Find out how to incorporate traditional decor in your home so that it never goes out of style.
14 Traditional-Style Home Decor Ideas That are Still Cool
Updated on Apr. 14, 2025
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Color
Traditional-style decor uses a lot of saturated color. Think dark and moody walls, colorful rugs, and rich wood tones. Keep the color scheme cohesive by choosing one source of inspiration, like an area rug or large painting, to pull accent colors from.
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Furniture Placement
When it comes to furniture placement, the key here is symmetry and balance. Group furniture in a way that invites conversation, such as a couch facing two chairs. Not all pieces must match, so try using a couple of refinished wood chairs with a comfortable leather sofa.
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Add a Rug
Oriental and Kilim rugs are as popular as ever because they offer distinct style and color while also blending into their surroundings. When determining the size of a rug, make sure it’s big enough that the front legs of all the furniture are able to fit on the rug.
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Soft, Comfortable and Cozy
Traditional decor has a comfortable and cozy feel to it. Sofas often have soft edges and big cushions, opposed to the crisp and sleek look of modern designs. Add in vintage wood accent pieces to contrast with the upholstered seating.
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Wood
Wood furnishings, accents and flooring have always had a place in traditional home decor. Install wood molding in your living room or strip a painted handrail to expose the beautiful wood tone.
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Add Some Metal
You want some accents to shine when it comes to traditional decor, but not too much. Install a new faucet with a gold or copper finish, or hang a new light fixture in pewter or another metal with some texture. Mixing metal tones is fine, but stay away from brushed nickel which is best suited for modern or contemporary spaces.
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Hang a Chandelier
Ornate and twinkly chandeliers are a mainstay in traditional dining rooms and can make a home’s entryway more welcoming. They’re like jewelry for the ceiling while providing a cozy glow to the room. If you have a smaller space, many chandeliers now come in smaller sizes and can help make the room appear larger.
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Patterns
Whether it’s stripes or florals, patterns are still a go-to in traditional home decor ideas. Try stripes on an accent wall or hang bold and colorful wallpaper in a powder room in an up-to-date pattern or floral design.
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Window Treatments
If you’re going for traditional style, don’t hold back when it comes to window treatments. Embrace long curtains with color, pattern and texture. Hang curtains high and wide to make windows look bigger; and for the ideal length, they should just “kiss” the floor.
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Wood Flooring
Hardwood flooring is a timeless material that will never go out of style. For traditional style spaces, avoid the light or gray color tones, and opt for medium oak or rich walnut instead. Install new hardwood flooring or refinish old floors.
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Add Artwork
Bare walls have no place in traditional decor. Hang one large art piece for a dramatic focal point, or group together several frames for an eye-catching gallery wall. Vintage art is fitting, but don’t be afraid to include black and white photos or even some modern art pieces, which all have a place in today’s traditional homes.
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Plants and Greenery
A plant or vase full of floral branches is an easy way to add life and texture to any interior. Because traditional decor can be ornate, stick with plants and greenery that don’t overwhelm the room—try a small plant on a side table or coffee table, and a larger potted plant tucked into a corner or near a window. You really can’t go wrong with plants, and they also can improve your home’s indoor air quality.
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Focus on the Mantel
Make the mantel the focal point of your living room and add some of your favorite pieces. Traditional mantel decor ideas include: a vase of flowers, large artwork, gold taper candleholders, and an ornate mirror.
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Molding and Trim
Crisp whites are still the go-to when it comes to traditional painted molding and trim. Add some crown molding to make a statement and give trim a fresh coat of paint to make it pop against the wall color.
FAQ
What colors are commonly used in traditional decor?
To create a space with cozy, traditional style opt for warm neutrals like taupe, beige, brown, and creamy white; along with rich accent colors like navy blue, earthy greens, and dark red. Warm wood tones are also a staple of traditional decor, along with vintage pieces to achieve that lived-in look.
Can I mix traditional decor with modern elements?
Yes you can absolutely mix traditional and modern decor, and if done correctly, you’re space will look welcoming and balanced. Traditional decor often features a lot of pattern or color, so adding in a modern sofa with clean lines will give the eye a resting space. Another idea: pair modern dining room wallpaper with a large vintage table. Pay attention to scale and visual flow to ensure both the modern and traditional pieces meld together nicely.
