seating plan

Living room designs are often taken to extremes, either achieving museum status as a hands-off environment or taking on a tone that's slightly more inviting but still too formal for everyday use. In either case, it could be time to shake things up a bit and bend the rules. For instance, if you have a fireplace but you don't use it, your furniture doesn't have to face it just to follow protocol. What's important is that this room works for you.

IN WORKING ORDER. Give your living room something to do. If it's strictly a place to sit, it will end up competing with with the rest of your home. Instead of turning into another TV room, make it a nurturing place to read or listen to music. A sectional is a popular option that fits a variety of situations. Even a smaller living room can handle a pared-down version of this versatile style that can accommodate activities from napping to entertaining.
Swivel chairs can turn to face another part of the room or an adjacent space such as a kitchen. Lightweight chairs are a wise option for a game table that can fill an empty corner and double as a spot for gift wrapping and other tasks. Furniture that floats in the middle of the room can make a small area feel larger while allowing for narrow accents like a sofa table that provides additional surface space.

IN GOOD COMPANY. Sufficient lighting should accompany each seating area, whether you select floor lamps or table lamps for each section. A chandelier lends an elegant touch overhead, making your living room a place to linger.
Common elements tie various pieces together, like a color or fabric that appears on window treatments and accent pillows throughout the room. Area rugs define each grouping as an individual space, making them feel special.

TWO FOR ONE. You can't go wrong with multipurpose pieces like an ottoman that serves as a coffee table or footrest, or a bench that's slim enough to stand in a hallway and be pulled into the living room when necessary. Fewer pieces of furniture means you're less likely to squeeze too many elements into one room.
C-tables are convenient for snacks and drinks and take up little space as they slide beneath the furniture. When called into action, they add a bit of informality wherever they land, similar to nesting tables that come in handy for entertaining.

TALK TO ME. Furniture pieces that face each other are conducive to conversation. Dividing your space into smaller sections make it cozy enough for one and flexible enough for guests. Glass or Lucite tables lighten up your living room while making it feel roomy.
Though every floor plan is different, many of the same guidelines apply. Identical sofas can be parallel, but a sofa and a loveseat often work best in an L-shape. All it takes is one key piece to serve a purpose, like a bar cart that becomes an instant beverage area or a chaise that doubles as a bench or a place to recline.

ALL TOGETHER NOW. A U-shaped furniture arrangement is a safe bet for many scenarios, typically giving you enough space to enter and exit without getting in anyone's way. With kids and pets, it might make sense to place your major players, such as sofas, against the walls for better traffic flow. The same can be said if your living room leads to an outdoor area and you need a clear path from the kitchen.
Make sure you create an even playing field in the sense that pieces share a similar feature, such as seat height. Otherwise you'll create a roller coaster ride for your eyes as you survey the space. Tables should be easy to access while allowing for some leg room. Because furniture setups are easy to tweek, keep toying with yours until it feels right. Then invite some people over for a trial run. Written by Jeanine Matlow YHL