5 FURNITURE STYLES THAT DEFINE CLASSIC INTERIORS
At the heart of every classic interior is a deep respect for craftsmanship, scale, and silhouette. While trends may come and go, certain pieces remain evergreen—instantly recognizable, always elegant, and grounding to any well-designed room. These furniture staples don’t just furnish a space; they anchor it in timeless style.
Here are five traditional furniture pieces we turn to time and time again when designing spaces that feel rooted, refined, and effortlessly inviting:
1. The Rolled Arm Sofa
Rolled arm sofa in one of our favorite home offices
There’s something unmistakably comforting about the gentle curve of a rolled arm. This iconic shape has been a staple in traditional interiors for centuries—and for good reason. It offers both elegance and approachability, whether you're styling a formal sitting room or a cozy den.
We love how a rolled arm sofa bridges that fine line between tailored and lived-in. Pair it with turned wood legs or a skirted base, and it instantly elevates the room while still inviting you to curl up with a book or a guest.
2. The Wingback Chair
Originally designed to shield you from drafts near a fireplace, the wingback chair is now a hallmark of classic design. It’s regal without being ostentatious, architectural without being cold.
We especially love using wingbacks in pairs, whether flanking a fireplace or anchoring a cozy corner. Their upright silhouette adds a bit of drama, and they always bring a sense of history and structure to a room. Bonus points if they’re finished in a moody linen or a bold stripe.
3. Tufted Furniture Pieces
Tufting is where craftsmanship meets comfort. The technique of buttoning fabric into a diamond or square pattern not only adds depth and texture, but it also conveys a certain level of intentionality and detail.
Whether it’s a tufted headboard, an ottoman, or a Chesterfield sofa, these pieces create a visual focal point and signal a timeless, collected style. They’re statement-makers that don’t shout—quietly confident and always at home in a classic interior.
4. Skirted Furniture
Skirted bed in primary bedroom with COM fabric.
There’s a softness that skirted furniture brings that can’t be replicated. A skirted armchair or slipcovered sofa adds an elegant fluidity to a room while concealing legs and adding weight to the piece visually.
In more traditional homes, we love playing with skirts—knife pleats for a tailored look, waterfall skirts for something a bit more relaxed. They also lend themselves beautifully to layered textiles, like crisp linens, cotton prints, or even performance fabrics for busy households.
5. Carved or Detailed Wood Accents
Dental molding detail on one of our bespoke dining tables.
From fluted table legs to carved armrests and detailed moldings, traditional furniture is rich with handcrafted wood details. These accents add a layer of artistry that elevates even the simplest silhouettes.
We often mix in at least one piece per room—whether it’s an antique console, a detailed dining chair, or an intricately carved bedframe—to bring soul and a sense of permanence. The patina that comes with time only makes these pieces more beautiful.
The beauty of these traditional furniture staples is that they ground a space, giving it elegance and structure without demanding attention. They’re the types of pieces that let a room speak softly but with conviction.
Whether used in a grand historic home or a more modern build, these timeless silhouettes ensure your interiors feel enduring and thoughtful at the core. After all, we always say: a room should feel beautiful at its bare bones—and the right furniture pieces help you build from that foundation.
Keep creating,
Isabel
