Choosing a definitive stylistic direction for your living room is no easy feat. In addition to there being near-endless styles for you to choose from, your living room is likely to be pushing a style agenda of its own. Elements like ceiling height, floor coverings, and window styles can never be entirely ignored when decorating a living room. Which begs the question: what style of furniture suits your living room best? To help discover it, use the three starter tips below.
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Assess Your Architecture
You might be dead set on a Mid-Century Modern living room, but details like elaborate crown moldings, Neoclassical ceiling medallions, and marble fireplace surrounds are likely to dictate more traditional dressings. In the case of a living room with a low pitch ceiling, a wall of sliding glass doors, and a minimalist fireplace, a Mid-Century Modern aesthetic would seem intuitive. Of course, not every scenario is so black and white. Houses with more ambiguous styles—think tract homes—don’t necessarily preordain a certain style like an Edwardian rowhouse or newly-constructed Manhattan loft might. In these cases, asses traits like ceiling height, floor coverings, or wall finishes. Carpet and paneling, for instance, often meld better with the casual styles of the mid 20th century.
Size It Up
Some styles are associated with larger or smaller furniture. Postmodernist pieces, for example, tend to be large and oversized (see: Milo Baughman’s half-moon sectionals designed for Dunbar). The same is true of Art Deco. If your living room is petite, you might want to eliminate these styles linked to larger silhouettes. For smaller living rooms, Mid-Century Modern sofas, tables, and chairs (which, as a general rule, tend to be more slender and sculptural), might be a better suitor. You might also consider Bauhaus style, which historically focused on pared-down forms and negative space.
Pay Homage to Your Personal Style
Of course, you can’t let your living room be the one to call all of the stylistic shots. Your personal style should always factor into what style of furniture you ultimately decide on for your living room. In fact, even if your living room showcases traditional architecture, there’s a case to be made for going modern. Good bones complement good bones, regardless of whether the mash-up is a Neoclassical fireplace surround and an Eames lounger. Remember—eclectic is a style, too!
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Lead photo courtesy of Liliane Hart Interiors