8 Traditional Living Room Ideas That Are Anything but Stuffy
Hoping to craft a living room you’ll love now, years from now, and maybe even decades from now? Take a few cues from traditional design. The classic design style is defined by its restrained palette, love of antiques, and commitment to symmetry. And since those elements work in just about any interior, it’s little wonder traditional design has stood the test of time.
“Traditional design should incorporate elements that you’ve seen for generations in home design,” Alessandra Wood, design historian and Vice President of Style at Modsy, says. Think: classic furniture silhouettes, simple patterns, balanced layouts, and museum-worthy art.
“A traditional interior looks like it could’ve been designed 50 years ago or 10 years ago,” Wood adds. “It’s timeless in one sense, but also rooted in traditional forms.”
Since traditional design is so classic and enduring, it’s a style worth getting acquainted with, and once you’ve mastered it, you’ll be crafting spaces that almost never need redecorating. To help you score some classic style in your living room, we’ve rounded up 8 living rooms that have made the most of traditional style—and we’ve cited a traditional living room design idea worth stealing from each of them.
01 Limit the Colors in Your Palette
Color is welcome in traditional design, but the key is to keep your colors consistent. So commit to a few core shades, and stick to your neatly defined palette.
If you’re not sure which colors to choose, look to your printed pieces for inspiration. “Traditionally coordinating colors are often pulled out of the fabrics utilized,” Miriam Silver Verga, principal designer at Mimi & Hill, says. If one of your statement-makers is made up of three different shades, build your entire palette around that trio of colors.
02 Stick to a Symmetrical Layout
There are many ways to organize your living room, but if you want your space to feel traditional, keep your layout balanced and symmetrical. “Symmetry and balance are key in terms of layout,” Silver Verga says.
03 Line Your Walls With Classic Wood Accents
Paint isn’t the only way to transform your walls. If you want your space to feel more traditional, unearth some of its built-in architectural elements. Sand down your trim until you can tell it’s made from wood, and stain your wooden doors instead of painting them.
04 Ground Your Space With an Area Rug
Rugs make a classic addition to any space, so it should come as no surprise that they look great in traditional living rooms. “Rugs are an important element of traditional design,” Silver Verga says.
And don’t pick a rug that’s too small, either. “Go big,” Silver Verga adds. “Rugs should be large and even layered.”
05 Keep Your Patterns Tight and Simple
Classic patterns—like stripes and florals—abound in traditional design, and they can be a fun way to add interest to your living room.
“I’d incorporate a few traditional patterns in accents, such as a flame stitch pillow,” Wood says.
Just be sure to keep your patterned pieces simple, neat, and time-honored. “The patterns should be tighter and not painterly,” Silver Verga says. Trade abstract florals for realistic ones, and favor simple prints wherever you can.
06 Have Fun With Your Upholstery
Too often, we treat the word “traditional” like it’s synonymous with “boring” or “staid.” But traditional upholstery is actually packed with delightful details.
“Seamstress tailoring will be evident throughout, with pleats, skirts, ruffles, and handiwork,” Silver Verga says. That’s right—maximalist details, like ruffles and fringe, line traditional couches and armchairs. So you can have fun while maintaining your timeless traditional aesthetic.
07 Soften Your Space With Cozy Seating
Living rooms are meant to be lived in, so look for ways to soften up your space. “You can allow the space to feel inviting with ottomans, pillows galore, and plush seating,” Wood says.
By choosing these pieces thoughtfully—and sticking to traditional silhouettes—you can make your space feel welcoming while maintaining its classic appeal.
08 Snag a Pair of Accent Chairs
Silver Verga has some simple advice for your traditional living room: “Have at least one pair of chairs,” she says. Accent chairs add flexibility and style to any living room, and since traditional design is all about symmetry, you’ll want to score yours in a matching pair.
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