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Gather 'Round: The Perfect Conversation Area
Set up four club chairs and a round coffee table in den, library or living room
Although most living rooms contain the requisite sofa and one or two side chairs, one of my favorite seating arrangements is four club chairs surrounding a round coffee table. It is conducive to conversation the same way a round dining table is because each seated person can easily see everyone else. This seating arrangement works really well, but many people are afraid to try it because it is unconventional. Here are some spaces that feature this idea.
More: The Den Makes a Comeback
More: The Den Makes a Comeback
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by Stonewood, LLC
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| If you are not ready to try this arrangement in your living room, consider setting up a grouping like this in the den or library. Tip: Chairs that have curvy lines go nicely with round tables. |
For large living areas, this could be a separate lounge-like space for drinks. Imagine sipping your cocktail while taking in that magnificent ocean view.
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| When the chairs are all the same, the grouping has cohesion and is seen as a unit. This seating area adjacent to the kitchen is a nice place to enjoy a glass of wine and snacks. The fireplace makes it extra cozy. |
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by Stacy Curran
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| Have you noticed that there are no televisions in any of these spaces? The purpose of this furniture configuration is clearly social. In this room, a chandelier anchors the seating arrangement and adds a bit of formality. |
The chairs should be comfortable enough to encourage lingering over drinks and appetizers. These overstuffed distressed leather chairs do the trick here. And, if you use a dining table instead of a coffee table, it is easy to reach the goodies. A round rug further defines the space in this rustic lodge home.
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| For a variation of the round coffee table, try pairing a set of curvy tables of varying heights ... |
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by LMK Interiors
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| ... or a soft ottoman in a fun shape like this. Tell us: Do you have a place to set up four chairs and a coffee table? More: Could Your Living Room Be Better Without a Sofa? Browse club chairs |
Ideabook published on Nov. 18, 2011.
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I'm completely sold on your idea here, though I might go for an odd number of chairs, taking it up to five because I find four looks a bit static depending on the style of the chair (for example, very 'square' chairs).
I did something like this in my flat. I have to have my desk, dining table, sofa, two chairs and coffee table (it's a furnished flat) in one large, square room. I managed to make three distinct areas like points of a triangle. Under one window, the desk, with bookcases at right angles in the corner. It clearly says, 'Work is done here.' Next to that, under the other window on the same wall, an L-shaped corner sofa, coffee table, and two chairs facing the sofa (easily seats 5). Clearly says, 'Conversation happens here.' The third part of the triangle is on the other side of the room, where there's a small dining table with four chairs. The wall opposite the door has freestanding storage components. A TV - which is normally not even plugged in - is on a shelf in these units. You can see it from almost any seat in the room, but no seat in the room is obviously position to face the TV. The dining table comes with six chairs (one is used at the desk), so even though my flat is not large, I can have as many as 11 people seated in that room at two conversation areas (sofa/chair area & dining table area). My living room sends two clear messages: this person loves books and this is a place where conversation is valued.
My dream is to have a home with many places where people can sit down in twos or threes or more and have private conversations, even if there's a large crowd of people present - rockers on the porch, window-seats on the stair-landings, and at least two comfy places to sit (apart from the bed) in every bedroom.
Stacy @ www.conspicuousstyle.com
Brilliant!
Stacy, that is a lovely room. I especially like that you paired olive/bronze with the blue.