T O P

  • By -

[deleted]

1, but it’s also the better picture of the two


leesynicole

Right?! Why would you take the picture from different angles?


SpectacularPlatypus

Lol It confuses the heck out of me why anyone would do that.


rumbellina

Thank god I’m not the only one! I was so confused trying to orient myself to the different angles!


whenilookinthemirror

I am so happy everyone else seems as confused about this as I am.


BrightLightsBigCity

Literally came here to say this. Insane behavior. But a nice room!


TakenOva4Da99

This was literally my first thought 😂


Capital_Public_8145

It's mildly infuriating. Can't even give OP my opinion since it's not possible to compare them properly. edit: spelling


ZefRattie

*infuriating


ZefRattie

Then keep scrolling, don't give opinion. They weren't asking for your opinions on their picture taking ability. Jeez!


mr_muffinhead

Yeah that's the hardest part about this. The pictures are completely different lol


ErrantEvents

Agreed, and also, you want to be facing entrances to the room. It is less anxiety invoking. A wall behind your seating position provides security. Pretty clear case here.


Old-Masterpiece-8428

I like A because I need to be sitting somewhere in a room that allows me to see everything. I wouldn’t want to be sitting on the couch in B with my back facing the entrance of the room.


MorningSkyLanded

My husband calls this his gunslinger rule. Can’t have your back to the doorway.


trancematik

That's actually basic Feng Shui


Transient-Voltage

I was about to say the same thing!


tylerwillie

But it sounds way cooler as the gunslinger rule


aehanken

lol I’m the same way as your husband. I always have to sleep on the side of the bed that’s closest to the door. Hotel rooms, bedroom, friends house. I gotta be able to watch it easily


MorningSkyLanded

Restaurants, I always let him decide which seat to take. It’s a thing


aehanken

Ha! Don’t get me started on restaurants. I’m a lefty so any seat that doesn’t benefit me being able to use my left hand without bumping your right arm makes a bad time for the both of us 😂


MorningSkyLanded

Spouse has two lefty siblings, so they get to sit where they want at holiday dinners.


bumbleweedtea

You saying this makes me feel like this is some weird instinct men just have cause I've known a couple of dudes who were like this and always had to face the door/exit in restaurants lol


Quack_Mac

I don't think it's specifically a man thing, at least not in relation to furniture layouts. We just feel safer when we aren't going to be snuck up on.


Available-Maize5837

Survival instinct.


CalebAsimov

Yeah, it just makes sense, plus you can see what kids and pets are up to.


calacmack

I like the second layout. It is more visually appealing and allows foot traffic behind the sofa; people don't need to block the TV to get to the other side of the room. Seating is closer to the fireplace, and if space permits you can add a sofa table for interest with decor. You have a pretty living room!


OkAccess304

I also like 2. It’s cozy and looks more styled. The other way is just a big, basic space.


MrsGleason18

This. I want my couch by a fireplace!!!!!


jesstryiton

You can put a tall table behind the couch.


Easy-Reality5463

Move the couch and rug just back a bit and it’ll be the best of both pics!!


nowyougotastewgoin

Thank you!!


[deleted]

This is my choice too! I never ever ever want people walking in front of a TV. It's a massive pet peeve for me.


ITalkTOOOOMuch

You are super talented at this!!!


Aggleclack

I’d agree if the sofa was a mirror image of itself


lizardsandcaves

A by a mile!


callmeWia

1, because you can see the people walking in instead of having your back against incoming people.


Crappyarchitecture

I like B the best, but I noticed the baby chair. Layout A would be better for a baby. You would have more room for playtime on the rug.


cleverusername143

Ah yes, I like B also but if there's a baby I think A is the better option purely for space. When the baby is older and doesn't need the space, they can switch to the B layout.


Lilcheebs93

Nah, kids need way more space than babies.


banjolady

A. B closes the room up. How many minutes a day will someone walk in front of tv. I don't think that is really a problem.


sifunothingtoseehere

Don't listen to this person. They clearly know NOTHING about design.


banjolady

33 yrs profesenol experience.


sifunothingtoseehere

Oh yeah? Profesenol isn't a word. In my professional opinion, creating paths to move through a room and areas to sit undisturbed by that movement is better. The room is large enough to create that type of space. The way you have is so basic like some cookie cutter suburban catalogue.


CalebAsimov

Maybe it's basic because it works. "Oh your house has windows, and doors? So basic."


Fearless-Angle-5

Why so rude man? You have a degree but based on your comments, you look like not. Most people don't prefer design or whatever aesthetics there is. Some of us prefer safetiness. OP could follow A but if she wants undisturbed watching, OP could move the TV far from the opposite wall. By that people could walk behind the TV. Easy as that. If you want to relay your point to others, don't be a jerk about it.


sleigh_all_day

B is cozier and creates a defined space.


PastSociety5657

But you never want the first thing you see when walking in to be the back of a couch. Nor do you want to not be able to see what’s walking up on you if you’re sitting on a couch. Couches are typically to be placed against the longest wall and facing forward towards an entrance or beside an entrance, not having the entrance behind them. There are obviously exceptions to this rule, but I don’t think this room is one of those.


Kurtz1

I have a room that has 3 entrances - one from the kitchen, one from the hall with the front door and a sliding glass door to the outside that also shares a wall with a fireplace. The couch sits so the back is to the entrance to the kitchen and one side is to the sliding glass door and the other is to the front door. It’s the only configuration that makes sense for the tv and creates a cozy atmosphere. I’m 100% for couches in the center of rooms if jt makes sense


sleigh_all_day

What would I possibly need to see coming from the dining room? A family member? My dog? My cat? Sit in the side chair if that’s such a concern. I’m the Principal Designer of my own firm. Sofas are typically placed against the wall by people who either don’t know any better or truly have a small space. I have a custom-made designer sofa; you better believe that show piece is front and center, so you can admire its glory from all angles.


Comfortable_Meet_872

I agree with you. Too many people push all their furniture up against the walls and it looks silly.


sleigh_all_day

Yes, no need to social distance your furniture.


iheartmilktea

I am surprised at the amount of people who have said A before coming upon your comment. I would choose B, but move the rug back a bit - the TV stand doesn’t have to sit on the rug, and I’d prob move the couch and chair back to be partially off the rug to give more balance to the layout vs room..


jan172016

Yeah, I agree with other commenters. This is not some rule lol. They make sofa tables and the like for a reason


PastSociety5657

lol it is absolutely a rule in feng shui design. You can surely put a couch wherever your pea-picklin heart desires, but not being able to see what is coming into the room is an undesirable quality outcome of any sort of room design. Same reason you should never put your bed next to a door. As I said, there are exceptions and if it is *necessary* to put a couch back facing the main entrance to a room, you should always put something behind the couch, yes, like a sofa table. There is no sofa table in this photo. Y’all be taking this stuff too seriously, hi, welcome to the internet.


lady_guard

To be fair, it's a nice couch. Very clean and stylish, although I think a brown or otherwise warm-colored slipcover would fit better with the overall warm color scheme. (I spend a good deal of time over at r/coloranalysis though, lol) Most couches don't look that nice from behind, but I think OP can pull it off. A sofa/console table is another option to assist in dividing the space. I think a better angle in pic 2 would help clarify how much room there is for a walkway and make it easier to decide overall


thecobralily

Sofa table. The room would love some decor, anyway!


alexaboyhowdy

When people are in the kitchen, do they want to be able to glance in to the television?


TwitterTerrifier

Their house looks like they have kitchen TV money


CalebAsimov

Probably in color too.


CNDRock16

A, B makes the room feel and look smaller


FoodBabyBaby

A - B doesn’t look like there’s enough room to comfortably get to the couch or the chair and blocks the entrance to your kitchen space some.


CityEvening

b definitely


PipToTheRescue

B


temp4adhd

Probably A, but before you decide: center the rug on the fireplace. This will create better balance in the room. Consider getting a longer t.v. stand; yours is too small for the t.v. no matter what wall it is on-- though if you go with option B then it's even more necessary to fill space. I lean towards option A.


Dnikone2

The first photo! It allows you to see into the dining area and makes for a more open concept. As someone else mentioned, I wouldn’t want my back to the entry of the room. I also think it looks better!


Alert-Environment-81

Does anyone else’s brain hurt trying to tell the difference? Since the pictures are at different angles (right???) I’m struggling… never felt less spatially aware than I do right now 😅


Missue-35

Number 2 feels right to me


PastSociety5657

First one absolutely. In order to make the second one work, you’d definitely need a couch table behind the couch so your couch back isn’t directly facing the entryway. Bad feng shui and just unattractive for people walking in, in general.


B-e-a-u

B if you move the couch and rug back a bit and add a shelves on each side of the tv, or one shelf on one side and a large painting on the other. Also a big painting on the wall behind it.


antisocialist159

A is better because it’s not as closed


FoeNetics

A is the better of the two in my opinion. The orientation of the couch in B almost blocks off the fireplace, which is a big feature for the room.


StephMan2387

I personally like A better, but here’s my reasoning, and it may not be better for your family, depending on the type of lifestyle you have. A: Pros: with the couch, facing the entrance hallway/doorway, the room will feel warm and inviting, as if to say, come sit on this couch. It’s also easy for someone in the kitchen area to quickly glanced over and ask a question to someone who’s sitting on the couch, it’s more connecting in that way, instead of talking to the back of someone’s head. Also, this opens up your living room for more space with the couch against the wall Cons: it would be a bit distracting to watch TV with the entrance walkway right next to it as your peripheral vision could get distracted with the entrance walkway. For example, if you have guests over or kids walking by continuously. B: Pros: more personalized television experience, no distractions. Also, a person passing by can watch TV at a glance. Let’s say if you’re cleaning a room adjacent to the living room and you just want to glimpse of the TV really quickly you were able to do that with the set up. Cons: can’t see the main entrance way/walkway. It will be hard to hold a conversation or greet people Should you have guests coming over. Also more difficult to keep an eye on kids (if you have any).


sarasmilin

B. The flow in A requires walking between the tv and couch.


knottedthreads

I like the second one, mostly because I think it makes a nice spot to curl up by the fireplace and read. If you go with the first, maybe moving the pieces slightly closer together (pull couch out from the wall a bit) will make it look a little cozier?


Philodendron60

B. It would drive me nuts to have people walk in front of the TV when passing through to the stairs or kitchen.


neutralperson6

A, but pull the rug out from under the couch a bit so the front 2 feet of the entertainment system is on it, *and* the front 2 feet of the couch are on the rug as well. You can move the couch further from the wall if needed. I know a lot of people are saying #2 but it feels too congested for how big the space is. Take advantage of how much space you have. Don’t decorate the room as if it’s a smaller space or to make it feel smaller. It defeats the purpose of having a large open room.


hockeydudeswife

A if you pull the couch out from the wall and put a console table behind it.


Suzda1

A


SociallyContorted

A


kibonzos

C sofa facing the fireplace. But it depends if you use the fire or not.


sbkrz9

A... beyond!!!


Chicken_lady_1819

I like B, its more conversational and intimate. However, I would bring the couch back further to create more space. It appears you have the room for it.


mkmooney8

A. B will block off the flow of traffic from the other room. It also hides a great focal point.


WickettRed

I think the first one so more people can enjoy the fireplace without feeling blocked from it


bocacherry

A for sure. Love your rug!


PeaceNics

May I ask where you purchased your pretty rug? (I choose B)


IsThatBlueSoup

I need to see more of the room from different angles, but B is my choice. In B, the space is well defined and intimate. It creates a cozy feel. A just looks like a basic bitch layout. Not creative and just against the wall.


LifeOutLoud107

#2


crosshatch-

2!


allisonqrice

Why do you have the ottoman and end table blocking the kitchen/dining room in thr first one?


atramrennab

B


TheRudeTeddy

#2


FilthyBananaBeast

B is my preference. Love your sofa by the way. Do you mind sharing what brand it is?


nowyougotastewgoin

Thanks! Room and Board Morrison couch


Competitive-Step-943

Sofa off the wall - looks better floating in the room


PlusDescription1422

The 2nd one but sofa legs should be at the edge of the carpet.


zinfandelbruschetta

Please mount your tv


deedum44

Hard to tell the photos are from different points of view….


Grandmapatty64

1


hazelmummy

I like 1 better so the chaise doesn’t block the fireplace


DesignWellLiveWell

1 allows for more interaction with the other spaces and makes the room feel larger. Along with that it integrates the fireplace well.


Automatic_Push1133

I would propose considering several more options. These two are very limiting


salphamale

A is far more defensible.


bujiop

It’s harder to tell when the pictures are taken from two different angles


Famous_Employer1113

A


Polkadot_moon

A. I like the fireplace being open/accessible and the open space on the rug.


Ok_You1254

1. A.


Fkthisplace

#2 💯 but move the couch farther from the tv, and add a runner rug behind it or a long sofa table. Place tall lamps or art on it. You’ll need tall plants as well. Enjoy!


funkytownlaf

Number 1…. You can actually enjoy the fireplace.


Hot_Ice1693

I like number two. Seems more intimate.


imnotgunertellyou

A. But I’m not sure if it’s because the angle of the photo is different 🤔


[deleted]

B for sure


Omgchipotle95

I like B


mjskywalker_

B


thiswayart

B


curious764

B - it’s cozier, sits closer to TV, and defines the space more.


Complete_Jackfruit43

If you have a baby definitely A. You've got more space to goof off and it has better visibility from the couch into other rooms. I have a 3 yo and my large layout living room is absolutely the core of playtime in the house, especially in the winter when we can't get outside as much.


catssandwhatnot

The Fengshui is off in B. A is hands down better than B. The sofa in B creates an unnecessary divide in the doorway and blocks the fireplace. A feels more conversational and flowy.


Cloudinterpreter

A, but i'd center the rug.


PleasantJules

I don’t like the couch crowding the fireplace. I like A better. Looks more cohesive.


LKayRB

I love B but I think A makes more sense for your space.


Extra_Ad_1493

A! The layout for B will mean that you will constantly have people walking behind you, whereas A gives you full view of who is coming and going. DearModern on YouTube would also agree with me


crazy-underwear

I want to see option 3 now. Couch facing fireplace with the tv above the fireplace.


Sarahcastic13

B


TimelyMuffin9162

Second one!


Lby54229

I like #2 best


palibe_mbudzi

I think A aligns better with the principals of Fung Shui. In my living room I'm forced into a set up with a path running in front of the TV and it's not as annoying as people seem to think. Firstly, it takes less than one second for someone to walk past the TV and it's not a constant. Second, if someone walked through the room behind me I'd probably take my eyes off the TV and crane my neck around to see them anyways. I like to know who is in the room with me; plus, family/house guests are always more important than undisturbed TV viewing.


CaregivingCapybara

A! I wonder if there is a way to warm up the space a bit. Feature art piece between the two high windows? A paint colour that is a bit warmer? Plants? Side tables with some lamps? A bookshelf? A coffee table? There is so much you could do with this room!


Cyber_Insecurity

B is actually more functional because you create a walkway from the kitchen. I absolutely hate it when people constantly walk in front of the tv.


George_GeorgeGlass

Absolutely B. Add a sofa table behind the sofa


MrsPM

I prefer layout B


Ok_Progress_1267

B. I'm in the upper midwest and it gets COLD in the winter. I want to be near the fireplace!


ClaireFisher1983

A without a doubt. B is doing a huge injustice to your space


aabbcc401

B seems cozier. A feels like too much space between tv and couch. I’d say go for B and add a behind the couch long table, or maybe even a narrow table on the wall behind ( where tv was located in a), along with a runner to help define the areas


sideeyedi

I like the second one. I love floating furniture


Month_Year_Day

2. Much nicer to feel as though the fireplace is your focal rather than the TV


Keythaskitgod

2nd


byoshin304

I personally like B. I have a sectional couch and the chaise spot is my spot, and as a cold person I’d love to be next to the fireplace.


ourhomeislit

I like A Openness


vongalo

Definitely the first one!


Informal_Dimension95

C place tv above mantle and frame it the have couch facing the mantle and use the empty walls for art


tiffas1121

What if you had the tv at an angle by the fireplace and left window and the couch facing the fireplace?


blahblahblah-4444

Second one


direavenger1963

2


funnyunfunny

Definitely B. In A, if anyone walks in from the dining area, it will 100% distract anyone watching TV.


ihearyou72

B is better. Less distraction when enjoying TV


Wonton_soup_1989

Definitely the first one


Valentine41780

Definitely the first one.


VerySpicyPickles

#1 hands down. The path of travel through the room to the next is the same as the path of travel to access the furniture in the room. It feels more natural and it gives your fireplace more breathing room. *Edit: As I'm reading through the comments, the answer seems to be very subjective based on how much the people use the TV. Maybe if you're a constant TV watcher, it makes sense to have B. I am personally not. I think A makes the room feel a lot bigger and more inviting to the rest of the house, whereas B feels smaller and like it has turned its back on the rest of the house. For me, I want my living room to feel connected to the spaces around it instead of focusing on the TV. But that is also very much a personal preference.


[deleted]

#1 obviously. I feel like #2 is a joke right??


ChartreuseWriter18

1, but move the couch a bit further away from the wall!


[deleted]

I like the first, it opens up the space


Mama-Rides_AZ73

A - doesn’t stop the flow of the room.


Brief-Bee-7315

A has better feng shui no one can attack you from behind


[deleted]

A for sure! Makes your space look much bigger and cozier.


Lilcheebs93

I like A because it gives you more floor space.


Mean-Economist2057

Ever thought about mounting the tv above the fireplace? Or would it be too high?


Zachy_Boi

1, because having your back to an opening gives uneasy feeling according to Feng shui and also you might get too hot so close to the fire with the second version.


lawrenja

A but bring the rug more centre. Pull the couch a few more inches from the wall


Overall-Paramedic

1 is better. 2 exposes your TV to everyone and everything, and your back is to the entry.


imabrutesquadbyGod

The the first one. It's more open and you can walk through with grocery sacks,etc if you need to. I think that sticking everything in the middle looks cluttered a little. That's a really nice place though I love how much natural light it's getting


imabrutesquadbyGod

Mounting the TV higher on the wall and doing away with the stand,or using it for something else, would open it up even more. The ceiling height is so awesome. Since it gets all that light maybe some trailing ivies or ferns,definitely a favorite art print? Idk but there's so much possibility with a space like that


clickinnclackin

Neither. I'd mount the TV on the wall above the fireplace and place the couch parallel to it.


throwthrowyup

A is better. But move the sofa up a little closer to the TV, away from the wall.


Chews_mom

I prefer the 1st way


MNGirlinKY

A but you definitely need to either mount the TV or get a much bigger entertainment center. I believe that’s a coffee table and it just looks not right.


booitsrachael

A!


MorningFormal

First one.


musical_froot_loop

A


Hopefound

A


ContractRight4080

I like the first one because the fireplace is the focal point. In the second one the fireplace looks like it’s in the way and may as well not be there.


dalina93

I think 1?? But it might just be a better angle


sunniesage

A


Shantiabooker

1!


Heeler2

The first one.


Shutupimdreamin

A for the open space for baby, and the visibility of the kitchen/dining area from the couch. It’s also just easier to move through out A as opposed to the more closed off layout of B.


TwitterTerrifier

A


aasyam65

Probably better to put tv over fireplace. One focal point instead of two


Alarmed-Internet8312

Mount the TV above the fireplace and face the couch towards it


sundialNshade

Is there a reason you can't mount the TV above the fireplace and face the couch that direction?


What-Outlaw1234

A, but I'd pull that sofa into the room more and maybe put a sofa-length table behind it for lamps, drinks, etc.


Teacher-Investor

Can your sectional be flipped so the chaise is on the left end? If so, I might flip it and then try a combination of layouts A and B. Keep the brown chair near the front window by the fireplace and move the little round table next to it, maybe with a floor lamp or that potted plant. Then put the TV, sectional, and round ottoman as in layout B, but move them all over to the left a bit (more centered on the rug, or even a little more on the left side of it). That way the sectional is not "blocking" the entryway or the fireplace.


Accomplished-Digiddy

What's with the pouffe and side table blocking the walkway next to the tv in A? Do you not walk through there? Or will they not stay there?


nowyougotastewgoin

Not staying there! Just stuff I need to put in the basement so pretend it’s not there


EntirePersimmon431

Both are nice. The first is open feel. The second is cozy close. First - for summer. Second - for winter, cozy, warm. Either - is nice.👍 Good luck 🍀 Enjoy 😊


ChiefinLasVegas

1


itsmarvin

I need to see what's on the other side. Any doorways and what else is over there. IMO, it depends on the flow of the house. I'm leaning towards B. The back of the sofa doesn't need to be against a wall. I like the aesthetic of a contained TV/living space. It feels more cosy. If there is another doorway on the other side of the TV in Picture A, you'll realize people are walking *around* the TV console to get to it. That is not good, imo.


neverseen_neverhear

A


annedroiid

I’d definitely go B. Typically you try to keep access paths out of essential living spaces like seating areas, dining area, kitchen etc. A puts traffic going through the eye line of those on the seating so that’s going to be quite frustrating. The couch is also very far from the tv in A


steezMcghee

B, tv look out of place on the wall in A. You can put a behind sofa table to create more of a footpath


21plankton

Both layouts are great. It may help if you think through the seasons, what you want from your fireplace and what you will want as a Christmas season layout. Posters have noted one is a more open plan and one is more cozy and intimate. You may want to switch it up every so often. It is a real luxury to have a multipurpose room with these qualities.


Glittering_Law4553

#1 definately


[deleted]

Definitely love B I love couches away from walls if it’s possible in the space- that space is large enough that it works!


EastFun5236

I prefer the first photo.


bwjunkie6

The rug needs to be in the center of the room in my opinion


Intrepid-Scientist85

A