Classic living room interior design ideas
15 Traditional Living Rooms for Inspiration
The Spruce / Michelle Becker
Traditional style has stood the test of time for one simple reason—comfort. Elegant shapes, refined textiles, and a charmingly predictable sense of order make traditional style one that is always warm and welcoming. While decorating trends may change, traditional living rooms will always be in style.
Take a look at these awe-worthy traditional living rooms that will inspire your next remodel!
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01 of 15
Warm Colors in a Living Room
Cameron Mobley Interior DesignOne of the hallmarks of traditional style is symmetry. While rooms aren't always made up of perfect mirror images, they are usually very well-balanced, both in terms of furniture and architecture. Notice in this traditional living room by Cameron Mobley Interior Design that although the armchairs are completely different from one another, they consist of similar visual weight, balancing each other out and maintaining the symmetry of the space.
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02 of 15
Stone Fireplace in a Living Room
Woodie Williams / Regas InteriorsA giant stone fireplace is the perfect starting point for a comfortable, traditionally decorated living room. Since traditional rooms rely on balance and symmetry, having such a distinct focal point to arrange furniture around is ideal. Designer Kim Regas used muted neutrals, soft textiles, and inviting furniture to create a feeling of relaxed elegance.
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03 of 15
Panelled Walls
PFA Design GroupNothing says traditional like a room with mahogany or cherry paneled walls. Different from the cheap veneer paneling popular in the 1970s, the solid wood, rich color, and detailed millwork, like in this room from PFA Design Group, is a hallmark of the traditional style.
Wood Paneling Revival: An Alternative to Drywall and Paint
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04 of 15
Yellow and Green Living Room
Gray Walker InteriorsOne of the trademarks of traditional design is fussy details like those represented in this living room by Gray Walker Interiors: ruffled decoration at the top of the window treatments and the fringe at the bottom of the armchairs. When used in moderation, these types of embellishments add just the right amount of ornamentation. When it comes to traditional rooms, a little fuss is something to celebrate.
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05 of 15
Exposed Beams in a Living Room
Rachael Boling / Markalunas Architecture GroupWhile it's normal to see a fair bit of color in traditional living rooms, an all-neutral space like this one is more than acceptable. And while a lot of frills and details are also often found in traditional rooms, they're not mandatory. This room, designed by Markalunas Architecture Group, is more demure than most traditional spaces, but it still fits in thanks to the architecture, materials, and symmetrical furniture arrangements.
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06 of 15
Light Blue Living Room
Amanda Carol InteriorsTraditional style is often associated with grand spaces, but there's no reason why a smaller space can't be decorated in an elegant, traditional way. This elegant room has very high ceilings but not a lot of floor space, so designer Amanda Carol substituted a coffee table for two stools, used large-scale art to balance out the window, and incorporated tall millwork over the mantel to draw the eye upwards. The result is a somewhat small space that appears much grander than it really is.
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07 of 15
Print Chairs in a Living Room
McGrath IIIn traditional living rooms, the pieces don't all need to match, but they should definitely relate to each other in terms of style, shape, and overall weight like they do in this lovely room designed by McGrath II. While an offbeat piece can certainly be incorporated as contrast or a statement piece, don't stray too far from the traditional baseline. While it's fun to experiment, if you're into really unexpected combinations, this probably isn't the style for you.
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08 of 15
Blue and White Glamour in a Living Room
ACR Villa SkovlyAlthough you occasionally see delicate armchairs in traditional living rooms, the emphasis when it comes to seating is really on comfortable, sit-back-and-relax pieces. Traditional roll arm or William Birch sofas like the ones in this breathtaking room from Villa Skovly are right at home, and more often than not they're loaded with throw pillows to up the comfort level.
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09 of 15
Seafoam Green Living Room
Walish & Stambaugh / HouzzColor is not uncommon in traditional living rooms, but as a general rule, the colors are somewhat muted and don't make a show of themselves, as demonstrated in this green room by Walish & Stambaugh. This means no jewel tones, and certainly nothing overly bright or neon. Reds, blues, greens, and yellows are right at home, as are every possible shade of white, taupe, beige and gray.
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10 of 15
Bold Pattern in a Living Room
SoCal ContractorWhile traditional rooms have a reputation for being calm and relaxing, they do like to have a little fun by way of patterns. Plaids, toiles, stripes, and florals are all perfectly at home—especially large-scale versions of these patterns, as featured in this blue living room from So Cal Contractors. Geometrics and animal prints can also be incorporated, but use them sparingly as they can throw off the vibe and take the style in a different direction.
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11 of 15
High Ceiling Living Room
Mosaic ArchitectsTraditional rooms don't speak to any specific age group. A room like this one by Mosaic Architects could belong to a family or couple, young or old. There's a familiarity to it which is inherently comfortable, but it's definitely not old or dated. In fact, there's a freshness to this space thanks to the tightly upholstered furniture, iron lantern, and architectural details which make it look very current.
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12 of 15
Built-In Bookcases
Natasi Vail DesignBuilt-in bookcases are an ideal storage solution for traditional living rooms. To make sure the look doesn't veer into a contemporary territory, consider adding some decorative molding around the perimeter, picture lights at the top, and be sure to use traditional hardware on cabinet doors. A simple design like this one courtesy of Nastasi Vail Design is ideal.
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13 of 15
Shades of Blue in the Living Room
VV DesignJust because a room is traditional, it doesn't mean it can't still have one or two modern pieces. A mid-century modern sputnik chandelier is the perfect addition to this traditional living room from VV Design. It creates contrast and adds an element of urban cool to this elegant space.
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14 of 15
Dramatic Window Treatments
Salvesen GrahamTo really bring home the traditional style, include dramatic floor-to-ceiling window treatments like the ones in this inspiring room decorated by Salvesen Graham. They can be pleated or not, have valances or not, and use tiebacks or not. However, make sure they go all the way from the floor to the ceiling in order to get the full effect.
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15 of 15
Refined Elegance
Rinfret Interior Design and DecorationThere's no style that lends itself to elegance and sophistication better than the traditional style. Just take this sky blue room by Rinfret Interiors as an example. Balance and symmetry are subconsciously pleasing to the eye, and when combined with luxurious fabrics, refined colors, and delicate architectural detailing it creates an elegant style that will stand the test of time.
The New Traditional Decorating Style
19 Traditional Decor Ideas for Living Rooms
By
Deirdre Sullivan
Deirdre Sullivan
Deirdre Sullivan is an interior design expert and features writer who specializes in home improvement as well as design. She began her career as an assistant editor at Elle magazine and has more than a decade of experience. Deirdre contributes content for brands including The Spruce and Realtor.com, and has been a featured speaker at various conferences.
Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Updated on 09/12/22
Fact checked by
Jillian Dara
Fact checked by Jillian Dara
Jillian is a freelance journalist with 10 years of editorial experience in the lifestyle genre. She is a writer and fact checker for TripSavvy, as well as a fact-checker for The Spruce.
Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto
Traditional décor is an expansive category that includes a wide range of decorating styles from French country to neoclassical. Think classic furnishings, elegant wallpaper, beautiful curtains, antique accents, patterned or textured rugs, statement lighting, and last but not least, thoughtful color schemes. But do not think spaces like these feel overdone or stuffy. These days interior designers are giving traditional style a fresh and modern twist. Our favorite 20 examples share how.
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01 of 19
Country Club Traditional
Studio McGeeThe interior design firm Studio McGee dubbed this assignment The Country Club Traditional Project. The goal was to give their client's traditional styled home a fresh and modern update. The pretty patterned wallpaper adds personality to the neutral dining room while creating visual separation from the rest of the space. The interior designer paid close attention to texture when sprucing the living room. A prime example? Notice the cowhide layered over the seagrass rug — It adds a layer of softness, which makes the area free more inviting underfoot.
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02 of 19
Traditional Dining Room That Feels Modern
Libra StudioThe homeowners wanted a traditional dining room that felt fresh and hip. Enter interior design firm, Libra Studio.
The formal dining room table and chairs set the tone. The bar cart on the right is a practical feature that is also pretty. The vintage, art deco buffet adds sophistication while serving a purpose. The gorgeous chandelier with classic linen shades by Jonathan Adler is pure elegance. The bold art on the wall adds a considerable dose of visual interest. Artfully arranged greenery enliven things.
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03 of 19
How to Create a Traditional Living Room
Turek DesignA Chesterfield sofa sets the tone in this traditional living room by Turek Interiors. Matching sets of end tables, table lamps, and accent chairs create a symmetrical arrangement that feels both elegant and effortless. The large painting over the sofa unifies the room's color scheme.
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04 of 19
Bright and Airy Traditional Living Room
Square House StudiosThe couple who owns this condo hired Square House Studios to create a traditional space with a bright and airy vibe. A gorgeous mix of small decorative pieces blends beautifully with the neutral color scheme. Metallic accents including the legs on the marble coffee table and brass sculptures on the shelves add a little glitz. The custom cabinetry and exacting millwork lend elegance. The Belgian-inspired sofa is by Restoration Hardware. It is balanced by sophisticated seating: a small wing chair and a contemporary club chair.
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05 of 19
Beach Inspired Traditional Decor
Pinney DesignsWe think the best examples of traditional decorating feels both formal and approachable — like this beach-inspired living room brimming with traditional elements by Pinney Designs.
The landscape painting over the fireplace brings color while anchoring the room. The tone on tone color scheme establishes an incredibly relaxing and soothing vibe without feeling too casual. Symmetry, as shown by the two matching sofas and the set of floor lamps, is a hallmark of the traditional style.
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06 of 19
This Foyer Makes a Stellar First Impression
Martha O'Hara InteriorsA traditional foyer by Martha O'Hara Interiors makes a chic first impression with old world inspired furnishings. A Louis armchair creates a spot to put on or take off shoes. A classic, rounded cabinet works as a landing strip. Superb wainscoting dresses up the walls. A quatrefoil mirror adds sparkle.
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07 of 19
Symmetrical Interior Design
Interior AnthologyHere is a classic example of a traditional sitting room by the design team at Interior Anthology. The color palette sticks to neutral tones highlighted by soft, metallic accents. Notice the symmetry in the space that establishes balance — the end tables, mirrors, and lamps flanking the fireplace. The wallpaper brings delicate pattern. The impressionist painting over the fireplace lends warmth.
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08 of 19
Beautiful White Bedroom with Walnut Furniture
Get DecoratedAt first glance, this bedroom by the interior design firm, Get Decorated, feels incredibly modern — and it is. But upon closer inspection, you will notice staples of traditional decorating. Matching walnut end tables and a set of ceramic lamps flank the bed. The upholstered headboard is a tasteful feature that feels luxurious. Flowers and greenery punch up the mostly white room with small doses of colors.
How to Judge Quality in Wood Furniture
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09 of 19
How to Blend Decorative Accents
Heather Garrett DesignWe mentioned earlier that traditional décor incorporates a pretty broad range of styles. Here, the design team behind Heather Garrett Design blend decorative pieces from different periods and artistic traditions to create a stunning vignette. Brass accents including the drawer knobs and statement lighting unify the look.
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10 of 19
Traditional White Kitchen
Turek DesignArchitectural details, old world inspired furniture, and quality materials are all hallmarks of traditional kitchens. This white space by the interior design firm, Turek Interiors is chock-full of tasteful embellishments. Crown molding tops the cabinets. Over the range is a custom hood surround. The marble backsplash has a lovely inset around the pot filler faucet. The countertops were cut from quality black marble with frosty veining. The back spindle bar stools pour on the old-fashioned charm.
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11 of 19
Cozy and Elegant Den
Interior AnthologyThis cozy den by the designer team at Interior Anthology has a distinctly masculine edge from the dark color scheme to the comfortable leather furniture. The Persian rug is a traditional piece that provides something soft to sink toes. The built-in bookcases add practical function while introducing symmetry. The piano, which is the focal point in the room, throws focus to the gallery wall behind it.
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12 of 19
Traditional Dining Room Dressed in Yellow
Martha O'Hara InteriorsYellow reigns in a traditional dining room by Martha O'Hara Interiors. Pretty patterned curtains frame the French doors leading to the deck. The velvet upholstered chairs are an excellent match for the sunny space. The iron chandelier is a chic and timeless feature. The farmhouse-inspired table gives the lovely room a fresh, contemporary spin.
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13 of 19
Creating a Tasteful Vignette
Square House StudiosHere is a tasteful vignette with roots in traditional style by Square House Studios. The display combines pieces from different eras and artistic styles. Anchoring the array is a glass-topped midcentury sideboard. The framed art above it shares a color scheme. The matching lamps add symmetry. The bear sculpture in the middle is one of the homeowner's prized possessions.
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14 of 19
Brighten Up With Traditional Colors
Martha O'Hara InteriorsBlue and coral are favorite traditional design colors. In this Victoria revival decorated by Martha O'Hara Interiors, the lovely hues brighten the walls with dark wood embellishments. Metallic accents including the brass fire screen add a bit of glitz. The crystal chandelier lends old school glam. The rug on the floor brings all the colors used throughout the room together.
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15 of 19
Pitch Perfect Traditional Living Room
Interior AnthologyThis gorgeous traditional living room by Interior Anthology conveys old-world glamour by combining warm, beautiful colors with luxurious fabrics and classic accents.
An Oriental rug establishes the opulent yet welcoming look. The painting over the sofa incorporates all the colors woven throughout the room. Accent pillows in luxurious fabrics dress up the neutral sofa. A wood carved accent chair adds stately pizazz. A vintage black lacquered Chinoiserie coffee table adds to the room's swoon-worthy style.
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16 of 19
Traditional Decorating Can Feel Eclectic
Yes AssociatesIn this large living room by design firm, Yes Associates, a midcentury modern sofa is combined with a mash-up of traditional furnishing from different eras. Notice the décor, though abundant, is not cluttered but carefully controlled and chosen with care. The result is an eclectic, yet traditional space that is comfortable and yet elegant.
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17 of 19
Make a Statement With Quirky Antiques
HavenlyMake a stylish statement with a traditional interior filled with found pieces. This bedroom featured on Havenly is virtually brimming with antiques collected during travels abroad. The animal print carpet, which sets the color scheme, instantly grabs our eyes. Decorative accessories that cover the wall add architectural appeal. Monogram bedding lends preppy flair.
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18 of 19
Traditional Girls Bedroom
Turek DesignA French provincial headboard adds a romantic touch to this traditional girl'sbedroom by Turek Interiors. Matching nightstands and lamps flank the bed. At the foot of the mattress is a plush, upholstered bench with Hepplewhite style legs. Sweetening the space are the walls in ballerina pink by Benjamin Moore. The finishing touch is the elegant crown molding that takes the charming room to a sophisticated new level.
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19 of 19
Elegant Kitchen Lighting
Martha O'Hara InteriorsWe love traditional cooking spaces that include invigorating pops of color like this example by Martha O'Hara Interiors. Pretty fabric dresses up the counter stools. The kitchen cabinets resemble fine furniture. The navy kitchen island adds depth. Notice the back walls? They are two different neutral shades. Another notable feature in traditional kitchens is statement lighting that feels more elegant than utilitarian. Here, two chrome lantern pendants get the job done.
What Is Traditional Interior Design Style?
Watch Now: 5 Clever Tips for Decorating a Narrow Living Room
Classic style living room (68 photos): interior design
The modern world lives in conditions of insanely fast pace. Changeable fashion does not lag behind the general rhythm, dictating its own requirements. In a wide variety of trendy modern styles, the classic style stands apart - refined and harmonious. The design of the living room in a classic style will not only create a cozy atmosphere, but also emphasize the excellent taste and wealth of its owners. nine0005
Classic Style Features
It is worth noting that the classic style is a general concept that combines a number of different trends. Under it, as a rule, they understand: antique style, historical European styles of the 17th-19th centuries (classicism, empire, baroque and rococo), national European traditional styles, as well as modern interiors designed in accordance with generally accepted traditional canons.
Today, the classic style is often carried out with the latest developments in design. In addition, in one interior, designed in the classics, you can find echoes of several traditional styles at once. nine0005
Be that as it may, a classic interior will always be distinguished by harmony, symmetry, solemnity, quality of finishing materials, textiles and accessories.
Therefore, to design a living room in a classic style, it is enough to follow the basic recommendations:
Symmetry. The temperament of the style is expressed in the symmetrical arrangement of architectural forms and groups, as well as the severity of lines and clear geometry. Most often, it is in a classic interior that you can draw one or more conditional lines dividing the space into equal parts, and get sides that will mirror each other. Symmetry is of paramount importance for the ancient direction and classicism. nine0005
Fine and chic. The centuries of the existence of the current defined it as a style characteristic of the interior decoration of the homes of wealthy people. This is not surprising, because in the old days only wealthy people could afford to take care not only of having a roof over their heads, but also of the aesthetics of their own monastery. It is noteworthy that the abundance of pompous decorative elements is more characteristic of baroque and rococo, while classicism can be characterized by modesty and asceticism. nine0005
Natural materials. Materials such as wood, stone, metal, high-quality natural fabrics are suitable for finishing, furnishing and decorating. Of course, today the market offers a large number of synthetic analogues of natural materials, however, it is the listed options for the latter that refer to the authentic version of the direction, and will be able to recreate the sophistication inherent in the classical style.
Lighting. It's no secret that until the beginning of the last century, electric light sources were extremely weak, so one chandelier in the living room was not able to cope with its key task. In such a situation, alternative light sources on walls, fireplaces and tables came to the rescue. Thus, to complete the classic interior, you should take care of additional lighting in the room. nine0005
Colors
The choice is made, and your choice fell on the classic design of the living room. Now you need to decide on the color scheme. A soft and calm color palette looks most natural in a classic interior, but there are also exceptions. Since color sets the tone for the entire design project, it is important to responsibly select the right color solution.
Classic white living room
The noble white color is perfect for the classic design of a small room, giving the space lightness and spaciousness. At the same time, a single-color white design may not evoke the most pleasant associations with hospital rest. Therefore, in order to avoid such risks, dilute white with warm tones, for example, brown and beige. nine0005
Beige living room in classic style
Restrained and soft beige color fits perfectly into the context of discreet sophistication of a classic interior. Like white, beige visually expands the space and makes the room light and spacious, while adding a cozy feeling to the room. When designing a living room in beige, combine different textures so that the space does not merge into a single “spot”. Shades of beige look good with gold and pastel tones of blue, yellow, olive, pink and lilac. nine0005
Lilac living room in classic style
Pretty cute and sophisticated look in the interior design of the living room in a classic style and pastel shades of purple - lilac, lavender, lilac. The current palette looks the best with gilded elements.
Classic gray living room
It is not very common to find gray in classic interiors, but in a traditional version, gray looks especially impressive. When decorating the hall, this color can be used as the main one when decorating walls or floors. Elegant grays go well with cool tones, but warm tones can also be added to give the living room a cozy atmosphere. nine0005
Brown living room in classic style
Designers and colorists call brown a conservative color, so it is one of the closest to the classic style. Its shades calm the nervous system, causing a person to associate with reliability, safety and stability. Brown can be called basic, because it perfectly sets off other colors, and in general it is combined with almost the entire color palette.
Classic blue living room
Cold blue has a calming and refreshing effect on a person. Its shades will fit well into living rooms with windows facing east and south, otherwise a small and poorly lit space may seem even more cold and alien.
Blue should be used in doses, as separate accents, although there are times when some of its shades are perfect for wall or ceiling decoration.
Finishes and materials for the living room
To create a classic interior, special attention should be paid to the decoration of walls, floor and ceiling. As already mentioned, in this case, the quality and naturalness of the materials play a separate role. Nevertheless, if you do not have the opportunity to purchase exclusively natural materials, you can stock up on their high-quality synthetic counterparts and start repairing.
Floor
Mosaic parquet with geometric or floral patterns is considered a smart choice for flooring. To fix the finished result, use a glossy varnish after laying the parquet. nine0005
It is possible to use wood flooring and laminate, in which case you can additionally decorate the floor with a beautiful carpet. The most successful option for flooring is marble, this noble stone completes the classic interior in the best possible way.
Walls
Classical interior involves two main ways of wall decoration:
- The first option involves decorating with decorative painting, fabric, wallpaper with an elegant pattern. The walls in this case look solemn and luxurious, but they should attract attention primarily through quality and texture, and not the brightness of color. nine0005
- On the other hand, the walls can be plain, in pastel colors. Here, for decoration, you can use stucco, decorative plaster, columns and semi-columns, which will give the space the spirit of the aristocracy of the palace chambers.
It is also worth noting that a cozy fireplace will be an excellent characteristic addition to the classic interior of the living room.
Ceiling
When decorating the ceiling, it is appropriate to use painting, plain or gilded stucco, friezes that can turn an ordinary ceiling into a skillful work of design creativity. nine0005
Classic living room furniture
When designing a living room in the style of noble classics, the selection of furniture deserves special attention. They can be massive or sophisticated, but always graceful. As in the case of decoration, furniture made of precious woods, including those with decorative metal elements, looks organic for classics; such furniture will emphasize the elegance and high cost of the entire design. The best choice for upholstery is cotton, silk or satin in restrained tones with a small, non-flashy pattern. nine0005
If there is a lot of space, it would be appropriate to add beautiful tables as stands for lamps, an artsy coffee table, and a bookcase to the hall.
Also, do not forget that when arranging furniture, you should adhere to the principle of symmetry.
Decor and textiles
Classic, unlike many other styles, requires the obligatory presence of expensive decor items in the interior.
Without high-quality and sophisticated figurines, candlesticks, mirrors, chandeliers and paintings, there is no authentic classical direction. At the same time, decorative elements should be very seasoned and traditional. nine0005
Porcelain, gilding, bronze, marble, antiques, sculptures, mirrors, portraits and landscapes with intricate frames create a wonderful impression. Naturally, using all of the above options at once will not suit your interior at all, it can turn out to be tasteless and philistine. Therefore, try to correctly select accessories for your classic living room so that the room emphasizes the dignity and taste of its owners.
As for textiles, as with furniture upholstery, curtains, carpets and cushions made from expensive natural fabrics should be used. The color scheme of textiles should be combined with the overall idea of \u200b\u200bthe color scheme. The carpet can be plain, but it is better if discreet traditional ornaments are applied to it. nine0005
Small classic living room
It often happens that homeowners in multi-apartment buildings do not have enough space to realize all their design ideas. But if you use a few recommendations, and this problem will not become an obstacle for you:
1. If you are the owner of a small room, give preference to light colors when finishing the floor, walls, ceiling, as well as when choosing textiles and furniture. Monochrome light design can be diluted with a few rich, but not too flashy color accents. nine0005
2. Furniture should be selected in small sizes, otherwise bulky and stately furniture will create a feeling of cluttered space. Also, do not use a large number of pieces of furniture, leave only the most necessary, and it is better to refrain from numerous armchairs and pouffes, voluminous bookcases.
3. Finishing a small living room in a classic style should be elegant and restrained. If you decide to make a beautiful finish using columns, stucco, murals, try not to overdo it, but on the contrary, rely on one or a couple of decoration elements. nine0005
Design of a living room in a classic style - photo
Elegant and beautiful classic is delightful not only in theory but also in life. You can make sure of this and get more beautiful ideas for decorating a living room in a classic style thanks to our selection of photos. Enjoy watching!
Video: Classic Living Rooms - Interior Ideas
The living room in the house is the place where, as the name suggests, guests are received. However, the owners themselves relax here, spending time in front of the TV or a book, with drinks, pleasant conversation and other activities. Therefore, the living room should be the most comfortable place in your home.
If your family consists of several people, it is important to consider the interests of everyone. It is quite possible that for one of the family members, when designing the interior of a living room in an apartment, they will have to give space for working at a computer, doing creative work, even sports. All these points must be planned at the stage of designing the premises. nine0005
Determine the center of the living room
Living room design is inseparable from a competent layout. After looking at examples of photos of the living room in the apartment, you can see various space planning options. Of course, the choice depends on your preferences, as well as on the size and functionality of the room.
Place sofas and armchairs around the perimeter of the room in no case is worth it. Firstly, this is the last century, and the modern design of the living room categorically does not accept such a layout. In addition, you will clutter up the space with only recreational items, leaving no free space for other functional areas. nine0005
The best option for the interior of the living room is to highlight the central group, around which the rest of the furniture will be grouped. As a rule, a recreation area with a TV and a sofa is chosen as the center of the composition.
A fireplace can also be a central element, next to which chairs, rocking chairs or even luxurious skins for relaxation will comfortably fit.
Standard set of furniture for designing a living room in an apartment:
- sofa;
- several armchairs;
- coffee or coffee table;
- shelving for decorative items and/or books.
If the room is large, or it will have to take on a diverse functional load, naturally you should not limit yourself to this. The living room may well have a desktop for a computer, chests of drawers and cabinets, a bar counter.
In order not to clutter up a cramped room too much, give preference to the transformer models that are popular today. Such furniture is very functional and allows you to perfectly save scarce space. nine0005
Choice of colors
If your living room is on the sunny side, then you are practically unlimited in the choice of colors for its decoration and furnishing. The contrasting interior design of the living room will look very interesting. For example, walls and floors can be decorated in cold colors, while furniture, in contrast, in warm colors.
Many modern interior styles welcome the clean slate living room design. This technique involves decorating the walls and ceiling with plain white plaster or paint. And furniture and decor elements can be selected in a variety of colors: bright or rich dark - to create a spectacular and stylish interior, delicate and pastel - for a light, cozy and elegant design. nine0005
For north-facing living rooms with little to no daylight, choose warm-coloured finishes. Such an interior design of the living room compensates for the lack of sun, makes the room cozy and conducive to relaxation no matter what.
And, of course, if the room is a bit dark, you should take care of good artificial lighting. Well-placed spotlights are best suited to illuminate every corner of your living room.
Of course, the choice of colors for decorating a room should also depend on what visual and emotional effect you want to achieve. nine0005
If the living room is intended for stormy parties and active pastime, then it makes sense to decorate it in bright, saturated colors.
If the owners want to indulge in a calm and relaxing holiday, then the interior of the living room should be to match. In this case, you should give preference to soft light tones or, conversely, deep and calm, but in no case flashy.
Finishing materials
The choice of finishing materials should largely depend on the style in which you would like to maintain the design of the living room in the apartment. So, paper wallpapers with romantic flowers are definitely not suitable for laconic hi-tech or minimalism. And Provence or country-style interiors will not be combined with bright carpets with psychedelic prints and ultra-modern wall coverings with fur or leather texture. nine0005
In addition, the shape and size of the room is of great importance. Properly selected finishes will perfectly smooth out the flaws of the room and focus on its merits. While a thoughtlessly chosen design can spoil even a spacious and bright room.
Walls
The classic rule is that for small rooms it is better to choose light shades. It always works flawlessly. However, if this solution seems too boring for you, you can try all sorts of interesting wall designs. Spectacular examples of wall design in the living room, photos of which are presented in our article, will help you navigate and choose the most attractive options for yourself. nine0005
For example, even smooth, light-colored walls can be made a spectacular interior detail by adding bright or simply contrasting color accents to them. See such unusual living room interior ideas in the photo below.
All kinds of plasterboard niches look very stylish. They not only diversify the interior, but also become its very functional detail. After all, they can accommodate both decorative elements and items needed in the household. And if such a niche is beautifully illuminated from the inside, this will create an interesting effect of depth. nine0005
Wallpaper is the traditional choice for living room walls. Fortunately, today there is a great variety of them: both classic paper, and modern non-woven, and washable, and glass, and even innovative liquid wallpaper. If you are a lover of change, then you can pay attention to the wallpaper for painting. With such a finish, you can easily change the look of the room, at least several times a year. However, please note that, as a rule, such wallpapers are designed for a limited number of repaints. nine0005
Smoothly plastered or painted walls look great in modern interiors. At the same time, if you are a fan of the original design, you can pick up plaster with all sorts of beautiful and unusual textures. With its help, you can add a twist to your design and create a truly beautiful living room interior.
One of the fashion trends in modern design is the combination of materials. It is very important to use combinations of several finishes in one room: different types and shades of plaster, paint plus wallpaper, or even a combination of two types of wallpaper with different patterns and textures. See examples of such a living room design in the photo below. nine0005
Using this technique, you will not only be able to make your interior bright, stylish and original, but will also successfully cope with the zoning of the room. As you know, for proper zoning, it is not enough to collect several diverse groups of furniture in one room. So that all this does not look like a "hodgepodge", it is necessary to highlight each of the functional areas with its own design elements. And here, the design of wall sections in different colors and even different textures is the best fit. nine0005
Ceiling
When choosing the design of the ceiling in the living room, first of all, start from the size of the room. No matter how much you like spectacular multi-tiered structures, in a small room, packed full of necessary furniture, they will look simply ridiculous. In no case do not overload the design of the room.
If the room is small, then the best option is a simple ceiling in light colors with built-in ceiling lights. A good design move would be a small cornice around the perimeter, it will add a sense of depth. nine0005
Another interesting solution for visually increasing the space is the so-called "floating" suspended ceilings. This is a two-tier structure with a small height difference and built-in lights mounted inside the "upper" tier in such a way that they themselves are not visible. This technique creates soft diffused light and an interesting depth effect. As a result, the room seems visually higher and more spacious.
However, remember that the design tricks you have listed are inappropriate for small rooms with high ceilings. If in such a room you try to “distance” the ceiling even more due to visual techniques, then you will feel in it like at the bottom of a bottomless well. nine0005
In narrow rooms with high ceilings, it makes sense, on the contrary, to reduce the height - through visual means or with the help of suspended structures. Then the living room will immediately seem more comfortable and suitable for a comfortable stay.
If you are lucky and your living room is spacious and has high enough ceilings, then feel free to experiment with their design.
Here, multi-level suspended structures, both laconic and intricate forms, stucco, columns, scallops, and complex lighting systems can be used. nine0005
The main thing is not to overdo it and stick to the intended design of the room. If the room is decorated in a ceremonial classical style, in the spirit of Baroque or Empire, then without a doubt, both bas-reliefs and columns will be appropriate. But for more concise modern styles, you should choose a simpler and more rigorous ceiling design.
If your living room will have several functional areas, then the zoning can be "supported" with an appropriately designed ceiling. nine0005
For example, a central seating area with a sofa group and a TV can be highlighted with a second tier of false ceiling. Depending on the general style of the room, both strict rectangular shapes and soft rounded lines may be appropriate.
The ceiling does not have to be white. Delicate, warm pastel shades will look perfect in almost any room.
Fans of more extravagant options can experiment with bright shades. It is not necessary to decorate the entire ceiling in saturated colors. However, if you highlight only part of it or one of the tiers with a spectacular shade, you will get a chic look. nine0005
As far as materials are concerned, it is best to avoid whitewashing and painting. After all, this will take a long time and carefully level the surface. An excellent modern solution is plasterboard suspended ceilings or stylish stretch models. They are quick to install, provide perfectly flat surfaces, and in addition, allow you to create a wide variety of design options.
Lighting
Just a few years ago, when choosing lighting, the issue was always decided in favor of a large ceiling chandelier. Of course, today there are many lovers of such lighting fixtures, including those decorated with numerous "crystal" pendants. However, you should not get hung up on this option, because modern manufacturers offer many interesting, stylish and comfortable options. nine0005
If you - due to adherence to traditions or in order to create a certain style of interior - have opted for a massive chandelier, you do not need to limit yourself to this. In any living room, additional sources of lighting will be appropriate: wall sconces, floor lamps and portable standing lamps.
Additional light sources perform several functions at once:
- They allow you to well illuminate all corners of the room, without leaving any terra incognita areas in it, where it is dark in the evening, even if you gouge out your eye. nine0146
- Create separate lighting and comfort in each functional area. Thanks to a well-placed floor lamp or sconce, one of the family members with all the conveniences can read or work at a computer in the corner of the hall, while others have a “movie show” or an evening rest in the twilight on the sofa.
- Can create decorative lighting in a niche, near art objects, etc.
- They are additional decorative elements.
If you are a fan of minimalistic design, recessed ceiling lights are the best choice. They also allow you to create separate lighting in different functional areas of the living room. And besides, with their help you can always adjust the brightness and level of illumination of the room. And with all this, they remain almost invisible, do not overload the design and fit almost all interior styles. nine0005
It's safe to say that recessed ceiling lights are the best choice for a small room with low ceilings. But, at the same time, they will also be appropriate in a spacious hall.
Style Selection
Choose a style based on the tastes of the whole family. Look at photo examples of living room designs in a magazine, on the Internet, explore the various styles that are in abundance today.
Of course, the dimensions of the room must also be taken into account. In a small room in Khrushchev, a lush baroque or any other “palace” interior will look out of place. For small living rooms, it is best to choose a laconic design in the Scandinavian style, elegant classics or strict hi-tech or minimalism. Country and Provence are perfect, as these styles suggest comfort and emphatically home furnishings. nine0005
If your living room is large, then there is room to roam. In principle, a spacious room can be decorated in almost any style that you and your family like.
When choosing the style of the living room, be sure to take into account the peculiarities of the interior of the other rooms. Maintain style and harmony.
Classic
The classic style of the interior involves the use of the most natural materials. The whole environment should breathe quality and good taste. As part of this style, traditional furniture made of solid wood or at least high-quality MDF will be appropriate. nine0005
Classic interior colors are soft, calm, usually light. But in principle, within the framework of this style, almost any shades (except bright and flashy) will be appropriate if they are correctly beaten.
Elegant wallpapers, paintings, vases, traditional chandeliers, beautiful curtains - all this will be an excellent frame for an interior in a classic style.
Despite certain design rules, there are different directions for decorating a living room in the spirit of the classics. Within the framework of the classical style, several variations can exist at once:
- refined and rich "palace", in which discreet gilding and more elaborate forms will be appropriate;
- solid and reliable English style, suggesting solid furniture of simple shapes and unpretentious decor;
- neoclassic, meaning lighter and simpler forms, expensive elegance without ostentatious luxury.
Minimalism and high-tech
High-tech and constructivism can also be combined under this general direction. All these styles imply laconic finishes, emphatically simple and modern furniture models, built-in lighting, and an abundance of technology. nine0005
Minimalism is characterized by soft colors, calm combinations, stylish and simple shapes.
For hi-tech, for all their similarity, saturated tones, metallic luster and a lot of glass are more characteristic. High-tech furniture or decor can have very unusual, but at the same time laconic and streamlined shapes.
Minimalistic interior of the living room is best suited for young and energetic people who keep up with the times, who do not attach much importance to luxurious surroundings, preferring simplicity and elegance of lines. nine0005
However, do not think that the interior in the style of hi-tech or minimalism is something from the category of "cheap and cheerful". Such a design may well turn out to be much more expensive than some magnificent Empire style.
Country and Provence
These styles are perfect for lovers of home comfort, antiquity and rustic simplicity. If you want to enjoy peace as much as possible, relax and forget about the bustle of the city, then these are excellent options for the living room.
At the same time, country is deliberately rough, emphatically rural, with simple, almost unfinished furniture and themed textiles. It is characterized by natural, natural shades: soft light and dark green tones, the whole range of brown, light yellow, ocher. Of the prints, a large cage, as well as various variations of floral patterns, will be especially harmonious. nine0005
The Provence style, as it should be for a true Frenchman, is more refined, distinguished by a special chic and charm. It is characterized by lighter shades of furniture and finishes: white, cream, pale blue, turquoise, beige. Decor and textiles can be very flirtatious: with ruffles, scallops, flounces, etc.
Today, these design trends are very popular not only in the design of country cottages, but also in the decoration of city apartments. Therefore, in stores you can easily find furniture, decor and finishing materials that perfectly match these styles. nine0005
Scandinavian
This style is incredibly popular right now. The secret of its success is in the harmonious combination of minimalism, comfort and homeliness. It involves a simple and concise finish, convenient and comfortable furniture of simple shapes, stylish, but at the same time soft and not defiant decor.
The Scandinavian style is characterized by calm shades: white, beige, light gray, gray-green, pale blue, dark blue. Often in the colors of such an interior there is a certain marine theme. nine0005
Living room interior in Scandinavian style is the perfect balance of functionality, convenience, modernity and home comfort. Stylish and modern upholstered furniture for the living room is perfect here, a photo of which you can see below.
Choosing furniture
Before you start choosing furniture for your living room, carefully consider which functional areas will be allocated in the room. Beautiful furniture for the living room, the photo of which can be seen below, is not all. It is important to correctly arrange it so that all the inhabitants and guests of the apartment feel cozy and comfortable. nine0005
If it is intended exclusively for families, then a comfortable sofa, armchairs, a TV stand and a couple of shelving will be enough. If space allows, you can add a coffee table, as well as small cabinets where you can place various decor items.
If you often organize parties, like to receive and treat guests, then you will need a bar counter. It looks stylish, modern, spectacular, can serve as a place to store all kinds of items and will allow you to organize the serving of drinks and treats for guests in a very small area. In addition, the bar counter can be an excellent dividing element if you need to zone the living room. nine0005
Choose the dimensions of the sofa and the number of chairs depending on the number of family members and the possible number of guests. It makes no sense to choose an airfield sofa and three armchairs if you live alone and rarely receive guests. In this case, it is worth limiting yourself to more compact options and leaving more free space in the room - to create a feeling of spaciousness or to accommodate other functional elements.
If you expect your guests to occasionally stay overnight, then the choice of sofa should be approached especially carefully. Choose folding models, on which, if necessary, you can fully sleep. If there can be several overnight guests, then it makes sense to consider options for transforming chairs that can fold out and turn into a bed. nine0005
Modern design solutions, as a rule, do not involve the placement of solid cabinets in the hall. It is assumed that this tradition should remain in the Soviet past. However, if you don't have a walk-in closet and don't have enough space to place storage items in other rooms, no one can force you to give up a spacious closet in the living room.
In a classic interior, it can even be a solid wall. However, if you prefer more modern design trends, then it is better to pay attention to stylish wardrobes. For a small room, models with mirrored doors are perfect, they allow you to visually expand the space, and will not weigh down the interior as much as their counterparts with solid doors. nine0005
A small room should not be cluttered with a large number of pieces of furniture. Such an "abundant" environment will overwhelm, distract, and simply interfere with free movement around the room. If you don’t have a lot of things, then you definitely shouldn’t put a massive closet in the living room, limit yourself to a light and elegant rack. If you want to create a truly light and stylish design, pay special attention to the modern style living room furniture, the photo of which can be seen below.
If you do not plan to receive guests often, it makes no sense to purchase a grand dining table in the hall. In order to drink coffee or have a snack in front of the TV, an elegant coffee table will be quite enough. To save space, you can choose a functional transforming table, which will serve as both a stand and a storage for books and magazines, and, if necessary, can be expanded into a fairly full-fledged springboard for home meals. nine0005
Living room interior fireplace
If you want your living room to breathe genuine comfort and hospitality, consider purchasing a fireplace. Naturally, it is almost impossible to establish a real hearth in a city apartment. But today there are a lot of magnificent imitations on sale that will emphasize the elegance of the interior, create an atmosphere of comfort in the room and even be able to heat it.
An electric fireplace is perfect for an apartment. Do not think that this is a more beautiful analogue of the heater. In fact, modern manufacturers produce incredibly realistic models that amazingly imitate real flames. There are even models with sound and aroma accompaniment. That is, in front of you there will be not only the illusion of an open fire, but also real crackles, as well as the smells of burning logs.