Are Formal Living Rooms Out of Style? What Designers Really Think

If you’re house-hunting or thinking of ways to modernize your current home, odds are there’s a lot of focus on the living room. Formal living rooms have offered a pleasant, elegant touch to homes over the years, but as design trends have evolved, so has the consideration of whether or not these rooms are still needed.

To figure out if formal living rooms are still a must-have, we spoke to two interior designers. Here’s what they had to say about whether or not formal living rooms are out of style and how to update one if your home has this luxury.

Are Formal Living Rooms Out of Style?

While formal living rooms aren’t completely out of style, our pros say they’re becoming less opted for in modern new homes.

“As a designer, I’m seeing fewer clients prioritize having a formal living room in their homes, especially for new construction,” says Jennifer Jones, Principal Designer at Niche Interiors. “The open plan living that most clients prefer includes more casual, integrated living and dining spaces rather than separated, closed-off rooms. That said, in older, more traditional homes where the floor plan dictates a formal living room, clients are still embracing this idea.”

Whether or not you embrace a formal living room is up to you and your personal style. According to Alexzandra Aguirre, interior designer at Phoenix Interior Design, some homeowners still love to embrace this traditional floor plan, but there’s a key to making it work in today’s design era.

“Although there are still homeowners who appreciate such spaces for their traditional beauty and as a means of entertaining guests, there is a move to less formal and multifunctional spaces that can support the daily living needs,” she says.

So while the traditional living aspect of these rooms still exists, now it’s about finding ways to intertwine daily living and casual furniture to make it usable for every day with a different feel.

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What’s Replacing Formal Living Rooms?

For newer homes that don’t include a formal living room, or if your home contains one and you’re looking for ways to remove the formality, you might be wondering how to replace this space.

Jones explains that rearranging furniture can transform a formal living room from stiff to welcoming. She recommends moving seating closer together, adding a few extra armchairs, and setting up multiple conversation areas to make the space feel cozier and more inviting.

Aguirre says open-plan family rooms and cozy lounges work best when they’re flexible and inviting. Incorporating media or reading corners and casual seating helps meet various needs, while modular furniture and layered lighting make it easy to shift the room’s purpose between work, relaxation, and entertainment.

How to Make the Most of Your Formal Living Room If You’re Tired of It 

If you’re stuck with a formal living room in your home, know that there are several ways you can turn this room into a commonly used area. For instance, change the purpose of the room!

“I recently added a large console table that doubles as a desk so I can enjoy my beautifully decorated formal living room on a more regular basis,” says Jones. “If you rarely use your formal living room, find a way to incorporate additional functions and family activities into your space. Consider adding a petite round game table for board games, or tuck a TV inside the built-ins for movie nights.”

But if you’re thinking of keeping a “living room feel” without the formal setting, Aguirre says swapping out your decor choices can create a modern, relaxed atmosphere.

“Modernizing a formal living room can only be achieved as easily as incorporating a new age style with a bit of flair to provide a new, pleasant atmosphere. It can be warmed up and characterized by the use of textured throws, colorful accent pillows, or contemporary art without losing the class.”

She also says changing the lighting can help cozy up the mood and functionality by going with statement chandeliers or smooth lamps instead of something that’s flashy or grandiose in nature.

As you update your living room to a cozy living retreat, don’t forget to consider your personal style. Add in layers of neutral tones and soft textures to make the room more inviting while choosing pieces that reflect your personality and style.