This gives school more meaning. Being cooped up in a room all day is not real life. Understanding the need to set up a classroom management plan that works from the beginning will allow me to take the students outside and around town to give them more real life learning. Stimulating artwork could be on the walls. As for the rest of the room, my observations have shown me that clusters often work better than rows.
Round tables work for small groups.
I just like to be within reach of the students I am working with, whether on the floor or at a table. The teacher's desk would probably be more orderly and not as bothered by students if it is to the side or back of the room and not in front.