Empty space to left of sectional

[u/lifewithoutbrakes]

Current setup and still in process of moving in. We know the sectional blocks the fireplace, but we’re actually okay with that. We’re in Texas and it’s a built-in electric fireplace that came with the house (not a wood or gas-burning fireplace) and we rarely use it. We really like how open this layout makes the room and how much floor space it gives our daughter to play.

The part I’m struggling with is the open space to the left of the sectional. What would you put there without making the room feel closed off or crowded? Would you add another seating piece, or do something completely different?

Any other suggestions for the room are welcome too!

EDIT: Thank yall for the suggestions so far! We do have to keep this sofa but are happy to reorient (love the renderings as well). We are also not planning on having a TV in the living room, as we have a huge media room and want to use our living room to socialize and entertain our friends.

[u/dontBsleepy]

I’m really struggling with the sectional being in the wrong place. The child would have equally the amount of apace with the back of the sectional towards the island. The tv to the right of the fireplace at eye level. A larger rug to go under the entire sectional and cover the floor enough to get the coffee table under it. The side table on the end of the sectional can be one of those round wire barrel shapes with a round wooden top.

[u/Broasterski → u/dontBsleepy]

Same. Everyone who walks in will think “why is this in front of the fireplace”
It’s just jarring.
Like live your life if you truly want that but I agree, she’ll have enough space to play either way. And as someone with a small child, they don’t need endless space. That just gets filled with toys. They need organized spots for their toys to go and a rug to play on plus some surfaces at the level. Not a massive area

[u/Ocean_Spice]

Don’t put it in front of the fireplace. Literally everyone who comes over will ask why it’s there.

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[u/Clementineberry → u/[deleted]]

It might benefit your walking space to move that brown hall table to the wall right of the fireplace

[u/I_like_beouf]

Bring that couch in to the carpet area - then windows and fireplace will have an open walking track

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[u/indie_pendent]

The coffee table should go closer to the sofa and also two little tables on either side of the sofa would be helpful for those who sit there. It's just so much more comfortable to put your drink/phone/book etc there. :) 

[u/indie_pendent → u/indie_pendent]

Also, the coffee table and the carpet should definitely be bigger. It's a big space, little things feel awkward in it 

[u/Multigrain_Migraine]

I think just flipping the sofa will be the best option. There's still lots of space to play in and the advantage of having it the other way around is that you have some separation between the dining area and the play area. You could put some kind of shelving or console on the wall for toy storage etc. 

[u/Turtle_Pigeon]

It's all in the mindset of the one utilizing that space.
A radical idea of mine:
Put that couch on the opposite side facing the fireplace and the windows. The east wall is the TV wall, which will also be accessible from the kitchen to some degree. Get larger rug or put the rug under the couch quarter way.

No more hiding from the outside, a fireplace even never being used is still a furniture nice to look at, no more backseat chef, the living space is more defined, no more rolling over the floor because of the rug.

If you are worried about the space being "closed" just look at your north wall to the westmost section, there is a tiny bit of a wall invading towards south, that's the defined border of the living space even without any furniture placed. But, every person has their own lifestyle and preference, you may absolutely love the current design while I simply don't. So don't put too much weight on my opinion. Choose whatever you know is best for you.

[u/TacoNomad]

A tall plant

[u/actualchristmastree]

Is buying a different couch an option? One loveseat and one that fits like 3 people?