| Creating a comfortable conversation area in the living | | | | to 10 feet between the front edge of the sofa and |
| room is important so that people can face each | | | | the fireplace. |
| other and can speak without raising their voices. Also, | | | | 2. Place a coffee table or large ottoman in front of |
| everyone should be able to comfortably reach the | | | | the sofa |
| coffee table, or at least have an accessible side table. | | | | 3. Place two upholstered chairs facing each other to |
| A conversation area can also help to establish a focal | | | | the left and right of the sofa in front of the fireplace. |
| point in a room such as a fireplace. The furniture set | | | | 4. Place the end tables and table lamps next to the |
| up of the conversation area should also eliminate | | | | left arm of the chair on the left and next to the right |
| traffic flow through it so that conversation is not | | | | arm of the chair on the right. |
| interrupted. | | | | In this layout, you will also notice that the |
| The simple "ingredients" for a good conversation area | | | | arrangement highlights the focal point, the fireplace. |
| are: | | | | Also, make sure there is no traffic flow through the |
| 1. A sofa (or two loveseats) | | | | area from an entryway or door to another entryway |
| 2. Two upholstered chairs | | | | or door. |
| 3. A coffee table or large ottoman | | | | If you are lucky enough to have a large space: |
| 4. End tables | | | | 1. Creating a conversation area frees up space in the |
| 5. Table lamps | | | | room for other functions such as a separate reading |
| OR two reading lamps in lieu of the end tables if | | | | area consisting of a club chair, ottoman, table and |
| everyone seated can reach the coffee table | | | | lamp or a working area consisting of a desk and chair. |
| ottoman. | | | | 2. Two sofas can be placed back-to-back with their |
| So, let's imaging this effective layout: | | | | own set of chairs and coffee table to create two |
| 1. Place a sofa facing the fireplace, leaving at least 8 | | | | distinct conversation areas. |