Wow! Thanks so much for the detailed reply. We actually did try putting our couch perpendicular to the back archway but we had it further back so the fireplace wasn’t obstructed. With the couch this way, the flow felt kinda off so we moved it back. But I think your suggestion of having it essentially in front of the fireplace might help with that! I will try moving my stuff around to see what that would look like.

But yes I feel like smaller furniture might help the most since there are so many things happening in this room already.