Design lesson: Fireplace seating

A gracious fireplace is the ideal focal point for a living room. Its architectural presence commands attention, its warmth is a comfort in cooler weather, and it provides a natural anchor for the main seating arrangement. An impressive feature, it also allows for several options when it comes to arranging living room furniture. Perhaps one of these three floor plan ideas will spark your own creative space planning.

1 Formal The most formal arrangement is to place an identical pair of sofas perpendicular to the fireplace. That creates a strong, immediate impression and emphasizes the mantel's role as focal point. (Think of it as draw­­­­ing attention to an important thought.) To finish the conversation grouping, you might place two chairs facing the fireplace. Add a large area rug, a central coffee table and end tables to complete the scene. If there’s sufficient room, a pair of footstools positioned directly in front of the fireplace would be great. They could be called into service during larger gatherings and will fill the visual void an empty fireplace leaves in the summertime. This classic floor plan works for traditional and contemporary interiors.

2 Semiformal In similar though more casual fashion, position one sofa perpendicular to the fireplace but arrange a pair of chairs (rather than a second sofa) opposite. That works well if the chairs are placed between the living and dining room or entrance, as it may be preferable to look toward two chair backs and an interesting end table rather than toward a full sofa back. It's most common to upholster the chairs in a fabric that coordinates with the sofa, rather than match it exactly. To finish the conversation grouping, add two different chairs or perhaps a daybed or bench. The latter option leaves the view to the fireplace unimpeded and provides flexible seating -- a person can face the mantel or turn his or her back to it. This setup is ideal if your living room is large enough to accommodate two separate seating areas.


Image courtesy of Pottery Barn.