Have you ever had guests over expecting them to make themselves comfortable in your home, only to find them sitting stiffly on your sofa? When we design our homes, we want our space to feel comfortable as well as bring out the best in our guests during gatherings. Besides good lighting, delicious food and wine, and great hosting skills, we believe that one of the most important things in creating an inviting atmosphere is having the right seating. Here are a few key points to think about that will make a big difference in the success of your next get-together.

  • Consider the right floor plan. We have the tendency to put our sofas directly in front of the tv for easy viewing pleasure. Consider changing the positioning of the sofa so that it is facing accent seating, rather than the tv. This will be the best way to create a space for great conversation and interaction.
  • Pretty isn’t always the most important factor. At Rue we love stylish furniture, and certainly a piece’s aesthetic is at the top of our checklist. But we also have to consider how comfortable it is and most importantly, how it will fare over time. Cushions with a pure down fill are comfortable at first but lose their shape really quickly and can even become extremely flat over the years. Foam wrapped with down is your ideal option.
  • Find the right sofa to throw pillow ratio. Contrary to some of our feminine instincts, there is such a thing as too many pillows. There’s nothing less inviting than a sofa that is covered with throw pillows. Two 18″ cushions will give enough comfort without overwhelming your guests.

These are just a few essential things to keep in mind when creating a seating space in your living room. Check out our slideshow for some other cozy seating tips!