Creating an “Old Money” Living Room in Your Home

Last Updated on February 14, 2025 by April

Old money aesthetics combine timeless elegance with heritage-inspired design elements, creating spaces that feel both sophisticated and lived-in. You can transform your living room into an old money sanctuary through specific furniture choices, color palettes, and decorative elements that capture generations of refined taste.

The old money style draws inspiration from established East Coast families and European aristocracy, emphasizing quality materials and enduring pieces rather than trendy items. Your living room can embody this distinguished look while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere for daily life and entertaining.

Decorate with antique paintings

Antique paintings serve as focal points in your living room, adding a touch of sophistication and heritage to the space. Position larger pieces above fireplaces or sofas, and create intimate gallery walls with smaller paintings.

Select artwork featuring landscapes, portraits, or still life scenes in ornate gold frames. Mix oil paintings with vintage sketches and watercolors for visual interest.

Consider sourcing pieces from estate sales, auctions, and reputable antique dealers. Check for authentic period works that match your room’s color scheme and complement existing furniture pieces.

Group paintings of similar themes or time periods together. Place them at eye level and ensure proper lighting to highlight their intricate details and rich colors.

Include plush, Persian rugs

Persian rugs serve as an essential foundation for achieving an old money aesthetic in your living room. Place a large, intricate Persian rug as your room’s centerpiece to instantly elevate the space’s sophistication.

Choose rugs with deep, rich colors like burgundy, navy, or forest green to anchor your furniture arrangement. The detailed patterns and high-quality wool construction of authentic Persian rugs communicate refinement and timeless style.

Layer smaller Persian rugs over larger ones to create depth and visual interest. This technique adds warmth while showcasing the artistry of multiple pieces.

Display classic literature books

Classical literature adds sophistication to your living room’s old money aesthetic. Display leather-bound editions of timeless works like Shakespeare, Dickens, and Austen on wooden bookshelves or side tables.

Arrange books by height and color to create visually pleasing groupings. Stack a few books horizontally and use them as pedestals for small decorative objects like vintage bookends or crystal paperweights.

Choose books with ornate spines and gilded edges for maximum visual impact. You can find beautiful vintage editions at antique shops, estate sales, and specialized book dealers.

Mix gold and bronze fixtures

Incorporate both gold and bronze fixtures in your living room to create depth and visual interest. Combine antique brass table lamps with bronze wall sconces, or pair gold-framed mirrors with bronze curtain rods.

Select fixtures with varying patinas and finishes to add character to your space. A mix of polished and aged metals creates an authentic old money ambiance that suggests pieces were collected over time.

Keep the metal mixing subtle by limiting it to 3-4 key pieces per room. This prevents the space from appearing too cluttered while maintaining the sophisticated charm of mixed metallics.

Use dark wood accents

Dark wood elements like mahogany, walnut, or oak bring timeless elegance to your living room space. Incorporate these rich tones through furniture pieces such as side tables, coffee tables, or built-in bookshelves.

Consider adding wood paneling or wainscoting to your walls for an extra touch of sophistication. You can also introduce smaller dark wood accessories like picture frames, mirrors, or decorative boxes.

Mix different wood finishes thoughtfully to create depth while maintaining a cohesive look. Keep your wood elements polished and well-maintained to preserve their classic appeal.

Decorate with ornate mirrors

Ornate mirrors bring instant elegance and sophistication to your living room. Antique or vintage-style mirrors with intricate gold frames add a touch of grandeur while reflecting light throughout the space.

Position a large statement mirror above your fireplace mantel or hang several smaller decorative mirrors in a curated gallery arrangement. The reflective surfaces create depth and make your room appear more spacious.

Choose mirrors with carved details, gilded finishes, or baroque-style frames to enhance the old money atmosphere. Mix round and rectangular shapes for visual interest, but keep the frame styles consistent.

Feature crystal chandeliers

A crystal chandelier serves as the crowning jewel in an old money living room. Hang it centered in your space to create an immediate focal point that radiates elegance.

Choose a traditional design with multiple tiers of crystals that catch and scatter light. Antique brass or silver finishes complement the classic aesthetic perfectly.

Position your chandelier at the proper height – typically 30-34 inches above a table or 7 feet above the floor in seating areas. The right placement ensures maximum visual impact while maintaining functionality.

Consider adding smaller crystal sconces on the walls to create a cohesive lighting scheme. These complementary pieces enhance the sophisticated atmosphere without overwhelming the space.

Rich Colors

Deep, sophisticated hues define an old money living room. Choose historic blues, burgundies, and forest greens as your primary colors.

Balance these rich tones with warm neutrals like cream, beige, or ivory. Add black and white accents to create visual breathing space.

Paint your walls in these traditional colors, or incorporate them through upholstery, curtains, and decorative pieces. You can layer multiple deep shades in a single space while maintaining elegance.

Add velvet drapery

Velvet drapes bring instant sophistication to your living room, creating that coveted old money ambiance. Select deep, rich colors like navy, burgundy, or forest green for maximum impact.

Install floor-to-ceiling drapes to enhance the room’s height and grandeur. Make sure to hang them wide enough to fully expose your windows when open, allowing natural light to flood the space.

Choose lined velvet curtains for better draping and insulation. Add tiebacks with tassels or ornate holdbacks to create elegant swoops that frame your windows perfectly.