A U or an L, under eight feet across.
A conversation works when everyone can see each other without raising their voice.
The shape
Seats face each other in a U or an L, with a table in reach of every one. Keep the whole group under 8 feet across.
Chairs
Two chairs face the sofa across the coffee table, or sit angled 30 to 45 degrees at its ends. Match seat heights to the sofa's, within 4 inches.
A single chair sits in a corner, angled 45 degrees toward the coffee table, on the side away from the door.
| Between | Gap |
|---|---|
| Sofa and coffee table | 12 to 14″ |
| A chair facing the sofa | 42 to 96″ |
| Two chairs with a table between | About 42″ |
| A side table and the seat beside it | Within 2″ |
The route
The way from the door to the next room runs behind or beside the group, 36 inches wide, so nobody crosses the conversation.
Blank Space draws the group first and routes the walkway around it.