Design Ideas for a Formal Vs. Informal Living Room

Formal living room, informal living room, or both? It’s a common dilemma as the goal is to balance functionality with aesthetics. Many people choose to include both rooms at home, as they serve different purposes. A formal living space, which is sometimes called a ‘drawing room’ is an elegant place to receive guests, while an informal living room is primarily for relaxing with family members.

Let’s explore how these two spaces differ and why you might choose one or the other.

Location

Formal

Typically, a formal sitting room is located right within the entrance of a home. This is so that guests can be greeted and brought straight into a beautiful room. This also makes sense when you consider the history of a sitting room. Before there were all the methods of communication we have today, people used to stop by to ‘call on’ the residents, whether they were close friends or not. With the formal spaces at the front of the house, it meant the other more relaxed rooms could keep a sense of privacy. You’ll also find that formal living rooms are generally situated far enough away from the kitchen area to preserve the peaceful ambiance.

Informal

An informal living room, on the other hand, can be positioned much further into the home. It is often next to the kitchen or dining room and in an open-concept home, it will frequently be combined with one or both of these. An informal living room is designed for everyday use by the residents. Often referred to as a family room, this living room can serve multiple purposes as a game room or media room.

Function

Formal

As we mentioned, formal living rooms are typically reserved for the use of entertaining guests. They are often serene spaces that make a good impression. You might use a formal living room for special occasions like holidays, or any time you want your gathering to have a more elevated atmosphere.

Informal

An informal living room is the central hub for the whole family. It’s the gathering spot to watch television, play video games or board games, read, or spend quality time together. Most modern homes have some variation of an informal living room because our lifestyles are more active and we prioritize comfort at home.

Decor

Formal

There is a significant difference between the decor in a formal and informal living room. In a formal living room design, you’ll often find a more polished aesthetic with elements like high ceilings, French doors, and antique furniture pieces. It serves as a showroom for welcoming guests, so the decor and furnishings should feel upscale and elegant. Formal living room furniture might include sofas and armchairs with clean lines and classic silhouettes, accented by decorative throw pillows. Draperies are common, both to keep out the sun and to add a luxurious touch. Materials might include hardwood, leather, velvet, and silk. Additional design elements like a grand piano, curated art pieces, family heirlooms, ornate mirrors, classy plants, and a statement chandelier are common.

Informal

In an informal living room, the emphasis for furniture is on functional needs and comfort. Think oversized sectionals, armchairs, and ottomans. Upholstery should be durable and easy to clean as it will get a lot of use. If you have little kids running around, consider performance upholstery that can withstand spills. You’ll also need storage in this room, whereas in a formal living room, this is not a priority. You might consider a media console or entertainment center. Personal touches like family photos and children’s artwork will further the lived-in feel of this room.

Designing the Perfect Living Room

Most homes today will either have just an informal living, or both types of living rooms. It’s rare to see a modern home with only a formal living area as it just doesn’t meet the needs of residents nowadays. However, a formal living room can be a great space for entertaining, so it is worth considering. Whichever you are leaning toward, we are happy to provide a consultation to go over some design ideas. Contact our team of talented interior designers today to discuss all the options.