Hi. Lower the tv so that it sits on the tv stand, get a large rug, put a large piece of art on the left hand wall, stop using any overhead lighting and instead use several lamps, and bring in some plants
Potatopotayto
Whatever you do, keep that gorgeous floor
PigWearingLipstick
Can that mirror hang above the couch on the left? Then you can put a large plant where the mirror was. Anchoring the lounge area with a large rug will define it as a separate comfortable space
OkConsideration123
Rug in the living room, one with color. I’d go for muted a green or blue.
New lighting. Change out the boob light with another flush mount. Get a sculptural floor lamp or a lamp that allows for a cool shade. GET RID OF THE DAYLIGHT BULBS, use a warm white light bulb.
Swap out the dining chairs for something that doesn’t totally match the table. It’s too samey.
Lower the TV (this definitely belongs on r/TVtooHigh)
Roman shade on small window. I’d also recommend moving that mirror somewhere else. It’s a great mirror, but is blocking natural light from the window.
For the big window, you could consider thicker and more textured curtains. Raise the curtain rod higher and extend the sides for a grander feel.
Edit: just want to say this is a really solid foundation! Don’t want to come off negative, you have some lovely pieces and a great layout already. It’s just some finishing touches that are more obvious when it’s not your own home.
BinkyX
The “why does my room look shitty” starter pack: Tv wildly too high, lights all down pointing from up high with no shades or diffusers (looks like a garage, not a living room), lights all way to white.
Lower tv to be centered at viewing height while seated, get floor and table lamps that point down and have shades, stop using that broadcasting chandelier and ceiling light completely, replace every single light bulb with a 2,700K bulb. Instant improvement.
julesyboo12
Rugs
Careless_Mango_7948
Put the tv on the tv stand.
Art should be hung at eye level in the center.
Add sheer curtains in between the patterned ones to diffuse light, and add texture & privacy.
Add a large rug. Move the couch toward the tv 3 to 4 feet creating a walkway behind it.
Move the mirror out of the corner & shift the loveseat over 1 foot.
Maleficent_Range852
On the round table question – it really depends on your space. Round tables are better for conversation and feel less formal, but a rectangle usually seats more people for the same footprint. If your dining zone is on the narrower side, round can free up the walk-around edges. If you have enough width, stick with the rectangle but swap the chairs – a mix of upholstered side chairs with wood armchairs at the heads reads “collected” instead of “set.”
For the TV/toddler concern: a low-profile wall mount is actually safer than a TV stand for curious kids. Mounted at proper seated eye level, nothing is at pull-height for a 4-year-old. The stand creates more of a tipping risk than a secure mount would.
And echoing what others said on the bulbs – 2700K makes a huge difference. If rewiring isn’t an option, plug-in sconces flanking the sofa wall give you that layered lamp look without the floor lamp footprint.
8 Comments
Hi. Lower the tv so that it sits on the tv stand, get a large rug, put a large piece of art on the left hand wall, stop using any overhead lighting and instead use several lamps, and bring in some plants
Whatever you do, keep that gorgeous floor
Can that mirror hang above the couch on the left? Then you can put a large plant where the mirror was.
Anchoring the lounge area with a large rug will define it as a separate comfortable space
Rug in the living room, one with color. I’d go for muted a green or blue.
Wall art. The ones you have behind the sofas are too small and hung too high. Get either a bigger piece from a thrift store or do a [gallery wall](https://blog.artfullywalls.com/blog/2021/10/5/corey-damen-jenkins-on-how-to-hang-a-gallery-wall) for the big wall. Could also try a wall mirror.
New lighting. Change out the boob light with another flush mount. Get a sculptural floor lamp or a lamp that allows for a cool shade. GET RID OF THE DAYLIGHT BULBS, use a warm white light bulb.
Swap out the dining chairs for something that doesn’t totally match the table. It’s too samey.
Lower the TV (this definitely belongs on r/TVtooHigh)
Roman shade on small window. I’d also recommend moving that mirror somewhere else. It’s a great mirror, but is blocking natural light from the window.
For the big window, you could consider thicker and more textured curtains. Raise the curtain rod higher and extend the sides for a grander feel.
Edit: just want to say this is a really solid foundation! Don’t want to come off negative, you have some lovely pieces and a great layout already. It’s just some finishing touches that are more obvious when it’s not your own home.
The “why does my room look shitty” starter pack: Tv wildly too high, lights all down pointing from up high with no shades or diffusers (looks like a garage, not a living room), lights all way to white.
Lower tv to be centered at viewing height while seated, get floor and table lamps that point down and have shades, stop using that broadcasting chandelier and ceiling light completely, replace every single light bulb with a 2,700K bulb. Instant improvement.
Rugs
Put the tv on the tv stand.
Art should be hung at eye level in the center.
Add sheer curtains in between the patterned ones to diffuse light, and add texture & privacy.
Add a large rug. Move the couch toward the tv 3 to 4 feet creating a walkway behind it.
Move the mirror out of the corner & shift the loveseat over 1 foot.
On the round table question – it really depends on your space. Round tables are better for conversation and feel less formal, but a rectangle usually seats more people for the same footprint. If your dining zone is on the narrower side, round can free up the walk-around edges. If you have enough width, stick with the rectangle but swap the chairs – a mix of upholstered side chairs with wood armchairs at the heads reads “collected” instead of “set.”
For the TV/toddler concern: a low-profile wall mount is actually safer than a TV stand for curious kids. Mounted at proper seated eye level, nothing is at pull-height for a 4-year-old. The stand creates more of a tipping risk than a secure mount would.
And echoing what others said on the bulbs – 2700K makes a huge difference. If rewiring isn’t an option, plug-in sconces flanking the sofa wall give you that layered lamp look without the floor lamp footprint.