Traditional rooms design

15 Traditional Living Rooms for Inspiration

Lauren Flanagan

Lauren Flanagan is an interior design expert with over 15 years of experience writing, editing, and producing articles for renowned Canadian publications and shows for HGTV on home decor. She worked in high-end home decor retail before discovering her passion was to share what she knew in publications and on television.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process

Updated on 09/20/21

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!

01 of 15
Warm Colors in a Living Room
Cameron Mobley Interior Design
One 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.
02 of 15
Stone Fireplace in a Living Room
Woodie Williams / Regas Interiors
A 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.
03 of 15
Panelled Walls
PFA Design Group
Nothing 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
04 of 15
Yellow and Green Living Room
Gray Walker Interiors
One 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.
05 of 15
Exposed Beams in a Living Room
Rachael Boling / Markalunas Architecture Group
While 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.
06 of 15
Light Blue Living Room
Amanda Carol Interiors
Traditional 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.
07 of 15
Print Chairs in a Living Room
McGrath II
In 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.
08 of 15
Blue and White Glamour in a Living Room
ACR Villa Skovly
Although 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.
09 of 15
Seafoam Green Living Room
Walish & Stambaugh / Houzz
Color 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.
10 of 15
Bold Pattern in a Living Room
SoCal Contractor
While 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.
11 of 15
High Ceiling Living Room
Mosaic Architects
Traditional 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.
12 of 15
Built-In Bookcases
Natasi Vail Design
Built-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.
13 of 15
Shades of Blue in the Living Room
VV Design
Just 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.
14 of 15
Dramatic Window Treatments
Salvesen Graham
To 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.
15 of 15
Refined Elegance
Rinfret Interior Design and Decoration
There'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

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.

01 of 19
Country Club Traditional
Studio McGee
The 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.
02 of 19
Traditional Dining Room That Feels Modern
Libra Studio
The 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.
03 of 19
How to Create a Traditional Living Room
Turek Design
A 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.
04 of 19
Bright and Airy Traditional Living Room
Square House Studios
The 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.
05 of 19
Beach Inspired Traditional Decor
Pinney Designs
We 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.
06 of 19
This Foyer Makes a Stellar First Impression
Martha O'Hara Interiors
A 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.
07 of 19
Symmetrical Interior Design
Interior Anthology
Here 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.
08 of 19
Beautiful White Bedroom with Walnut Furniture
Get Decorated
At 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
09 of 19
How to Blend Decorative Accents
Heather Garrett Design
We 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.
10 of 19
Traditional White Kitchen
Turek Design
Architectural 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.
11 of 19
Cozy and Elegant Den
Interior Anthology
This 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.
12 of 19
Traditional Dining Room Dressed in Yellow
Martha O'Hara Interiors
Yellow 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.
13 of 19
Creating a Tasteful Vignette
Square House Studios
Here 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.
14 of 19
Brighten Up With Traditional Colors
Martha O'Hara Interiors
Blue 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.
15 of 19
Pitch Perfect Traditional Living Room
Interior Anthology
This 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.
16 of 19
Traditional Decorating Can Feel Eclectic
Yes Associates
In 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.
17 of 19
Make a Statement With Quirky Antiques
Havenly
Make 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.
18 of 19
Traditional Girls Bedroom
Turek Design
A 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.
19 of 19
Elegant Kitchen Lighting
Martha O'Hara Interiors
We 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

Traditional style in interior design - features and details of elements

Features and tips for decorating traditional interior design

Traditional design is called the classics. It has a wide range of decorative tools - from antique stucco to expressive floral textiles. Inspired by antiquity and does not forget about modern comfort. Traditional interiors are comfortable, practical, functional. And their owners are characterized as calm, reasonable and successful people.

Contents:

Style Benefits
Features

Symmetry principle
Smooth lines and soft shapes
Discreet color palette
Dark wood floors
Stucco decoration as a modeling aid
Accent design of window openings
Lighting: crystal and warm glow
Classic motifs in finishes
Collection parts

How to furnish a traditional living room
Traditional style in the interior of the kitchen
Bedroom Design
Elegant bathroom interior

Style Benefits

Versatility

The design is well suited for decorating both a country cottage and an apartment in a multi-storey building. Fits organically into any interior space - public and private.

Relevance

Classics do not go out of trend. You can make a full-scale repair once, and the cozy atmosphere will please the eye for many years, you won’t want to change anything radically.

Respectability

Elegant style emphasizes the delicate taste of the owners, adherence to traditions. At the same time, it is devoid of pretentiousness, pomp and museum character, characteristic of palace interiors.

What are the characteristics of a traditional design?

Let's talk about the main features and give recommendations on how to correct them in practice.

The principle of symmetry

Modern classics were born from antiquity and borrowed from there the love of symmetry and proportionality. Furniture and decorative ensembles are placed around compositional centers - a fireplace, a dining table, a sofa. And if you draw a line in the center of the composition, the objects on both sides will mirror each other. Therefore, we need paired chairs, paired vases, tables, etc.

Tip :
The illusion of symmetry is easy to create with a large wall mirror, then it will reflect part of the room. To add dynamics to a classic interior, you can add asymmetric details: multi-format paintings, an irregularly shaped carpet...

Smooth lines and soft shapes

Traditional style furniture should be elegant, beautiful, but above all, comfortable. Hence the preference for large soft sofas, deep armchairs with rounded edges, upholstery made from natural materials. Leather trim looks very nice surrounded by lacquered surfaces of wooden tables and cabinets. Graceful carved overlays and gilding inserts are allowed.

Tip :
Revitalize the familiar design of an antique sofa with a new fabric upholstery with a three-dimensional texture, neutral in color. So that the decor of the room does not turn into an old-fashioned one, you do not need to abuse the capitonné screed for all furniture.

Restrained color palette

Home classic prefers muted, pastel colors, with the appropriate addition of more saturated accents.

Main range	Complementary colors
beige	chocolate
cream	deep blue
gray	calm green
light brown	burgundy, cherry

Advice :
The tone-on-tone principle will help to successfully implement the traditional style in the interior in beige tones. Due to the use of shades of different saturation on the walls, facades, furniture upholstery, curtains in combination with a light background, the atmosphere will receive depth and expressiveness. The last two photos are examples of such a solution.

Dark wood flooring

Classic dark wood flooring. The work uses walnut, wenge, acacia, teak, oak, their high-quality imitation. The color range from golden brown to deep chocolate hues – natural or enhanced with toning – creates a beautiful base for the rest of the decor. The floor cladding can logically be supported by wooden furniture and stair railings.

Tip :
The combination of wood in two or three different tones makes the design more varied. The style is characterized by the use of carpets - usually in the area of \u200b\u200bthe sofa group, so they should not completely hide the beautiful flooring.

Stucco decoration as a means of modeling

One of the hallmarks of the interior in the classical tradition is exquisite stucco. All kinds of moldings, friezes, borders, sockets, plinths are actively involved in the decoration of the ceiling and walls. Decorating surfaces, they also perform another important function - they form space:

divide the wall into equal parts;
adjust the height of the ceiling;
balance the proportions of the room.

Tip :
The use of stucco depends on the size of the room. In a small area, it is better to limit yourself to neat wall moldings arranged symmetrically. If they are painted to match the walls, the effect of expensive facing panels will appear.

Accent design of window openings

The traditional interior is associated with solid, lush, rich in detail window decoration. Beautiful curtain drapery can echo the ornament with the upholstery of armchairs and sofas. This creates a complete textile composition.

Framing options:

straight heavy curtains and thin lace tulle;
lambrequins - straight, pleated, border;
side ties with tassels, fringe, braid.

Tip :
Roman blinds are an alternative to traditional decor. Usually white or neutral light shades. They also fit well in a smart environment.

Lighting: crystal and warm glow

According to the classical interior tradition, a large chandelier made of crystal or expensive glass acts as a central lamp, as an option - a bronze model with fabric shades. For local lighting, floor lamps, table lamps, candelabra are installed. Remember the principle of symmetry and choose paired sources.

A light flux of a warm yellow spectrum, like from candles, is appropriate. It will be in harmony with the color scheme of the room. If you connect a dimmer (a device that controls brightness) for the main chandelier, the tone and saturation of the light can be controlled according to your mood.

Tip :
As with windows, there is a decent fallback here. Properly selected spotlights around the perimeter will not only not disturb the design in a traditional style, but on the contrary, they will support the attractiveness of the situation with a uniform soft glow.

Classic motifs in decoration

The most typical patterns for wallpaper and textiles: stripes, Scottish checks, floral patterns (the famous "Damascus"), wreaths, images of antique vases. Borders made in a similar style will mark the boundaries of the decor on the walls and ceiling joints. When mixing ornaments, the rule is to stick to a single color scheme.

Tip :
Of course, the patterns in a traditional interior must obey the idea of symmetry. But nothing prevents the use of motifs of a non-standard scale or non-trivial shades.

Collection details

We are talking about expensive and unique things - porcelain, antique books, paintings, sculptural miniatures, candlesticks. They are located on shelves, tables, decorate the walls. Lamps with stained glass or fabric lampshades complete the look of the classic design, photo in silver frames.

Tip :
You don't have to buy reproductions of sea battles or hunting scenes. A suitable solution is contemporary art canvases and black and white photographs. And to make the atmosphere informal, the pictures can not be framed.

How to arrange a living room in the classical tradition

The main room must have the correct shape, otherwise it is difficult to maintain the principle of symmetry.
Zoning is carried out with the help of furniture: the main place is occupied by a sofa group, it is concentrated around a coffee table or is oriented towards a fireplace.
Separately located additional places of rest (for reading, drinking tea).
Background finish - calm, neutral, light: gray, beige, cream shades of the walls.
The upholstery of armchairs and sofas can be highlighted more vividly.
The walls are decorated with ornamental wallpaper and white stucco.
You can emphasize the accent area with a composition of paintings, graphics.
A typical element is a fireplace; a decorative one is quite suitable in an apartment.
It is also decorated with stucco, and the top shelf is used as a stand for expensive accessories.

Traditional kitchen style

The ideal option is a separate room, also with the correct geometry.
In the case of combining with the living room, decorating techniques common to both zones are used: decoration with cornices, close colors, the same type of lighting sources.
The task of finishing is to withstand the external canonical stylization and realize modern functionality.
If space permits, the center of the room is occupied by an "island" - this is an additional work surface and at the same time a place for eating.
The kitchen set is made of hardwood, stone countertops.
It is better to hide household appliances behind wooden facades. Preference - built-in models.

Bedroom design

The traditional bedroom bed should be made of natural wood. She is covered with a luxurious bedspread, which, in color and pattern, is combined with curtains and textile upholstery.
The head of the bed is in most cases soft: fabric or leather, decorated with a carriage tie, carved details along the edges.
Additional items of furniture - dressing table, armchairs, soft pouffes, banquettes, chest of drawers.
The fronts of the wardrobes and the door leaf are designed to be as identical as possible, so the room acquires a visual integrity.
The leading decorative accent falls on the wall behind the headboard.
It is decorated with beautiful wallpaper and framed with pilasters, a symmetrical composition of moldings (in the central part - a picture, a mirror, on the sides - paired lamps).
Two lighting scenarios are set up in the room: the main source is a chandelier, for a more cozy local glow, sconces or table lamps are turned on.

Elegant bathroom interior

The bathroom is decorated in bright colors.
In combination with mirrors, this will visually enlarge a small room. In large rooms, a pearly, sandy, vanilla palette will enhance the effect of openness.
With the help of pilasters, moldings, carved cornices, you can focus on functional areas.
If there is a window, curtains are required. You don’t want to hang solid curtains, you can get by with neat Roman blinds.
Finishing materials for walls and floors - natural stone, ceramic tiles imitating natural materials (marble, granite).
Design option - tiles with floral motifs, as on wallpaper.
Cabinets, cabinets for washbasins have fronts with panels and carved elements. Tabletops are made of marble.
Plumbing stylized.
Basin and bath mixers are worth keeping in retro style. The colors of bronze, brass, combined with an expressive form, look very atmospheric.

The traditional interior is a favorite classic theme without pomp and frills. Order in space modeling, calm and noble atmosphere in furniture, color palette, lighting. This design lends itself easily to updating with modern accessories and the inclusion of brighter tones.

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