annabnyc's Profile

1) Get rid of the shutters. They look out of place with the other architectural elements and furniture in the room. Are they period to the house or added later? They don't make a lot of sense to me.
2) If you don't use that large radiator, have it removed. I did this in a bedroom and it completely changed the flow of the room. Of course, if you need it for heat, disregard. If you choose to keep it, you could get a nice radiator cover that could serve as a small sideboard/table for accessories.
3) I second the suggestion to de-clutter by removing the small pieces of furniture. Take all the small pieces out, THEN play around with the chairs and sofa. You might decide you don't need so much furniture when the layout is more functional.
4) If you remove the shutters, I would replace them with long curtains. Mount them near the ceiling to draw the eye up and lend a touch of elegance to the room. I live in a house of similar age and design and I used inexpensive Ikea panels to achieve a nice, expensive look.
5) I also think you should consider placing the couch with the back to the pocket doors. Place the coffee table in front of it, in line with the fireplace. Then place the chairs opposite the couch, in front of the windows. Either place them facing the couch straight on, or angle them toward each other. I would choose one suitable side table to put between the chairs. The lamp could then go in a corner on either side.