In décor, the way furniture is arranged can completely transform a space. While the sofa and chairs in the living room usually get most of the attention, the concept of “conversation seating” can also be applied outdoors — as Anne Hathaway demonstrated on her New York terrace.
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According to Homes & Gardens, this technique was adopted by actress Anne Hathaway on her former New York terrace, proving that even outdoor spaces can become cozy gathering spots all year round.
The conversation seating method consists of arranging sofas, chairs, and tables in a way that encourages social interaction. On Anne Hathaway’s terrace, for example, a two-seater sofa was paired with decorative chairs and a coffee table, creating an inviting space for informal get-togethers.
Designer Lisa Hensby, founder of the Lisa Hensby Design & Build Studio, explains that the main idea is to bring people closer together.
“My goal is to create spaces that encourage conversation, and the way you arrange your seating can make a big difference,” she says.
According to Hensby, U-shaped or L-shaped layouts are especially effective at promoting eye contact and including everyone in the conversation. This arrangement creates a natural focal point and keeps the space open and welcoming.
For smaller spaces, Homes & Gardens highlights that well-placed decorative chairs may be enough. Placing them slightly angled, with a side table or lamp between them, already creates the perfect atmosphere for a casual coffee or an evening chat with friends.
As Anne Hathaway’s example shows, the secret of this method lies in making spaces — both indoors and outdoors — more social, functional, and inviting without losing sophistication.
Source: Homes & Gardens. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
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