One Room, Two Zones: How to Make Open-Plan Living Work for You
Making two seating zones work together in one space can be challenging. Here's how to do it successfully
Do you want to make the most of a large space without giving your home the look of a furniture showroom or hotel lobby? Take a look at these clever spaces and see how you can successfully create two seating zones in one area.
Likewise, a bookshelf topped with four matching lamps creates a similar effect in this US residence, named the winner of the 2014 American Society of Interior Designers Awards.
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The right angle
The way your seating is configured has a big impact. Here, one seating area faces one way while the second seating area is at right-angles to it. A table topped with lamps is again used as an effective room divider.
The way your seating is configured has a big impact. Here, one seating area faces one way while the second seating area is at right-angles to it. A table topped with lamps is again used as an effective room divider.
Screen time
Screens are a sophisticated device for defining spaces. Movable screens are affordable and versatile, whereas fixed screens (such as the one seen here) add sculptural elegance as well as having a practical purpose. As this room is split-level, this screen also functions as a balustrade. Building your own room divider could be a creative solution.
Screens are a sophisticated device for defining spaces. Movable screens are affordable and versatile, whereas fixed screens (such as the one seen here) add sculptural elegance as well as having a practical purpose. As this room is split-level, this screen also functions as a balustrade. Building your own room divider could be a creative solution.
Rug up
Doubling up your rugs is another easy way to create two zones in one room. Keeping both rugs a similar tone (as in this Los Angeles living space) ensures a cohesive look, while the two areas operate independently. Varying the sizes of the rugs is another option, giving a visual cue as to which zone is the main seating area.
Doubling up your rugs is another easy way to create two zones in one room. Keeping both rugs a similar tone (as in this Los Angeles living space) ensures a cohesive look, while the two areas operate independently. Varying the sizes of the rugs is another option, giving a visual cue as to which zone is the main seating area.
This room has double the snug-factor with two plush rugs near an inviting fireplace. Here, the two areas can be used together or apart as one large entertaining zone.
Back-to-back
Modular furniture provides an easy solution to the two-zone dilemma. A muted palette, double the pendant lights and a welcoming, double-sided modular suite ensure this space is calm rather than cluttered.
Modular furniture provides an easy solution to the two-zone dilemma. A muted palette, double the pendant lights and a welcoming, double-sided modular suite ensure this space is calm rather than cluttered.
Here, a sectional suite is paired with bright accessories for maximum impact. The homeowner wanted the two spaces to have an individual personality, yet flow together in a cohesive way. In this sofa, the backs are separate to the seats, meaning the whole sofa can be reconfigured to suit the individual needs of different owners.
Chaise it up
A chaise longue is another sophisticated way to divide a space, as can be seen in this truly elegant living space.
A chaise longue is another sophisticated way to divide a space, as can be seen in this truly elegant living space.
This two-sided mustard chaise sofa provides another clever solution.
Browse more industrial living rooms
Browse more industrial living rooms
The benchmark
Consider adding a bench to your dining table to double your comfortable seating without creating two lounge areas. The leather bench seat in this Melbourne home looks particularly inviting.
Consider adding a bench to your dining table to double your comfortable seating without creating two lounge areas. The leather bench seat in this Melbourne home looks particularly inviting.
Ups and downs
Split-level living offers another easy solution to the two-zone dilemma…
Split-level living offers another easy solution to the two-zone dilemma…
…or why not go all out with a sunken conversation pit? There are multiple seating zones in this Las Vegas property, although admittedly it is not your average family home.
And how cosy is the sunken seating area in this Devon property? It’s complemented perfectly by the comfortable dining chairs at the adjacent table.
Say Hello to the Contemporary Conversation Pit
Say Hello to the Contemporary Conversation Pit
Take it outside
If you don’t have the luxury of split levels and you’re having trouble making two seating areas work in one room, consider adding a covered seating area outside to extend your living space. Or take a leaf out of this homeowner’s book, and add two!
Tell us
Have you made two seating areas work in one room? Tell us how or post a picture in the Comments below. And don’t forget to like this story, bookmark it and save the photos.
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If you don’t have the luxury of split levels and you’re having trouble making two seating areas work in one room, consider adding a covered seating area outside to extend your living space. Or take a leaf out of this homeowner’s book, and add two!
Tell us
Have you made two seating areas work in one room? Tell us how or post a picture in the Comments below. And don’t forget to like this story, bookmark it and save the photos.
More
Find an interior designer or decorator near you
Separating your seating areas successfully can be as easy as making use of a simple room divider such as the console seen here. The two large matching lamps help divide this space further while keeping the aesthetic simple.