Do think through seating choices and arrangements so the layout appears well-designed and encourages conversation. Select pieces sized for the room don’t overwhelm a small space with an oversize sectional, for example, but also don’t select chairs so small they appear lost in a large room.
To boost seating capacity without overcrowding, include ottomans in your grouping; they double as a place to put up feet and as impromptu, portable seating. Lastly, don’t shove seating against the walls. Instead, float a conversation grouping to the center of the room and position seating so everyone can see and hear each other.