Thinking Outside the Box (or Sofa)

From the moment my partner and I moved into our current apartment, we knew exactly how our living room would look. A large sectional sofa would dominate the space, offering ample room for our guests to kick back and relax. Little did we know that a global pandemic would soon have us spending the majority of our time within these four walls.

I had envisioned our sun-drenched windows filled with lush, vibrant plants à la my forever design muse, Justina Blakeney. In reality, I had to settle for some convincingly realistic artificial greenery, but it still looked great. And since a centrally placed television had become the spatial status quo, I figured we’d mount our supersized screen right in the middle of the room to create a clear focal point.

However, that last idea didn’t quite go according to plan. You see, our apartment has a rather detailed lease agreement that covers everything from the placement of our potted plants to the modifications we can make to the walls. While we weren’t technically prohibited from mounting a television, we were nervous about damaging the pristine surfaces and just wanted to be great, responsible tenants.

A Surprising Shift in Perspective

When my mother came to visit a few weeks after our move, she suggested that we consider placing our television in front of one of the large built-in shelving units instead. We did the math, and it fit perfectly – no nails or tools required! One of our friends even commented, “It’s so weird that your television isn’t in the center of your living room.”

I’ll admit, at first, this unconventional placement felt almost sacrilegious to our lifestyle. My partner and I love to watch movies, and the idea of not having the screen front and center went against everything we had come to expect. Of course, it also wasn’t the symmetrical, visually balanced thing to do.

A Newfound Appreciation for the Unconventional

The longer we’ve lived here, though, the more I’ve become low-key obsessed with this off-center television setup. After spending over a year inside – and let’s be honest, a significant portion of that time sitting in front of the screen – you might think this arrangement would have worn out its welcome. But the truth is, it really works for us.

As I had envisioned, we picked up a large sectional sofa, where every seat offers an amazing vantage point for viewing the screen. It doesn’t matter where we’re sitting; we’re able to get our dose of screen time (and then some, let’s be honest).

We’re also fortunate enough to have a wall filled with gorgeous built-in shelving and a working fireplace, so off-centering the television didn’t totally throw off the room’s flow. If anything, it helps balance the book-filled built-ins on the opposite side of the fireplace. And since this design decision required zero handiwork, we can kick back and relax, knowing we’re not wreaking havoc on our security deposit.

The Joys of Conversation Over Constant Consumption

Prior to the shelter-in-place order, my partner and I would host bi-monthly dinner parties. Some of my favorite memories of those gatherings involved a roaring fireplace, a great playlist, and a handful of friends focusing on each other’s company rather than the television screen.

I know that placing your television in the center of a room has become the design norm. If that makes you happy, who am I to judge? But if you want to stray from the status quo, I encourage you to go for it. If you don’t want a TV at all in this room, that’s okay too. At the end of the day, design is all about whatever makes you and your loved ones feel most at home.

As unordinary as our setup may be, especially as we spend so much time at home, it gets me excited for the future – a future that can hopefully be spent enjoying each other’s company and giving the television a much-needed rest.

Rethinking the Living Room: A World of Possibilities

So, if you’re looking to breathe new life into your living room, consider exploring some alternative furniture arrangements. Rather than the traditional arc around the TV, you might try placing two sofas facing each other to encourage more natural conversation. Or, if lounging is your priority, you could swap out the couch for a couple of paired chaises for the ultimate in slouchy luxury.

Apartment Therapy offers a wealth of inspiration, from U-shaped seating arrangements to thoughtfully balanced furniture groupings that prioritize flow and interaction.

And if you’re in the market for a custom sofa to anchor your revamped living room, be sure to check out Sofas Spectacular. Their skilled craftspeople can create the perfect piece to suit your unique space and lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for a cozy sectional or a modern loveseat, they have the expertise to bring your vision to life.

The home you love starts here, and with a little creativity and a willingness to think outside the box (or sofa), you can transform your living room into a space that truly reflects your personality and brings your loved ones together.