take the light down, move the couch back. hang some art. in the niche, and on the back wall. get an area rug. put in a can light with a directional eye ball, low voltage, shine it on the art .

I would add a full bookcase on the long wall and in the cubby to the right, a comfy chair /ottoman and a floor lamp for reading. Change ceiling light to more of a hall light and install a bit higher up, so no one can hit it.[houzz=];[houzz=]

i love the book case idea, but with the couch pulled back to it. then awesome art in the niece, then the can light to shine onto the book case. paint the back of the bookcase a fun color.

or better yet a directional light to light up all.

A sitting room or library is a great idea. Would TV be welcomed in this room?

I'd place a round table for games, homework, reading..... whatever seating would fit in niche... I'll play a round with you....haven't played in so long, but used to like card game runny, I mean rummy.

What does the couch face? A fireplace by any chance? If not, an electric fireplace would add a lot of ambiance to this room if it were to become a sitting room or gathering room. A fireplace could go on the wall (across from the sofa) with bookshelves all around it.

Under the chandelier, I would put a casual sitting table with upholstered high back armchairs, which would be a great multi-purpose setting for coffee, wine and cheese, a game of chess, bridge, poker, backgammon (if you're into board games) or a light brunch with friends .

For the alcove, shelves with interior lighting (I see you have an outlet there) or perhaps, a small wine buffet to go with your casual seating. You could add a window seat or even put the electric fireplace there (a narrow one that leaves plenty of room for the side windows to remain unobstructed).

This is a really great space to work with! Here are a few photo inspirations.

Christi, on behalf of Thos. Baker

Here's extra photos to convey the ideas for you.

Christi, on behalf of Thos. Baker

First of all, love your warm neutral color on the wall.

Like everdebz said, add a nice painting. I am an artist and my feeling is, that is how you add beauty and drama to any room! Let your art speak to you and others. :)

A few other thoughts on the space: Do a cozy seating area in a half circle. Have the small couch either against the back wall, or a side wall. Put a round small table between two chairs. Have a couple small ottomans put in the middle. A couple pillows with some color, prehaps a nice green and a pattern or two would be good. A nice rug can tie it all in.

You might want to go with a different light. Perhaps a lovely chandelier of your choose. I am putting some pictures to give you some ideas.








I would suggest finding the best placement for the area before buying any additional furniture.

Game table? Or add a wine bar and a small pub table.

https://www.houzz.com/photos/2013-luxury-home-inver-grove-heights-traditional-dining-room-minneapolis-phvw-vp~5181415

Are you readers? I'd build in a bench into the recess so it would be flanked by the windows. Add one or two bookcases on the wall behind the sofa, and a round library/game table under the chandy.

I didn't suggest art though like the idea as always....
Was the fireplace suggestion for the niche, or between bookcases on the long wall?
Wow....an electric or propane?
Niche bench would enable you to view the outdoors.
Maybe a wall of paper or stencils or whatever you like - a space to retreat to...
someone just posted using an area to the side for collection of Coca-Cola items....

There's been a couple of suggestions to do a game table with a bar. If that's an idea you're interested in, we have game tables, as well as bars. Feel free to browse these links:

http://www.thosbaker.com/game-tables

http://www.thosbaker.com/group/game-room-furniture/type/bars-and-bar-furniture

http://www.thosbaker.com/group/game-room-tables/type/chess-tables

http://www.thosbaker.com/group/indoor-furniture/type/club-and-accent-chairs

Christi, on behalf of Thos. Baker

Thank you for all the ideas! I find this a bit tricky because there are two living rooms on the main floor already. The couch is facing the front door which is the first one. On the other side of the blank wall is the open concept kitchen, dining room, and family room with tv and fireplace.

I do like the idea of a library but would that be too much sitting area on one floor?

Think I am understanding the layout now. That spots looks like a great spot for a library. Close to everything while still tucked away.

Or, since close to the kitchen, line walls with wine!

We could probably be more helpful if you showed us the rest of the living area instead of just the space behind the sofa. Perhaps the whole area can be incorporated into a single conversation space.

You also seem to have an abundance of boob lights throughout the house. You might think about changing them to recessed cans.

Maybe something like these wine racks, with or without glass. It will be the first thing your guest will see as they will enter your house!

Could even be a man cave/library/pool table space.