Arranging seating

Make an effort to avoid long or continuous lines of seats,this is visually uninviting but also makes it difficult for a group of people to communicate.Arrange chairs and sofas so that they form a unit enabling people to talk to those opposite them or at an angle to them.Also,avoid placing small tables between every chair in a space on its own because this creates a barrier between those sitting in the main seats and a feeling of isolation for those on their own.The backs of the chairs and sofas form a visual barrier,making suggested walls enclosing the space in front.
Elsewhere in the room,perhaps by a window or french doors,there could be a chaise or recliner that is specifically placed on its own,denoting another room reserved for private reading or contemplation.In a different area there could be a TV and bean bags or a small two seater sofa for children to sit on and watch TV or play with games.
By dividing the room into sections you can accommodate various requirements.
Another configuration that works well is the extendible seating unit,this can be L-shaped with a short side in front of the window or near a wall and the long back of the seats placed across the open room.The open end of the sofa,without an arm,makes it accessible and open to those arriving in the room.This configuration does not create such an enclosed space as the U shape,but the long back of the sofa or the backs of a similar arrangement of chairs still provides a delineation between one part of the room and another.The corner of the L also creates a small,more intimate space where people can sit side by side to talk.
Another option is the parallel line configuration.This lines up a matching pair of sofas or a sofa and two armchairs on either side of a fireplace or central room feature.This provides two equally sized and spaced seating ares that connect face to face.Heavier pieces of furniture such as sofas and armchairs can be supplemented by lighter,easier to manoeuvre chairs that can be kept against a wall or in an arrangement by a table or light and brought into the main space when guests arrive.In a small apartment or living area these chairs could be foldaways.Chairs without arms look less bulky.If your setting is contemporary or you want a feature chair,then opt for a work of a classic,modern designer chair.Adjustable and adaptable furniture is important in a living room.