An elaborate garland hangs from the white chimney piece along with ribbons and ornaments in this traditional living room. To the side stands a frosted Christmas tree decorated with white and red baubles and ribbons.
32 Traditional Living Room Ideas to Create a Timeless Space
Written by
March 17, 2023
We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. See our full disclosures here.
Traditional living room décor spans a lot of different styles, but it is rooted in timeless pieces, tasteful wallpaper, gold or metal accents, and a cohesive color scheme. Traditional décor is inspired heavily by 18th and 19th-century Europe where we see lots of classic art, wood furniture, warm tones, and ornate hearths; this is then replicated more comfortably in modern homes.
Now, this may seem daunting and expensive but finding your key timeless pieces is as easy as browsing local thrift stores and vintage shops. Other elements such as gold frames, elegant wallpaper, or wooden tables can be easily DIYed at home with a bottle of gold spray paint, peel-and-stick wallpaper, and wood vinyl. Traditional décor is all about keeping it timeless, so if you are ready to create your dream living room for years to come keep reading to see more traditional living room ideas.
PHOTO:
A dark leather couch sits across from a vintage rocking horse and a traditional brick hearth topped with many clocks, plants, and candlesticks all resting proudly under a hung portrait. A simple wooden armchair upholstered with black leather sits next to a small wooden side table surrounded by plants under a taxidermized deer head in the far corner of this antique-filled living room.
PHOTO:
This chinoiserie living room is furnished with two dark blue velvet sofas, a gold and glass coffee table, and a large white and blue floral ottoman. The walls are covered with a pale white and blue wallpaper that matches the floral-printed blinds. To keep things looking cohesive try and pick a few colors, such as white and blue, then a metal accent, such as gold, to style your space at home!
PHOTO:
A white blue and gray pillow and throw blanket rest atop the light gray armchair next to the bamboo side table in this cozy seating area. The side table is decorated with a few framed photos, a potted burro’s-tail succulent, and a lamp in front of the hanging bamboo-framed mirrors.
PHOTO:
PHOTO:
This farmhouse living room features a white shelving ladder filled with simple Christmas décor such as poinsettias, black lanterns, festive books, and other trinkets. The rest of the room is centered by a white and blue area rug on which the dark gray recliner and couch rest topped with red and white holiday pillows.
PHOTO:
This traditionally-decorated Christmas living room features a warm brown couch topped with festive pillows facing a wooden coffee table topped with a white tray displaying holiday botanicals and a reindeer candleholder. Behind the couch is a credenza decorated with silver trees, reindeer, and a traditional St. Nicolas.
PHOTO:
A gold and glass coffee table topped with blue and white ceramics stands atop a natural fiber rug in this eclectic living room. Two vintage crates are stacked next to a classic tufted low-back sofa with embroidered pillows. The fireplace features blue-toned tiles, gold accents, and a white mantel adorned with gold trinkets and a large painting.
PHOTO:
A plush ivory sofa and two matching ivory armchairs face a sleek gray coffee table decorated with a plant, some books, and a trinket dish. Two woven leather poufs offer more seating in front of the stone fireplace with a simple black mantel supporting a large gold mirror, small art framed art piece, and a few candles.
10 of Spacious Bright Living Area

PHOTO:
- myrusticmodernliving
Windows line the walls of this bright and airy living room furnished with a simple neutral toned pieces such as the cream couch and wooden armchairs with ivory cushions. A sleek dark wooden coffee table rests in the center of the room above the large woven area rug and is decorated with a black vase filled with white botanicals. The far side of the room features a gorgeous, illuminated Christmas tree, two leather stools, and a modest plant shelf filled with lush greenery.
PHOTO:
A vintage brass mirror is mounted over a black living room fireplace. A simple, round end table in a pedestal design can be paired with comfortable armchairs for an elegant sitting area. These armchairs showcase brown upholstery and studded accents.
PHOTO:
A cream sofa with soft pastel pillows faces the wooden coffee table decorated with pink peonies, candle sticks, and coastal décor in this bright airy living room. The far wall features a simple white chimneypiece with a light oak mantel adorned with bright pink flowers, a white starfish, and two wall sconces hanging above the matching white armchairs.
PHOTO:
A sage feature wall hosts a cream fireplace and round mirror. A cream carpet and cream couch continue the peaceful tone of the room and a blue and gray living room combination of couch cushions matches the candles on the mantelpiece.
PHOTO:
This fresh living room features a large cream couch topped with white, pink, and green throw pillows and a round marble coffee table topped with a blush vase filled with dried eucalyptus. The couch faces the white chimneypiece and mantel adorned with good candle sticks and a few pale pink trinkets. Two snake plants sit stacked in a corner next to a built-in shelf filled with more plants, vessels, and ceramic dishes.
PHOTO:
Deep blue velvet couches topped with white throw pillows face each other from across a mirrored coffee table and layered rugs in this classy farmhouse living room. Two gray armchairs close off the space across from the white and pale blue chimneypiece decorated with frames and candle sticks
PHOTO:
This traditional living room is tied together with red and green plaid décor. In the corner, a large Christmas tree is decorated with red and green plaid ornaments, festive plaid ribbon, and red winter berries. A winter painting with a plaid background is hung over a festive mantel with a green and red garland. A plaid blanket rests on an accent chair.
PHOTO:
Two tufted ottomans rest atop the blue rug in front of the L-shaped gray leather couch in this living room acting as both a coffee table and footrest. The fireplace is tiled with small white subway tiles and black grout to match the black candle sticks sitting alongside the two round mirrors atop the mantel. The room is finished with a cozy small reading corner nestled next to the refurbished media unit and flat-screen television.
PHOTO:
This styled living room is filled with antiques from the authentic vintage armchairs to the gorgeous gold fillagree mirrors on the wall and above the hearth. The loud area rug offers a punch of red color that accents the gold coffee table and stunning crystal chandelier.
PHOTO:
A large linen sofa filled with many neutral throws sits across a dark coffee table from the two matching ivory linen armchairs in this traditional living room. The large floor-to-ceiling windows and sheer white curtains brighten up the area along with the bright white grand fireplace decorated with a few candle sticks along the mantel and a simple wicker basket at the base.
PHOTO:
A white couch, two blush pink armchairs, and a metal coffee table topped with books, ceramics, and flowers furnish this traditional bright living room. Large windows flank the natural stonework fireplace that features a white mantel decorated with a large mirror, some white candlesticks, and a small assortment of plants. A tall sapling potted in a wicker basket rests hearthside along with a wicker ball and woven basket filled with blankets.
PHOTO:
This cozy living room is illuminated by the twinkling holiday wreath hanging from the window and the small potted Christmas tree wrapped in lights. The room is furnished with a cream sofa and matching ottoman decorated with books, a candle, and a wicker tray filled with three tiny Christmas trees. A simple wood credenza displaying some pottery and extra woven seats rests against the wall under a golden frame.
PHOTO:
As you enter this chic living room, you’ll see silver and gold pine trees on a white mantel. A brightly lit garland and white stockings hang over the hearth. Consider placing white roses and candles on the coffee table for added elegance.
PHOTO:
A polished wood round table is decorated with many books and a gorgeous white and blue ceramic filled with long yellow blossoms and is sided by two blue velvet seats. The rest of this living room is styled with white furniture topped with blue pillows and accented by the gold frames and décor scattered about.
PHOTO:
This traditional living room with exposed beams and a vaulted ceiling is furnished with a large beige leather couch and a round metal coffee table. The dark gray hearth and light wood mantel are sided with two bench seat built-ins topped with plaid and stripped neutral pillows.
PHOTO:
Red ornaments are hung on a green tree in a brown tree collar in front of a large living room window. A white sofa is pushed against the white wall, and a rustic wood table is placed on a white rug on the light wood floor. A green garland is draped over a white mantel.
PHOTO:
Matching cream tufted armchairs sit on either side of the sandstone-colored hearth topped with a mantel adorned with candlesticks holding small potted plants, some rustic frames, and carved filigree. Two woven bamboo ottomans sit atop the plush cream-patterned rug in front of the linen couch facing the fireplace.
PHOTO:
Sheer drapes hang from two windows along the shiplap walls of this cozy cream living area. The room is furnished with two cream couches, a matching armchair, and a rustic-painted coffee table topped with a tray filled with a potted philodendron, a candle, and some books. The area is finished off with a white dresser next to the couch and a gorgeous cream and blue patterned rug.
PHOTO:
This mid-century living room features two wooden armchairs topped with cream cushions facing a light gray linen sofa across the sleek white and pale wood coffee table. The all-white walls are contrasted with a striking black fireplace and a black and white checkered art print hung above the wooden mantel.
PHOTO:
This living room features a gorgeous white carved chimneypiece decorated with a line of white ceramic pitchers filled with orange flowers and small orange pumpkins. In front of the fire, atop the cream rug, sits two ivory armchairs with black and white gingham pillows along with a small black side table sporting a candle holder and candle.
PHOTO:
This fall boho living room features a white camelback sofa topped with tasseled pillows and two tufted beige armchairs with orange pillows facing the sturdy wooden coffee table sporting a bowl of seasonal gourds. Behind the couch is a sofa table adorned with family photos, tiny white pumpkins, and a large white ceramic filled with bright orange botanicals.
PHOTO:
A floral rug lays angled under the beige couch and white armchair in this traditional farmhouse living room. The wall is decorated with a mounted television and many-layered frames. Under the television rests a media unit topped with a white vintage crate and some spring flowers.
PHOTO:
Chrome chandelier hangs above wicker armchairs and gray sofa in this living room. Sea-themed shelf décor items are displayed on either side of a white fireplace wall. Gray and white striped armchair sits on herringbone flooring.