Formal Styles

• Formal decorating is a highly polished interpretation of traditional decorating styles, which include Empire, American Federal, Queen Anne, Louis XVI, Chippendale, Victorian and Japanese styles. Traditional styles can be interpreted formally or casually; formal styles make use of symmetry and lavish fabrics and decorations.
  
  

Formal Curtains

• Formal living room curtains are fully tailored and come in a wide variety of styles. Most have three parts: sheer panels, heavy lined panels and valance--to hide the hardware of the panels. Swags are commonly used in formal settings, as are pinch pleat draperies. Tassels, pompoms, beading and fabric rosettes typically embellish formal living room curtains. Velvets, brocades and shiny silks are all formal fabrics.
  
  

Formal Decor

• Formal living room decorations include gilded mirrors, oil paintings, oriental rugs and floral arrangements. In rooms with high ceilings, crystal chandeliers are common. Items are often arranged in pairs around a focal point; for example, a fireplace mantel decorated with a large gilded mirror might also have a vase of flowers or a pair of elaborate candlesticks on either side of the mirror.