5 "Rules" for Classic Living Rooms
Like the sheath dress, Birkin bag, pearl earrings, and a great pair of black heels, a classic living room has no date.
When figuring out how exactly to describe a “classic living room”, I found myself really breaking it down in to the pieces that compose the room. Beyond that, much like in fashion where a classic wardrobe can be made to look current by integrating one or two pieces, a classic living room can stand up to the test of seeing colors come and go—watching lamp shades flare and barrel, seeing throw pillows mute and rise in their vibrancies.
Much like the timeless pieces in fashion, there are classic living room equivalents that stand the test of time and, especially if purchased with quality in mind, will be pieces that will last a lifetime.
I was always amazed when, growing up, my mom would tell me about when she bought certain pieces that are still in her home. She has a 40” square onyx cocktail table that she bought when she was in her 20s. She’s moved it from DC to Virginia to Idaho to Seattle and back to Virginia and says that the movers were about ready to expire when they brought it up to her third floor walk-up condo in Bethesda (if it didn't have hidden wheels, we could never move it even a few inches!).
Then there are ebony wood arm chairs with ivory decorative inlays that she bought, also in her 20s, in Morocco. These still serve as pull-up chairs in her office (and it was not a happy day when one of the many Scottie puppies that have made their way through the Gibson household managed to chew one of the stretchers at the base).
So when I think about creating classic living rooms, I think of five rules (to be interpreted loosely as many design rules should be).
- If it is a big purchase, only buy something that you love and can imagine having for 30+ years (or passing down to your children). There’s no reason to spend $2,500 on a coffee table that you’re just luke warm about. On the other side, a $8,000 wing chair is a drop in the bucket (relatively speaking) if you think you'll have it forever.
- Don’t base your room around a trendy color. Upholstery can be expensive and you can easily change things up with accessories, fun side tables, and throw pillows. If you decide to incorporate trend in the paint, remember that it can be repainted, but you probably won't repaint for a couple of years so you need to be married to it (in an Elizabeth Taylor marriage kind of way).
- Intersperse different periods of furniture for true classicism. My living room has an art deco side table, a secretary from the 1750s, and a leather Chesterfield sofa from my father’s office from the 1970s.
- Invest in a high quality sofa or sofas in a neutral color. When I say neutral, it doesn’t necessarily mean white or taupe, it could be charcoal, dark hunter green, or navy. Just stay away from pop colors or a prominent pattern.
Books are the best accessories. Surround yourself with books that you love, and not just on shelves. Books will never go out of style.
Photo credits: 1stfashions.com (1), Kelly Hoppen (2), Elle Decor (3, 5, 6), House Beautiful (4)
