Published on May 26, 2023

Transitional living room features wainscoting, arch and radius windows, and a fireplace flanked by floating shelves. The space also includes white sectional sofas with matching long ottoman and two gray upholstered armchairs surrounding a large glass coffee table on an area rug spread over light hardwood flooring. A blue abstract painting hung over the fireplace provides a splash of color in contrast to the room's neutral color palette.

The Transitional-style aesthetic is subjective and open to interpretation, but the design generally falls somewhere along a spectrum between Traditional and Contemporary. Rather than simply incorporating elements into a room that match each other, a Transitional style brings into play both Traditional and Contemporary components based on personal preferences. Nothing is “wrong” per se, but something may be more “right” within a particular context. We’ve put together a curated gallery of Transitional-Style living rooms that look at different options and offer ideas for your own design project.

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1. Custom-Made Textured Concrete Fireplace Provides Focal Point 

Transitional living room features a fireplace embedded in a custom-fabricated, concrete textured wall with walls of glass on either side of the room. The home by Specht Architects, considered a classic example of Dallas Modernism, combines sustainable materials with a mix of Mid-Century Modernism and Contemporary aesthetics in the interior design. The airy, bright space includes two sets of sofas, and two sets of armchairs with coffee tables, on a large area rug spread over concrete flooring.

This Transitional living room design features a fireplace embedded in a custom-fabricated, concrete-textured wall with walls of glass on either side of the room. The home by Specht Architects, considered a classic example of Dallas Modernism, combines sustainable materials with a mix of Mid-Century Modernism and Contemporary aesthetics in the Transitional interior design. The airy, bright space includes two sets of sofas and two sets of armchairs with coffee tables on a large area rug spread over concrete flooring.

2. Classical and Contemporary Elements Combined in Great Room

Classical and Contemporary elements are combined in this elegant Transitional-Style living room, which features a curved white sofa paired with colorful cushions and a circular gold coffee table with a glass top. The space also includes a coffered ceiling with exposed beams, a blue area rug spread over light hardwood flooring, and a contemporary chaise lounge. A mirror hangs over a fireplace, while different shapes of windows (including arch and radius, and oeil-de-boeuf circular models) bring in plenty of natural light.

Classical and Contemporary design elements are combined in this elegant Transitional-Style living space, which features a curved white sofa paired with colorful cushions and a circular gold coffee table with a glass top. The space also includes a coffered ceiling with exposed beams, a blue area rug spread over light hardwood flooring, and a contemporary chaise lounge. A mirror hangs over a fireplace, while different shapes of windows (including arch and radius and oeil-de-boeuf circular models) spread natural light over the home decor.

3. Dark-Toned Persian Rug Contrasts with White Décor

White is the primary color in this double-height living room, which features a contemporary black and white print hanging over a linear fireplace flanked by large windows and potted plants on side tables. Two white sofas and a black leather armchair face a low-slung wooden coffee table set over a dark-toned Persian rug covering beige carpeted flooring.

White is the primary color in the modern design of this double-height living room, which features a contemporary black and white print hanging over a linear fireplace flanked by large windows and potted plants on side tables. Two white sofas and a black leather armchair face a low-slung wooden coffee table set over a dark-toned Persian rug covering beige carpeted flooring.

4. French Doors and Crown Molding Feature Dark Wood Trim

Transitional-style living room features an off-white sofa, two matching upholstered chairs with half-circle wooden arms, two ottomans, and a large coffee table in front of a stone veneer fireplace. The space also includes French doors and crown molding, both with dark wood trim, a Persian area rug, and wide plank hardwood flooring.

Transitional-style living room features an off-white sofa, two matching upholstered chairs with half-circle wooden arms, two ottomans, and a large coffee table in front of a stone veneer fireplace. The space also includes French doors and crown molding, both with dark wood trim, a Persian area rug, and wide plank hardwood flooring.

5. Clerestory Windows Draw Natural Light into Double-Height Space

Great room features clerestory windows in a white coffered ceiling, dark hardwood flooring, and a stone veneer fireplace with a chimney that extends double-height. The space also includes an upholstered white sofa with a dark gray cushioned club chair, a glass-topped metal side table, and French doors leading to a backyard area.

Great room features clerestory windows in a white coffered ceiling, dark hardwood flooring, and a stone veneer fireplace with a chimney that extends double height. The space also includes an upholstered white sofa with a dark gray cushioned club chair, a glass-topped metal side table, and French doors leading to a backyard area.

6. Red Velvet Sofa Adds Splash of Color to Neutral Palette

Living room features a red velvet cushioned sofa and upholstered gray armchairs facing a two-tier coffee table set on a large dark-toned contemporary area rug spread over tile flooring. The space also includes wainscoting, a TV mounted on one wall, a white tray ceiling and a large gray marble-panel fireplace.

Living room features a red velvet cushioned sofa and upholstered gray armchairs facing a two-tier coffee table set on a large dark-toned contemporary area rug spread over tile flooring. The space also includes wainscoting, a TV mounted on one wall, a white tray ceiling , and a large gray marble-panel fireplace.

7. Mismatched Furnishings Hold Their Own in Transitional Space

Transitional living room features a candlestick chandelier suspended from a high cathedral ceiling with a wall of paneled glazing, that includes transom and arched clerestory windows, bringing in plenty of natural light. The space also has a mélange of mismatched furnishings, including a tufted leather ottoman with metal legs, surrounded by upholstered club chairs, an armchair, and a sofa set on a dark-patterned area rug over dark hardwood flooring. A large abstract painting is mounted over a fireplace, which is flanked by shelving on one side and a white wooden console with a circular mirror on the other.

Transitional living room features a candlestick chandelier suspended from a high cathedral ceiling with a wall of paneled glazing that includes transom and arched clerestory windows, bringing in plenty of natural light. The space also has a mélange of mismatched furnishings, including a tufted leather ottoman with metal legs, surrounded by upholstered club chairs, an armchair, and a sofa set on a dark-patterned area rug over the dark hardwood flooring. A large abstract painting is mounted over a fireplace, flanked by shelving on one side and a white wooden console with a circular mirror on the other.

8. Rustic Woven Area Rug Spread Out Over Hardwood Flooring

Living room features upholstered furnishings, including a sofa, a wingback chair, two armchairs, and two bench ottomans surrounding a circular coffee table with a marble top. The space also has a large abstract painting mounted over a black fireplace and a pendant light fixture suspended from a cathedral ceiling. All the furnishings sit on a rustic woven area rug spread over hardwood flooring.

Living room features upholstered furnishings, including a sofa, a wingback accent chair, two armchairs, and two bench ottomans surrounding a circular coffee table with a marble top. The space also has a large abstract painting mounted over a black fireplace and a pendant light fixture suspended from a cathedral ceiling. All the furnishings sit on a rustic woven area rug spread over the hardwood flooring.

9. Exposed Beams and Recessed Lights Continue into Kitchen Area

Great room features a leather sofa and three club chairs surrounding a large glass-top coffee table set on a rustic woven area rug spread over wide-plank hardwood flooring. The ceiling includes exposed beams and recessed lighting, which continue into the adjacent kitchen. The space also has floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open out to a backyard pool area.

Great room features a leather sofa and three club chairs surrounding a large glass-top coffee table set on a rustic woven area rug spread over the wide-plank hardwood flooring. The ceiling includes exposed beams and recessed lighting, which continue into the adjacent kitchen. The space also has floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open out to a backyard pool area.

10. Knee-High Bookshelves Provide Plenty of Storage Space

Large glazed windows brighten the living room, which also has an overhead rotating fan suspended from the shed ceiling. The space features unique knee-high wooden bookshelves that run the length of the room underneath the windows on two walls. The top of the shelving provides space for a 3D objet d'art collection, with more art hung on the walls. A wooden coffee table is positioned between two upholstered armchairs set on an area rug spread over light hardwood flooring. The latter's coloring matches the wood used in the shelves.

Large glazed windows brighten the living room, with an overhead rotating fan suspended from the shed ceiling. The space features unique knee-high wooden bookshelves that run the room’s length underneath the windows on two walls. The top of the shelving provides space for a 3D objet d’art collection, with more art hung on the walls. A wooden coffee table is positioned between two upholstered armchairs on an area rug spread over light hardwood flooring. The latter’s coloring matches the wood used on the shelves.

11. Brass-Caged Candlestick Chandeliers Hang Over Seating Areas

Spacious living room features paneled glass windows and doors overlooking a pool area. The room includes two sitting areas, with a sofa and chairs facing a wall with a fireplace and flat-screen TV, while two club chairs with footstools are set further back in the space. Each sitting area has an area rug spread over light hardwood flooring, while two brass-caged candlestick chandeliers hang suspended from the coffered ceiling.

Spacious living room features paneled glass windows and doors overlooking a pool area. The room includes two sitting areas, with a sofa and chairs facing a wall with a fireplace and flat-screen TV, while two club chairs with footstools are set further back in the space. Each sitting area has an area rug spread over light hardwood flooring, while two brass-caged candlestick chandeliers hang suspended from the coffered ceiling.

12. Floating Shelf Serves As Mantel on Stone Brick Fireplace 

Living room features an L-shaped upholstered sofa with a rainbow selection of colorful pillows facing a large metal three-tiered coffee table and a blue cushioned ottoman bench. The space also includes wide-plank hardwood flooring with a wood-burning black fireplace inset into a stone brick accent wall lined with a floating shelf.

Living room features an L-shaped upholstered sofa with a rainbow selection of colorful pillows facing a large metal three-tiered coffee table and a blue cushioned ottoman bench. The space also includes wide-plank hardwood flooring with a wood-burning black fireplace inset into a stone brick accent wall lined with a floating shelf.

13. Brushed Metal Pendant Light Fixtures Tower Over Great Room

Two magnificent brushed metal pendant light fixtures are the stars of this show, with design influences that suggest everything from Art Deco to Contemporary to Brutalist. From whatever perspective they are viewed, they make an immediate visual impact, suspended from a cathedral ceiling with exposed beams. The living room also includes an upholstered sofa and chairs on an area rug facing a fireplace and flat-screen TV. Dark wood-plank flooring continues throughout the space and into the kitchen and dining areas as well.

Two magnificent brushed metal pendant light fixtures are the stars of this show, with design influences that suggest everything from Art Deco to Contemporary to Brutalist. From whatever perspective they are viewed, they provide visual interest, suspended from a cathedral ceiling with exposed beams. The living room decor also includes an upholstered sofa and chairs on an area rug facing a fireplace and flat-screen TV. Dark wood-plank flooring continues throughout the space and into the kitchen and dining areas.

14. Blue Used as an Accent Color in Room with Subtle Tonal Palette

Transitional living room features wainscoting, arch and radius windows, and a fireplace flanked by floating shelves. The space also includes white sectional sofas with matching long ottoman bench and two gray upholstered armchairs surrounding a large glass coffee table on an area rug spread over light hardwood flooring. A blue abstract painting hung over the fireplace provides a splash of color in contrast to the room's neutral color palette.

Transitional living room features wainscoting, arch and radius windows, and a fireplace flanked by floating shelves. The space also includes white sectionals with matching long ottoman bench and two gray upholstered armchairs surrounding a large glass coffee table on an area rug spread over light hardwood flooring. A blue abstract modern art painting hung over the fireplace provides a splash of color in contrast to the room’s neutral color palette.

15. Marble Fireplace Surround Tiles Fixed to Stone Accent Wall

Living room features a linear fireplace with marble surround tiles fixed to a stone accent wall. The space also includes a leather sofa and two club chairs with a low-slung wooden coffee table set on an area rug over light hardwood flooring. A flat-screen TV is mounted on the wall beside the fireplace, above built-in cabinets.

Living room features a linear fireplace with marble surround tiles fixed to a stone accent wall. The space also includes a leather sofa and two club chairs with a low-slung wooden coffee table set on an area rug over light hardwood flooring. A flat-screen TV is mounted on the wall beside the fireplace, above built-in cabinets.

16. Formal Living Room Illuminated By Multiple Sources of Light

Bright formal living room is illuminated with multiple sources of light, including table lamps, a contemporary chandelier suspended from the ceiling, and full-height glazing that draws in plenty of natural light. The space also includes an upholstered sofa and two loveseats facing a large wooden coffee table set on an area rug over hardwood flooring.

Bright formal living room is illuminated with multiple light sources, including table lamps, a contemporary chandelier suspended from the ceiling, and full-height glazing that draws in plenty of natural light. The Transitional design includes Traditional furniture with an upholstered sofa and two loveseats facing a large wooden coffee table on an area rug over hardwood flooring.

17. Symmetrical Space Ties Everything Together with Blue/Grays and Brass

Lots of matching going on in this symmetrical room's design, with a pair of leather blue/gray tufted sofas and white faux fur brass stools facing a brass and glass coffee table set on a blue-patterned area rug spread over light hardwood flooring. A blue-gray floor-to-ceiling fireplace surround matches the sofas and rug pattern as well as complementing the darker blue of the brass table lamp shades. A singular brass icicle chandelier ties in perfectly with the room's other brass furnishings.

Lots of matching going on in this symmetrical room’s Transitional design, with a pair of leather blue/gray tufted sofas and white faux fur brass stools facing a brass and glass coffee table set on a blue-patterned area rug spread over light hardwood flooring. A blue-gray floor-to-ceiling fireplace surround matches the sofas and rug pattern as well as complements the darker blue of the brass table lamp shades — a singular brass icicle chandelier ties in perfectly with the room’s other brass furnishings.

18. Southwestern Desert Cow’s Skull Mounted on Stone Fireplace

Living room features an iconic Southwestern desert cow's skull mounted on a linear stone brick fireplace flanked by built-in dark gray shelving. The space also includes four light gray upholstered herringbone armchairs facing a circular wooden coffee table with a drum candlestick chandelier suspended from the ceiling.

Living room in a Transitional interior design style features an iconic Southwestern desert cow’s skull mounted on a linear stone brick fireplace flanked by built-in dark gray shelving. The space also includes four light gray upholstered herringbone armchairs facing a circular wooden coffee table with a drum candlestick chandelier suspended from the ceiling.

19. Upholstered Furnishings Set on Herringbone Hardwood Flooring

Living room features herringbone hardwood flooring and a nine-blade ceiling fan suspended from a coffered ceiling. The space also includes an upholstered sofa with two armchairs and ottomans and a rectangular coffee table on an area rug, facing a flat-screen TV in a wall alcove flanked by built-in shelving. Sliding glass doors with transom windows provide a panoramic view of the waterfront and access to an outside patio deck.

Living room features herringbone hardwood flooring and a nine-blade ceiling fan suspended from a coffered ceiling. The space also includes an upholstered sofa with two armchairs and ottomans and a rectangular coffee table on an area rug, facing a flat-screen TV in a wall alcove flanked by built-in shelving. Sliding glass doors with transom windows provide a panoramic view of the waterfront and access to an outside patio deck.

20. Wood and Stone Materials Warm Up Smart Home’s Décor

Everything can be controlled by a cellphone in this smart home featuring natural materials such as stone parquet flooring and a custom-made wood-slat accent wall. Several kinds of lighting are used in the Transitional-style living room, including unique table and floor lights that are distributed around the space, wall panels with LED lights, and a circular pendant fixture suspended from the ceiling. The room also has a gray sectional sofa, an armchair with footstool and ottoman, and a circular coffee table facing a flat-screen TV.

Everything can be controlled by a cellphone in this smart home featuring natural materials such as stone parquet flooring and a custom-made wood-slat accent wall. Several kinds of lighting are used in the Transitional-style living room, including unique table and floor lights that are distributed around the space, wall panels with LED lights, and a circular pendant fixture suspended from the ceiling. The room also has a gray sectional sofa, an armchair with a footstool and ottoman, and a circular coffee table facing a flat-screen TV.

21. Black Marble Linear Fireplace Teamed with Wood-Slat Accent Wall

Living room features a large L-shaped sectional sofa with two armchairs and a circular glass-top coffee table set on a gray area rug. The space also includes a black marble linear fireplace with a wood-slat accent wall and floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that lead outside.

Living room features a large L-shaped sectional sofa with two armchairs and a circular glass-top coffee table set on a gray area rug. The space also includes a black marble linear fireplace with a wood-slat accent wall and floor-to-ceiling sliding doors leading outside.

22. Floor to Ceiling Windows Provide View of Miami Beach Waterfront

Miami Beach living room features panoramic views of the Biscayne Bay waterfront from floor-to-ceiling sliding glass windows. The space includes a white upholstered sectional and matching oversized ottoman with two black club chairs on a gray area rug over wide-plank teak hardwood flooring. An adjustable contemporary floor lamp augments the lighting with two circular side and coffee tables, as well as a second dark-colored ottoman, adding to the furnishings.

Miami Beach living room features panoramic views of the Biscayne Bay waterfront from floor-to-ceiling sliding glass windows. The Transitional interior design includes a white upholstered sectional and matching oversized ottoman with two black club chairs on a gray area rug over the wide-plank teak hardwood flooring. An adjustable contemporary floor lamp augments the lighting, with several tables and a second dark-colored ottoman among the pieces adding to the modern decor.

23. Dark Wooden Cabinetry Fills Entire Wall

Living room features upholstered beige sofas and chairs facing a metal coffee table with a contemporary blue/gray patterned rug spread over wide-plank hardwood flooring. A TV is mounted into a large wooden console with built-in cabinetry that takes up one entire wall. hardwood flooring. The space also includes recessed lighting and French doors leading out to a balcony.

This Transitional design features upholstered beige sofas and chairs facing a metal coffee table with a contemporary blue/gray patterned rug spread over the wide-plank hardwood flooring. A TV is mounted into a large wooden console with built-in cabinetry that takes up one entire wall. hardwood flooring. The Transitional decor also includes recessed lighting and French doors leading out to a balcony.

Related: Transitional Bedroom Ideas | Transitional Dining Room Ideas | Impressively Remodeled Home

John Goodman finds the creative energy of journalism constantly inspiring. He has worked as a reporter, editor and designer in lifestyles journalism for more than 20 years. As arts and culture editor with Vancouver’s North Shore News newspaper he was part of an award-winning team that created thousands of stories over the past two decades.

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