It’s true the latest trends in furniture are inundated with bright colors and angular, boxy style furniture. Even so, many homeowners still crave a traditional style living room whose elements are classic, and splendidly timeless. Lets' take a closer look at the furniture, materials and fabrics, color, and decor elements that make for a traditional style living room.
Furniture
Sofas in the classical style consist of upholstered seating with curved backs and rolled arms, these enduring shapes balance well with an array of furniture periods.
Chesterfield
The handsome Chesterfield sofa has rolled arms, adorned with nail heads down the front edge, and is upholstered in tufted billowy cushions on the back and seat. The arms may or may not be as high as the back, and the carved bun feet are often just as formal, finished in the style of the 19th century.
Settee
The settee is the precursor of the sofa. Settees have long, upholstered seats, backs, and arms, the seating usually has matching chairs of the period. Classicism style settees include Queen Anne, Early Georgian, Chippendale, Hepplewhite, and Sheraton.
Windsor style farmhouse settees date from the 18th and 19th centuries were not upholstered but were painted. They have beautifully turned legs attached to each other with stretchers.
Canapés
The canapé is a small French sofa. Canapés from the Louis XiV, Directoire and Louis XVI periods had beautifully carved wood frames that were sometimes gilded and upholstered in sumptuous jacquard fabrics.
Chairs in a traditional style living room include French fauteuils and bergeres. Fauteuils are armchairs with open sides and upholstered seats, backs, and arms pads. Bergeres are roomier, lower armchairs with enclosed sides and exposed wooden frame. In both chairs, the frames are often richly carved and gilded. Side chairs lack arms. The seats are typically upholstered and their spines may be upholstered or splendidly carved splats. Classical farmhouse chairs can be quite varied. They sometimes have a fiddle, banister or spindle backs and rush seats.
Tables in the classical style can be extremely ornate, with marquetry tops and veneers of exotic woods. They can have marble tops and curved, cabriole legs with claw-and-ball feet. Other classical tables for the living room are tea tables made out of carved and gilded wood, pier tables which are placed between windows and tray top tables with removable trays.
Colors
The colors of the classical style are deep and noble. Reds, golds, peacock blues and forest greens are common. The color scheme is saved from ostentation by the more sedate color of wood and other neutrals.
Material and Fabrics
Materials used in the classical style are natural and quite sumptuous. There are woods such as mahogany, rosewood, cherry and walnut. Fabrics such as leather, wool and silk and cotton are frequently used for upholstery and draperies. Fabric patterns are intricately woven in jacquard or damask, plaids or check, floral or stripes. Tables and décor are typically made up of marble, beveled glass, gold, brass, and silver, which are prevalent materials used in the classical design style.
Decor
Crystal chandeliers, ornate table lamps made from ceramic urns or crystal with silk shades are often used, as well as decorative wall sconces. Filigree adorned picture frames are finished in gold, polished silver or carved wood. Trinket boxes constructed of metal or wood adorned with semi-precious stones and classical paintings depicting figures in period dress, landscapes, or wildlife.
Conclusion
A traditional living room doesn’t have to be stiff and uninviting, build upon these four elements and make it your own comfortable spot to relax and enjoy.
