The Comfort Of Seating In Your Environment
Anyone who has ever entertained in their home how important seating can be. A common problem when holding a party or gathering is a lack of seating. Guests find themselves perched on chair arms, sitting on stairsteps, or worst of all, flat on the floor. A variety of seating options exist, but many of them are forgotten when a room is being designed. Instead of expecting your family and guests to “make do” with the seating options available to them, get creative with your seating options. Whether it is a piano stool, or just piano bench cushions, or you will move furniture from other rooms, make sure each person has a place to plop down when visiting your home.
Your first step is to make sure there is plenty of standard, comfortable choices for everyone. This includes big, cushy chairs, couches, and loveseats. These are the items that will always be in the room and will not be moved for guests. Arrange this furniture in a way that encourages interaction. You may want to place end tables near the furniture to allow for beverage placement, or center the pieces surrounding a coffee table. Assign everyone their own seat so there are no arguments among children about who will sit where. When shopping for these pieces, take into account factors like color, scale, and style. Choosing traditional furniture will stay in style for many years. Furniture like this should be viewed as an investment, so opt for sturdy, long-lasting pieces.
After you have chosen this long term pieces it is time to choose furniture for entertaining guests. Some of this furniture may still be a part of the room, placed in a separate area. When it is time to entertain, move them closer or arrange them in intimate areas of their own. You can also move furniture in from other rooms. Dining room chairs can often make great additions to a seating area. They are a little more formal, but they fit the style of your home. Instead of purchasing cheap, uncomfortable folding chairs, consider moving already existing furniture when you need additional seating.
After you are sure you have enough seating that can be moved from other rooms, consider some alternative options for children. In laid back spaces, you can include a few beanbag chairs. These are comfortable, they do not take up a lot of space, and a lot of times children prefer to sit on them. Adults may also enjoy gathering around a low coffee table for a game night, or you may want to serve a meal at the lower table. There are some ultra luxurious options these days for bean bag chairs, so you do not have to be stuck with the old fashioned vinyl variety that tends to fall apart.
Seating is one of the most important features in a room. Design with enough and offer enough options for your family and your guests.
