Living Room Layout

[OrionGrad]

If you could have the mantle shortened and put the TV over the fireplace, I think that's your best option. You could have wiring added above the fireplace at the same time so you wouldn't have to see any cords.

[Pollyanna]

If you could have the mantle shortened and put the TV over the fireplace, I think that's your best option. You could have wiring added above the fireplace at the same time so you wouldn't have to see any cords.

Yes this. We have a similar room. TV over fireplace, sofas on either side of fireplace and two occasional chairs centered on the fireplace. Gives us room to seat 8 comfortably.

[SuzySunshine]

What about converting the downstairs fireplace to a fake log one?

Because of the way the house is built/where the gas comes into the house its cost prohibitive to run gas to the downstairs fireplace.

[SuzySunshine]

I haven't thrown the shortening idea out to DH yet, I will have to do that. May also try J's recommendation this weekend. DH is home so we may try some rearranging. I'd like to get some ideas/solution so I can shop for new furniture, we've had this couch/chair since the beginning of residency and its beginning to show its age.

[SuzySunshine]

Here is what it looks like now - wow it is really dark this time of day. Definitely need lighter furniture!

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[GreyhoundsRUs]

Because of the way the house is built/where the gas comes into the house its cost prohibitive to run gas to the downstairs fireplace.

Gotcha!

[OrionGrad]

First, I love your house. That crown molding is beautiful. As for the layout, I like Pollyanna's setup. Would you have enough room for two sofas like that? I can't tell how wide the room is.

[SuzySunshine]

I think the room is 13-14' wide so yes, there would be room. We have one couch perpendicular to the fire place now and its fine but with the TV opposite its not exactly a good flow.

So I guess the next question is who the heck would you hire to cut down a mantle? I don't want to lose the look of it, its beautiful, its original and I really just want to take about 9" off of it...

[Pollyanna]

I think the room is 13-14' wide so yes, there would be room. We have one couch perpendicular to the fire place now and its fine but with the TV opposite its not exactly a good flow.

So I guess the next question is who the heck would you hire to cut down a mantle? I don't want to lose the look of it, its beautiful, its original and I really just want to take about 9" off of it...

I would ask around for a really good finish carpenter. Call some of the high end builders and ask who they use. Finish carpentry is an art, you want someone really good.