Because what we sit on is usually the largest thing in the room (no, I don’t mean our bottoms), it makes sense that we often find the placement of it to be a bit daunting. Although I don’t like the idea of rules, I do think that with some areas of design there are guidelines that exist just because they make sense. Furniture placement is one of those areas.
If you are unsure about where to place your seating arrangement, take a deep breath and begin by discovering your favorite part of the room, the part that you want to look at. Whatever is the most important feature of the room is where your furniture should be facing, whether it is a big screen TV or a beautiful view outside a window. Reason being that you want to draw people into the room and encourage them to stay. It’s only furniture, and it can be moved anywhere you want it to go, but it is so much easier once you have a place to start.
If you can’t find a focal point then make relaxation the priority, creating a seating arrangement that is a little closer than you think it should be, encouraging secrets or curling up with a book and a glass of wine.
After you’ve found the beginning, go ahead and move your furniture. An “L” , “U” or “V” shape arrangement is often used by designers to make a comfortable seating area. These shapes tend to connect the furniture in a more welcoming way than an “l l” shape; an “l l” can sometimes appear a little uninviting to guests, like you are being interviewed for an important job or waiting for your annual check-up.
Another thought is that we all have a sense of our own personal space, an imaginary circle that surrounds us and keeps us safe. I think it’s 3 feet, and if we are sitting closer than that we may feel a little uncomfortable. We want people to feel relaxed. Accept that a loveseat, while perfect for couples, may often seat just one person, and, a regular size sofa will only be comfortable for two when chatting over a cup of coffee and a piece of cake.
Finally, never be afraid to play with your furniture, allow it to influence the look and feel of a room.
2 comments:
I LOVE a great seating area... it still amazes me that many people find staring at a TV screen the size of an adult relaxing!? Each to their own I guess and I suppose that's the secret lol.
Sandra D
I know, me too. Realistically though, in a living room or family room, a lot of people want their TV to be the focal point...I think the trick is to minimize it's initial impact as you walk through the door. Let it be in the room, but downplayed.
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