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2020/12/11 16:43:59

20 Types of Furniture Styles and Themes: The Full Guide to Decorating Living Rooms


 
There is nothing quite like the charm of a cozy living room designed to your liking. It makes coming home feel like a warm embrace.

However, while you may have a checklist of preferences, executing designs can be tricky. Here are 20 types of furniture styles and themes and a full guide to decorating living rooms.

Things to Consider When Buying Furniture for Living Room Ideas


Creating a defined list of objectives will help you avoid the alluring trap of impulse buys that may not necessarily add value to your project. It may also give you a better perspective on which living room themes are viable options and which ones are not. With that said, here are some essential factors you may want to consider as you start shopping for living room furniture.

What Are Your Needs?



A common mistake that most people make when buying furniture is focusing on aesthetics over function. Granted, a beautiful sofa is great to have but does it suit your needs? 

Your needs will determine:

  • The size of the furniture that you need- if you entertain often or have a large family, you may need more seating. Consider the size of your living room too.

  • The type of fabrics that are ideal for your living room - if you have young children or pets, it would be best to aim for resilient fabrics.

  • Safety issues - furniture with rounded corners and concealed nails is recommended for households with children to avoid accidents.

Budget



Some furniture pieces are more expensive than others. Antique furniture, for instance, attracts higher prices than typical contemporary designs. It thus follows that some furniture living room ideas may require a bigger budget than others.

This should, however, not dissuade you in any way. There are many avenues that you can explore to get great bargains on furniture. Furniture fairs, for example, present a wide variety of options at incredibly friendly prices.

Accessories



Speaking of budgets, remember to plan for accessories as well. They play a huge role in softening up the living room. Rugs and throw pillows, for example, are the perfect touch if you are aiming for a comfortable inviting atmosphere. Other accessories like mirrors, art, vases, or tribal carvings are equally handy in augmenting various themes.

The accumulated cost of accessories can be significant. It can also be difficult to find. Consider buying a few statement pieces first then slowly adding the more nuanced pieces as you find them. Think of it like your own little personal treasure hunt but for accessories.

Your Preferred Decor Scheme



Decor preferences are entirely discretionary. No one scheme fits all. As such, take time to consider what kind of living room theme would make you feel most at home. What is the overall feeling you would like to create in that space?

Some key decision points that you may need to consider include color, textures, and furniture brands, and style. They are the most fundamental aspects of any decor scheme. If you find a way to harmonize them well, the results will be amazing.


Exploring a variety of styles and themes is one of the ways you can get your creative juices flowing. It could help you discover new concepts or ways to enhance your current ideas. Fortunately, you do not have to look any further. Below are some of the most outstanding living room styles and themes.

Contemporary Style



The word contemporary is defined as a thing or event happening in the present. Contemporary furniture thus refers to designs that are emerging at present. Such designs may borrow from styles from other eras, but the fact that they are current is what makes them contemporary. This distinction is important as most people often reckon contemporary and modern furniture designs are the same but they are not. 

A contemporary style utilizes lines and shapes to create a homely theme that is equally classy. Furniture in this theme boasts of the rounded edges and smooth curves associated with good feng shui. The color palette is also tasteful and well-coordinated to create a harmonious effect. Bold colors are lately becoming a hallmark of contemporary style as well.

West Coast Contemporary



A West Coast contemporary theme has all the basic characteristics of the typical contemporary theme but with additional features. It gets its name from the architectural style of the West Coast which has a rustic feel and design provisions to capitalize on the glorious weather the region enjoys.

Dark and earthy colors coupled with unique textures are the main highlights of the West Coast contemporary style. Leather upholstery, in particular, is quite popular and it fits right in with the exposed brick and timber finishes. All these bold qualities are softened by pastel and neutral colors on the walls or accessories like rugs.

Modern Style



Ironic as it may sound, the modern theme dates back to the 19th century. It is characterized by fine lines and structure accentuated by different materials. Solid dark woods, metal, and glass can all be used to achieve this style. You will also notice that living room furniture in this design has distinct corners and edges as opposed to curves and roundedness. 

Modern style living room is an ideal style if you prefer minimalist decor. It brings order to a living room while maintaining an air of class and sophistication. It may seem overly formal but the beauty of it is you can soften it up with art or accent pieces such as vases and art. Originally only monochrome colors were used but the color palette has since grown wider. You can, therefore, inject pops of color depending on your preferences.

Traditional Style



The traditional style is arguably the homiest living room theme of them all. It consists of furniture with rounded edges and fluffy sofas upholstered in traditional fabrics such as tweed or damask. This look would, of course, not be complete without throw pillows, throw blankets, and tasteful rugs. 

There are many ways in which you can interpret a traditional living room theme to suit your tastes. You can incorporate a variety of warm and floral color palettes, family heirlooms, and even bric-a-brac if you like. It is also accentuated well by additions such as bookshelves, wooden cabinetry, or a fireplace.

Rustic Style



The natural earthy feel you picture when you think of a farmhouse is exactly what a rustic theme is about. It breaks away from the chic contemporary approach in favor of a more down-to-earth look. Wood, wicker, and textured fabrics are the main mediums employed to achieve this furniture style. The pieces are often hand-crafted and fashioned in antique designs.

A rustic living room theme would be a great choice if you would appreciate decor that has some character. Its color palette is a bit muted but you can add some bright spots using house plants such as manjula pothos or blend bold and earth tone colors.

Mediterranean Style



Light, colorful, and airy are apt descriptions of a Mediterranean living room theme. It requires elegant furniture in light bright upholstery to implement. This is often balanced off with touches of wicker, wooden chests, or woven rugs. Rope furniture is equally becoming a mainstay for this type of theme.

Whereas the Mediterranean style is rooted in beachside living, it can be adapted for any property. It is a great concept to work with if you enjoy bright spaces and marine-related furniture pieces. However, it works best if your living room gets enough natural light to bathe all the colors.

Country



Country style is a blend of vintage and contemporary designs. The furniture is cozy and is mostly made of fabrics in pastel shades or earth tones. This is complemented by the general decor style reminiscent of rural America with details such as:

  • High ceilings with exposed roof beams
  • Wooden floors
  • A brick fireplace

There is a lot of room to add personal touches to a country-style theme. You could adapt it in either a heavily traditional fashion or make it more current and classy. A mix of contemporary sofas with some antique pieces, for instance, would be a good balance.

Asian



Asian theme living rooms are based on Asian traditions and beliefs. Clutter and crowded rooms are eschewed for well-arranged rooms with harmonious furniture pieces. The furniture has low clearance from the floor and promotes zen by incorporating calm colors. Floor-seating areas furnished with pillows and rugs are also not unusual.

There are many Asian regions and thus you will find variable Asian furniture themes. Consider taking on the Indian version if you prefer a vivacious theme. Alternatively, you could work with the more laid back Japanese and Chinese approaches that focus on tranquility. They are nonetheless, welcoming with their touches of gold and red accouterments.

Chalet



A chalet theme borrows heavily from a ski lodge aesthetic where puffy fabric sofas surround an ornate fireplace and wooden floors abound. Natural fabrics are preferred for this theme of furniture due to their ability to stay warmer for longer. In terms of color, shades of cream, burgundy, and greens are common preferences as they lend warmth to a room.

This would be a go-to style if you live in a cold area. It has all the features to make your living room a place where you can snuggle up comfortably despite the weather. Some tasteful accessories like lamps and ceramics could go a long way.

Industrial



As the name suggests, this theme is reminiscent of a factory or a workshop where concrete and metal piping is left unconcealed to give off an unfinished look. It is one of the designs where both wood and metallic frame furniture can fit right in. Colors such as red and copper can be used on the exposed piping to make the setup look less dull.

There is a minimalist practical feel to this type of decor. That said, you get to choose whether to work with the bare-bones approach or whether to tone it down with some cushions and adornments.

Craftsman 



Picture a handy lumberjack that spends their days in their workshop sawing and sanding one thing or another. That is exactly how the craftsman theme came into being. Most of the furniture is handmade which gives it a unique look. Think palette furniture and similar simple made-with-love designs that have exposed wood grains.

Traditionally, this theme gravitates to natural shades of color but that rule is not cast in stone. You can add splashes of yellow, white, or blue pillows to make it more lively. The best part is, a craftsman living room theme works in any kind of home. 

Southwestern




The Southwestern region is known for its mountains and desert features. It is a melting pot of American and Spanish culture and this theme, therefore, comprises multicultural elements. It gives off a natural aura with wooden furniture and fabrics in bold prints.

It is mostly the accessories that give this design character. Instead of mirrors and dainty light fixtures, think native masks, cacti, and cowhide. It sounds unusual but when paired with contemporary furniture, the juxtaposition of contrasts works quite well. It is better suited for a spacious living room where different components can each be displayed in their place for effect.

Victorian



The Victorian style bears the elaborate flair of the Victorian era it draws its traits from. It is a decor scheme with intricate detailing such as mantelpieces and parquet floors. The furniture is similarly detailed with carved designs and patterned floral fabrics. Sofas in this style sometimes have skirting as well as mix and match upholstery. 

When it is properly executed, this theme can be very pleasant and ostentatious. On the flip side, if it is overdone, it can easily start to look gaudy. Make an effort to balance off the richness of the design with some light touches.

Shabby Chic


This is the 'smart casual' of living room themes. It is very easy going but still manages to be stylish. Statement pieces of furniture are used to create a focal point in the living room and are complemented by other run-of-the-mill pieces. The colors are often not very adventurous and the fabrics are also traditional.

Shabby chic is a great choice of theme if you are shopping on a budget. It allows you to splurge on unique items which you can supplement with other affordable pieces. Accessories like elegant light fixtures are important for purposes of adding the 'chic' factor.

Scandinavian



European accents are evident in the Scandinavian decor. The running theme is mostly elegance and functionality. It gives preference to furniture with clean lines but not as geometric as those of the modern style. Both metal and wooden furniture can apply and there is freedom to explore a wider color range.

Scandinavian living room theme strides minimalism and a sense of home all in one breath. It is a good alternative to the modern theme if you would like a well-defined living room that is equally relaxing and charming. Make an effort to get as much natural light as you can in the room to bring this decor to life. House plants would be a great addition too.

A Cottage Living Room Theme



When it comes to cottage living rooms, less is more. The furniture is not grand or ornate but rather the kind of pieces that have been handed down through generations. Think dependable hardwood furniture and charming upholstered rocking chairs. The upholstery can be light and bright or earthy but certainly not patterned or overly detailed. 

In essence, you would be blending history and comfort to accomplish this kind of design. To make it interesting, you can shop for some quirky accent pieces that are fun so that your living room does not look too vintage. A glass top table, for instance, would be a good way to offset the monotony of wooden furniture.

Mid-Century Modern Style



This style has its foundation in the modern style but has unique characteristics of its own. It is less limited and capitalizes on the use of texture and different furniture materials to create a more nuanced look. Nevertheless, the theme still maintains the uncluttered look of modern furniture design as well as fine lines.

If both the modern and Scandinavian styles do not feel up to scratch, this may be the living room theme for you. In addition to texture, you can as well play around with colors to make it a bit more vibrant. Some flowers or well-worn wooden furniture pieces could also help make it less formal.

Cabin Style



Cabins are often built up out in the woods and this is what inspires this theme. It is predominantly a nature-based theme in which wood is king. Fine lines are tossed out the window for a more lived-in look. Overall the furniture is homely and biased towards earthy tones.

Wood furniture is great but it can quickly get monotonous in this theme. It is advisable that you try and temper it with fabrics and rugs that have some color. They would draw the eye and keep your living room interesting. In keeping with the nature theme, flowers would be a lovely touch.

Transitional Theme



The transitional style of furniture marries the design of traditional furniture with contemporary style. It is a blend of the old and the new where tufted curved couches meet rounded corners and definition. Different materials can be used to complement each other but the color palette remains rather demure.

The beauty of this theme is that its furniture pieces are unique and timeless. Further, it strikes a great balance of soft and defined decor. Aim for bold colors if you need a bit of excitement in your living room than the neutral tones can provide. Textured upholstery fabrics like velvet are a nice way to add character to this theme as well.

Tuscan


This theme originated from the Tuscany region of Italy which is known for its rich culture and terracotta homes. It is these cultural aspects that are extended into the decor to make up the Tuscan style. The furniture is well stuffed and upholstered in fabric with Scrollwork or intricate patterns. Olive, yellow, and similar natural colors take pride in the place. 

Wood is a mainstay in this theme and it stands out through cabinetry and elaborate tables. Still, it blends nicely with the terracotta colors. White walls and accent pieces illuminated by lots of light are essential in experiencing this decor to its fullest. 

Conclusion

No matter how eclectic your tastes, they can be brought to life. All it takes is some understanding of how to merge the various aspects in the right way. The ideas on this list could make for a great start towards a more fulfilling living room theme.


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