Create an elevated space that’s anything but stuffy with these decorating and design ideas.
Jean Allsopp
Home design has become more casual in the last several generations.
But even though fewer homeowners are setting aside space solely for entertaining, theformal living roomis making a comeback.
Credit:Jean Allsopp
Formal living rooms are usually refined and elegant, whilefamily roomsare casual and homey.
Tuck in Extra Seating
Helen Norman
A pair of poufs offer additional seating for a crowd.
you could pull them out and put them wherever you need an extra seat.
Credit:Werner Straube
Each seating area serves a unique function.
One group can gather around the table and another can sit and chat on the sofa and armchairs.
Collected art and an antique chandelier give the room a collected look instead of a matchy-match, bought-from-a-furniture-store feel.
Credit:Helen Norman
Symmetrical Formal Living Room
Symmetrical design adds elegance and formality to a room.
Thecrown moldingand ornate mantel elevate the room, too.
A plush armchair and an ornate stool provide additional seating that can be moved wherever its needed.
Credit:Julie Soefer
Play with Pattern and Color
Keep a formal living room from feeling too stuffy bymixing texturesand prints.
Add bright colors to accentuate the playful mood of the room.
Use plush fabrics, like the velvet upholstery on the armchairs, to elevate the space.
Credit:John Bessler
Introduce variety with accessories, drapes, upholstery, throw pillows, furniture, and throws.
Here a pair ofcomplementary color schemesred and green and blue and orangebring vibrancy to the space.
Minimalist Formal Living Room Ideas
Sometimes it doesnt take much to elevate a formal living room.
Credit:Julie Soefer
Elevate the hearth by hanging a gilded frame mirror over it anddraping a seasonal garlandon it.
Formal Living Room with Elegant Fixtures
Acrystal chandelierelevates this formal living room and anchors the space.
Formal Living Room Artwork Ideas
Theright piece of artcan pull a room together.
Credit:Julie Soefer
The piece pairs nicely with a classic wingback chair upholstered in a contemporary print.
Talk about a multitasking space.
Pick an office chair that can double as extra seating for guests when youve logged off for the day.
Credit:Emily Followill
Formal Living Room with Elegant Accessories
Carmel Brantley
Layer in accessories to reflect your personality.
Here, an antiqueroom divideradds depth to a formal living room.
Mix and match table lamps, vases, artwork and other collected treasures to make the space your own.
Credit:Julie Soefer
Area rugs also create distinct spaces within a room.
Here, an antique Persian rug has been placed atop a contemporary peach-colored rug in a sitting area.
Mixing a leather sofa with velvet upholstered chairs adds interest and texture to the room.
Credit:Brie Williams
Maximalist Formal Living Room Ideas
Amy Mazzenga
Who says less is more?
Mix in a contemporary side table to keep things layered, complex, and fascinating.
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