In most cases, a major walkway on one side of the room works best. To accomplish this, arrange seating furniture on one side of the room. Two simple options include:

• Create a U-shaped conversation area on the long wall opposite the fireplace or television and console table. Place a sofa against the wall, facing the fireplace and place two armchairs facing each other at each side of the sofa.
• Place two small sofas or loveseats facing each other in front of the fireplace, perpendicular to the wall. Separate the sofas with a coffee table.

In the first example, the walkway passes between the fireplace and the conversational grouping. In the second example, the walkway is located along the wall opposite the fireplace and face-to-face grouping. A major walkway should never pass through the middle of a conversational furniture grouping. Do place an area rug under the furniture, leaving a bare strip of flooring that helps indicate the path of the walkway.

Dual Walkway Option

If there are two doorways, one on each side of an end wall, the room will need two walkways, one on each side of the room. In this case, float larger pieces of seating furniture in the middle of the room, creating natural walkways along each long wall.

This type of furniture layout also works well if one of the long walls contains sets of doors leading out onto a patio or interior courtyard. To help unify a large space such as this, use matching area rugs and similar colors on upholstery and wood finishes.

Centered Walkway

In a long, narrow room that isn't particularly large and has an entry situated near a corner, strategic furniture placement can create a walkway passing through the center of the room.

• Create a cozy conversation area in the corner opposite the entry, using just two seating pieces such as a couch and armchair or two arm chairs. Include a coffee table and fill the empty corner between the seats with a floor lamp, decorative screen or large potted plant.
• Place a console table along the wall opposite the grouping and containing the door to encourage a natural walkway at an angle through the center of the room.
• Offset the corner grouping of furniture with a large casement piece such as an armoire or china cabinet in the opposite corner.

The main walkway in a room should be about 3 feet wide, allowing two people to pass by without bumping into each other. Walkways passing between furniture pieces, such as the back of the sofa and a console table or bookcase flush against the wall should be about 2 1/2 feet wide, providing ample space for one person to pass through without needing to turn sideways.