Looking for classic, traditional living room furniture that withstands the test of time? A traditional living room set has its benefits, as it will last for years to come and doesn’t readily go out of fashion. If you love antiques, are committed to a symmetrical look, and appreciate a restrained palate, traditional living room furniture – like a traditional sofa – will appeal to you. The best part is they work well in any interior design.
Ultimate Guide to Traditional Living Room Furniture
Traditional furniture incorporates elements that have been seen for generations. They offer a classical silhouette, balanced layouts, simple patterns, and museum-worthy art. The furniture itself is timeless as can be. Whether it’s 50 years old or 10, no one will ever know. The benefit of this furniture type is that they almost never need to be redecorated.
Limit Your Color Palette
While color is part of traditional designs, the key is keeping it consistent. When designing your living room, commit to some warm, core shades, and generate a nicely defined color palette. If you are unsure as to what colors to select, look for inspiration in printed pieces.
Coordinating colors can be pulled from the fabrics used for decoration. If one item you are using in the room has two or three shades, build the palette around those colors. It will tie everything in the room together nicely.
Line Walls with Wood Accents
If you want your living room to feel traditional, incorporate built-in architectural elements. Sand down a trim until you can see the wooden grain. Stain wooden doors rather than painting them for an antique look that is warm and inviting.
Choose Symmetrical Layouts
While there are several ways you can organize a living room, if you want to create a space that is traditional, the layout needs to have symmetry and balance. These are key in a traditional layout.
Break up Space by Using Area Rugs
For a classic look, area rugs will look great in a traditional living room. They are a very important part of a traditional design since they have been incorporated for centuries. Rugs should be large and not too small. They can also be layered for a more interesting appearance.
Patterns Should be Simple and Tight
Florals and stripes are popular in a traditional design. They add interest to a room and break up that single-color monotony. Ensure that your patterned pieces are not painterly, and they should be tight. Instead of abstract floral patterns, use ones that are realistic. Use simple prints whenever possible.
Source Antique Furniture
The easiest way to keep furniture traditional is to buy actual antiques. Find storage pieces, tables, or desks to create a traditional look in your living room. You just can’t find wooden pieces with similar patina or quality in newer furniture. This furniture adds a little something special to the space and creates topics of conversation.
Incorporate Upholstery
Traditional is sometimes seen as boring or stale because some people just incorporate safe colors. However, traditional upholstery can incorporate delightful details. Tailoring is evident in the shirts, pleats, handiwork, and ruffles. Fringes and ruffles line a traditional armchair and couch. This allows homeowners to have a little fun with the design and make it more personal.
Find Pieces with a Classic Silhouette
Your furniture should favor a classic silhouette whenever possible. This is based on historical designs. Look for classic items like upholstered armchairs, chesterfields, and armoires made of solid wood.
Create Cozy Seating Areas
The purpose of a living room is to create an area suitable to live in. It should be warm and inviting. Warm living rooms incorporate warmer tones like browns, beiges, some reds, etc. Some ways to soften the space are by incorporating ottomans, plush seating, and many pillows.
By being thoughtful in your selection and using a traditional-looking silhouette, the space becomes inviting and maintains its classical charm.
Locate Accent Chairs
For a traditional living room, the best thing you can purchase is a pair of chairs. Accent chairs create style and flexibility in a living space. Since this design type is all about keeping things symmetrical, the accent chairs should be a matching set.
Incorporate Weathered/Distressed Items
A traditional living room is all about decorating with antiques, or at least items that look like they could be antiques. With antiques, you will note some wear and tear. These weathered finishes are welcome in a traditional living area.
Resist urges to reupholster distressed leathers, refresh chipped paint, or polish brushed metals. Embrace the inherent beauty and texture of naturally-aged pieces.
Create a Room that Is Inviting to Guests
These rooms were created for entertaining. Your space should be fitting for houseguests. The style should focus on entertaining by incorporating different seating types. Create flexibility by using varied seating selections, keep a bar tray ready, and use warm accents for an inviting look that welcomes people.
Stagger the Furniture
Traditional furniture isn’t as low profile as modern ones. To prevent the room from becoming cluttered, vary the furniture heights. The height of furniture needs to be staggard to avoid a claustrophobic appearance.
Tall armchairs can be paired with a low coffee table. Accent cabinets can be found that lie somewhere in the middle of these two pieces to pull off a staggered look.
Add a Couch that Is Extra Comfortable
Your couch is the centerpiece of your living room. If you want a warm space that is inviting, select one that is overstuffed and cozy. The couch should warmly envelop you without you becoming stuck in it.
No matter how formal the space, comfort should always be the focus. There should be an area to sink into when you are sitting for a warm feel.
Final Words
Traditional living room furniture adds a unique, classic look to your space. The room can be completely symmetrical without being boring. Furniture can be staggered, overstuffed, and inviting. Homeowners can have fun with color and really play with design for this timeless look.
