How to Figure Out What Style Living Room You Like

If you've watched any of the countless shows on television that deal with makeovers and remodels, then you've probably heard the show's designers bandy about terms describing different styles: modern, rustic, antique, county, contemporary, colonial, etc.

But what do these all mean? In most cases you'' want to choose a style before you ever start redecorating, so let's review the various design styles so you can match them to your own taste in furniture and dcor.

American

There are several styles of American furniture: antique, modern, rustic, country and Amish.

Antique: This style is just what it says. The look harkens back to the styles that came over from Europe roughly between the Revolutionary and Civil wars. They are practical pieces that can have some nice detailing, but were designed to be used, not simply admired.

Traditional: This includes Queen Anne, Chippendale and Hipplewite furniture. The woods are typically dark and the furniture is characterized by ornate carvings and an overall regal appearance. They make a living room look extremely formal and elegant.

Modern: Also known as contemporary, modern furniture takes a page from the visionary designers of the Modernist movement who felt that form should follow function. As such, the pieces are streamlined and devoid of brash ornamentation. Typically, modern pieces use chrome or stainless steel, aluminum, plastics and fiberglass. Much of it is playful in nature and the emphasis is on comfort.

Rustic: This style emphasizes natural materials, handcrafted pieces and often has regional or cultural influences. It is very casual and organic in approach and feeling. A rustic living room can feel like a cozy cabin that is comfortable and welcoming.

Country: This style of living room would focus on comfort and color. The use of simple lines and equally simple furniture is complemented by natural fibers, a weathered look to wood pieces and cottage style fabrics.

Amish: This has a lovely handcrafted look. The Amish use lighter colored woods such as pine and oak, giving your room a warm, relaxed look that emphasizes craftsmanship and clean lines.

European

Of course, furniture with European influences can take many forms, given the centuries of influences from some of the greatest cultures of ancient and modern history.

English: A living room inspired by English styles has a lot of oak, walnut and mahogany furnishings that are dark and heavy looking. Handcrafted details are evident and there's limited decoration.

French: Obviously, Louis IVX furnishings come to mind when you're thinking about French dcor. The carvings are highly intricate and the elaborate furnishings use lush fabrics. It gives a living room a very fancy, formal look.

Italian: Italian styles are ornate as well, but are typically larger that French. A living room decorated in an Italian style would take its influences from classic Roman architecture, using materials such as marble and stone.

Other Styles

A lot of people gravitate toward less formal styles. This can include urban and eclectic approaches to living room dcor.

Urban: This is a very minimalist style of design. Think IKEA and you'll get an idea of the urban look. Woods are black, blonde or white with lots of glass and brushed aluminum. The pieces are scaled for smaller rooms and work well in a small apartment or flat.

Eclectic: If you want your room to be a mix of styles, you could consider an eclectic approach to your living room. While the pieces may span different periods or styles, they are tied together with a common color palette, texture, shape or finish.

As you can see, there is a style for nearly every taste out there. In deciding what style your living room should be, you need to go with your personal preferences. You want something that reflects your lifestyle and tastes, not those of a famous interior designer or something you saw on HGTV.

A big part of your decision will be the type of home you live in and the approach the builders used in building your home. For instance, you may want to go with an Amish look in an Arts & Crafts home while a downtown loft may demand a more modern, contemporary or even urban approach.

The best way to narrow your choices is to look at the different styles online. Start by saving photos of rooms you like or pieces of furniture you're particularly drawn to. Once you have a collection of photos, go through them and look for common themes, such as colors, textures, design elements or style. The results may surprise you. Instead of thinking urban is the look for you, you may find your self drawn to traditional or antique styles instead. By focusing on images instead of labels, you may find that you like a style you would have never thought of if it were called by a particular name.

Why I Like Amish Furniture In The Living Room

Is it just me or does it also look to you as though most furniture in the stores these days is pressed-board covered with paper that's printed to look like a wood-grained finish? Surely I cannot be the only person who is noticing the lack of real wood furniture in stores and showrooms all over the country, that's impossible. We all know that cheap furniture doesn't wear well or last very long. Pressed-board furniture is not built to last like the quality construction you'll see in every Amish rocking chair, sofa and coffee table.

I like Amish furniture in the living room because it is sturdy and beautiful, and because I know it will look the same 100 years from now. It's not going to crack, sag or deteriorate with normal use, and the finish isn't going to peel away. Real wood furniture in my living room is what makes my house look like a home.

Here is what I own and why I like it:

1) My absolute favorite item is my slat sofa recliner that's wide enough for three or more people to sit and recline together! It's so comfortable and inviting. I had it built with custom upholstery that matches some needlepoint pillows my grandma made, so that makes it feel even more like home;

2) Coming in a close second is my love seat glider in upholstery that matches my sofa recliner. My kids love it, especially in the winter because they glide back and forth pretending they're on the swing set outdoors. And it's totally relaxing for me when I'm talking on the phone or reading;

3) But the best piece of furniture I ever bought is the lift-top coffee table that goes from knee-height to use for magazines and propping up my feet when nobody is looking, to full desk-height for eating, writing and working. It is the most practical item in my living room, without a doubt.

We are really enjoying our Amish furniture, and we're making memories with it every day. That's why I like Amish furniture in the living room so much. Sometimes I think about what pieces my kids might like when they get married and move away from home someday. Oh, it's 'way too soon to think about that right now when they are so young. And of course my own Amish living room furniture will still be in good shape so I might share it with them, too. But then I'd have to go get some more for myself!

You may want to see a variety of Amish real wood furniture available from craftsmen who sell their pieces online at for delivery to you your own home anywhere in the US.

Arranging Living Room Furniture Tips

The living room sees a lot of family activities that includes entertaining guests; therefore, it is necessary to have the proper pieces of furniture. Your taste and personality must be reflected by your choice of fitment, which must likewise project comfort, harmony and elegance. It does not end there however, as you need to carefully plan on how to arrange them properly. To come up with a good furniture layout, all you need is your creativity, imagination and your personal touch.

Here are some pointers on how to arrange your living room furniture.

Allocate a focal point. It can be anything, from the traditional layout of a console table or fireplace to a bay window. The focal point can be anything which you think would mirror the mode or theme of the room or of your home. When you have chosen your central spot, you can start arranging your living room furniture by emphasizing this area. Your furniture pieces do not need to face the central spot but must emphasize its significance.

Stay away from a cluttered look. Do not overload your living room with furniture. Having so many pieces will only create a cluttered look and will destroy the beauty of your pieces as well having no space to move. It is essential that you provide clear pathways and more than one entrance or exit areas. Arrange your furniture to create a natural flow of movement.

Break up the space. The space of the living room must also be taken into consideration. A long or big living room will have a better furniture arrangement if you divide the space. Provide a space where you can have more intimate conversations, entertainment area or for dining. You can also opt to have a formal and casual area in the room.

Get the most out of your available space. Although having less is always essential in decorating your living room, it is equally important to maximize your available space. The secret lies in selecting pieces of furniture that are functional and can serve you dual purposes. Modern and contemporary designs of furniture are very practical and functional which are necessities in modern homes. You can find sofas, ottomans, coffee tables, corner or end tables with shelves, fitted drawers and even built-in lights. These furniture designs are out to make your room look neat, clean and orderly. They allow you to use up your space to the maximum without making it look messy. Space is a big factor in decorating a room particularly with modern homes as most of them have limited areas.

You can adapt the above ideas when arranging your living room furniture; nevertheless, using your creativity to the fore is still the best. Let the artist in you work and maximize your imagination to come up with a room design that is entirely yours. What is vital is to provide your family and guests a stylish, warm and comfortable living room that will enthrall not just their attention but also their hearts.

Visit LA Furniture Store.com for modern and contemporary designs of furniture. Their products offer functionality and pragmatism aside from giving you comfort.