Living Room Arrangements Around Fireplaces

Focal Point

• The focal point of a room is where you want the eye to go. A fireplace is a natural focal point. This means that much, if not most, of your seating should be arranged close to the fireplace. One easy option is to put the largest seating element, such as your sofa, facing toward the fireplace. If you are concerned that doing this will block the view of the fireplace from other parts of the room, place the sofa at a right angle to the fireplace, and put a matching sofa or two arm chairs on the other side of the fireplace. This will create a natural conversational area.

Safety

• Safety always needs to be a concern when you're deciding how to arrange furniture around a fireplace. Keep all furniture far enough away from the fireplace so that no blankets hanging off the edge of a sofa can catch fire. Also make sure no pillows can tumble into the fire. Make sure you have enough legroom to stretch out without coming too close to the fire. Keep the area directly in front of the fireplace free of area rugs and other potentially flammable objects. For maximum safety, have a glass screen infront of your fireplace.

Practicality

• You must keep practicality in mind when you're arranging furniture around your fireplace. For instance, you need to leave room for fireplace tools. Some people also keep a wood storage rack or box near the fireplace, and there should be room for that, as well.

Entertainment System

• Many living rooms also house an entertainment system. Although this was once a problem, as the television and the fireplace were conflicting focal points, today's flat-screen TVs have eliminated the design dilemma. Place the flat-screen television above the mantel. That way you've resolved the conflict and can enjoy both the fire and your favorite television shows.