Adding a formal living room to a home brings along with it some sophistication and elegance, but since this type of room is frequently reserved for holidays and formal occasions, it is considered off limits for every day use. In a very large home there is ample room to have a space that is only used for special gatherings, but the homeowner of a smaller house does not have the luxury of setting an entire room aside for occasional use. A great solution is to design a formal living room that can be used every day, yet is elegant and sophisticated enough to serve as a formal living room for special gatherings.

Formal and Friendly

There are some key elements to consider when designing a room that needs to be functional and look elegant, beginning with the furniture. Find pieces that have a traditional style and are made of durable materials. The design of the furniture should also be comfortable and easy to maintain. For upholstered pieces look for fabrics that wear well, do not show the dirt and are stain resistant. Medium tone colors work best for upholstery, because it is light enough to keep the room from feeling too dark, yet it is dark enough to camouflage spots left behind by kids or pets. Many of the new synthetic fibers are very durable and resist spots. This type of fiber is fabricated to clean up quickly and be family friendly, so it is the perfect textile for a family friendly room.

Layout a Conversational Grouping

When arranging the furniture in a formal, yet livable living room, arrange it in smaller conversational areas, like two chairs snuggled around the fireplace. Add a couple of loveseats perpendicular to each other anchored with an end table, or choose the same configuration with a sofa and a chair. Then add a coffee table, ottoman, lamps and accessories to make the space feel more personalized and individual. Bring in some formality with accessories for a more upscale room, like adding a grandfather clock or a chandelier to add a touch of class to the room.

Select a Sophisticated Color Scheme

Furniture with simple lines that would work in a casual setting can work equally well in a formal setting. In this case use the color palette of the room to create elegant surroundings. The upholstery on the furniture can be durable and the furniture itself can be sturdy, but when it is presented in a room full of luxurious color, it becomes instantly elegant. Throw pillows can be at once colorful and comfortable while adding a touch of elegance to the room. Then finish off the furnishings with classic pieces like a sofa table, bookcase, coffee table or end tables.

Elegant Window Treatments

An elegant living room will have quite sophisticated window treatments. By dressing up the windows in the room the space takes on an air of formality. Simple blinds or sheers are certainly appropriate and functional, but adding attractive curtains to the windows makes the room appear much more elegant. By adding layered window treatments, the blinds can function to block harsh afternoon sunlight from the room while the draperies can add some style.

Accentuate with Art

Another way to add an elegant feeling to any room is to hang attractive pieces of art on the walls, like paintings or prints. Look for frames that are a little more formal for the best presentation, and free standing artwork, like a table sculpture, is also a wonderful addition to an everyday formal living room.

Author Bio: Artist/Designer, Jessica Ackerman, writes for WallDecorandHomeAccents.com and offers aspiring home designers the opportunity to decorate with kitchen metal wall art sculptures or Italian kitchen wall art.

Category: Home Management
Keywords: wallpaper, floor, bathroom, paint, living room, carpet, home office, bedroom, windows