In a YouTube video for Real Simple, Nate Berkus illustrated how to zone a large, open floor plan for a dining space by using a circular pedestal table and an L-shaped sectional.

Berkus said, “You can sit and have breakfast, or a family of four or six could comfortably sit around the table, but it [...] [doesn’t] look like the dining room zone.”

The informal but cozy use of a sofa instead of dining chairs is comfortable and inviting, it has a unique twist, and it prevents the space from becoming too crowded with furniture.

A sectional sofa at the dining table is a low-maintenance take on banquettes or custom bench seating, a popular trend that has made its way from restaurants to residential homes.

The dining sectional is also more comfortable than a hard-structured chair or stool, making it a great place to curl up with a book or play board games.

The sofa’s low profile keeps the room open and reduces clutter. Berkus’ husband and interior designer Jeremiah Brent, who came up with the idea, encouraged others to follow suit.

Brent said, “Break the rules. [...] Put a sectional in there and a table if it suits your family, and the way you entertain, and the way you live your life.”