Help me design my living/dining room

Melissa724958291 · 2025-01-29T12:53:03+00:00

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I’m moving into a new house with a toddler and new baby. Our living/dining area is combined and much smaller than we first realized!

We need a dining table that can extend to fit 6 and want a really cosy living room area for the kids to play in. We have no idea how to make this space work with so many windows/doors, and fitting a TV seems impossible.

Would love your help!! ❤️🙏

*Photos include current owner’s belongings, not ours.

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Comments

spartacus9087

The dining table you included in the picture was from the previous owner and it was for 8 people, so it was bigger. Get a smaller dining table that will fit only 6 people since that's what you want. That way, you can have more space for kids to run around or play. Put long curtains on the windows to make the ceiling look higher and to make the place more put together. Try putting an L-shaped chaise on the lounge area/living room space, instead of the 2 chairs shown by the previous owner.

tigerlillysmom2326

With the windows, you will have to put your tv on the wall with all of the pictures with the sofa on the opposite wall. Get that in place before you try moving in the table to see what will fit. The right curtains come after the basic layout.

LauraD

Consider switching sides - dining table on the kitchen side, living room on the open side, you'll get better flow that way, as well as convenience in passing dishes to the dining table.

Also - don't get a dining table with sharp corners with toddlers.

daviarita21219277

I can definitely see your dilemma. Consider getting a round table and if you can bring it closer to the kitchen. Put a couch on the left side and tv on the wall where the former owner put their pictures. Possibly a cabinet underneath to hold storage. Keep us updated on what you decide to do. I'm very curious :)

user2005622

First, I suggest you consider a gate, gate leg, or tilt top table (fairly popular from about 1800 to the 1950's), if you can find one. These take up little space when not in use (parked and used in the dining area?), but you do have to open them out for use; they can be quite impressive, mine, closed is 3' x 16", open will seat 8+ with ease and has castors.

As for the TV, as another poster suggested on the wall with those pictures; alternatively you could mount it on one of those moveable gimbal set ups, in the opposite corner so viewing angles are variable. With luck, that would give you the maximum play/sitting area to play with.

Green

Since you’d like expandable dining for 6, my initial thought is to put a table along the wall directly to the right of the kitchen. From the photos, it appears that there is a wide walkway with enough space for a table while still permitting traffic flow. If you used a rectangular table (rounded corners) with simple backless benches for seating, one of them could be stowed under the table on the wall side when there is no need for extra seating and the table could then be pushed flush against the wall. (The littles could have stokke high/ Tripp trapp chairs at the ends). Positioning the table in the kitchen would open up possibilities for living room/play space. Use an L-shaped sofa to maximize soft seating and position the tv on the opposite wall, possibly with closed storage for toys etc underneath (you could wall-mount a bank of IKEA cabinets under the tv.) Add poufs for more seating. It’s a lovely space- please share photos once you’ve moved in!

sstaton6460

It’s hard to know for sure based on photos but it looks as though you have a couple options that might work. If you want to send dimensions, I’d be happy to mock something up. I’m not a professional but I did take some design courses and could possibly help you get those creative juices flowing. Would also help to know if there are must use pieces that you want included in the space and their dimensions. The space is lovely and I’m sure it will be great any way you choose to go about it.

les917538546

Get a square table to which you can add a leaf when you need to seat six, and put that in the far corner to the left of the slider, where the two chairs were. Hang the TV on the wall in that corner where the mirror was. To the left of the dining area, where the window is, create the play space for the kids with a small area rug. Place your sofa on the long wall on the right. A sectional with the short side or chaise closest to the kitchen would work, too,. T ables and lamps on either end, an ottoman rather than a coffee table to create more seating if needed. Get a pendant to replace the corner can light for over the dining table. Turn off the glaring overhead can lights.

InspiredCFSUK

Hey! Congrats on the new home and your growing family! ❤️ Moving into a smaller space with little ones can definitely feel overwhelming, but you can absolutely make it work.

For the dining area, an extendable table is a great idea! Maybe look for one with built-in storage for placemats or kids’ items. If space is really tight, bench seating against the wall could free up room.

For the living area, a comfy rug will help define a play zone for the kids, and some low, soft storage (like fabric bins or a storage ottoman) will keep toys tidy but accessible. A small sectional sofa or two cozy armchairs with sofas.

TV placement is tricky with all the windows, but maybe a swivel-mounted TV near the kitchen or even a projector could work? You could also go without and make it a super cozy, screen-free space for now.

Wishing you all the best in your new home hope you find a setup that feels both functional and cozy! 😊