Formal living rooms are designed for welcoming guests, enjoying conversation, and relaxing with family and friends. Avoiding a stuffy atmosphere is crucial, and there are many ways to achieve this depending on your style, square footage, and functional needs for the space. If you’re looking for a spot to relax after work, put your feet up for a flick, or cozy up with a book, these formal living room ideas offer inspiration.
01 of 50: Anchor With an Area Rug – Kate Figler Interiors/ Allison Elefante 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 rather than stuffy. 02 of 50: Hang Playful Wall Decor – Design by Collected Interiors / Photo by Nicole Dianne For a more casual take on a formal living room, designer Ashley Macuga of Collected Interiors displayed framed team jerseys as wall decor. This space features a comfortable sofa, a modern light fixture, and a graphic black-and-white check rug. 03 of 50: Try a Tonal Look – Mr. Kate 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. 04 of 50: Personalize With Art – Alvin Wayne 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. 05 of 50: Accent With Natural Stone – Design by Clayton Korte / Photo by Andrea Calo This modern living room from Austin-based architects at Clayton Korte makes a statement with neutral hues and organic materials such as natural stone. Bare walls and glass doors leading to the outside create an airy feel. 06 of 50: Choose Statement Lighting – Design by Bethany Adams Interiors / Photo by Josh Meredith Louisville interior designer Bethany Adams redecorated a historic home’s small traditional seating room with airy furniture and art. A fun, cloud-like chandelier, and a modern canvas keep things light. 07 of 50: Paint the Fireplace – Mary Patton Design 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. 08 of 50: Mix Patterns and Textures – Design by Caitlin Kah Interiors / Photo by Carmel Brantley Palm Beach-based designer Caitlin Kah is all about fresh, livable interiors that range from more traditional to modern. For this Florida living room, she paired sophisticated elements like archways and a sculptural chandelier with various patterns, colors, and textures for an easy feel.09 of 50: Hang Linen Drapes by Clayton Korte. If floor-to-ceiling windows open to the outside, leave them bare. If you hang curtains, interior designer Christina Clark of Clayton Korte suggests choosing linen for an effortless feel.
10 of 50: Elevate Original Details by Teaselwood Design / Photo by Ridgelight Studio. Add coziness to a formal living room by highlighting architectural features. For this living room from Charity Buchika of Teaselwood Design, a custom stone fireplace flanked by copper lanterns and original timber-frame beams add a rustic note. 11 of 50: Hang Abstract Wall Art by Brophy Interiors. Southern California-based designer Laura Brophy created a colorful escape in this Huntington Beach home. A navy sofa is complemented with large-scale, abstract art and a tiered pendant. 12 of 50: Highlight the View by Ahmad AbouZanat / Design by David Mitchell. New York designer Ahmad AbouZanat designed this high-end city escape with bold pops of color, midcentury modern-style furnishings, and unobstructed views of the impressive skyscrapers outside. His minimal, thoughtful design is crisp without feeling overly formal. 13 of 50: Hang Patterned Wallpaper by J Hirsch Interior Design / Photo by Ali Harper Photography. 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. 14 of 50: Choose a Neutral Palette by CG&S Design-Build / Photo by Ryan Davis. When a retired couple moved to Austin, they hired CG&S Design-Build to marry their German heritage with a neutral color palette and open up the space for entertaining. The vaulted ceilings, custom cabinet fronts, and an airy white and gray color scheme tie the room together, and midcentury architectural elements add warmth. 15 of 50: Try Large-Scale Wall Art by Stock & Trade. Atlanta-based designers at Stock & Trade opted for oversized artwork, relaxed seating, and natural drapery in this formal living room. They also included throw pillows for pops of color to match the art in this lush Serenbe home. 16 of 50: Hang a Modern Pendant by Kate Marker Interiors / Photo by Stoffer Photography Interiors. Designer Kate Marker created a luxe design with a plush and neutral rug, upholstered furniture, and subtly striped drapery for a casual touch. The room is complete with a modern, angular ceiling fixture. 17 of 50: Pair Pinks and Blues by HouseMill Design / Photo by Molly Culver Photography. This Austin home features neutral furniture with accents of blush and blue, classic yet vibrant tones. A piano is situated in the corner, great for evening entertaining. 18 of 50: Curate a Gallery Wall by Mr. + Mrs. Sharp. This Georgia home includes clean, contemporary neutral furniture to complement an oversized gallery wall.Discover 50 sophisticated yet inviting formal living room ideas. Each design maintains elegance without the stiffness you’d expect from traditional formal rooms. Pro tip: Opt for furniture in various sizes and textures. 19 of 50: Try a Coffee Table Ottoman Southern California designers Heather Lucas and Katie Browning designed this Malibu living room with a classic and neutral approach. To prevent the space from feeling overly formal, they incorporated lounge-friendly furniture, large potted plants, and a circular ottoman. 20 of 50: Celebrate Exposed Beams Marie Flanigan’s living room boasts a formal seating area that feels comfortable and relaxed, thanks to the addition of greenery and exposed beams. Twin chandeliers draw the eye upward, enhancing the space. 21 of 50: Add Geometric Accents This predominantly white living room by CG&S Design-Build features a seating area focused around a sculptural fireplace, neutral furnishings, and geometric accents. Simple tie-back curtains add a softening touch. 22 of 50: Embrace Clean Lines Veida Sadri Design transformed a 120-year-old Georgian-style home into a modern family space while preserving its historical charm. Clean lines, original floors, and a multipurpose design contribute to its contemporary feel. 23 of 50: Make Plants a Focal Point Designer Jenny Williamson of West Rose Design suggests using plants as a focal point instead of formal wall art to create a dynamic, modern atmosphere in formal settings. 24 of 50: Include Plenty of Seating Andi Morse of Morse Design believes that formal spaces should be livable, suggesting the inclusion of ample comfortable seating to create an inviting atmosphere. 25 of 50: Embrace Natural Textures This formal living room designed by Andi Morse features earth-toned fabrics, a studded ottoman, and a rattan basket, making it feel warm and inviting. Consider a circular ottoman that’s easy to store or one with storage for small spaces. 26 of 50: Mix and Match Patterns Studio London Co.’s Travis London designed this New York apartment with a maximalist aesthetic and functional side tables instead of a coffee table. A playful modern chandelier complements brass bookshelves, large-scale art, geometric wallpaper, and a diamond-patterned area rug. 27 of 50: Have Fun With Styling Brexton Cole Interiors encourages the use of unique decor elements like an unconventional pendant light or an animal-print rug to add personality to your space. This formal living room showcases whimsical lighting, throw pillows, framed art, and sage green walls. 28 of 50: Choose Earth Tones Teaselwood?Design’s living room is inspired by the babbling brook outside, featuring earth tones and a serene atmosphere.
Interior designer Charity Buchika selects drapes adorned with acorns and oak leaves in earthy greens and browns, creating a nature-inspired ambiance throughout the space.
29 of 50 Hang a Mixed Media Wall Design by Emily Henderson Design / Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp Designer Emily Henderson masterfully creates gallery walls on a budget. Vintage postcards, matchbooks, records, letters, and Polaroids are framed and displayed for a mixed media effect. 30 of 50 Use Black and White Studio KT The black-and-white living room by Studio KT is timeless, featuring sculptural vessels, a statement brass light, and an oversized mirror. A minimal color palette effortlessly achieves a chic look. 31 of 50 Upgrade Your Windows Erin Williamson Design This historic Northern California home maintains its character with a cohesive design using sage, blue, and light pink. The room includes pink-toned drapery, a large nature painting, and a patterned rug. 32 of 50 Include Flexible Seating Design by The Layered House / Photo by Jess Isaac This Los Angeles living room offers a variety of seating options, including two stools often used by the owner’s dogs. Versatile seating arrangements transform a good layout into a great one. 33 of 50 Try an Open Concept Layout Design by HouseMill Design / Photo by Molly Culver The Austin home by HouseMill Design boasts a unique open-concept layout, with a formal sitting area adjacent to the family room. A small, structured sofa, two chairs, and a drink table are all that’s needed. 34 of 50 Create an Eclectic Look Gray Space Interiors This living room from Gray Space Interiors showcases eclectic elements such as animal-print chairs, a tiled fireplace, built-in blue cabinetry, and a curvy coffee table, reflecting the client’s unique style. 35 of 50 Bring the Outdoor Inside Design by StruckSured Interiors / Photo by Emily Kennedy Designed with the Pacific Northwest as the backdrop, this casual living room prioritizes the view. A comfortable gray sectional sofa and a brown leather side chair are ideal for enjoying sunsets. 36 of 50 Combine Reds, White, and Blue Design by Meredith Owen Interiors / Photo by Molly Culver Add a touch of color to a formal living room with shades of red, white, and blue, avoiding primary colors to prevent an overly patriotic feel. 37 of 50 Pile on Throw Pillows Design by Emily Henderson and Priscilla Frost / Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp This rustic 1970s basement is upgraded with wood paneling, a navy U-shaped sectional, and an abundance of throw pillows. A gallery wall filled with vintage landscapes completes the look.38 of 50 – Style Your Storage
Designed by Emily Henderson Design. Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp. Clutter can make a living room disorganized and crowded. This space with wood and steel storage offers ways to conceal clutter while showing off vases, books, and other decor pieces. 39 of 50 – Hang Botanical Drapery Casa Watkins Living. Botanical drapery is an unexpected addition to this living room. It works well with the plants and orange accents. 40 of 50 – Showcase Thrift Shop Finds Designed by Caitlin Higgins. Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp. Thrifting is a great way to save money and infuse personality. Designer Caitlin Higgins thrifted most pieces for her formal living room, including the acrylic coffee table, Salterini end table, and vintage tulip table. 41 of 50 – Combine Color and Pattern Dani Dazey of Dazey Den. Mix color and pattern for a vibrant feel. This formal living room from Dazey Den has a pink velvet sofa, oversized modern art, and a quilted pouf in a pink-and-green color scheme. 42 of 50 – Create a Modern Rustic Feel Designed by Meredith Owen Interiors. Photo by Molly Culver. Four brown leather side chairs and a tufted leather ottoman make this modern rustic living room a place to unwind. Taxidermy over the fireplace makes a statement and fits the design theme, making the room less formal. 43 of 50 – Try an Ombre Paint Finish Tina Ramchandani Creative. This moody living room has simple, classic pieces. The ombre walls, light blue fading to rich navy, are the eye-catcher. You can DIY this sophisticated touch if you want. 44 of 50 – Choose Colorful Upholstery Designed by Kate Figler Interiors. Photo by Allison Elefante. This traditional living room from Kate Figler Interiors is formal and full of life with a colorful palette and sky-blue walls. Vintage armchairs upholstered in an animal-themed print energize the space. 45 of 50 – Choose Sculptural Accents Designed by Amy Pigliacampo Interiors. Photo by David Lauer. Choose pieces that match your location and home’s architecture. This Colorado A-frame home living room with white walls and mountain views is complemented by warm colors and sculptural furniture and decor. 46 of 50 – Embrace Natural Light Designed by Amy Pigliacampo Interiors. Photo by David Lauer. This airy living room from designer Amy Pigliacampo has plenty of natural light, a wall of greenery, and a midcentury modern-inspired fireplace.50 Formal Living Room Ideas That Aren’t Stuffy. Continue to 47 of 50 below. 47 of 50 – Play With Scale by Alvin Wayne. New York designer Alvin Wayne created this earth-toned living space. Vintage pieces such as the duo Jeanneret chairs, compact leather sofa, and Eames chair steal the show. Statement lighting and an oversized gold mirror, which makes the space feel larger, tie everything together. Continue to 48 of 50 below. 48 of 50 – Add Custom Built-Ins by Desiree Burns Interiors. Custom built-ins provide space to house books or display decor objects, creating an inviting feel in a formal living room. Desiree Burns Interiors painted the built-ins in a deep forest green that pops against white walls. Continue to 49 of 50 below. 49 of 50 – Choose Bold Wall Paint by Studio Peake. Energize a formal living room with a bold shade of wall paint. Studio Peake chose a sunny yellow to complement this London living room decorated with eclectic textiles and traditional furniture. Continue to 50 of 50 below. 50 of 50 – Hang Sheer Curtains by Louis Duncan-He Designs / KM Photography Interiors. Floor-to-ceiling curtains give your formal living room a polished feel without blocking views or light. Louis Duncan-He Designs finished this space with wood trim wall details and pastel colors for a refreshing feel. What is the point of a formal living room? A formal living room is designed for entertaining guests and is separate from more casual family spaces. It is often decorated with tasteful furniture and decor and is structured around a conversation area rather than a TV. What is the difference between a great room and a formal living room? A formal living room is typically a distinct room located toward the front of the house and designated for entertaining. A great room is generally open to other spaces and is often used as a large multipurpose family space rather than an area for occasional guests. 77 Best Living Room Ideas for Your Home.