Loungy Set Ups for the Coffee Table

Yesterday we looked at rooms that skip the coffee table completely; today we're taking a different approach. The living rooms above use floor cushions and low-profile seating to transform the coffee table into a hang-out spot...

SHOWN ABOVE

1) Scattered cushions add a casual vibe to an all-white room from Living Etc.
2) A symmetrical room from Anne Coyle Interiors includes floor cushions.
3) In Sam's Carriage House, stools and floor pillows add extra seating.
4) This post offers instructions for making your own lounge cushions.
5) A more formal living room from Amanda Nisbet Design gets dressed down with some floor cushions and ottomans.

Photos: Living Etc., Anne Coyle Interiors, Samantha Martin-Evans, Shelly, Amanda Nisbet Design

Comments (8)

These are great ideas. I find that whenever we have people over, there are 2 places everyone congregates:

- kitchen
- sofa/coffee table area

Providing seating options around these areas are pretty crucial, I think to make sure guests are comfortable. Plus, the loungy feel and atmosphere will most likely encourage everyone to relax and have fun.

Also - ottomans, chairs and pillows are easily moveable so you can transport your seating anywhere in your home.

Great ideas, guys!

http://www.donkeehouse.com

posted by bitdot on August 27th 2009 at 10:01am
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We do not have a dining table; when we moved into our place we decided that it would be cool to eat at the coffee table (sitting on big floor pillows). However, what we found is that many of our guests were not really comfortable with this set-up, especially the older ones. And if they sat on the sofas and chairs, it felt weird for anyone else to sit on the floor. Ergo, we have a new dining table coming next week.

I still really like the look and style of these lounge-y rooms, but I have learned a lesson about comfort...

posted by Emily the Cat on August 27th 2009 at 10:25am
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Yay! Finally a pro-coffee table post. We have had a great time over the years with large parties centered around our coffee table during appetizer time.... we use dining chairs and poufs as extra seating. (The older guests are always preferentially steered away from the poufs....)

There has never been an issue with comfort at our place :-)

posted by modern on long island on August 27th 2009 at 11:47am
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I'm in the same boat as Emily - I used floor cushions around a huge coffee table for years, but it became so uncomfortable eating there after a number of years...
...but I still keep low footstools and cushions for the occassional cocktail-get together in my apartment.

posted by bepsf on August 27th 2009 at 11:48am
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I should add that I'm not a pillow on the floor fan for anyone over about 10. It's simply not comfy for an adult.. Poufs are taller and sturdier... We find they are ok for anyone who's healthy and middle aged or younger....

posted by modern on long island on August 27th 2009 at 11:48am
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I can't believe no one has commented on the amazing looks-like-it's-floating coffee table yet! It looks fabulous!

posted by tuttifrutti on August 27th 2009 at 1:40pm
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Anyone know where those sofas/daybeds are from in the first picture. I've seen similar ones but these look really great. Thanks

posted by mush on August 27th 2009 at 4:34pm
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I second both tuttifrutti and mush - would love to know where both daybeds and coffee table in the first photo are from (though i'm sure they are out my budget).

posted by betsbillabong on August 27th 2009 at 4:53pm
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