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Explore the Difference Between Living Room And Drawing Room

Updated: Jan 8

Since most of our childhood, we always knew that ‘living room’ and ‘drawing room’ are synonymous terms used interchangeably. Never did it occur that either of them could be different from the other. But the rising evolution in interior design has made us question the difference between living room and drawing room in recent times. If you are a newbie, you might be thinking, is there even a distinction at all? Oh yes, despite both the rooms being used for relaxing, socializing, and unwinding, there are numerous distinctions. Both these rooms carry dissimilarities in terms of their histories and functions. In this blog, Studio Interplay will delve deeper into the idiosyncrasies of both these rooms and how the spaces can be elevated.  


What is a Drawing Room?


We have noticed how our parents and other elders designated a specific space, mostly the midst of our houses and called it the ‘drawing room’. The room mostly evoked a sense of comfort, amiability, and freedom as it comprised a big sofa with an equally big coffee table. The term drawing room was first coined in the 16th century and later in the 19th century and was quite a rage just a few centuries ago. In fact, one intriguing fact about the drawing room is, that women generally distanced themselves from this space since it was mostly dominated by men’s gatherings.     


Today, drawing rooms have mostly become obsolete due to houses and apartments being developed on limited space, or only found in age-old houses. Drawing rooms were located following the entrance so that visitors didn’t have to cross other rooms. 


Difference Between Living Room And Drawing Room

What is a Living Room?

In the 20th century, the idea of a "living room" became popular, signifying a more relaxed and adaptable area where family members might relax and carry out daily tasks. Homes changed to accommodate changing lifestyles, prioritising comfort and utility over formality. This transformation was prompted by a shift in societal conventions. It is believed that the concept of a living room germinated majorly after the Industrial Revolution when people started having some leisure time on their hands, and all the family members gathered together to have some family time. 


interior design of a living room

Difference Between Living Room and Drawing Room

The living room and drawing room can distinguished based on several factors: 


1. Location

The first and foremost is the location, while the living room is mostly an extension of the kitchen or dining area, the drawing room is almost always right after the doorway. 


2. Interior Design

Holding the biggest space of the house, the interior design of a living room constitutes elegant furnishings like a coffee table or centre table, a TV unit, a recliner or armchair, a standing floor lamp, portraits, wall art, plants, and more. 


On the other hand, the interior design of the drawing room exuded more of a formal space which was well-groomed and neatly decked with bookshelves, a sofa set, a centre table, and more. The purpose of drawing rooms was mostly functional since vital discussions were carried out there. 


3. Tones and Moods

The difference between the living room and the drawing room can also be marked by the contrasts in their tones and moods. The colours of the living room are more in sync with the overall appearance of the home. It can either be vibrant or soft. Whereas, since the drawing room is comparatively larger, painting the walls with earthy shades like white, beige, and similar colours will make it more vibrant.  

Top Interior Design Tips For Your Living Or Drawing Room By Studio Interplay

Studio Interplay, the best interior designer in Gurgaon holds extensive knowledge of designing myriad rooms, and both drawing and living rooms fall under it. If you are looking forward to decking your living room then check out the below tips listed by the top interior designers Gurgaon:


Establish Your Style: Think about the general look you're going for. Knowing what kind of style you have—modern, traditional, eclectic, or minimalist—will help you make more informed design decisions.


Pick a Coherent Colour Palette: Make sure the colour scheme you choose reflects the mood and function of the space. While flashes of colour can offer vitality and flair, neutral tones make a background that is timeless and adaptable.


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Functional Furniture: Make an investment in furniture that has a purpose in addition to being well-made. Choose cosy seating configurations that promote conversation, and think about how to improve traffic flow with the layout.


Be Mindful of How You Accessorize: Art, carpets, and throw cushions are examples of decorative accents that can improve the aesthetics of your living space. Allow each element to contribute to the overall design while keeping things in balance and avoiding clutter.


Layer Lighting: Use a range of lighting sources to add atmosphere and depth. To create a well-lit, welcoming area, combine task, ambient, and accent lighting.


Personal Touch: Add a personal touch to the space by using objects from your trips, artwork, or family photos to bring your individuality to life. These components give the area personality and personalise it as your own.


Statement Pieces: Furniture or décor that makes a statement might be used as a focal point in an area. It may be an eye-catching work of art that draws attention, a coffee table with an eye-catching colour, or a sofa.


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Greenery: To give some freshness and a hint of nature, add some plants or flowers to bring in the outdoors. In addition to improving the interior's aesthetics, greenery also makes the space healthier.


Functional Storage: Include both fashionable and practical storage options to keep the space organised. By doing this, you may reduce clutter and keep things looking tidy.


In summary, the difference between a living room and a drawing room stems from both their historical backgrounds and the changing functions they play in modern households. The drawing room exudes sophistication and formality for special events, while the living room serves a family's day-to-day space in a more laid-back setting. As one of the best interior designer in Gurgaon, Studio Interplay thrives at creating rooms that slickly combine tradition, modernity, and customisation. Understanding these distinctions enables careful interior design. Whether creating a sophisticated drawing room or a comfortable living room, the composition of the best interior designer in Gurgaon is dedicated to excellence in creativity, utility, and aesthetics.


Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the drawing room used for?

The drawing room is more of a traditional term. Today, most people refer to a drawing room as a living room. This is a room in a house where people gather to socialise and have fun. It usually has cosy seating and décor, and it's utilised for relaxing and engaging in talks as well as occasionally serving as the centre of attention for events or gatherings.


2. What is a living room used for?

A living room is a multipurpose room in a house that's mostly used for entertaining, socialising, and leisure. It usually has entertainment systems, soft seating, and a central location for family and friends to congregate, creating a warm and welcoming ambience throughout the house.


3. How to design the interior of a living room?

Trust Studio Interplay for the best design for home interior. Using Studio Interplay's experience, design the interior of a living room with an emphasis on furnishings, colour palettes, lighting, and décor. With their creative approach, they produce visually stunning and functionally harmonious living spaces that make for a remarkable interior design experience.


Are you looking to elevate your space with professional interior design? Connect with us and secure your first free consultation slot now!


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