Number and Size of Sitting Pieces for home with flow thru Living room/Kitchen

Hello everyone,

My wife and I are struggling with the optimal furniture arrangement for our living room which is connected to our kitchen. We currently have a La-Z-Boy reclining sofa that is 90 inches, a stationary 87 inch sofa, and a la-Z-Boy recliner that is 38 inches wide. Both of the couches will go but we will likely hold onto the recliner but it would go in another room.

I have attached photos of the room and two different furniture configurations that we tried living with for a week. I'm not sure how to best place new furniture in the room. I worry that if 2 couches or even 1 couch and 1 love seat will be too much for the room. The Your Way couches seem like a great value but we haven't sat in them yet....we did sit in a your way motion recliner and did not like it.

We live in Florida and are planning to fly up to visit Fearless Leader the first weekend in March. Definitely want leather and would like to consider a green piece but not sure if that works with the current color scheme.

My wife and I have no decorating sense and the previous owners had a great deal of it...hence that chandler choice lol.

Any advice or thoughts to consider would be much appreciated.

Cheers,

Jason

I have ideas for that space, but the question is how far do you wan to go with it? Total clean slate? Or leave all "as is" and just do furniture?

How many people use the room on a day-to-day basis?

What are the approximate dimension of the room? (to the edge of the entry door on room depth)

What is the size of the TV?

Haha...how far...well we moved into this home in May and we have a bonus room over the garage that needs to be finished. That being said. The floor is not going to be changed. The carpet and coffee table can easily be gone. The end tables can also go but we still like them. The wallpaper and curtains match well currently but we don't love them...we would need guidance on where we would be going with them. All sitting furniture can go.

People use the room on a day-to-day basis: Just my wife and I currently although there is likely to be a little inconceivable running around here by the end of the year. This space is also our primary entertaining area and all of our friends have young children. No cats, no dogs, and no plans on getting one in the future.

Approximate dimension of the room: The wall behind the TV (wallpapered) measures 201 inches, the perpendicular external wall (with windows) measures 190 inches to the entry way from the main foyer. On the perpendicular internal wall there is a cutout for the entryway into the dining room which measures 87 inches long (including pillars) and is 57 inches from the main foyer entryway. There is a fireplace behind the TV measuring 75.5 inches wide and 58 inches tall.

Size of the TV: currently 65 inches but...I dream of larger haha...but that is low on the list but will be a TV of 75 inches or up when it does happen. The speakers on the floor (white fabric squares in the photo) also need space and there are 2 large Mon-block amplifiers, a A/V amp, and a blue ray player on the TV stand.

We are almost certainly going to go with a protected leather since we will likely have a small child in the house, our friends have small children, and most importantly that I am a sloppy eater and find ways to make a mess wherever possible. And since I have trouble wearing shirts that have stains on them (of which there are many), I don’t want to have that feeling of disgust every time I sit on my couch and see the stains. Also my wife is opposed to blues as she finds the color to be cold and a bit depressing.

Very much looking forward to meeting you in March...getting an in person experience with the leather....have to think that reading about it can only get you so far. Any tips for ways we can prepare for our visit? we do need to order some leather samples before our visit.

Thanks,

Jason

Let's start with Clean Slate, just for fun and like all things, advice is worth what you pay for it and this doesn't take the place of being on-site and actually in the space. Photos can be deceiving but its what we have to work with.

Primary goals in your 17' x 16' room would be to 1) make it appear larger 2) get everything off the floor 3) clean up the overall look and get a more cohesive flow. Challenges are the very wide open entry to the dining room which would be too costly to close up, and two windows on the opposite side that we have to put pieces in front of as we have no other options.

1) Clean Up. The Wallpaper and dark brown walls go as do the curtains and rods - they are awful quite frankly. You have blinds on the windows, that's all you need. Use just one color in the room, a neutral off-white as you have on the other walls. As you have (4) light cans already, remove the chandelier and install another can there. The chandelier is bringing the room "down" and is not adding any kind of architectural interest. The rug would go. Wood floor are excellent as they are, and the decorative moldings are very nice.

2) TV comes off that stand and gets wall mounted above the fireplace. You can use a pivot or drop down mount as a option if you want to bring the TV down to watch. The speakers that are wall mounted are fine, but will have to come up. The two subwoofers would go on top of cabinets, you would need two of each of this or something similar to flank each side of the fireplace. This is by Hooker and is 46" long. All your stereo and TV components go in here as well, No larger on the TV.

https://www.mantelmount.com/products...4aAsjkEALw_wcB

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3) A natural fiber sisal style rug in the colors of the inserts of the above cabinets would look great, and not be that large. About a 5' square.

Attachment 14333

4) Furniture. Your room should have an "L-shaped Sectional" and possible a recliner built into a segment facing the TV over the fireplace, the LONG part of the sectional would be in front of the two window, the short part extending into the room. Then a single chair in the left corner of the fireplace area, brought closer to the sectional. The Coffee table you currently have may be too large, and possibly replaced with a square ottoman that can nest up into the sectional corner.

That's it for starters!

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What an in-depth plan!! Lots of great ideas!

We hadn't noticed how much the light fixture was bringing down the size of the room....so we will look into removing that from the space. Thank you for bringing that to our attention. We re-arranged the furniture last night (pictures attached)...think it definitely opens the room up. I added one extra picture from the dining room into the living room for spacial context. I also added a picture from where the TV is looking back into the living room and into the kitchen so you can see the full space.

My wife and I have gone back and forth on the sectional discussion...we think we would rather have two separate pieces (a couch and love seat or 2 love seats) with a recliner potentially. This would allow for a corner table and make it easier to lose the current center coffee table and put an ottoman in its place. Also it would give us flexibility in the future if we want to have more pieces that allow for reclining as we are currently giving up a reclining sofa for potentially 0 reclining options.

What do you think of couch under the windows and then love seat facing TV with a recliner next to it? Seems like we have the room for it currently as the full length couch and lazy boy recliner allow for enough passage from dining room into the kitchen.

Thanks,

Jason

Two pieces instead of a sectional is doable, however I don't think you can successfully place a recliner at the end of the one sofa. If you want to set the room in that manner, I would use a loveseat-based sectional with dual recliners and console in the middle instead, with a stationary sofa on the window side for the other piece.

This concept (not necessarily the style or color) give you two very comfortable recliners with armrest (console) for the TV and stereo enjoyment, and there are USB ports aplenty in that storage area. Headrests are articulating in this series as well. Can be battery powered if no outlet if nearby or if you would have to run wires across the floor.

Attachment 14356

Is that a BY design? I have not seen that in the H&M line.

And just to make sure I am understanding your response, you think a typical love seat (minus the console) with a recliner next to it would look strange?

Thanks!

Yes, that is Bradington Young, they make consoles for their motion Sectionals (Hancock and Moore does not). Motion loveseats can be ordered, but the consoles give you an armrest for your inside arm.

Correct, I definitely would not place a recliner next to a loveseat as per your picture, you don't have enough room for that and it appears awkward - that's not a good look.

I would also want two couches instead of a sectional there so I could have a corner table. I think the plan of a sofa under the windows and then another across the room makes sense. You seem to have plenty of room for a full size sofa there, or a longer love seat like the one Duane mentioned.

I would not put a recliner next to them, that just looks weird and it makes that walkway narrow. Recliner can go in the corner by the dining room, or if you REALLY want a recliner facing the TV and don't want the reclining sofa or loveseat option, you can get two chairs and put them there instead of the second sofa.

Thank you for the feedback and insight. The stationary sofa and reclining love seat combo seems like a good one for the space.

Our concerns with the reclining love seat

1. We sat in in a your way motion recliner and did not like it....I'm not sure if the sit of the recliner in this series is predictive of the sit in the love seat...or if there are different seat or back cushion options that could improve the comfort for us.
2. I have read on the forum multiple times about the weight of these your way motion sofas being a big problem...requiring four guys for delivery and being a real pain if moving...is this not the case for the love seat?
3. I have also read on the forum about concern for children playing with the buttons and/or pinching their fingers....is this a real thing or just theoretical?

One of the reason we were thinking about a recliner is to avoid the issues with #2 and #3 but perhaps these aren' that big of a deal anyways.

Thanks,

Jason

If you didn't like the Your Way single recliner, then you would probably not like the loveseat, changing the cores won't make a big difference, those are small adjustments.

Yes, dual power recliner sofas are a problem to deliver, requiring wide entry doors and we use three men on delivery locally. Two actually deliver it through the door, the third guy is the spotter when one of the other guys starts to run out of gas. That's another reason I like that B-Y unit with the console in the middle, that delivers in three pieces making installation much easier.

There are no safety stops or pinch protectors in anyone's recliners - including the one you now own. So yes, a pinch or cut can be an issue if kids are allowed to horse around on the pieces and one gets underneath the unit while another is playing with the switches. The key there is to put the unit off limits to kids for that sort of playing - kid DO listen if you set the boundaries.

Does that B-Y unit sit like the Your Way recliners?

Fair point on the boundary setting.

Does our dislike of the sit of the Your Way recliner make us unlikely to like the sit of the deeper Your Way sofa?

I had been thinking the Sundance in Portfolio Tobacco (a rare grade 3 leather in the T&C program) is about as good a value as possible in the T&C sofa lineup but it's not 100% about getting the best bang for your buck.

Thank you

It's nearly impossible to make comfort suggestions and comparisons, because everyone likes something that suits them.

Reminds of me of some of the flowery tastings notes on wines such as:

"Vibrant aromas of dark fruit, baked cherry and saddle leather are underscored by notes of caramel. The palate is full-bodied and rich with flavors of dark berries, vanilla laced with leather, mocha and spice. A round mouthfeel backed with concentrated tannin structure leads to a complex, long finish" Smith and Hook Cabernet 2017

I have that wine at home - don't taste any of that. lol.

A lot of the comfort factor depends not only on height, but weight. Inseams can vary greatly as well, someone with a 29" inseam isn't going to like the same recliner as someone with a 35" inseam. I have my own favorites, but they may not be yours, and I don't want to sway anyone buying something based on what fits me, You can take a chance and dive in, or see if you can find one to try out in person. One of my personal favorites is the Hancock and Moore 1044 Sadler Recliner and I have one in the store. I have people come and say "I don't like how that 1044 feels". <shrug> Not much you can say!

Sundance sofa - remember this is super deep at 50" and also has a curved back and front. I think it would overwhelm your room and its not the best shape to pick when doing any "L" layouts. Sorry. Ricki sofa and loveseat may be far better for your application and has about the same interior space. Check it out.

BTW, the Hancock and Moore Your Way / Your Way 2 Motion uses the same mechanisms as the Bradington Young 900 series / 200 series motion furniture, so the difference is foam up, tailoring and frame. If you don't care for the Your Way Motion sit, you probably won't like the Bradington Young units either because dimensionally they are very similar and foam / cushion and frame pitch changes from one maker to another won't make much more than a 10% difference one way or the other.

Hi there,

Sticking in my 2 cents. What do you think about your fireplace? Do you love it or would you like to have it re-worked. My impression of it after you posted the pic looking to the kitchen (btw, I love open concept & architectural details) could be that it is a little heavy with all the wood, even though it is painted. (or it could be the wallpaper/drapes bringing me down - I agree with Duane, take down immediately). If you rework it a little, you can work on getting that tv up there and hiding the electronics. Maybe have buit-ins put in to hide the speakers? Changing the fan to a can is also excellent. The ceiling will soar without it. Now, a painful thought that may cause a LOT of go-arounds as it did with me and my husband. We both love surround sound but I finally put my foot down and made him put some of the speakers in the wall. We still have a few in a huyuge entertainment built in unit but when we sell this house and move, I guarantee you no one is going to see anything except possibly a sound bar. (he doesn't know this yet - haha). Here's how one person did it https://roomfortuesday.com/surround-...e-living-room/ My speaders are actually in a piece of furniture, some it behind doors with speaker cloth. So whoaa, this was all off on a tangent that you didn't ask for so sorry about that.

Back to furniture. How many people come over? Another possibility is long sofa by the windows, two reliners or swivel chairs opposite the tv for you and your wife if you like watching tv and relaxing in the evening. Two lighter chairs facing the sofa. Are you still looking for traditional look with big cushioning or something a little sleeker. I happened to sit in an anton swivel in a store here and loved the feel. However, I'm hoping to get a roomba - haha - so am looking to raise all my furniture on tapered legs. The arrington chair does that. My husband and I both sat in a your way recliner, so we are debating who gets that on (unfortunately that one will extend to the floor, but so worth it!). So two recliners, if you find some with a sit you like, with tables nearby to hold a drink (opposite the tv might be interesting). The chairs opposite the sofa, I would make lighter, in case you want to move them around. Something like the boomerang chair?

I just wanted to throw new thoughts out there. After 35 years, we've been tearing the house apart and re-doing everything. Have fun with your project. OH and +1 on the Ricki. I've sat on that one, quite comfortable and I think Duane has one, for now =)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by drcollie

Two pieces instead of a sectional is doable, however I don't think you can successfully place a recliner at the end of the one sofa. If you want to set the room in that manner, I would use a loveseat-based sectional with dual recliners and console in the middle instead, with a stationary sofa on the window side for the other piece.

This concept (not necessarily the style or color) give you two very comfortable recliners with armrest (console) for the TV and stereo enjoyment, and there are USB ports aplenty in that storage area. Headrests are articulating in this series as well. Can be battery powered if no outlet if nearby or if you would have to run wires across the floor.

Attachment 14356

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We were able to find a store with a larger stock of BY and H&M. We sat in the Luxe for Living series Raiden sofa (I believe it was this one https://www.bradington-young.com/rai...formation.aspx). It did not have the unattractive back (cut outs I think is the term) that seems to be across all of the Luxury motion series models.

It seems to me that the luxe for living is a lower tier line compared to the Luxury Motion series...so I was surprised that the model was so much more attractive. Can you comment on this and how a recliner in the luxe for living line would compare to the 2nd generation your way from H&M?

thank you!!

In B-Y, the 900 series has been around for about 4 years, the 200 series has only been out for 18 months. The difference is there are no cutaways in the back for the recliners. the 900 series has the cutaways and is about a 3" Wallhugger. The 200 series has a smooth back with no cutaways, is a true 0" clearance unit, and the recliners all move forward within the frame.

It's interesting that they would keep both around. Do you think it is likely that they will discontinue the 900 series to expand the 200 series or even announce a new line to address the weight issue?

The 200 series is difficult to get, it is the same system as the Hancock and Moore Your Way 2. That old Supply Chain issue we are all so tired of hearing about. So the 900 series will stay in the line at least until there is a steady stream of the 200 series, then I suspect it will be phased out, but I don't know for sure.

The way to address the size / bulk issue is to buy smaller sectional units and put them together once in the home if the space and doorways are tight to get into. It does cost more that way, however sometimes - that's the only way to get them into a home or apartment.

Our front door opening is 36 inches wide and 96 inches tall. The motion piece (whether it's BY or H&M) and the Your Way sofa will go in the main room on the 1st floor that is 17-18 feet from the entry door. No turns inside the house. There are 2 small steps on the deck prior to getting to the entry door. Do you have a 200 series in the store?

Do you or anyone in your area have a Your Way 2 series recliner? I have not seen one in person yet which is probably related to the supply chain issues but the dimensions are quite different than the original Motion series.

If we do go with 1 piece from H&M and 1 from BY, how does that factor into the delivery? Is it 2 shipments?

Thanks!

We only have (1) B-Y 900 series in our store configured as a loveseat with a center console in three pieces. I have no idea what other dealers may carry. There is no central database on dealer stocks as there is with car dealerships, etc.

Your 36" door and straight shot into the house should not present a delivery issue.

Yes, there would be two shipments if ordering from two different suppliers.

Trying to determine if it would make sense to consider ordering from both BY and H&M. We are going to order a stationary H&M couch and the only reason we would order a reclining sofa from BY instead of H&M would be to save some money.

Would the total delivery cost be less with one larger H&M order versus 2 individual deliveries from H&M and BY?

By the way...we have removed the wallpaper and are in the process of picking new paint colors and removing the chandelier (looking for a ceiling fan to replace it with). Also...while I was resistant to putting a TV stand over the fireplace...I purchased a Mantle mount and will be getting that up after we paint. So thank you for that tip Duane.

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Cheers!

Every Shipment from a supplier is a separate transaction, you can't really combine ships from two makers to one location unless you are willing to pay warehousing fees because one order will lag behind the other. The savings is small, I wouldn't buy one or the other based on shipping savings, personally.

I view all recliners as disposable, be it a single seat unit or a sofa. They are cover, foam and frame built around a mechanism and lack the artistry and style of stationary pieces, and usually don't last as long. While the 200 series from BY and the YourWay2 from H&M are built on the same frame and mechanisms, you WILL see a difference in foaming and tailoring from H&M to BY. You may not be happy with the BY once the H&M is in the room for that reason. If they are going in separate rooms and not next to one another, then that difference is moot.

Room looks better already - keep at it!

So updating this post as our Living Room has undergone a significant face lift...and received it's first piece of H&M...an Authors Chair and Ottoman in Weston Cane Burnished and this chair is spectacular and the smell is intoxicating!!

Looking at getting carpet to cover most of the room but leave 2-3 feet on the edges. Likely be either a light green carpet or a beige...not sold either way yet.

Will be looking for two more pieces including a sofa (likely Y87) and probably a recliner but still thinking that through.

Would a Hyde Park Earth or Cameo luggage piece clash with the Weston Cane? and how does Hyde Park and Cameo hands compare to the Weston Cane?

Should the details between all the pieces match in regards to nail head and wood finish?

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You room is looking much better! The hardwood floors are beautiful, I would not put a carpet in that room. If you feel you need a small one to control noise echo, try to aim for a smaller one that covers not more than 1/3 the floor and don't use green - you have enough green on the back wall.

Earth tones never clash, so you are good using anything in that category. Minor color shade variances should not make any difference. HP and Cameo will have the same hand and texture as the Weston Cane Burnished on the new Author chair. Nails and wood finish don't have to match in my world, not at all.

Thank you for the pictures of the lawson arm. Just what we are looking for!

Moved back over here from the T&C thread as that didn't seem right for this part of the discussion.

Last few questions before I put in a quote.

1. Do you have a wood recommendation for the tilton lager Y87 given the color of our wood floors and the mesa wood on the authors chair?

2. The author chair has the Bun Foot...if we got the bun foot on the Y87 to match, will the height off the ground be the same as the authors chair? or would the Bun foot be bigger/taller and therefore allow for more clearance underneath? Just want to be able to get under there and vacuum.

3. It seems that many sofas with round arms also have rounded backs...is that a stylistic thing that is recommended? We were leaning towards the square box back because we thought the cushions may be easier to get back into the case after fluffing.

Thanks for all the knowledge!

I have personally never been one to match wood finishes to a floor color, but that's just me. I select them to the leather on the frame. For Tilton Moose, I would order Mahogany Distress if putting it on the floor. I think each piece stands on its own as long as there is not a clash. If you do want to match the Author, you can order Mesa and be good to go.

The bun feet are different sizes on Your Way than on the Author Chair and Ottoman. I don't have a bun foot Your Way in the store to measure, sorry. I don't think a vacuum cleaner will really fit under any of the Your Way sofas, however clearance is around 2 to 2.5".

You don't need a rounded back if you go with round arms, just get whatever suits you. Rounded back casings are not difficult to stuff cores in. What IS difficult is stuffing cores into T-Cushion seats !

OK!!

That makes sense about the color matching the leather...You mentioned a matching wood for Tilton Moose but what about Tilton Lager?

Interesting about the clearance of the Your Way...we would have considered the tapered leg if it got us closer to 4 inches of clearance but it's not that stylish.

I remember reading on the blog about the T cushions...learned so much on here!!

Thanks again!

The height off the floor on the Your Way doesn't vary by the leg style, or at least by much. The tapered leg is shorter on the Your Way.

I tend to use Mahogany Distress on 70% of non-premium floor models, because it really goes with everything and is the default finish if nothing is specified.

An additional puzzle piece...Your Way Ottoman

Loving the Author Ottoman and can definitely see how using this as an extra seat when needed is a huge bonus.

Looking at the Y0 (27 x 21 x 18) compared to our Author Ottoman (30.5 x 27 x 16.5)...is that Y0 too small to be used as a seat?

Also not sure why the drop (seat height to ottoman height) is so much more for the Your Way at 2.5 inches cersus the 1.5 inches of the Author setup...I guess have to trust H&M knows what's best comfort wise

It's not too small to use as a very occasional seat, but not was "welcoming" as the size of the Author ottoman, and not as firm. Ottomans are best for resting legs on when 2" lower than the seat height, unless the chair is more slouched like the Author. When ottomans are the same height as the chair or sofa seat, then your legs will get stiff and "fall asleep". The 2" drop prevents that.

Can you speak more to the firmness issue between the Your Way and Author ottomans?

I was under the impression that if we got the Your Way Ottoman in the tufted version that the density would be the same...is that not the case?

Tufted pieces have no inner core cushion, they are made with foam batting, so its apples and oranges on the way they sit.

Well I am certainly glad I asked this before ordering. I apologize but I am not understanding.

Is the Author Ottoman not considered to be tufted? It has the buttons?

Is the construction of the tufted Your Way Ottoman different from other H&M Ottomans?

Or how are they apples and oranges?

Yes, any time you have button tufting on any surface, the "cushion" is done with foam batting inserted onto the flat surface and between the tufts, depending on what is being made. So tufting is never as "cush" because there is no separate cushion as you have on a regular ottoman. To replace underlying cushion material in anything tufted requires removing all tufting, vs a conventional ottoman which is just release of a seam and resew.

Does the Y0 Ottoman differ in construction from the Y02 and Y03 Ottomans?

I am wondering if the Y0 is not available in a tufted version or is in some way different construction wise from the Y02 and Y03?

Basically we want another ottoman that sits like our current Author's Ottoman in terms of firmness....so how do we get that?

You have me stumped on those questions. I don’t know.

I appreciate the honesty...also I feel as though hell has just frozen over but then the your way ottoman's probably don't pass through the store frequently.

I found a post about gauging appropriateness of ottoman size in the forum https://www.myfurnitureforum.com/sho...-Ottoman-Bench
-This recommended that the ottoman length be 66-75% of the length of the sofa. So for the your way 87 inch sofa the Y0 at 27x21 is a bit small by those standards.
-The Your Way 41x30 is a better fit but we worry about over furniture the room

We could always go with the smaller Y0 but I worry it will look silly in the proportions to the couch. Like this picture on the forum https://www.myfurnitureforum.com/sho...e-Ottoman-deal

Any guidance for our room dimensions...we were thinking the sofa would be about 6-12 inches from the 2 window wall.

Thanks

Remember that we are just a retail dealer, not the manufacturer. Very detailed questions are not something we can always answer, nor can 90% of the people that work at the Supplier (in this case Hancock & Moore). Some questions are just outside the spectrum of what we can provide answers to as a dealer.

The 27 x 21 ottoman is a chair ottoman, not meant for a sofa. You can use it at the sofa of course, but its too small to do it as a cocktail ottoman, which looks best and performs best. 41 x 30 is the sofa-sized ottoman.

Sofas in my opinion should always be pulled away from windows as much as possible. I am not a fan of placing sofas up against windows in general

Good Morning (again) Duane,

Looking for help with replacing the two tables we have in our living room. One is at the end of the sofa and one is between the Author's chair and Lazyboy recliner. The height of the current table set is nice at about 23.5 inches but the open shelves are a problem for us with our one year old pulling things down every chance he gets. We would like to get two tables to replace these that would have drawers. The diameter of the current table set is 23 inches which is a little wide so if possible, we would like to shrink that a bit to give more space between the two chairs. I don't have the familiarity with the other brands like I do with H&M so I am looking for some direction as to where I should be looking. We aren't necessarily looking for the artisan level of H&M but we also want something that is well made and will fit the decor of our room. Attachment 15764. Attachment 15765. Attachment 15766

Wow! Your room looks SO much better than the first photos posted a few years ago - you did a good job on the decor!

For nicely made small tables - and a lot to choose from - I like these two companies. Woodbridge is less costly, Jonathan Charles has more offerings and some unique designs.

https://jonathancharlesus.com/live/occasional-tables/

https://www.woodbridgefurniture.com/...ts/side-tables