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104 THE ENGLISH HOMEOther neat options include a smart fireside fenderwith upholstered bench seat as a space-saving perch(try Rockingham Fender Seats), or a narrowupholstered bench seat, which can be located under awindow. Cube ottoman seats could be bought to tuckunder an existing console table for instant additionalseating with an easy stowaway area. The Sofa & ChairCompany offers a sophisticated range of cubed,cylindrical and even prism-shaped ottomans that act asindividual seating. Well-designed floor cushions withquality filling are another useful addition.Additionally, if buying a new sofa for seating ina snug, you might also consider investing in a sofa bedto provide extra sleeping space.``````RECONFIGURING LAYOUTIf guests are to stay for a number of days, or evena week, it might pay to consider a temporary change tofurniture layout. Set the scene for jovial gatherings bypositioning seating for conversation; looking inwardsat each other, rather than towards the unsociable focusof a television. A prominent television can always bedisguised with the addition of an attractive foldingroom divider, to screen it temporarily.Arranging seating on three sides of a coffee tableor central footstool can work well – perhaps using two``````sofas symmetrically opposite each other and a pair ofoccasional chairs on the third side. If planning futuredecoration, one might even consider breakingconvention by investing in four matching armchairsand just one sofa. Positioning a pair of armchairseither side of the fireplace with a sofa adjacent to bothpairs, and all centred upon a coffee table, can givesupreme flexibility and a lovely unexpected twist ontradition. In all variations, be sure to allow enoughspace between seats for ease of movement.If a room is large, pulling seating towards the centre,away from the edges of the space, closer to a coffeetable or footstool, helps to add a sense of intimacy,and ensures that everyone can clearly hear and joinany conversation. One beautifully simple way to createintimacy is to invest in a rug, perfectly sized to site themain furniture grouping on or around, to anchora conversation area.A bay window could also be the ideal location forcreating a quiet reading space or a conversation areafor two occasional chairs, so that not everyone hasto join a singular conversation.``````PRACTICAL DETAILSEvery guest will need a spot to place a cup or wineglass. The traditional nest of tables, whilst cliché, still``````ABOVE Luxuriousvelvet, deepbuttoned upholsteryand a large flatsurface area makethis the perfectmidway choicebetween footstooland coffee table.Just remember touse a drip-proof tray.Kay Ottoman, £1250,Graham and GreenTEH UK DEC 15 Sitting Rooms.indd 104 22/10/2015 17:27