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It seems like things get more casual all the time. Athleisure is acceptable office attire, it’s OK to wear distressed denim to a 5-star restaurant, and we’re lucky if we can find one occasion per year where we can don an evening gown.
 
But we like it when things get formal. It’s fun for everything to feel pretty and polished. We fancy things that are fancy — which is why we love formal design.
 
With a formal living room design, you can add a little elegance to your life. And because formal style has a timeless feel — like looking back at pictures of Marilyn Monroe or Grace Kelly — your living room will feel elegant for years to come.
 
Here are 10 ideas for formal living room furniture and decor that will make everyday feel a little extra special.
<h2>10 formal living room ideas for an upscale space</h2>
Formal living room furniture should feel fancy — like maybe you’re going to have tea with the queen. But it shouldn’t feel like a museum where everything is covered in metaphorical “Do not touch” signs.
 
To create an eye-catching living room design that’s formal but not fussy, try these 10 furniture and decor ideas.
<h3>1. A button-tufted sofa</h3>
<a alt="Go to 10 formal living room ideas that will have you sitting pretty" href="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/furniture/avonlea-sloped-arm-upholstered-sofa-trim-grey"><img alt="10 formal living room ideas that will have you sitting pretty" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-178481" src="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/wp-content/uploads/Avonlea-Sloped-Arm-Upholstered-Sofa-Trim-Grey.jpg" alt="Formal living room: Avonlea Sloped Arm Upholstered Sofa Trim Grey" width="1200" height="665" /></a>
 
Formal style is often associated with being buttoned up, and a button-tufted living room sofa is buttoned up in the best way possible. This traditional upholstery style adds graceful pleats to your upholstery with each tuft, drawing the eye to its intricate detailing. If your sofa is going to be the focal point of your formal living room decor, it should make a statement.
 
The <a alt="Go to 10 formal living room ideas that will have you sitting pretty" href="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/furniture/avonlea-sloped-arm-upholstered-sofa-trim-grey">Avonlea Sloped-Arm Upholstered Sofa</a> pairs button-tufting with a soft round silhouette that manages to feel both feminine and formal. It would blend nicely with any <a alt="Go to 10 formal living room ideas that will have you sitting pretty" href="https://www.hgtv.com/design/decorating/design-101/old-world-style-101" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Old World interior design style</a>, from <a alt="Go to 10 formal living room ideas that will have you sitting pretty" href="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/timeless-elegance-guide-to-traditional-style">traditional</a> to <a alt="Go to 10 formal living room ideas that will have you sitting pretty" href="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/french-country-style">French country</a>.
<h3>2. A channel-tufted sectional</h3>
<a alt="Go to 10 formal living room ideas that will have you sitting pretty" href="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/furniture/hetfield-upholstered-channeled-tufted-sectional-indigo"><img alt="10 formal living room ideas that will have you sitting pretty" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-178485" src="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/wp-content/uploads/Hetfield-Upholstered-Channeled-Tufted-Sectional-Indigo-2.jpg" alt="Formal living room: Hetfield Upholstered Channeled Tufted Sectional Indigo" width="1200" height="927" /></a>
 
Button tufting may be perfect for a traditional living room, but if you’re choosing furniture pieces for a <a alt="Go to 10 formal living room ideas that will have you sitting pretty" href="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/contemporary-living-room">contemporary living room</a>, channel tufting — like you see on the <a alt="Go to 10 formal living room ideas that will have you sitting pretty" href="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/furniture/hetfield-upholstered-channeled-tufted-sectional-indigo">Hetfield Upholstered Channel-Tufted Sectional Sofa</a> — is your modern-day answer.
 
This look is every bit as tailored as button tufting but with a more minimalist aesthetic. The tufting appears in straight lines, giving a clean and modern appearance. If button tufting is a ballgown, this is a simple sheath dress. It’s every bit as elegant but much more understated.
<h3>3. A marble coffee table</h3>
<a alt="Go to 10 formal living room ideas that will have you sitting pretty" href="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/furniture/round-x-cross-coffee-table-white-and-gold"><img alt="10 formal living room ideas that will have you sitting pretty" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-178483" src="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/wp-content/uploads/Ellison-Round-X-cross-Coffee-Table-White-and-Gold.jpg" alt="Formal living room: Ellison Round X-cross Coffee Table White and Gold" width="1200" height="1474" /></a>
 
While most homeowners can’t afford the marble floors that line the <a alt="Go to 10 formal living room ideas that will have you sitting pretty" href="https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/83/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Versailles Palace</a>, we can all add a touch of this majestic material to our home with a marble tabletop.
 
Natural stone is luxurious and timeless, but it can sometimes feel too opulent. By choosing a coffee table that combines a marble top with clean geometric lines, like the <a alt="Go to 10 formal living room ideas that will have you sitting pretty" href="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/furniture/round-x-cross-coffee-table-white-and-gold">Ellison Round X-Cross Coffee Table</a>, you can create a paired-down formality that’s fitting for any modern living room.
<h3>4. A gold and glass coffee table</h3>
<a alt="Go to 10 formal living room ideas that will have you sitting pretty" href="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/furniture/sophia-2-piece-mirror-top-nesting-coffee-table-mirror-and-gold"><img alt="10 formal living room ideas that will have you sitting pretty" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" class="aligncenter wp-image-178487 size-full" src="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/wp-content/uploads/Kaelyn-2-piece-Mirror-Top-Nesting-Coffee-Table-Mirror-and-Gold-1.jpg" alt="Kaelyn 2-piece Mirror Top Nesting Coffee Table Mirror and Gold" width="1200" height="927" /></a>
 
Shimmering metallic tones makes a great addition to any formal living area. Not only is gold associated with luxury and royalty but it also adds sparkle to any space. Pair it with a clear glass or glass mirror tabletop, like the <a alt="Go to 10 formal living room ideas that will have you sitting pretty" href="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/furniture/sophia-2-piece-mirror-top-nesting-coffee-table-mirror-and-gold">Kaelyn 2-Piece Mirror-Top Nesting Coffee Tables</a>, and your living room will instantly feel lighter and brighter.
 
Solid furniture materials — like wood and stone — absorb light. But reflective materials like glass, mirror, and high-shine metalics help bounce that light around the room. So this formal design idea is not only elegant but it’s also functional for small or dark living rooms. Add <a alt="Go to 10 formal living room ideas that will have you sitting pretty" href="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/furniture/sophia-round-mirror-top-end-table-gold">matching side tables</a> to complete the look.
<h3>5. A high-back accent chair</h3>
<a alt="Go to 10 formal living room ideas that will have you sitting pretty" href="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/furniture/curved-arm-high-back-accent-chair-cream"><img alt="10 formal living room ideas that will have you sitting pretty" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-178489" src="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/wp-content/uploads/Pippin-Curved-Arm-High-Back-Accent-Chair-Cream.jpg" alt="Pippin Curved Arm High Back Accent Chair Cream" width="1200" height="1302" /></a>
 
No formal living area is complete without a well-thought-out seating area. A formal sitting room says that you’re sophisticated. You enjoy intimate gatherings and intelligent conversation, and you’ve given them a place of priority in your home design.
 
Accent chairs are the best living room furniture for encouraging intimate conversation. And a high-back accent chair, like the <a alt="Go to 10 formal living room ideas that will have you sitting pretty" href="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/furniture/curved-arm-high-back-accent-chair-cream">Pippin Curved-Arm High-Back Accent Chair</a>, will have you feeling like an English aristocrat getting warm by the fire.
 
A high-back chair makes your living room feel both formal and cozy. Every time you sit in this accent chair, it will feel like you’re being enveloped in your own safe space.
<h3>6. A velvet accent chair</h3>
<a alt="Go to 10 formal living room ideas that will have you sitting pretty" href="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/furniture/holly-tuxedo-arm-tufted-back-chair-black"><img alt="10 formal living room ideas that will have you sitting pretty" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-178486" src="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/wp-content/uploads/Holly-Tuxedo-Arm-Tufted-Back-Chair-Black-1.jpg" alt="Holly Tuxedo Arm Tufted Back Chair Black" width="1200" height="801" /></a>
 
If you’re looking for posh upholstery, <a alt="Go to 10 formal living room ideas that will have you sitting pretty" href="https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-velvet" target="_blank" rel="noopener">velvet is it</a>. But behind its luxe feel, velvet is hiding a little secret: It’s actually one of the most <a alt="Go to 10 formal living room ideas that will have you sitting pretty" href="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/pet-friendly-couches">pet-friendly</a> and <a alt="Go to 10 formal living room ideas that will have you sitting pretty" href="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/best-couches-for-families"> family-friendly upholsteries</a> around.
 
Velvet doesn’t hold onto pet hair and messes. And if you choose a dark velvet, like on the <a alt="Go to 10 formal living room ideas that will have you sitting pretty" href="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/furniture/holly-tuxedo-arm-tufted-back-chair-black">Holly Tuxedo-Arm Tufted-Back Chair in Black</a>, it will not only look more formal (dark color schemes always do), it will also hide stains and hold up better over time. Velvet accent chairs are proof that a formal living space doesn’t have to be high maintenance.
<h3>7. A covert recliner</h3>
<a alt="Go to 10 formal living room ideas that will have you sitting pretty" href="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/furniture/upholstered-tufted-push-back-recliner-brown"><img alt="10 formal living room ideas that will have you sitting pretty" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-178482" src="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/wp-content/uploads/Davidson-Upholstered-Tufted-Push-Back-Recliner-Brown.jpg" alt="Davidson Upholstered Tufted Push Back Recliner Brown" width="1200" height="1338" /></a>
 
There’s nothing formal about an old-fashioned recliner with overstuffed cushions and rolled arms. But recliners have gotten a modern makeover. And much like in makeover movies when your humble everyman discovers a tailor for the first time, recliners also have a more tailored appearance.
 
You can now find reclining armchairs — like the <a alt="Go to 10 formal living room ideas that will have you sitting pretty" href="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/furniture/upholstered-tufted-push-back-recliner-brown">Davidson Upholstered Tufted Push-Back Recliner</a> — where the footrest is built-in as part of a tuxedo frame, making it perfect for a <a alt="Go to 10 formal living room ideas that will have you sitting pretty" href="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/classic-meets-contemporary-guide-to-transitional-style">transitional</a> or <a alt="Go to 10 formal living room ideas that will have you sitting pretty" href="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/mid-century-modern-living-room-decor-on-a-budget">mid-century modern living room</a>.
<h3>8. A crystal light fixture</h3>
<a alt="Go to 10 formal living room ideas that will have you sitting pretty" href="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/furniture/metal-base-floor-lamp-chrome-and-crystal"><img alt="10 formal living room ideas that will have you sitting pretty" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-178480" src="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/wp-content/uploads/Anya-Metal-Base-Floor-Lamp-Chrome-and-Crystal-1.jpg" alt="Anya Metal Base Floor Lamp Chrome and Crystal" width="1200" height="1200" /></a>
 
An enormous crystal chandelier dripping down from high ceilings makes an eye-catching focal point in <a alt="Go to 10 formal living room ideas that will have you sitting pretty" href="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/big-room-ideas">large living rooms</a>. But even if you’re decorating a more modest space, you can add crystalline glamour with a wall sconce or a floor lamp, like the <a alt="Go to 10 formal living room ideas that will have you sitting pretty" href="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/furniture/metal-base-floor-lamp-chrome-and-crystal">Anya Metal Base Floor Lamp in chrome and crystal</a>.
 
Like the gold and glass coffee table above, a crystal light fixture will help spread more light around your room. Each sparkling crystal catches the light and reflects it back out, making your space feel brighter.
<h3>9. Luxe throw pillows</h3>
<a alt="Go to 10 formal living room ideas that will have you sitting pretty" href="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/furniture/frostine-button-tufted-sofa-silver"><img alt="10 formal living room ideas that will have you sitting pretty" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-178484" src="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/wp-content/uploads/Frostine-Button-Tufted-Sofa-Silver.jpg" alt="Formal living room: Frostine Button Tufted Sofa Silver" width="1200" height="933" /></a>
 
Simply swapping out your throw pillows is an excellent way to update your home decor. For throw pillows that make the room feel more formal, we like tufted velvet or faux fur.
 
Both of these materials add luxury to a space. But they’re also both soft and inviting. Styling them on top of your living room sofa and your accent chairs can make your formal space more welcoming without sacrificing your fancy style.
<h3>10. Oversized wall art</h3>
<a alt="Go to 10 formal living room ideas that will have you sitting pretty" href="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/furniture/sandrine-button-tufted-tuxedo-arms-loveseat-camel"><img alt="10 formal living room ideas that will have you sitting pretty" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-178490" src="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/wp-content/uploads/Sandrine-Button-Tufted-Tuxedo-Arms-Loveseat-Camel.jpg" alt="Formal living room: Sandrine Button Tufted Tuxedo Arms Loveseat Camel" width="1200" height="772" /></a>
 
There are some trends that don’t fit with a formal interior design style, and the <a alt="Go to 10 formal living room ideas that will have you sitting pretty" href="https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/are-gallery-walls-over" target="_blank" rel="noopener">gallery wall</a> is one of them. The gallery wall is an eclectic collection that’s more at home with boho-style decor.
 
For wall art that fits into a formal design, try investing in larger pieces that can stand on their own or be arranged side-by-side, creating neatness and order. Essentially, instead of taking your cues from the eclectic home decor trend, take your cues from actual art galleries: Let each piece shine on its own. Adding a <a alt="Go to 10 formal living room ideas that will have you sitting pretty" href="https://www.houseofantiquehardware.com/choosing-picture-lights-and-library-lights#:~:text=So%2C%20what%20are%20picture%20lights,frame%20or%20the%20wall%20above." target="_blank" rel="noopener">picture light</a> is optional but oh-so formal.
<h2>Furniture you’ll fancy</h2>
When you walk into your formal living room, you should feel both fancy and fancy-free. After all, a formal space should make you feel like your best self — not like you can’t be yourself.
 
One of the keys to good, formal interior design is making sure every element is not only beautiful but also comfortable and functional. So head to <a alt="Go to 10 formal living room ideas that will have you sitting pretty" href="https://storelocator.coasterfurniture.com/">your local Coaster Furniture store</a> to find furniture and decor you fancy.
 
Trying furniture before you buy is more than just a formality. It could be the difference between a formal living room you can live in and one that’s too uncomfortable to use. So put your posh posterior on all the formal furniture in the store, and make sure your living room decor feels as good as it looks.

10 formal living room ideas that will have you sitting pretty

July 19, 2023

Here are 10 ideas for formal living room furniture and decor that will make every day feel a little extra special.

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10 formal living room ideas that will have you sitting pretty

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