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Interior Design and Decorating for Fireplace Seating Charlotte NC

The fireplace is often the focal point of a living room requiring proper seating arrangement to complement its charm and purpose.

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.

Formal Interior Design & Decorating - 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. 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.

Semiformal Interior Design & Decorating - In similar though more casual style, 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.

Casual Interior Design & Decorating - For an even more casual arrangement, use only a combination of chairs. Have oversize chairs face each other, providing a tête-à-tête area a private conversation between two people. An upholstered ottoman will make it a go to spot for reading and relaxing. If more seating is required, you could have four chairs facing each other, with a bench facing the mantel a flexible arrangement particularly suited to those who love to move living room furniture frequently. You might go for a standard coffee table and choose a taller game or library table. Although the taller table would block the fireplace from view, it would provide a cozy perch near the hearth, an ideal spot for a comfortable dinner or an exciting game of cards.

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