Traditional sitting room


15 Traditional Living Rooms for Inspiration

By

Lauren Flanagan

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.

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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!

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.

What Is Traditional Interior Design Style?

Living room in traditional style: museum interior, English and Parisian styles, avant-garde | Admagazine

Apartments

In the living room dossier, we decided to collect interiors based on tradition. We ourselves did not expect that they would be so different.

In the “How to decorate” section, we decided to collect the interiors of living rooms based on tradition. We didn't expect them to be so different.

San Francisco apartment designed by Ken Falk

Karyn Millet/The Interior Archive, fritz von der schulenburg/the interior archive, jean-françois jaussaud/luxproductions.com, the interior archive; christopher simon sykes/the interior archive; simon upton/the interior archive, william waldron/the interior archive; birgitta drejer/sisters agency; luke white/the interior archive, toni meneguzzo; andreas von einsiedel, michel arnaud/the interior archive; martin garcia/rba; ferran freixa/rba; felipe scheffel/rba

Like in a museum

Antique furniture will not be enough to recreate this or that historical style. A “museum” interior starts with the right architecture and the right details. The proportions of the rooms and the stucco decoration are as important here as the doorknobs or latches on the windows.

1. Designer Alvise Orsini's apartment is located in London, in an 18th century house with original stucco work in the style of Robert Adam. Recreating the atmosphere of that era, the owner did not want to sacrifice modern amenities, including heating. And since there were no radiators in the 18th century, he installed a “warm floor” system in the apartment. nine0003

Karyn Millet/The Interior Archive, fritz von der schulenburg/the interior archive, jean-françois jaussaud/luxproductions.com, the interior archive; christopher simon sykes/the interior archive; simon upton/the interior archive, william waldron/the interior archive; birgitta drejer/sisters agency; luke white/the interior archive, toni meneguzzo; andreas von einsiedel, michel arnaud/the interior archive; martin garcia/rba; ferran freixa/rba; Felipe Scheffel/rba

2. And here is a real palace - Malmaison, built by Charles Percier and Pierre Fontaine. For decorators involved in the reconstruction of historical styles, such interiors are role models.

Karyn Millet/The Interior Archive, fritz von der schulenburg/the interior archive, jean-françois jaussaud/luxproductions.com, the interior archive; christopher simon sykes/the interior archive; simon upton/the interior archive, william waldron/the interior archive; birgitta drejer/sisters agency; luke white/the interior archive, toni meneguzzo; andreas von einsiedel, michel arnaud/the interior archive; martin garcia/rba; ferran freixa/rba; Felipe Scheffel/rba

3. Chateau in Normandy, interior designer and owner - decorator Jacques Garcia. At the time of purchase, the castle was not in ruins, but it still took ten years to restore it. The interior exactly reproduces the atmosphere of an aristocratic living room of the 18th century.

Karyn Millet/The Interior Archive, fritz von der schulenburg/the interior archive, jean-françois jaussaud/luxproductions. com, the interior archive; christopher simon sykes/the interior archive; simon upton/the interior archive, william waldron/the interior archive; birgitta drejer/sisters agency; luke white/the interior archive, toni meneguzzo; andreas von einsiedel, michel arnaud/the interior archive; martin garcia/rba; ferran freixa/rba; Felipe Scheffel/rba

In the English style

Strictly speaking, the concept of "English style" is complete nonsense. No, there was no such style. But we all understand perfectly well what exactly is meant. There are details that immediately read as “typically English”. Their pedigree is different (Britain, like any other country, has experienced both Gothic and Baroque, and much more), but they all equally contribute to the creation of comfort, and this is exactly what we expect from an English house and an English living room. The gentlemen's set includes: dark wood furniture, paper wallpapers and floral fabrics, chesterfield sofas, high baseboards, paint in complex rich colors on the walls, porcelain knick-knacks. Not all of the above things are available in the homes of real subjects of the British crown, but this does not prevent Anglophiles around the world from living that way. nine0003

1. Chesterfield sofa in a modern interior may well stand not only in the office, but also in the living room. Like this London house.

Karyn Millet/The Interior Archive, fritz von der schulenburg/the interior archive, jean-françois jaussaud/luxproductions.com, the interior archive; christopher simon sykes/the interior archive; simon upton/the interior archive, william waldron/the interior archive; birgitta drejer/sisters agency; luke white/the interior archive, toni meneguzzo; andreas von einsiedel, michel arnaud/the interior archive; martin garcia/rba; ferran freixa/rba; Felipe Scheffel/rba

2. Stylistic frames are always conventional. There is a lot of “typically English” in this interior, but in fact, in the photo below, the house of Jacques Debon de Borgarde near Paris.

Karyn Millet/The Interior Archive, fritz von der schulenburg/the interior archive, jean-françois jaussaud/luxproductions.com, the interior archive; christopher simon sykes/the interior archive; simon upton/the interior archive, william waldron/the interior archive; birgitta drejer/sisters agency; luke white/the interior archive, toni meneguzzo; andreas von einsiedel, michel arnaud/the interior archive; martin garcia/rba; ferran freixa/rba; Felipe Scheffel/rba

3. In the middle of the 19th century, the inhabitants of the United Kingdom were fascinated by neo-Gothic. The pompous fireplace in the living room of an English country house designed by Julian Bannerman is from that era.

Karyn Millet/The Interior Archive, fritz von der schulenburg/the interior archive, jean-françois jaussaud/luxproductions.com, the interior archive; christopher simon sykes/the interior archive; simon upton/the interior archive, william waldron/the interior archive; birgitta drejer/sisters agency; luke white/the interior archive, toni meneguzzo; andreas von einsiedel, michel arnaud/the interior archive; martin garcia/rba; ferran freixa/rba; Felipe Scheffel/rba

4. Ottomans come from Turkey. They appeared in European interiors at the end of the 18th century, and fringe, like other upholstered furniture, “overgrown” in the 1860s-1880s, when eclecticism was in fashion. The photo below is the living room of a house in Cornwall.

Karyn Millet/The Interior Archive, fritz von der schulenburg/the interior archive, jean-françois jaussaud/luxproductions.com, the interior archive; christopher simon sykes/the interior archive; simon upton/the interior archive, william waldron/the interior archive; birgitta drejer/sisters agency; luke white/the interior archive, toni meneguzzo; andreas von einsiedel, michel arnaud/the interior archive; martin garcia/rba; ferran freixa/rba; Felipe Scheffel/rba

5. Pictured below is an apartment in New York, decorated by Bebe Monnahan. The apartment is New York, but the mood here is English - largely due to the bright walls. The fireplace portal is flanked by cabinets that match with it in style - a popular technique in classic interiors.

Karyn Millet/The Interior Archive, fritz von der schulenburg/the interior archive, jean-françois jaussaud/luxproductions.com, the interior archive; christopher simon sykes/the interior archive; simon upton/the interior archive, william waldron/the interior archive; birgitta drejer/sisters agency; luke white/the interior archive, toni meneguzzo; andreas von einsiedel, michel arnaud/the interior archive; martin garcia/rba; ferran freixa/rba; Felipe Scheffel/rba

Parisian life

This is an option for those who love the classics, but want to live in an informal setting - a living room in the image and likeness of Parisian interiors. Ideally, it needs proper architecture, including full-height French windows and a fireplace with a carved marble portal. But, as practice shows, you can do without it - the main thing is not to overload the interior with things, color and ornaments. The basis of the image: armchairs in the style of Louis XV, consoles with bent legs and crystal lamps. Unlike the British, who put table lamps with fabric shades everywhere, the French like to hang sconces on the walls. They also have their own tradition of carpet weaving - lint-free savoners and obussons with floral ornaments. Although the carpet in such an interior may well be modern - like the art on the walls. nine0003

1. The photo below shows an apartment in Paris. Convenience in such an interior is not sacrificed; it is proposed to sit in deep bergère chairs. A large pouf in the center of the room successfully replaces a coffee table.

Karyn Millet/The Interior Archive, fritz von der schulenburg/the interior archive, jean-françois jaussaud/luxproductions.com, the interior archive; christopher simon sykes/the interior archive; simon upton/the interior archive, william waldron/the interior archive; birgitta drejer/sisters agency; luke white/the interior archive, toni meneguzzo; andreas von einsiedel, michel arnaud/the interior archive; martin garcia/rba; ferran freixa/rba; Felipe Scheffel/rba

2. Warm ivory is a good alternative to regular white. If used totally, as in this London interior designed by Alison Henry, the essentially classic living room will look more modern.

Karyn Millet/The Interior Archive, fritz von der schulenburg/the interior archive, jean-françois jaussaud/luxproductions.com, the interior archive; christopher simon sykes/the interior archive; simon upton/the interior archive, william waldron/the interior archive; birgitta drejer/sisters agency; luke white/the interior archive, toni meneguzzo; andreas von einsiedel, michel arnaud/the interior archive; martin garcia/rba; ferran freixa/rba; Felipe Scheffel/rba

3. In the 18th century, the Swedes took French furniture as their basis and created their own Gustavian style. The sofas and armchairs in fashion designer Anna Wiberg's Copenhagen apartment are just Gustavian, and the color scheme evokes the French favorite lavender.

Karyn Millet/The Interior Archive, fritz von der schulenburg/the interior archive, jean-françois jaussaud/luxproductions. com, the interior archive; christopher simon sykes/the interior archive; simon upton/the interior archive, william waldron/the interior archive; birgitta drejer/sisters agency; luke white/the interior archive, toni meneguzzo; andreas von einsiedel, michel arnaud/the interior archive; martin garcia/rba; ferran freixa/rba; Felipe Scheffel/rba

Classic + avant-garde

In Italy, little is being built - among the countless villas and palazzos, modern architects have nowhere to turn around. Therefore, they go into design, and then put the fruits of their advanced creative thought all in the same architectural monuments - in villas and palazzos. Now they do this not only in Italy, the technique has “went into circulation” and is used wherever there are beautiful old houses. Both parties benefit from the combination of historic architecture and avant-garde design. The modern approach suggests that there should be no extra furniture in the house - unlike traditional interiors, where redundancy was commonplace. But the fewer things in the room, the easier it is to consider its architectural merits. And vice versa, in contrast with stucco, parquet, fireplaces and other historical details, designer items look even brighter and more interesting. nine0003

1. We have already got used to the unusual design. But the interior of this Milan apartment by William Sawaya helps to refresh the perception and again wonder what kind of strange things Zaha Hadid does.

Karyn Millet/The Interior Archive, fritz von der schulenburg/the interior archive, jean-françois jaussaud/luxproductions.com, the interior archive; christopher simon sykes/the interior archive; simon upton/the interior archive, william waldron/the interior archive; birgitta drejer/sisters agency; luke white/the interior archive, toni meneguzzo; andreas von einsiedel, michel arnaud/the interior archive; martin garcia/rba; ferran freixa/rba; Felipe Scheffel/rba

Collective image

In fact, to get a classic living room in spirit, it is not necessary to buy antiques. In any interior there is a script, that is, architecture and planning, and there are artists - interior items. The scenario is more important: if you have a room with good proportions, beautiful windows, stucco, etc., you can “launch” absolutely any furniture there (from neutral to avant-garde and ethnic). The main thing is that the arrangement of furniture is symmetrical, and the color scheme is harmonious. And do not forget about art - most often it is it that determines the character of the interior. nine0003

1. John Minshaw's project exemplifies the role of art in interior design: replace classical painting with something more modern and this Suffolk home will have a different feel.

Karyn Millet/The Interior Archive, fritz von der schulenburg/the interior archive, jean-françois jaussaud/luxproductions.com, the interior archive; christopher simon sykes/the interior archive; simon upton/the interior archive, william waldron/the interior archive; birgitta drejer/sisters agency; luke white/the interior archive, toni meneguzzo; andreas von einsiedel, michel arnaud/the interior archive; martin garcia/rba; ferran freixa/rba; Felipe Scheffel/rba

2. The apartment pictured below is located in New York and was designed by decorators Jonathan Adler and Carlos Mota. Wooden panels do their noble work - the living room with an absolutely insane set of items looks very decorous. The armchair by the fireplace is always a classic. Even if the chair itself is a modern designer chair, like this model by Hans Wegner.

Karyn Millet/The Interior Archive, fritz von der schulenburg/the interior archive, jean-françois jaussaud/luxproductions.com, the interior archive; christopher simon sykes/the interior archive; simon upton/the interior archive, william waldron/the interior archive; birgitta drejer/sisters agency; luke white/the interior archive, toni meneguzzo; andreas von einsiedel, michel arnaud/the interior archive; martin garcia/rba; ferran freixa/rba; Felipe Scheffel/rba

3. The furniture in Sig Bergamin's New York project is traditional, but thanks to the photographs on the walls and oriental-inspired fabrics, the interior looks modern.

Karyn Millet/The Interior Archive, fritz von der schulenburg/the interior archive, jean-françois jaussaud/luxproductions.com, the interior archive; christopher simon sykes/the interior archive; simon upton/the interior archive, william waldron/the interior archive; birgitta drejer/sisters agency; luke white/the interior archive, toni meneguzzo; andreas von einsiedel, michel arnaud/the interior archive; martin garcia/rba; ferran freixa/rba; Felipe Scheffel/rba

4. Art Deco and furniture from the 1950s are now considered classics. Looks calm and respectable. And the emotions in this apartment in Rio de Janeiro, designed by Alberto Pinto, are driven by abstraction on the wall and a sculptural staircase with a shiny chrome frame.

Karyn Millet/The Interior Archive, fritz von der schulenburg/the interior archive, jean-françois jaussaud/luxproductions.com, the interior archive; christopher simon sykes/the interior archive; simon upton/the interior archive, william waldron/the interior archive; birgitta drejer/sisters agency; luke white/the interior archive, toni meneguzzo; andreas von einsiedel, michel arnaud/the interior archive; martin garcia/rba; ferran freixa/rba; Felipe Scheffel/rba

Village Council

The living room in a country house more often justifies its name - it gathers with the whole family, with friends, and with neighbors. And when the house is alive, the interior begins to take shape by itself. Therefore, it is so comfortable and beautiful there - what is natural is always beautiful. For example, the inhabitants of Provence began to paint furniture simply because it was the easiest way to protect it from rotting, and now we appreciate it for its beauty. The feeling of freedom that a country house gives is the main reason for copying “rustic” styles in city apartments. Let not on such a scale, but with no less pleasure. nine0003

1. US house designed by William Diamond and Anthony Baratta. The carpet here is modern, it fits into the interior due to the color. Folk patterns, a cage, roosters, chests and copper jugs - there is no exact geographic reference in the interior, but there is enough humor.

Karyn Millet/The Interior Archive, fritz von der schulenburg/the interior archive, jean-françois jaussaud/luxproductions.com, the interior archive; christopher simon sykes/the interior archive; simon upton/the interior archive, william waldron/the interior archive; birgitta drejer/sisters agency; luke white/the interior archive, toni meneguzzo; andreas von einsiedel, michel arnaud/the interior archive; martin garcia/rba; ferran freixa/rba; Felipe Scheffel/rba

2. Shabby wooden beams will be appropriate only in a country house. And they should not be artificially aged, but really ancient - in the photo below, it takes place in Provence, in a former barn, rebuilt by designer Sally Jeeves. But all other elements of this interior can be safely adopted, regardless of where you live.

Karyn Millet/The Interior Archive, fritz von der schulenburg/the interior archive, jean-françois jaussaud/luxproductions.com, the interior archive; christopher simon sykes/the interior archive; simon upton/the interior archive, william waldron/the interior archive; birgitta drejer/sisters agency; luke white/the interior archive, toni meneguzzo; andreas von einsiedel, michel arnaud/the interior archive; martin garcia/rba; ferran freixa/rba; Felipe Scheffel/rba

3. Wicker furniture, especially in combination with soft white upholstery, will create a holiday mood even in the city - as in this house in Cadiz, which was designed by the Spaniard Arturo Grinda. By the way, in addition to traditional “country” chairs, many brands make designer furniture from wickerwork.

Karyn Millet/The Interior Archive, fritz von der schulenburg/the interior archive, jean-françois jaussaud/luxproductions.com, the interior archive; christopher simon sykes/the interior archive; simon upton/the interior archive, william waldron/the interior archive; birgitta drejer/sisters agency; luke white/the interior archive, toni meneguzzo; andreas von einsiedel, michel arnaud/the interior archive; martin garcia/rba; ferran freixa/rba; Felipe Scheffel/rba

4. The rustic interior has a very modern approach to the organization of space - here you have an open layout and direct access to the garden. The author of this project in Spanish Cantabria is Luis Alberto Alonso Ortiz.

Karyn Millet/The Interior Archive, fritz von der schulenburg/the interior archive, jean-françois jaussaud/luxproductions.com, the interior archive; christopher simon sykes/the interior archive; simon upton/the interior archive, william waldron/the interior archive; birgitta drejer/sisters agency; luke white/the interior archive, toni meneguzzo; andreas von einsiedel, michel arnaud/the interior archive; martin garcia/rba; ferran freixa/rba; Felipe Scheffel/rba

5. House in Spain. The combination of light curtains and blinds is good in any home with south-facing windows, not just in a resort interior. The traditional interior with terracotta tiles and whitewashed walls is crammed with minimalist shelving.

Karyn Millet/The Interior Archive, fritz von der schulenburg/the interior archive, jean-françois jaussaud/luxproductions.com, the interior archive; christopher simon sykes/the interior archive; simon upton/the interior archive, william waldron/the interior archive; birgitta drejer/sisters agency; luke white/the interior archive, toni meneguzzo; andreas von einsiedel, michel arnaud/the interior archive; martin garcia/rba; ferran freixa/rba; Felipe Scheffel/rba

Text: Anastasia Romashkevich and Ksenia Oshchepkova

Photo: Karyn Millet/The Interior Archive, fritz von der schulenburg/the interior archive, jean-françois jaussaud/luxproductions.com, the interior archive; christopher simon sykes/the interior archive; simon upton/the interior archive, william waldron/the interior archive; birgitta drejer/sisters agency; luke white/the interior archive, toni meneguzzo; andreas von einsiedel, michel arnaud/the interior archive; martin garcia/rba; ferran freixa/rba; Felipe Scheffel/rba

TagsHow to decorateInteriorProvenceEnglish styleLiving roomsHousesApartmentsClassicFrench style

Traditional living room designs - 10 ideas

Traditional living room designs - 10 ideas

Choose ideas for your rooms on our website! We will offer you interesting interior design solutions. We will be happy to help you if you have any questions!

Traditional living room with pink accents

This cozy variant emphasizes the placement of symmetrical furniture. Creamy and hot pink make you feel good in this spacious living room color scheme. Try mixing different structures and textures in a modern style. nine0003

Cobalt Blue and Cream Living Room

The blue colors and mismatched structure and texture of the materials give this living room a modern feel. The living room is obtained with neutral soothing colors.

Glass coffee table looks innovative. Fresh shades of blue give a positive vibe and are perfect for lighting up a space.

Living room without accents

Neutral pastel colors and bright daylight create a sense of calm and relaxation. nine0003

Antique furniture and a cast-iron fireplace will allow you to fully relax and feel the charm of the living room.

Traditional living room with wooden furniture

Living room with wood stove is a cozy place to relax. It is rich in wooden furniture and neutral color sofas. You add warmth and simplicity to your home. Original vintage spaces are obtained.

Classic living room with brick fireplace

A great solution if you live in a country house. Natural brick in the fireplace gives comfort and tranquility. The atmosphere is relaxed. nine0003

The combination of antique furniture and oriental benches make the living room look unique.

Gold and cream in the living room

Cozy neutral wall colors combined with paintings create a cozy atmosphere.

Soft carpets, patterned fabrics, delicate floral wallpapers. Gold and cream shades create coziness and originality. Classic bespoke wallpaper makes your living room a work of art.

Large living room with fireplace

Pale blue palette creates more light in the living room and adds sophistication to the interior. nine0003

Carved mirrors add luxury to the interior. However, judge for yourself!

Bright living room with traditional fireplace

The perfect solution for a country house living room.


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