How to Decorate Your Living Room in English Country Style

Genteel comfort and coziness are hallmarks of English country style. The look tends toward elegant informality in a living room. Here's how to accomplish it.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Area Rugs
• China Figurines
• Coffee Tables
• Cushy Easy Chairs
• Cushy Love Seats
• Cushy Sofas
• End Tables
• Wood Furniture
• China Dishes
• Silver Plated Pieces

1. Select furniture that represents many styles and eras, from Chippendale to Queen Anne and Sheraton to Victorian. Traditional should dominate. Oriental influences may exert themselves strongly, either in the style - as with turned-bamboo wood spindles - or with lacquered Oriental finishes. Also consider painted landscapes, a Queen Anne table or a Chippendale highboy.

2. Use primarily wood furniture in the living room - a traditional-style secretary, sideboard, lowboy, bookcase and sofa table. Oak, pine, mahogany and walnut are all popular choices.

3. Choose soft and cushy sofas, love seats and chairs so that you sink down into the seating - down cushions are ideal. Pillows, rolled arms and slipcovers fit right in, as does floral upholstery in subdued colors.

4. Consider a butler's table or a tea table with pull-out trays for your coffee table. For a more casual look, an old trunk or Chinese chest (carved or lacquered) with a glass top also fits the bill.

5. Pick end tables from a simple Sheraton, curvaceous Queen Anne or block-front Chippendale style. The tables can be mismatched. A drop-leaf table can be pushed against the wall as a console or look great in a bay window.

6. Cover windows with floor-length drapes that are loaded with gathers and match some of the upholstery in the room.

7. Anchor the room scheme with a graceful faded and worn Oriental or Aubusson area rug.

8. Choose knickknacks from Asia, Africa or other parts of the former British Empire. Achieve a look that is pleasantly cluttered. Traditional English collectibles include old china (Oriental-influenced Blue Willow designs are typical), lead crystal, silver and an abundance of framed pictures.

9. Embellish the mantel with candlesticks, china figurines (possibly Staffordshire dogs), a picture or framed mirror, dried or fresh flowers, and a clock.

10. Light the room with traditional china or metal base lamps.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose furniture that is ornate or relatively plain; either way, try to make it look as though your pieces have been collected over a lifetime or handed down through generations of your family.