Living Room Curtains
Luxurious, rich fabrics — such as brocade, silk, velvet and damask — make ideal window treatments in a formal living room. Cascading curtains that pool onto the floor impart a sophisticated ambiance. Top your curtains with a draping valance swagged to one side to inject a designer-savvy flair. Elegant metal or wooden curtain rods with decorative finials complement a formal-style drapery. Double rods are ideal for hanging sheer curtains behind a heavier drapery to provide limited privacy to your living room.
Walls and Floors
Position a coordinating area rug over tile or hardwood flooring to add textural interest and cozy warmth. Area rugs can also help to refine and define a formal seating area in your living room. Rich, dark-colored rugs add a regal, traditional appearance, while lighter colors convey a more modern, formal look. Wall coverings, such as fabric or wallpaper, applied to one or more living room walls can help to create a dramatic, upscale look. Apply a neutral paint color in light gray, barely beige or soft white to provide a classic formal backdrop. Crown molding, chair rail and ceiling medallions supply a finishing, formal touch.
Lighting and Artwork
Hang a sparkling chandelier in the middle of your living room to supply a glistening focal point with a formal flair. Decorative wall sconces in burnished bronze enhance traditional decor, while shiny chrome sconces provide a dazzling touch to modern style. Table and floor lamps with fabric lampshades add a touch of elegance. Attach decorative beads, tassels or fringe to your lampshades for a custom, formal look. Hang oversize artwork on the walls to add visual interest with a dramatic punch. Ornate picture frames complement traditional decor, while sleek frames with straight lines enhance the modern style. Install picture lights above the artwork to brightly illuminate your masterpieces.
Other Decor
Potted greenery and vases of fresh flowers add lively energy to a formal setting. Fill a bare corner with a tall palm tree and position a small spotlight at the base to provide dramatic shadows on the walls and ceiling. Position a variety of toss pillows on your sofas and chairs and drape a plush furniture throw over a sofa back. Decorative candlesticks topped with burning candles, fireplace mantel clocks and an assortment of pottery, vases, boxes and books add the finishing touches to your formal living room.
