7 Formal Living Room Ideas That Aren’t Stuffy: Formal living rooms are great for welcoming guests, enjoying conversation, and relaxing with family and friends. Depending on your style, square footage, and functional needs for the space, there are a handful of things to do to avoid a stuffy living room feel.
If you’re looking for a spot to relax after work, put your feet up for a flick, or cozy up with a book, check out these 50 formal living room ideas below for inspiration.
7 Formal Living Room Ideas That Aren’t Stuffy
Cheer on Your Team
Designer Ashley Macuga of Collected Interiors shows team spirit in this living room. This space features a comfortable sofa, a modern light fixture, and framed jerseys.
Pick a Fun Rug
While the white chairs and built-in bookcases may appear quite formal, this room’s moody green walls and beige animal-print rug are the touches it needs to feel welcoming and not stuffy.
Go Monochromatic
For DIYer Mr. Kate’s family’s Hawaii living room, she went for a cozy and colorful feeling. She painted the walls, ceilings, and trim all the same color: an ocean-inspired blue. The room also features two turquoise velvet sofas and DIYed abstract art.
Accent With Natural Stone
This modern living room from Austin-based architects at Clayton Korte makes a statement with neutral hues and organic materiality.
“Stone feels rich in nature and is a timeless finish,” says interior designer Christina Clark. “Using a natural stone selection that has a pop of color or large veining or movement can also make this very traditional finish feel more contemporary or edgy.”
Paint the Fireplace
In designer Mary Patton’s Houston home, she added a bold pop of color to an otherwise formal sitting room. A turquoise fireplace is an automatic focal point and livens up the neutral palette.
Pick Playful Patterns
Palm Beach-based designer Caitlin Kah is all about fresh, livable interiors that range from more traditional to modern. For this Jupiter Island, Florida, living room, she paired sophisticated elements like archways and a sculptural chandelier with various patterns, colors, and textures.
“It brought ease and comfort to a formal living area,” she says.
Elevate Original Details
For this living room from Charity Buchika of Teaselwood Design, she let the original architectural bones shine through with “a custom stone fireplace flanked by copper lanterns and original timber-frame beams that set the cozy, casual aesthetic,” she says.
A red and blue color scheme and intriguing prints make the space lively and fun.
Use Personal Art
New York designer Alvin Wayne transformed a 4,500-square-foot ’80s home into a family-friendly space for local painter Greg Griffith. Griffith’s bright pink painting hangs alongside a navy sofa and upholstered ottoman. The low-to-the-ground seating is casual and great for kids, hosting, and more.
Add Linen Drapes
Floor-to-ceiling drapes are designer Christina Clark of Clayton Korte’s pick for a living room that doesn’t feel stuffy.
“Floor-to-ceiling drapes can bring height and grandeur to your space, and keeping it neutral in color and using a natural fiber (like linen) can help it feel light and airy while still contributing to the overall character of the room,” she says.
Pack a Punch With Wallpaper
This Georgia home in the Serenbe development showcases a functional design that isn’t stale. Designer Janie Hirsch chose multiple shades of blue, funky lighting, and fun wallpaper.
