Arranging a Small Front Room with a Fireplace

Q: I have a small front room with a fireplace; what’s the best way to arrange seating?

We love the challenge of a small space! Every well-designed room requires a focal point and in your case, the obvious one is the fireplace.

By creating a symmetrical furniture grouping, you will accentuate this feature and provide ample seating. Place identical sofas on either side of the fireplace, and on the dining room side, position a sofa table behind the sofa.

This gives you space to display accessories, while also creating a natural division between the areas. A round coffee table will both soften the grouping and leave you with a little space for some occasional stools, which are handy when you require extra seating.

Originally published in BC Home & Garden magazine. For regular updates, subscribe to our free Home and Garden e-newsletters, or purchase a subscription to the magazine.