I recently got a new sectional (my husband really wanted a sectional.) I have a great room which includes kitchen, dining room, and living room. I have no choice, but to place this sectional in the middle of open floor against no walls. Its back is to my kitchen dining area. Its front is facing two windows which have a entertainment center with the TV in between them. The only remaining wall, in the living area, to the left of the sectional has my computer desk and office area.
What can I do to make this couch fit in? I have burgundy carpet and the couch is khaki. Currently, my walls are white and my kitchen cabinets are white and I have white tile in the kitchen area. I considered painting the wall a beige color. I thought this might make the couch seem like it blends in and is not such a big couch. I really would like to call the furniture store and say this just isn't working, but my husband would blow a fuse.
By Beanie from WV
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My best advice is to split the couch into 2 sections. That way you can place each to best advantage.
Before I even had read all the way to your idea about painting the room to match the couch I had come up with the same exact idea about painting the walls to match the couch. Painting the wall beige (or even khaki) will make the couch blend in better but it won't shrink the couch. I would paint the wall just one shade darker or lighter that the couch. To make your room look longer, you might consider painting the bottom half of the wall beige & the top half a lighter color with chair-rail molding in between the 2 colors, but it's probably best to keep it simple & in one color.
They make sectionals in all sizes, go in to the store where you bought it (without hubby) & ask them what they have in a smaller size that's still as comfy as the one you bought then ask them about a possible exchange. If they say it's not possible ask for the manager. Then IF it IS possible, then, tell your hubby about it!
Some other ideas: I've had couches that sat with their backs against open space & it can look quite nice! If this bothers you, you can either place a folding screen against or near the back of the couch or hang something from the ceiling behind the ouch (like a piece of 2 sided fabric, beads, or some kind of wall hanging or tapestry.
If you have the money, or sometime in the future, you might consider getting a rug that has khaki in it (either just khaki, mostly khaki or khaki mixed with other colors).
You are probably going to kill me for the this but perhaps you need to purchase a sofa table to go behind each part of the sectional and then end tables to go at each end. These pieces of furniture will tie everything together and take away the "dropped in from no where look" that the sectional alone will cause.
I say leave the couch along and keep peace in the family. I agree with lostinthe get tables to go behind the couch and break things up.
If it seems too big it probably is, at least for your taste. I like Kidbiz's idea. Leave dh the largest section for tv viewing and put the small piece or pieces elsewhere. Just how big are we talking here?
Thanks for some great suggestions. Some of you have said split the sectional up and asked just how big is it. Well, I would like to split the sectional up, but then I would have 2 one armed love seats, a totally armless chair, and a wedge. Previous info is also an indication of its size. My old living room furniture was in the open floor too, but it was much shorter and 3 separate pieces. I agree that some tables, pillows, and beige wall paint would tie things together. However, I am afraid adding more stuff would look even more cluttered. Also, not sure that it would fit without blocking the walkway around the sectional.
The island has beautiful gas logs under one side, which you can no longer see when you are in the living room area because the couch is so tall and like a big barrier. Maybe this is just not my taste. The room has cathedral ceilings and it is a large room. Maybe somebody else would think this sectional fits? To give my husband some credit, I do love to sit on it :) Previous furniture didn't have any recliners or any comfort factors. Again, thanks for your suggestions.
On an episode of Sell This House (A&E), Roger Hazard divided the sectional into the parts you have. He put the chaise in an adjoining room. He put the remaining four pieces in each corner of the room he was designing. The turned out to face one another and encourage conversation. Yes, I think the furniture would look smaller if it could blend into the carpet and/or the wall color wise.
Is it possible to get your husband to agree to returning this furniture and getting a smaller sectional? I am thinking a sofa with a chaise should meet his needs. If he likes to lie down, there is nothing more comfortable than a recliner. Is he willing to return the sectional and buy a recliner? From the way it sounds to me, almost anything would be better than what you have.
Why are you so afraid of your husband? Why would he "blow a fuse" over not having his own way? To me, it sounds like something you should be able to discuss with him like adults. Best wishes always.
When I read your dilemma, I thought you were living in my raised rancher! Sorry I don't have pictures.
First, adjust your mindset to: This a challenge/chance to reinvent you living areas instead of OMG there is a monster in our midst. Tame that monster - laugh at it, then get serious:
Blanket throws and pillows in the carpet color will bring the sofa more in tune with the room, providing warmth and a cozy feeling. To create a "conversation area", place an area rug in front of the sofa with a coffee table, both that YOU love, which would make it feel more like your choice.
Feel like it is getting crowded? Opt for hanging lights on thin cords over ends of sofa for reading, etc. Get rid of end tables and other cluttering objects, including knickknacks. The less clutter, the more open feeling. Possibly paint the island to match the carpet with accents in the sofa color. For a more radical change, paint the kitchen cabinets in a warm sage or even khaki. White creates light, but is a cold color that usually needs softening.
Would love to see the results; sure they will be spectacular!
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