10 Formal Living Room Design Ideas We Love

While durability and comfort are certainly priorities for any living room design, you don't have to sacrifice your sense of decorating to enjoy your space. Since this room doubles as a place for both lounging and entertaining guests, it's only natural to make it a place that you're proud to show off.

To find the balance between function and style, take a cue from interior designers with ideas from modern to traditional, eclectic, industrial, elegant, and more. Brainstorm your next living room design and find inspiration that reflects your style preferences and sense of comfort at the same time.

Keep scrolling for the best formal living room ideas, along with tips and tricks for creating a fancier flair and dressing up your space without compromising on that relaxing feel.

01 Add Luxe Texture

Though this room features warm pastels that feel casual and cozy, the rich velvet upholstery and streamlined silhouettes of the armchair and sofa give the space a more sophisticated feel. Thanks to the bright white walls and modern accents like angular side tables, a round glass coffee table, and touches of fresh greenery, the seating adds just enough comfort to the room without detracting from its sense of elegance. If you aren't ready to invest in expensive furniture, start small by introducing a velvet throw pillow or chenille blanket.

02 Hang Statement Art

Elegant Linen Glow Sconce - Architectural Design Tapered Shade Wall Sconce for Bedroom and Living Room - A Statement Piece of Elegance and Sophistication

Since the main attractions of a living room—like the sofa and coffee table—should inspire comfort, focus on beautifying other areas of the room that don't need to offer as much functional value. Dress up an empty nook or bare corner with accent furniture and striking artwork.

03 Choose Beautiful Furniture

Classic Wall Lighting with Cream Linen Shade, Mid-century Modern Wall Mounted Lamp with Antique Hand-painted Metal Finish, Hardwired Light Fixture for Bedroom, Living Room, Corridor, Entryway

Though furniture needs to be practical and serve a function, there's no reason it can't also be beautiful. The coffee table in the living room is a prime example. It's artfully designed and unique, making the entire room feel a lot dressier. 

04 Mix in Plush Materials

With plenty of cozy accents (like the throw blankets, pillows, and plush ivory carpeting), this living room is a relaxing oasis. Yet thanks to the rigid, linear shapes throughout the space, it also brings out a modern industrial feel. Mix soft, inviting décor with pieces like angular light fixtures, a sleek sofa, and sharp coffee tables to make your space feel formal.

05 Embrace Tradition

Prairie Style Ceramic Finish Sconce - Featuring Prairie Style Design with Ceramic, Metal, and Wood in Bronze Finish - Ideal as Bedside Lighting

We love how you can curl up in this living room with a good book and a cup of tea for a quiet, laid-back night in, or use the space to host friends for a dressier cocktail party. The traditional fireplace and large Persian rug carry an air of opulence and formality, while the furniture is inviting and lounge-ready. Small hints of color pop from the library of books, vibrant wall sconce, and minimal hues on the accent seating.

06 Experiment With Layout

Everything about this design feels balanced thanks to the living room's layout, attention to scale, and proportion. Aside from the mirror and throw pillows, there aren't any decorative pieces in this room—yet it's still bursting with personality because all of the items are uniquely oversized. The ornate gilt mirror, striking Art Deco carpet, and low-profile, rounded leather couch hold their own while complementing each other perfectly.

07 Give Vintage a Try

The good thing about design is that it mixes a variety of different styles. Case in point: This über-contemporary living area expertly styles a neon sign alongside vintage Oluce lamps. As long as it feels cohesive, vintage décor can really up the wow factor in your living room.

08 Get a Colorful Sofa

Vintage-Inspired Textured Glass Chandelier - Living Room Chandelier with Hand-Pressed Pattern and Rustic Design - Ideal Hanging Light Fixtures for Living Room and Modern Chandelier Options

One of the easiest ways to elevate your living room is to bring in a pop of color by way of the sofa. For instance, in this mostly beige design, the aqua velvet sofa totally ups the cool factor. An oversized area rug brings a more lived-in vibe to the space, offering a plush place to rest your feet and curl up with your favorite reads.

09 Paint the Walls a Dark Shade

Wathing your walls in a glossy navy blue à la interior designer Becca Casey may feel a bit daring, but hear us out: It adds a unique, formal factor like no piece of furniture or art can accomplish. Especially if your furniture is quiet, let the dark walls do the talking.

10 Opt for a Monochromatic Look

Even though this room is mostly decorated in gray hues, it doesn't feel dreary because there are so many different tones and shades of the hue. The variety of texture, along with multiple light sources, gives the space a flair of charisma. This Brooklyn living room is a perfect lesson in decorating monochromatic spaces that work in all the right ways.