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Traditional Den Ideas

Traditional den ideas and inspo.

Are you designing a traditional den and looking for inspiration? You’ve come to the right place. Spoak has all the interior design inspiration to get those creative juices flowing. Browse room designs, inspiration images and decor ideas or take our free room design tool for a spin below!

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Den Inspiration added by Monica Simpson
Den InspirationAdded by Monica Simpson
Den Inspiration added by Jacquelyn Leslie
Den InspirationAdded by Jacquelyn Leslie
Traditional Den Ideas added by Monica Simpson
Traditional Den IdeasAdded by Monica Simpson
Den Inspiration added by Monica Simpson
Den InspirationAdded by Monica Simpson
Den Ideas added by Monica Simpson
Den IdeasAdded by Monica Simpson
Den Inspo added by Alexandra Kinnard
Den InspoAdded by Alexandra Kinnard
Den Ideas added by Jordan Parra
Den IdeasAdded by Jordan Parra
Den Ideas added by Carrie Coats
Den IdeasAdded by Carrie Coats
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Den Inspiration added by Monica Simpson
Den InspirationAdded by Monica Simpson
Den Inspiration added by eyeswoon interior therapy
Den InspirationAdded by eyeswoon interior therapy
Den Ideas added by Don Yerger
Den IdeasAdded by Don Yerger
Den Inspo added by Alexandra Kinnard
Den InspoAdded by Alexandra Kinnard
Den Ideas added by Alexandra Kinnard
Den IdeasAdded by Alexandra Kinnard
Den Inspo added by Alexandra Kinnard
Den InspoAdded by Alexandra Kinnard
Den Inspiration added by Alexandra Kinnard
Den InspirationAdded by Alexandra Kinnard
Den Inspiration added by Alexis Hilton
Den InspirationAdded by Alexis Hilton
Den Inspiration added by Alexis Hilton
Den InspirationAdded by Alexis Hilton
Den Inspo added by Jordan Parra
Den InspoAdded by Jordan Parra
Den Inspiration added by Jenni Winter
Den InspirationAdded by Jenni Winter
Den Inspiration added by LeAnna Brooks
Den InspirationAdded by LeAnna Brooks
Den Inspiration added by Heather Walker
Den InspirationAdded by Heather Walker
Den Inspiration designed by Kim Loftis
Den InspirationDesigned by Kim Loftis
Den Ideas designed by Jendalyn Cohen
Den IdeasDesigned by Jendalyn Cohen
Den Ideas designed by Jendalyn Cohen
Den IdeasDesigned by Jendalyn Cohen

Find your Design Style

Design tips for decorating a traditional style den

Here’s how to achieve the traditional aesthetic room of your dreams.

What’s the best way to design and decorate a traditional den?

They say the kitchen is the heart of the home. But if you ask us, the den gives it a run for its money since it’s likely the most used room in your house. From entertaining guests to lounging around reading a book to watching way too much TV (no judgment here), your main living space has to be both comfortable and functional. Open-concept living spaces may also include an eating area or a full dining room for easy living.

Whether you're in the process of a den remodel or looking to makeover your existing one, these are the key elements to include in your design:

  • Paint or Wallpaper: Select a color or pattern that sets the desired mood for the den and complements the traditional style you want to achieve. We are partial to covering walls, ceilings, and trim in a uniform paint color to create a cohesive look. Or consider an accent wall to serve as a focal point.
  • Sofa, Couch, or Sectional: A staple of any den, the sofa or couch provides a comfortable seating option for relaxation and socializing. The sofa should be the functional focal point of the room. When creating the furniture plan for your den, start with the sofa as the largest piece of furniture and plan the rest of the room around it. If you have a small den, you may want to select a sofa with a shallower depth or a L-shaped sectional to maximize your seating space. If you have a large den, you may want to consider multiple couches to take advantage of your space.
  • Armchairs: These individual accent chairs offer additional seating and can be placed strategically around the den to create cozy conversation areas. In addition to leaving space around furniture groupings, make sure to also leave space around each piece of furniture. This allows people to move freely using various routes within the den. It's important to strike a balance between creating a cozy seating area and providing enough room for easy navigation.
  • Coffee Table: A central piece, the coffee table sits in front of the sofa and provides a surface for placing drinks, books, and other items. Pro tip: The recommended distance between a coffee table and the sofa in a den is roughly 15-18”. This allows for enough space to move around comfortably and ensures that the coffee table is within easy reach from the seating area.
  • Side Tables and/or Ottomans: Placed next to sofas or armchairs, side tables offer a convenient surface for placing lamps, drinks, or other small items. Ottomans are even more versatile and can serve as a footrest, extra seating, or even a side table or coffee table when paired with a tray. Choose side tables or ottomans that are proportionate to the furniture they accompany. The height of the side table should be similar to or slightly lower than the armrest or seat height of the sofa or chair.
  • Console, Entertainment Center or TV Stand: This furniture piece typically houses the television and often includes additional storage for media devices, gaming consoles, or to display decorative items. Ensure that the size of the media console is proportionate to the size of the screen it will be supporting. Even if you don’t plan to include a TV in your den (we support your decision for less screen time!), a freestanding console or built-in shelving unit is great for storage and organization. You can hide (or replace) your TV with a large piece of wall art.
  • Area Rug: It’s common to include an area rug in a den for extra warmth and coziness. If possible, all furniture pieces should “live” on the rug in your living room. If your rug doesn’t really allow for that, then at least the front legs should be atop the rug. This ensures the furniture doesn’t look like it’s floating in the room.
  • Decorative Lighting: Combine task, ambient, and accent lighting for a layered lighting scheme. Typically in a den, you’d want a flush surface mount light or chandelier on the ceiling and wall-mounted sconces or table lamps placed around the room for mood lighting.
  • Traditional Decor Accessories: Decor in a den can transform a living area into a vibrant tapestry of textures, colors, and forms, creating a welcoming and personalized environment that reflects your traditional style. The strategic placement of books, vases, and candles on coffee tables or shelves infuses the room with character and warmth. Throw pillows and blankets introduce texture and color helping to make the space feel cozier. Wall art helps to ground the space and showcase your personal taste and interests. Mirrors can amplify light, making the room feel more expansive.
  • Curtains or Blinds: Window treatments not only help control the light and provide privacy but also serve to tie the room's design together. They offer an opportunity to inject color, texture, and pattern into the living space, making it more inviting and personalized. Whether flowing and sheer for a light, airy feel or rich and textured for a more luxurious look, curtains play a pivotal role in setting the tone and atmosphere of the den.

Get creative and have fun with your traditional den makeover! If you need an extra hand, check out our step-by-step guide on How To Design a Living Room.

What materials and home decor should I use to achieve a traditional den design?

Don’t let anyone tell you traditional interior design is synonymous with boring. A traditional design style exudes elegance and comfort, drawing inspiration from the 18th and 19th centuries in Europe and America. It's characterized by classic details, sumptuous furnishings, and a sense of orderly decor. Rich wood tones, decorative moldings, and an emphasis on symmetry contribute to the style’s formal and refined aesthetic. The traditional style creates a timeless and inviting atmosphere, where every piece tells a story of heritage and sophistication.

To achieve a traditional aesthetic in your den, start with a neutral color palette for the walls and layer in rich textures. If you are set on a darker color, consider richer earth tones like chocolate, maroon, or navy, or a mix of colors in a patterned wallpaper for a more luxurious feel. Chenille, silk, brocade, and velvet are great fabric choices for upholstered furniture and window treatments. Bring in decorative elements that are more ornate like gold picture frames, chandelier light fixtures, oil paintings, and vintage rugs and textiles.

Read more about traditional den ideas and inspo.
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