Fireplaces grace many a pre-war apartment, working or non-working, decorative or functional. In small spaces, the fireplace can be somewhat limiting when it comes to laying out furniture. That's why we liked this pic from interior designer Jeffrey Brooks...
It shows a pair of chairs facing away from the fireplace. We've always shied away from this move in our apartment, thinking that a seating arrangement at the fireplace needed to face the hearth. However, whenever we've actually set up chairs facing the hearth, we felt they were too cut off from the rest of the small living room.
These chairs, however, work well arranged symmetrically and facing opposite our instincts. Add one more to our list of possible layouts to try at home. This might be just what we need to tie the fireplace in with the furniture without turning a cold shoulder to the rest of the room.
See more of Jeffrey Brooks' work here.
© 2009 Apartment Therapy
When there's no fire in the fireplace, maybe. But when a beautiful fire is burning, why would you turn your back to it? Much of the fire's appeal is visual, IMO.
view mirandabee's profile
This reminds me of a sitcom set - Frasier's sofa also faced away from the fireplace.
view idontdobeige's profile
I'm not a fan of the look. If you're going to put seating in front of the mantle, at least make it low profile (eg ottomans or stools) so the view isn't obstructed.
view coggs's profile
I could only do it if I had great swivel chairs. (Do they still call them "swivel" chairs??) Cozy nights face the fire; party time faces the conversation area.
view mjs7640's profile
mjs7640 -- Two swivel chairs would be perfect in this arrangement.
view ChrisGal's profile
I don't like fully upholstered chairs in front of a fireplace. I'm good with wood frame chairs, perhaps on an angle. And I agree about the ottoman suggestion. That said, the chairs and artwork are quite nice.
view queenbee1230's profile
Id take 2 of those chairs for $1200 a piece Alex.
view jayjay5's profile
This only looks good in pictures. From a practical point of view, I'd constantly be looking over my shoulder to make sure that something isn't on fire. Good point about the sit-com set!
view La Vésigondine's profile
I put my couch in front of the fireplace for summer - it really opens the room up. But for winter, I move it so that we can see (and use) the fireplace.
view 2 Green Acres's profile
I've done something similar in my tiny one bedroom because of space limitations. For a number of years, I tried to arrange the furniture around the fireplace, but it never felt right. It was only after I decided to give less prominence to it that I was able to find the right layout. I understand the concern about blocking a beautiful fire, but in my space at least, it's still noticeable...
view JeffC's profile
I really just want to turn these chairs to face each other and spread them a little bit farther apart. Their packs could align with the outher edge of the fireplace....
I just really don't like that image.
view apicciri's profile
I'm trying this out right now and am unconvinced. Usually my chairs face each other in front of the fireplace, which is sort of nice. Our gas insert was removed because it was malfunctioning and about 30 years old, and we've got a great stone hearth full of dog toys (!) right now.
The chimney came down a while ago, so no wood either. Eventually we'll get a new direct vent gas insert, but it's low on our priority list for now.
view dolly's profile
Ditto. Makes a good photo. Bad idea in real life with a real fire. Now, if your fireplace were merely decorative or filled with decorative items....
view kimg924's profile
I've never thought facing all the furniture to the fire place was a great idea. There's nothing more boring than going to visit with someone and have us all sitting staring at a fireplace. A fireplace is a heat source, not a focal point. I know peopel are proud that they own one, but if you've seen one, you've seen them all. And no matter how well they are accessorized, after you've seen, you're over it. Yes, it should be well staged, but so should all of your walls.
view quiltmaster's profile