I am working on this in my own small space....adding chairs + seating in a small space without it feeling cramped. This picture is a great example of a smaller space accommodating tons of great seating. Use stools or ottomans as chairs and don't be afraid to layer your furniture. I love how the small stools in front of the coffee table create form and function. [via Desire to Inspire.]
I find multiple seating a real challenge in my 14x17 main room. Because I have few walls and two pieces are keepers, there was no place for a couch with a back nor a full wall to dedicate to a couch, so I opted for a backless lounge floating in the middle which doesn't cut off the flow. I painted four dining chairs to match the wall so they almost dissapear; they flank the sides of my favorite pieces. There are two additional chairs, an upholestered piece and an armed chair at a round table, but having enough seating means the pieces are closer together than I'd like. If those chairs were not painted to match the wall, the room would look cramped.
Interesting post! I've not seen anyone else address this common problem for small spaces. Thanks.
Enjoy reading your blog!
Sounds nice, LB! Send me a photo of your space - would love to see the work that you have done!