Hoping to craft a living room you’ll love now, years from now, and maybe even decades from now? Take a few cues from traditional design. The classic design style is defined by its restrained palette, love of antiques, and commitment to symmetry. And since those elements work in just about any interior, it’s little wonder traditional design has stood the test of time. 

“Traditional design should incorporate elements that you’ve seen for generations in home design,” Alessandra Wood, design historian and Vice President of Style at Modsy, says. Think: classic furniture silhouettes, simple patterns, balanced layouts, and museum-worthy art.

“A traditional interior looks like it could’ve been designed 50 years ago or 10 years ago,” Wood adds. “It’s timeless in one sense, but also rooted in traditional forms.”

Since traditional design is so classic and enduring, it’s a style worth getting acquainted with, and once you’ve mastered it, you’ll be crafting spaces that almost never need redecorating. To help you score some classic style in your living room, we’ve rounded up 12 living rooms that have made the most of traditional style—and we’ve cited a traditional living room design idea worth stealing from each of them.

01 Limit the Colors in Your Palette

Color is welcome in traditional design, but the key is to keep your colors consistent. So commit to a few core shades, and stick to your neatly defined palette. 

If you’re not sure which colors to choose, look to your printed pieces for inspiration. “Traditionally coordinating colors are often pulled out of the fabrics utilized,” Miriam Silver Verga, principal designer at Mimi & Hill, says. If one of your statement-makers is made up of three different shades, build your entire palette around that trio of colors.

02 Stick to a Symmetrical Layout

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There are many ways to organize your living room, but if you want your space to feel traditional, keep your layout balanced and symmetrical. “Symmetry and balance are key in terms of layout,” Silver Verga says.

03 Line Your Walls With Classic Wood Accents

Paint isn’t the only way to transform your walls. If you want your space to feel more traditional, unearth some of its built-in architectural elements. Sand down your trim until you can tell it’s made from wood, and stain your wooden doors instead of painting them.

04 Ground Your Space With an Area Rug

Rugs make a classic addition to any space, so it should come as no surprise that they look great in traditional living rooms. “Rugs are an important element of traditional design,” Silver Verga says.

And don’t pick a rug that’s too small, either. “Go big,” Silver Verga adds. “Rugs should be large and even layered.”

05 Set the Mood With Layered Lighting

No space is complete without thoughtful lighting, and if you layer different fixtures, you can flexibly adjust your living room’s lighting set-up throughout the day.

“Levels of lighting are important for creating ambiance, with sconces and lamps being important elements,” Silver Verga says. Pair a bold chandelier with a few striking table lamps. And layer in other forms of lighting, like wall sconces and art-mounted picture lights.

06 Stock Up on Antique Furniture

One easy way to keep your furniture traditional? Stock up on genuine antiques.

“I love incorporating antiques—especially tables, desks, or storage pieces,” Wood says. “It’s nearly impossible to find wood with the same patina and quality in new furniture today, so these pieces are really special in any space.”

07 Make the Most of Ornate Trim

Remember that interior design isn’t just about adding to your space. It’s also about making the most of what you have. So if your home is already pretty traditional, look for ways to draw attention to its classic architectural elements. Could you brighten up your trim with a fresh coat of paint, or dust off your old marble fireplace?

08 Spring for an Extra-Comfy Couch

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The couch is the centerpiece of any living room. And if you want your space to feel warm and inviting, it’s worth investing in an extra-cozy option.

“No matter how formal we go, comfort is key,” Silver Verga says. “So have somewhere to sink into in every space.”

09 Splurge on a Striking Chandelier

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If you’ve ever dreamt of dressing up your space with a dramatic chandelier, now is your moment. Chandeliers are a classic lighting option, so they’re sure to (appropriately) transform any traditional interior.

10 Add Pops of Texture

When your palette is restrained and your print options are limited, there’s one place to play: texture. Wood recommends layering in “textural elements, such as baskets and nailheads” to make your traditional space more dynamic.

11 Decorate Your Space in Layers

Don’t feel the need to decorate your space in one fell swoop. “A traditional design style focuses on layers and details,” Silver Verga says.

Take your time decorating, and consider furnishing your space in layers—weaving in antique furniture, then weathered textiles, then decorative accents.

12 Sneak in Pops of Personality

“Traditional style doesn't have to feel stuffy or too formal,” Wood says. So try to have fun with it. Snag a pillow with a dog’s face on it, or score an ottoman with paws. As long as the piece feels classic, it should fit right into your space.