Have you ever had a conversation about a Conversation Sofa? While one-sided, let’s have it now and break down the details of a unique and often over-looked piece of furniture.
What Is It?
A Conversation Sofa is a stationary Sofa where the arm end seating sections slightly curve or angle inward, forming sort of the letter “C”. This mild curve adds an interesting twist to a room and, as the name says, makes it easier for those seated on
the Conversation Sofa to connect through conversation since they are slightly facing each other. To compare, it’s easier to have a conversation at a round table than it is at a rectangular table. Don’t you think?
Space Planning
When shopping for a Conversation Sofa, or any new piece of furniture, you’ll want to consider the size, shape and style of your room. A Conversation Sofa will take up more space in a room than a straight Sofa would from the same collection. You’ll want to be sure you have ample space in your room to fit the Conversation Sofa, not only from a size perspective but also from a visual perspective. The uniqueness of a Conversation Sofa is perfect for a room with an open layout where you can appreciate its curves from several angles. If your room is designed so that your Sofa is floating in the room (rather than being placed against a wall) this also is a great setting to put a Conversation Sofa, again allowing you to admire it from multiple viewpoints.
The styling of a Conversation Sofa lends itself to a room that is used primarily for in-person socializing, versus a room designated for comfy TV viewing. Formal Living Rooms, Home Offices and Breakfast Rooms are ideal locations to show off the personality of a Conversation Sofa. While many Conversation Sofas tend to skew towards Traditional décor, they could also look amazing in a fun or even funky modern space. Can you picture it?
Measure Twice, Buy Once
Measuring for a Conversation Sofa can be a bit tricky since there is a special language associated with the piece. When a Width dimension is given for a Conversation Sofa it will almost always be “Overall Width” and is measured straight 
across the sofa from the outermost tip on one side to the outermost tip on the other side. This measurement does not follow the curved or angled outline of the Conversation Sofa but rather the amount of wall and floor space it will take up (side to side). Similarly, the Depth dimension is “Overall Depth” and is measured as though cutting the Conversation Sofa straight in half through its center, starting from the back of the center cushion out to the outermost tip of the arms. This will 
determine how much floor space the Conversation Sofa will require (front to back). It does not refer to the actual seating depth of each seat, each seat cushion will be a standard depth (for that frame).
Because of its curves, a Conversation Sofa may be more difficult to move into your home than a regular Sofa. Doorways often need to be a minimum of 36” wide and hallway turns are sometimes not navigable. Careful planning and measuring is key when considering a Conversation Sofa. You’ll love it a whole lot more inside your home than sitting in your driveway so be 100% sure it will fit. When determining the fit, don’t forget to consider the scale of the room, does it “fit” with the actual proportions of, not only the room, but also the other furnishings that will share the room. Do you think about scale when purchasing home furnishings?
Help Has Arrived
Since it’s so important to carefully measure the space where you plan to place the Conversation Sofa, as well as the route leading to that space within your home, let our Interior Designers help you be sure this style is right for your style, your family and your space. After an in-home visit they’ll create a space plan of your 
room and show the placement of the pieces you are considering. Not only will they share their expertise with you on room layout, they’ll also help you make inspired decisions on fabrics and other design details. What do you think of that?! To schedule an appointment call 816-781-8002 or email through our website.
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