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Exploring the differences between a drawing room and a living room

  • Interior Design
Nov 17, 2023
Elegant living room design for your space - Beautiful Homes

While most of us use the terms living room and drawing room interchangeably, there are a few differences that set them apart

Our homes can be equated with private sanctuaries, where we sit back and unwind after a long day at work, or where we invite our closest friends and family to socialise and have a good time. That’s probably why its interior design has assumed a greater significance today, with an increasing number of homeowners looking to create homes that are an extension of their personalities.

 

Most of us spend our time chilling in the living room, or what we call the drawing room. However, let us burst your bubble–they are not the same, even if these terms are used interchangeably. Of course, with real estate becoming steeper by the day, most homeowners have no option but to use it as the same space. But there is an inherent difference between the living room and drawing room.

 

Barring a few similarities, the living room and drawing room assume different roles. Without further ado, let’s dive into the living room vs drawing room debate.

 

What is a Drawing Room?

When we were young, most of us would have observed our elders earmark a space in the house and call it the drawing room. The drawing room design was rather formal, where guests would be hosted and entertained. Some hosts would also serve tea or cocktails here.

 

In fact, there’s some research that points to how women would previously keep themselves away from this space, since it was largely the bastion of men, particularly to engage in conversations around important subjects. The drawing hall interior is almost always fancy. Today, this room is rarely seen in any home, especially with spaces being smaller than before. 

What is a Living Room?

As the name suggests, the living room design is rather casual; it is where families literally live. Everyone from the elders to the children, pets and guests spend most of their time here. It is believed that living rooms came into existence post the Industrial Revolution, when people began to have some free time in their hands to relax.

 

Most often, the biggest difference between a living room and drawing room is that the former has a television set, where families get together for the purpose of relaxation and entertainment.

Living room design with circular skylight – Beautiful Homes

Image courtesy, Karan Desai

How to Differentiate Between the Living Room and Drawing Room

Enchanting living room design for your space – Beautiful Homes

Designed by Sparc Designs

1. Difference Between the Living Room and Drawing Room: Location

When it comes to the living room vs drawing room, its location varies. The living room is generally an extension of the kitchen or dining area, and one can reach this space only after passing through the drawing room.

 

In the case of a drawing room, it is almost always found right after the doorway of the house. This is because it prohibits entry of guests to other rooms, which is a key element in maintaining privacy. 

2. Difference Between the Living Room and Drawing Room: Interior Design

How can one differentiate the living room vs drawing room, in terms of the interiors? Well, the living room is typically an intimate space for the members of the house. Most commonly, things in the living room include a centre table, TV cabinet, armchairs or lounge sofas, lamps and artefacts. The walls are adorned with family photographs that depict significant milestones or memories. For more detailed tips on creating the perfect living room, consult a comprehensive living room guide.

 

In the case of the drawing room, it is a more formal space that is lined with bookshelves for a certain aesthetic. Often, guests are entertained here, generally for tea or cocktails. Some of the things in the drawing room include formal sofa sets and a centre table.

Stylish living room design for your space – Beautiful Homes

Image courtesy, 42MM Architecture

3. Difference Between Living Room and Drawing Room: Tones and Mood

Speaking of the colour palette, there is a difference between the living room and drawing room. In the living room, the colours that are used on the walls or the furniture is in tune with how the home looks otherwise. It could be bright and vibrant, adding to the liveliness of the space.

 

In the case of the drawing room, the treatment is altogether different. Since it is a space that is largely for guests, it uses a light colour palette that isn’t jarring. Think neutral colours like white and beige.

Elegant living room design for your space - Beautiful Homes

Image courtesy, A Square Designs

Cosy drawing room design for your space – Beautiful Homes

Image courtesy, Alkove Design

4. Difference Between Living Room and Drawing Room: Formality

The living room is an informal space, so you can choose to keep the vibe intact with recliners and armchairs that are comfortable for lounging. After all, it is a space where you will lounge around with your legs up, watch TV and munch on your favourite nibbles.

 

The drawing room is earmarked to attend to guests. That’s probably why it is a good idea to refrain from using recliners or casual couches. Instead, invest in high-quality sofas or chairs that exude a formal vibe.
 

Aesthetic living room design for your space – Beautiful Homes

Designed by Surpriya Hiremath Vora; Photography by Kuber Shah

5. Difference Between Living Room and Drawing Room: Decoration

How to decorate your living room? Make sure it is the TV that is the centrepiece here, but ensure there’s ample space to carry out other activities. The room can make use of materials like wood and easy-to-clean fabrics, since you are likely to encounter many spills and stains (after all, it’s a high-traffic area). Intersperse the living room with coffee tables, modular sofas and floor pillows for a relaxed vibe.

 

For drawing room decoration, keep formal sofa sets or chairs that directly face a sofa, so that having a conversation is easy. You can also opt for luxurious materials like velvet, glass and satin for a touch of opulence. Make sure you complete the design of this space by adding a few antique pieces that you’d love to flaunt.

Wrapping Up

We’ve listed all the differences between the living room and drawing room, but here’s a quick recap.

 

 

Living Room

 

 

Drawing Room

 

 

The living room is used as a space where families relax and unwind.

 

 

The drawing room is where homeowners entertain guests.

 

The living room is generally an extension of the kitchen or dining area.

 The drawing room is almost always found right after the doorway of the house.

Things in the living room include a centre table, TV cabinet, armchairs or lounge sofas, lamps and artefacts.

 

Keep formal sofa sets or chairs that directly face a sofa, luxurious upholstery and wooden bookshelves.

 

 

The living room has a vibrant colour palette in tune with the rest of the house.

 

 

The drawing room usually has a muted colour palette that is rather formal.

 

 

 

How can Beautiful Homes Help You in Designing the Living Room and Drawing Room?

Are you looking for living room and drawing room designs for your home? Your search ends right here with Beautiful Homes Services by Asian Paints. We offer customers personalised home interior design and hassle-free execution, all in one. We can help you design, visualise, and create your dream spaces. For a home consultation, visit our interior design service page or visit our retail stores in various cities for guidance.

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