red furniture in a living room

Traditional Living Room Sets 

The living room, often referred to as the heart of the home, is a space where family and friends gather to share stories, create memories, and find relief after a long day. When it comes to interior design, traditional furniture living room sets have long been cherished for their elegance and timeless appeal. Traditional furniture has a reputation for a long life of durability and longevity. This is why traditional furniture has been so aptly named American heirloom furniture. This type of furniture is created to furnish any space imaginable. Most notably there is a large section of traditional living room furniture. It comes in a variation of styles from many different eras. Despite the variation in styles, all traditional living room furniture has a common set of characteristics. Each variation can be found to have those core elements of traditional furniture such as the use of high-quality materials, durability and sturdiness, timeless elegance, functionality, comfort and sophistication, and importantly a familiar charm. Within this blog, we will embark on a journey through the various traditional living room sets, each representing a unique era and design. 

Elements of Traditional Living Room

sofa and coffee table

The living room includes several different items that when combined create a harmonious living space. Including traditional furniture sets, coffee tables, end tables, couches, and chairs. Each can vary in different styles and shapes. There can be a formal living room or a lounging living room in a home. A traditional couch would be in a more formal living room while a traditional sectional may be a more lounging experience. Regardless of what type of living room you are furnishing, opting for traditional living room furniture is always a good option. Both a formal living room set, and an informal living room set will display the desired elements found in traditional furniture. When choosing the ideal traditional living room furniture for your space, there are many aspects to consider. Prior to making your decision, take note of the color of furniture you desire, the size of the furniture, and the style of items. Notably, the colors of the living room and furniture can affect things. Whether you prefer more warm color or neutral colors the tone of the room will fit the relaxation you seek after a long day.

Moreover, it is important to look at the size of the furniture desired. Whether you are furnishing an apartment with a limited amount of living room space or furnishing a large open living room, the size of your furniture should be scaled and symmetrical to create a balanced interior design. In addition to the color affecting the room, the style of furniture you opt for will create a specific environment. For example, if you desire a bold, more luxurious environment you can opt for furniture inspired by the Victorian era. On the other hand, if you want a space that is inviting with a rustic charm then you would go for the traditional French Provincial living room sets. Though color and size are equally important to consider, we will dive into the most used styles of traditional furniture. We will look at the era each style is derived from and the unique characteristics displayed in each style.

Victorian Beauty: Luxury in Ornate Detailing

red furniture in a living room

The Victorian era, spanning from the mid-19th to the early 20th century, was characterized by a fascination with ornate detailing and eclectic design. Victorian living room sets are an embodiment of opulence, featuring rich fabrics, intricate carvings, and a harmonious clash of patterns. These usually consist of designs like flowers, fruit, shells, or cherubs. Dark woods such as mahogany, walnut, and cherry dominate, serving as a canvas for the elaborate detailing present in furniture pieces. In many of the Victorian traditional living room sets, we see spiral legs and turnip feet. The chairs have deep seats and low arms. Wingback chairs, tufted sofas, and intricately carved coffee tables are hallmarks of Victorian living room sets, creating a space that exudes beauty and elegance. 

Georgian Grace: Timeless Balance

Harkening back to the 18th century, Georgian living room sets are a testament to classical elegance and a commitment to symmetry. Inspired by the design principles of the Georgian era, these sets feature fine craftsmanship, delicate veneer work, and a sense of proportion that creates a harmonious balance in the room. The most common wood you see with this style is mahogany. Richly upholstered sofas with scrolled arms, claw-and-ball feet on tables, and decorative molding showcase the attention to detail characteristic of Georgian design. The color palette often revolves around muted tones, contributing to an atmosphere of refined grace. 

closeup of wood grain

French Provincial Charm: Rustic Elegance

French Provincial living room sets, originating from the rural regions of France, bring a touch of rustic charm to traditional interiors.  This is also called French Country. Light-colored woods, such as oak, are predominant, and the furniture often showcases delicate carvings and turned legs. The use of light color pallets like warm yellows, creams, light blue, or soft greens for the wall color. Upholstered chairs with floral prints and weathered coffee tables contribute to the provincial elegance. French Provincial living room sets create a warm and inviting ambiance, blending simplicity with a touch of formality. 

Art Deco Glamour: Jazz Age

The Art Deco movement of the 1920s and 1930s brought a wave of modern glamor to traditional living room sets. Characterized by geometric shapes, sleek lines, and a celebration of luxury, Art Deco sets feature materials like chrome, glass, and lacquered wood. High-gloss finishes, bold patterns, and exotic materials create an atmosphere of opulence. Sunburst mirrors, streamlined sofas, and cocktail tables with mirrored surfaces are iconic elements of Art Deco living room sets, transporting the room to the ambiance of the Jazz Age. This is the idea that The Great Gatsby depicts. The lifestyle of glamor and money. At this time, this type of furniture was considered a high-end traditional furniture style. The average person could not afford this look as it was always polished, shiny, and extravagant. 

Colonial Revival

In the late 19th and 20th centuries, the Colonial Revival movement revived interest in early American design. Colonial Revival living room sets embody simplicity, functionality, and a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era. Straight lines, minimal ornamentation, and the use of the woods like oak and cherry create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Windsor chairs, simple wooden coffee tables, traditional end table furniture, and braided rugs contribute to the colonial aesthetic, making the living room a place of timeless comfort. 

Mid-Century Modern Minimalism: Functionality in Form

The mid-20th century ushered in the Mid-Century Modern movement, marked by a departure from ornate styles and a focus on simplicity and functionality. Mid-century modern living room sets often feature clean lines, organic forms, and a connection with nature. Iconic pieces by designers such as Charles and Ray Eames, like the Eames Lounge Chair, became staples of these sets. Teak wood, plywood, and angular designs create a space that is both stylish and particle, reflecting the ethos of the post-World War II era. The wood and metal combined with bold upholstery, and velvet-like material are often seen in the Mid-Century Modern look.  

modern white living room

Modern Farmhouse

Modern Farmhouse decor has become a trend that many people have joined. It is based on American farm life with the incorporation of Mid-Century Modern, light woods, rattan, and woven furniture. This style is to create a cozy, warm, and inviting living room with neutral colors. The light neutral colors make the space seem bigger than it is. The barn doors are a decor that is placed in the living space and creates a uniqueness to the home. With the fireplace a center point in most homes, the farmhouse style would incorporate shiplap on the fireplace or on an accent wall. Many have begun to not include curtains in their living rooms, to provide natural living and a clean modern farmhouse look. 

English Tudor Elegance: Old-World Charm

Inspired by the Tudor period in England, Tudor-style living room sets bring a sense of old-world charm and craftsmanship to contemporary homes. Dark wood paneling, exposed beams, and elaborate carvings awaken the ambiance of medieval English manor. Heavy traditional furniture is a staple for the Tudor style. Chesterfield sofas, traditional leather furniture, and leaded glass windows contribute to the Tudor aesthetic, creating a living room that feels like a step back in time while maintaining a sense of power. 

Shaker Simplicity: Timeless Craftsmanship

In contrast to the elaborate designs of some traditional styles, Shaker living room sets embody simplicity, functionality, and a commitment to craftsmanship. Originating in the 18th century, Shaker design principles prioritize clean lines, minimal ornamentation, and the use of quality materials. Wooden rocking chairs, simple wooden tables, and storage benches showcase the beauty of handcrafted simplicity. Shaker living room sets bring a sense of tranquility and balance to the space, emphasizing the virtues of timeless design. 

Spanish Colonial Warmth Rustic and Inviting

Spanish Colonial living room sets, influenced by the architectural and design elements of Spain’s colonial history, bring a sense of warmth and rustic charm. Dark, distressed wood wrought iron accents, and richly colored upholstery define this style. Arched doorways, Talavera tiles, and traditional leather sofas contribute to the Spanish Colonial aesthetic, creating a living room that feels inviting and culturally rich. Often, we see ceramics and pottery, copper, and stone in a Spanish Colonial traditional Spanish living room. 

Chippendale Elegance

Man with glasses woodworking

Named after the renowned English Furniture maker Thomas Chippendale, the Chippendale style, which emerged in the mid-18th century, is synonymous with ornate craftsmanship. Chippendale living room sets feature intricate carvings, ball-and-claw feet, and a fusion of Chinese and Gothic influences. Mahogany, often with a rich, dark finish, is a flavored wood. Wingback chairs, camelback sofas, and delicate detailing on tables showcase the opulence of the Georgian era, making the living room a space of refined elegance. 

Where to Find Traditional Living Room Sets

There are more expensive and less expensive variations. One may shop for high-end traditional furniture brands, and one may choose a more affordable store with great quality furniture. For example, Mary Jane’s Solid Oak Furniture, Inc. sells traditional wooden furniture at an affordable price. By going into a local furniture store, you have a multitude of benefits that you would not derive from shopping online. Primarily you would have the ability to thoroughly inspect any piece of furniture prior to purchasing it. Importantly you could look to check for the material used, and the overall construction of the item. This will allow you to ensure that the item is not only of superior quality but is durable and will function for the space you desire to put it in. On the other hand, if you were to opt to shop online you lose the ability to inspect it prior to purchase, you may also have to pay high shipping costs. Also, if you were to shop online you would likely experience shipping delays and if you were to receive your product and were unhappy with it the process for returning the item would be much more complicated than if you were to shop at your local furniture store.  

Crafting a Timeless Living Space 

In the world of traditional living room sets, each style tells a unique story, reflecting the cultural, artistic, and historical influences of its era. From the opulence of Victorian beauty to the simplicity of Shaker design, homeowners have a vast array of styles to choose from when crafting a timeless living space. Whether one is drawn to the elaborate detailing of Chippendale or the clean lines of Mid-Century Modern, the beauty of traditional living room sets lies in their ability to create a space that resonates with personal style while paying homage to the enduring elegance of the past. As we navigate the ever-changing landscape of design trends, traditional living room sets remain a steadfast choice for those seeking a peaceful blend of history and contemporary comfort in the heart of their homes.