Off centre fireplace and awkward entry door

9 years ago

Apologies for the pictures not being ideal but we need help.

We recently moved into a beautiful old tenement with amazing high ceilings and an old fireplace.

However, the fireplace is off-centre, the door is at the back and side of the room and there is a long radiator on that wall. The previous owner had electronics fitted to mount the TV on the fireplace which perhaps limits the possibility of moving the sofa away from the wall.

We would be willing to replace one or both sofas we have as they have seen better days but have used them as a starter set until we could make informed choices. Advice on possible arrangements would be incredibly helpful.

I have always wanted a full wall of books so we have bookshelves to go on the wall behind the floral sofa though that could be changed if people have other ideas. Also we then probably wouldn't want a full sofa there so we could access those shelves?

The issue is balancing the room and keeping pathways clear while also being comfy.

Any and all advice appreciated. Again, the pictures may not give the best indication but hopefully someone has an idea out there. Thanks!

Featured Answer

PRO

Create Perfect

9 years ago

Hi Amiduncan,

I think you need to utilise the space a little better. Consider using the middle of the room - furniture does not have to be pushed against the wall. Depending on the look you are going for and the size of furniture you will have.

There seems to be a lot in here and fairly large pieces. That is fine but it will restrict where things can go.

I offer a affordable by the room planning with 3D renders to help visualise, if you wanted to email a few dimensions through to gina.everett@createperfect.co.uk I can look at a price for you.

This room is similar in sizes and lost dining the space to make a more comfortable seating area with a larger number of seats. Putting a large chair in the back corner with side table was ideal for balancing the off centre fireplace.

I look forward to hearing or seeing more of your project.

All the best, Gina

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Comments (15)

cheddarmum
9 years ago
Love your coffee table
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minnie101
9 years ago
Hi. It's a beautiful room. How deep are the shelves? Are they to fit wall to wall? I've found a pic showing shelves adjacent to a fire with a similar gap between fire and shelves. Ideally I would have them wall to wall and take them over the top of the door. Again if possible I'd move the tv here and fit it on a swing arm bracket and paint the back of the shelves a dark colour so the tv blends in. In terms of layout I would have the sofa where the brown one is but In a lighter colour so it's not quite as dominant. Add an upholstered footstool in front for extra seating (a glass table would work better but consider if you need extra seating). You could also add a slim side table on the rhs of the sofa for a lamp. You could have an accent chair on either the left or right side of the fire facing the sofa. Zone the seating area with a rug something close in tone to the floor or it could make the room feel smaller. Add a large mirror over the fire. If the tv needs to stay here you could add a much larger mirror behind the sofa, floor standing would be good, but bear in mind it would reflect the tv and you may need to change the radiator! I like the table in the bay, perhaps move the flowers here and consider painting the chairs lighter, in the future clear chairs may be good, ghost etc as they don't visually fill a space. IF you can I'd find another home for the furniture in front of the recessed cabinet.
amiduncan73
Original Author
9 years ago
Thanks for all your comments. The furniture up against the wall by the fireplace isn't actually supposed to be there. It is mainly a collection of the shelving for the wall, our coffee table chest will go into the centre (unless it ends up feeling too bulky) and the white unit we will get rid of. We just have no space elsewhere to store it. The space we have is small- beautiful but small. The table has to stay where it is but I agree with you about switching out the brown sofa. It is far too big but obviously a sofa is a big investment. What colour do you think? I don't know that I want more grey in the room. I don't think we could move it any more into the room though as it would be too close to the fireplace. Annoyingly I think the TV does need to stay above the fireplace at least for now but we will properly wall mount it. Definitely keen for an armchair by the fireplace as both have suggested. Would you then say the space by the fireplace by the built in should be left empty?

Y
Stephen Edwards
9 years ago
I know it may seem a bit awkward, but have you considered hanging the door the other way so that it opens against the radiator (a doorstop could stop it hitting)
minnie101
9 years ago
I hadn't initially spotted the trunk, it looks quite slim and should hopefully work in that you can move around it plus it brings furniture into the middle of the room. In terms of the sofa my first choice would be green if you want a colour rather than a neutral and it looks as if you like that colour anyway! I think a chair could possibly work either to the left or right of the fire. It's hard when you have furniture in a room but cutting out paper templates of everything or using cardboard boxes always works. At least the tv isn't taking up room :) good luck in whatever you do, it really is a lovely room
Carolina
9 years ago
I've been following with interest. It's a lovely room. I was thinking purple or green for the sofa. You could cover the radiator; there are fairly simple DIY covers available that look more attractive than the radiator. I would place a chair on both sides of the fireplace. Angled towards the sofa. Think about lighting too. Floor lamps, chandelier, lights on your bookcase that shine down on your books.
Carolina
9 years ago
Something like this perhaps? http://www.made.com/orson-3-seater-sofa-pansy-purple
Carolina
9 years ago
But grey or cream will work too and are 'safer' colours for a larger investment. You can use colour for accessories like cushions and a throw
amiduncan73
Original Author
9 years ago
Still want to get these sofas replaced and need to tidy up a bit but I'm definitely feeling like I have made some progress.
denise7125
9 years ago
I think you should live in it a while and get a feel for the room rather than rushing, it looks better already
Carolina
9 years ago
Lovely! I like how you've made space for the painting in the bookcase.
minnie101
9 years ago
Definitely progress, it's looking much better. I might just try moving out the White unit to give the fire some space but take a pic and see what you think
Carolina
9 years ago
Agree with Minnie about the white unit. I just assumed it was there temporarily.
PRO
Feature Radiators
9 years ago
Changing to a vertical radiator should help a lot. It will free up wall space for the sofa and look much better. I would recommend a steel column radiator like our Classic as pictured. Give us a call on 01274 567789 if you need a help sizing up.
Radiators in narrow spaces · More Info