Thank you everyone for your great ideas! Actually, the room is not as dark as you think - the window is east facing, and we do get a good deal of sunshine through it... I think the pictures don't do the room justice. I do agree, dark furniture does make it seem very dull though. OK, here is what I am thinking at the moment... Unfortunately, the sofa does not fit quite right againt the opposite wall, neither does the love seat by the window (I've measured everything up and the sofas are of the wrong sizes). I'd like to replace the love seat with a couple of chairs (as the love seat is quite chunky, and does dominate the room as you walk in), but I can't justify spending the money on that just yet :( I am planning to buy a bigger rug (thank you for the suggestion, ren2513), I do love the white/cream as we have now, but will go for something with a bit more colour through it, and definitely replace the coffee table with a bright ottoman (thinking something along these lines at the moment http://www.marksandspencer.com/oval-button-footstool/p/p22344378001 colour Measham,Ochre)... And I'd like to move the existing rug behind the love seat. I'd also like to either match the wall paper or a few pictures on the wall to the ottoman (colour-wise) for some continuation. The ceiling lamp shade will be replaced with something a bit more original (this was fitted in a rush when we moved in, with no thought behind it!) All the speakers will go, as I don't think they look right in the room, and will be replaced with more descrete ones :) We are keen to replace the TV stand with Skovby TV unit and a display cabinet (in white oak), so a similar idea to what was suggested by Sauve :) thank you! Haven't decided on the 'behind the love seat' arrangement just yet. Thanks again for the suggestions everyone :)

Yep her stuff is out of mine, did I tell you that before? She was suppose to move into the house and it fell through the day before so all her things bar sofa and bed had to be stored in mine( she got the keys 6days later though). All the upstairs is getting painted just now so they have stored everything in this long living room just now. I've got a HNC in interior architecture but I liked the technical side more and was also worrying of jobs( doesn't seam to be a lot of jobs in Glasgow for interior design) so I swapped to doing architectural technology, this is my 2nd year doing this course so HND, see how this year goes and either take a job at technician or go into 3rd year at uni for same course. I can't draw at all, all done con computer with cad/ sketch up/ and now Revit but I'm hopeless at that just now,, I can trace though lol

Afternoon, As a rule of thumb the ideal size of a pendant or chandelier can be determined by measuring the length and width of the room in feet and adding them together. Whatever number you arrive at will be the diameter of the fitting in inches. For example, your living room is roughly 14’ x 21’. 14 + 21 = 35 Therefore the ideal size for a pendant or chandelier should be 35 inches. If you’re unhappy with the light output, check the stated lumen output on the fittings you bought and do the same with anything you’re looking at to ensure you get more from the replacements. You should also consider adding another layer of light using table and standard lamps. Doing this will increase the amount of light available and at the same time, because you can choose which lights you have on at any time, gives you a bit more versatility and adds a bit more interest to the room. I hope this helps. Kind regards, Inspyer Lighting Design

Going back to a decent layout and taking account of where the electrics are and the radiator, i'd ditch the large dining table idea. Go for a small drop leaf table that can be brought out and extended when necessary but is small enough to provide eating for two the rest of the time without being in the way. You can accommodate two further dining chairs elsewhere to bring out when needed. At least that way you get a good lounge layout. Plus you now have room to walk around and get through the patio doors.