What do you think?
July 27, 2018 | My Jottings
I just purchased an electric fireplace for my bedroom. I got it on sale, plus with another discount and a rebate. I’m trying to decide how to arrange my bedroom chairs around it. Would you like to help me?
Below is a picture of part of my bedroom, which is pretty good-sized. The windows behind the bed face Lake Superior, so I am blessed to be able to look out and see that breathtaking, vast body of water every single day. You can click these photos to enlarge them if you like.
I put the fireplace on a blank wall. It has a fairly real looking flame with glowing embers and logs, and it will keep this room warm. It can also be used for just the flame with no heat. I love sitting in my bedroom chair (the biggest one with the darkest plaid fabric) to read, do my Bible study, write in my gratitude journal, and to have tea with friends.
Option #1: Below you can see the two chairs arranged in an L shape, close to the fireplace.
Another view of option #1: I like this arrangement because I can enjoy the fireplace, have some natural light behind me for reading, and can still look to my left and see Lake Superior through the windows.
Option #2: The chairs are facing each other near the fireplace, sharing the ottoman. I have some friends named John and Barb who have their chairs placed this way, and they have their coffee and morning devotions together like this. They like the face-to-face interaction this arrangement gives them, and I like that idea a lot too.
Option #2: Another view of the chairs facing each other.
Option #3: I arranged the chairs at an angle, both facing the fireplace. I had to put the little lamp that was on the round table somewhere else, since with this setting there’s no close outlet for the lamp. I also haven’t styled the mantel yet — I will be thinking about how to dress the space in the future. I need something large on the wall behind the fireplace too. And if I choose this arrangement I need to center it on the wall.
Option #3: Another view of the chairs angled toward the fireplace. I think this is homey feeling, but miss having my chair situated so I can see Lake Superior at the same time.
As you can see, there are advantages to all three chair placements.
Would you mind casting your vote in the comments? Let me know if you like #1, #2 or #3 better. Or maybe you have an even different idea — I’d love to know what you think.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Hi Julie—I love your new fireplace! It looks so nice and will be really cozy in the winter. I think Option 2 is perfect. You have the best of both worlds—a view of the fire burning and the lake outside the window, and so will your friends who sit opposite you. I think your bedroom is so pretty and spacious. A comfortable retreat!
Thank you Lorrie! Wouldn’t it be nice if you could be one of those people in one of those chairs? xoxo
I like Option 2.
a) The chairs both have a view of each other, neither looks into the bathroom.
b) There’s the possibility of curling up in a chair and gazing directly through the window, or of sitting in the opposite one with the light behind you for reading.
c) That arrangement of chairs extends the width of the whole fireside arrangement, and makes it look more integrated and believable as a real fireplace (IMO)
d) You won’t get a crick in your necks looking at each other.
I agree that something else is needed to make it look a little less lonely in its setting (and I think Option 2 already addresses that). My mother also has such an electric fireplace, and she has a large overmantel mirror, which looks really good. We have one similar here over our actual fireplace. We like it.
Something else that would make it look more real (if you want to) is if some kind of hearth could be made for it, then something stood to one side (or both sides of it) on the hearth, setting it I to its context. Because a real fireplace would need a hearth.
I do apologise right now if I come across opinionated and bossy. It looks lovely already. Good purchase! xxx
Thank you for all your thoughtful observation, Ember! I agree with you on them all. I have a large, old, oval mirror that hung in my old house above the mantel, and I’ve thought of hanging it above this new little fireplace. My only hesitation is that it’s gold colored, and the fireplace has a grey/black vibe. I might be overthinking things. You came across just fine — I had to smile though, because I can’t count the number of times I’ve apologized in the same way. Some people just haven’t taken to me. 🙁 and 🙂
Hi Julie!
I am always way too excited to see a new blog post from you!
I agree with Lorrie and Ember, #2.
If its not a precious heirloom, you could paint the frame on your oval mirror to a more muted grey or even a metallic finish like brushed nickel.
Also, I was thinking even a rug laid over the deep shag carpeting in front of the fireplace would give the appearance of a “hearth”.
I am certain you will enjoy this new addition to your gorgeous bedroom.
Love you!
Kay
I love both those ideas, Kay! Especially the idea of picking out a rug — there are gorgeous ones out there these days. I hope you are nearing the end of your remodeling…just in time to settle into fall and let your souls catch up with your bodies. Love to you, dear Kay… xoxo
Well, my friend, I actually like option 1., the L set out, because I’m not keen on symmetrical but I like things balanced. ? I like having the option of both views [fireplace & the lake] & the option of being face to face or slightly averted this setting gives. Ember is right about the hearth & a mirror would reflect the lake though I would be more tempted to go for a large oil painting that you love. lol I’m sure whatever you decide it will look absolutely lovely. You have a real knack for that. xx
Ganeida, as much as I like all three options, I’m leaning toward #1 also, for all the reasons you mention. I like being face to face without being completely face to face. I like balance rather than perfect symmetry too. Right now, this is the way the chairs are arranged. I may change it from time to time to give the other options a try too. Thank you! Hugs across the miles… xoxo
Any arrangement that allows you to see the beautiful lake in the daytime and fireplace flame at night. Love casing of fireplace.
Well I like the way you summarized that, Nancy. Both views are necessary and comforting! Thank you Nancy — I hope you are well! xoxo
OK, I agree with Kay about being excited to see a new post from you! I love all the options and painting your mirror is exactly what I would do and a rug would really anchor the space..Now…about the chair placement…I would buy the slider things to go under the chair legs and you can move those chairs around any old time you want. I have some under one of my chairs and it is so easy to just shift them this way and that!
Sue, I have those slider things somewhere! Thank you for the reminder. I love that idea. God bless you dear Sue… xoxo
I’m loving this idea! I agree with Sue and Kay. Paint Oval mirror, centering rug, and being able to move the chair placement. In the winter I would only look at the fireplace, not that frozen lake! lol
Thank you for your input Sue! I also much prefer the deep blue lake than the blah white lake. 🙂 God bless your week, dear friend. xoxo
Don’t forget to post again with photos once the rug and the mirror and the final chair placement are all there! Plus a pot of tea and a book or two, so we can know we are there with you. And a photo of you in one of the chairs so we can know which one is for guests and go and sit in it.
:0)
xx
I will do just as you suggest, Ember. 🙂 And I’ll go out on my front deck and scan the skies for a west-bound plane….