoman, I'd get a storage one that the top can be flipped over and on the other side is solid.

TarheelsInNj

Mar 4, 2015 at 10:26am

Thanks! The radiator does have a cover, albeit not a very fancy one. We have a votive holder back there now. And that's a good point about the ottoman!

pmartinezv

Mar 4, 2015 at 10:27am

For lighting since you have the room, you could also consider a floor lamp that overhangs a bit over the couch. The cord would be behind the couch and side tables.

Something like this:

http://www.crateandbarrel.com/dexter-arc-floor-lamp-with-grey-shade/s233083?b=1&a=1552

Somethingz_Fishy

Mar 4, 2015 at 10:39am

I think they're just online, manufacturer direct, hence the prices.

I bought a couch online and love it. I found what I liked, did a bunch of research on the company and the item, looked for reviews on the specific couch, etc and made sure there was a good return policy.

I looked only at made in the US furniture sites, mostly manufacturer direct, if not completely. I didn't want to pay more for a made in China, big box store product. It can be a risk buying online but it worked for me. Obviously, you should do what works for you!

pmartinezv

Mar 5, 2015 at 4:49am Edited

I was cleaning up today and noticed that we actually have a similar layout although we have one less wall and we do have the fireplace as a focal point. Note that we have the back of the couch against the entrance. I did this to separate the entrance to the living room and create foyer of sorts using area rugs and some furniture to separate each area. I am probably breaking many rules of design but this layout works for us since we use the living room a lot. The furniture is from our condo in JC but right now we don't see the point of replacing it until we remodel the kitchen. The chairs are a little bit far away but we do bring them forward when we have company. The little ottoman is moved for additional seating. And the big ottoman flips for putting down drinks and great for putting our feet up. We could probably use more seating when we have company but we usually just bring over the dining room chairs. Would love to add some seating in the bay window but it is a bit too high for a bench I think. Anyhow, just so you see that many of us are in similar situations.

jmc

Mar 5, 2015 at 5:22am

We have a Raymour & Flanigan couch that might work - it's sounds odd, but it's a chenille tweed, so it looks like tweed but is very soft and comfortable (and cleanable, and hides marks and cat hair). It's holding up very well and is used constantly.
http://www.raymourflanigan.com/meyer-chenille-sofa-200278453.aspx

Ours appears more neutral rather than as gray as it looks online, I think it's because our walls are a light khaki.

TarheelsInNj

Mar 5, 2015 at 5:59am

Beautiful room, @pmartinevz!! Thanks for sharing!

TarheelsInNj

Mar 5, 2015 at 6:04am

@jmc, very nice, I like that a lot!! The one we have now is chenille and dreadful, but this looks like a tighter weave.

mjc

Mar 7, 2015 at 9:29am

jmc, how does the chenille work out with the cat, or is your cat just better-behaved than mine?

TarheelsInNj

Jun 27, 2015 at 3:46pm

Reviving this thread because we're finally ready to buy a couch. Problem is, we can't find what we want!! It seems really simple- solid back, tight polyester weave in beige/tan.

We found one we like a lot at Raymour and Flanigan, but the standard is grey (actually, almost every style we've liked is just grey, I guess that's the trend!). We could get a custom fabric from R&F but it will take more time and cost more. Not ruling that out, though, if it's the best we can do.

http://www.raymourflanigan.com/chilson-sofa-200204561.aspx

I've struck out almost everywhere- Macy's, Ikea, World Market, JC Penney, LA-Z Boy, Bob's, Urban Outfitters, West Elm... Overstock has one that's close but it's $1150 so it's a little pricey to buy sight unseen.

grahamb

Jun 28, 2015 at 4:25am

http://www.roomandboard.com/m/catalog/living/sofas

TarheelsInNj

Jun 28, 2015 at 5:35am

Thanks!! They have some nice options, but in the color I want it looks like it's a custom order that takes 7-9 weeks. I will definitely keep these in mind

dg64

Jun 28, 2015 at 7:40am

Also look at Icandigthis.com They sell custom sofas that are similar to the one you like in terms of lines, but have loose back cushions. Maybe talk to them and they can customize the back cushions for you. They are a NJ business.

PetuniaBird

Jun 28, 2015 at 9:04am

If you willing to live with multiple back cushions - http://harlemfurniturenyc.com/category/living-room/donella-barley-sofa.html

Not the arm you are looking for, but with a single back cushion - http://harlemfurniturenyc.com/category/living-room/azlyn-sepia-1.html

TarheelsInNj

Jun 28, 2015 at 5:58pm

Thanks!

PeggyC

Jun 29, 2015 at 4:41am

I wanted to weigh in on Raymour & Flannigan. We bought a chaise and a chair from them last year because we needed to keep the price down, and now I wish we had gone with a more expensive place that has better quality. Both pieces have shown noticeable wear over a single year, and we only have two people sitting on them. When I sit in the chair, I feel/hear the support under the cushions shifting/creaking/cracking? The back of the chaise gives under my hand with a distinct "pop," almost as if the curved shape is supported by thick cardboard. The cushions on both are sadly flattened from just one year's use.

I don't know who makes their furniture, but I would be very very careful about buying something there. It gives me a distinct feeling of "you get what you pay for."

We just bought a sofa from Pottery Barn that I really like so far. Color is "light wheat," which is a very pretty tan, in the performance suede fabric. Even though it was a custom order, it only took five weeks to get it delivered. It's the Cameron style, which has three large loose cushions across the back, but I am pretty sure they have other sofas that have the solid back. The Carlisle comes to mind. Or a tufted one, maybe?

I know, I sound like I'm shilling for Pottery Barn, but I'm much more pleased with our purchases there than anywhere else in recent years.

TarheelsInNj

Jun 29, 2015 at 4:59am

Thanks PeggyC! That's good to know. With two rambunctious boys and a dog, I'm inclined to spend as little as possible but I see your point as well. I will take a look at Pottery Barn too!