Transitional decor is like that one friend who can do it all but would never brag about it. In other words, it&rsquo;s amazing, and we want to be around it all the time. This interior design style incorporates elements of traditional design and modern design to create a look that&rsquo;s timeless, understated, and elegant. Transitional spaces feature comfy, oversized furniture, which makes them ideal for busy families and everyday living. But they also include sophisticated details &mdash; like curved lines, mixed metals, and delicate pendant lights &mdash; that look like they were stolen from a trendy boutique hotel. Transitional style can flex to fit any lifestyle. And because it mixes pieces from different eras, it allows you to combine your family heirlooms (or thrift store finds) with more modern home decor. The result is a home design that can stand the test of time. If you want to decorate your home in the one style that can do it all, use these decorating tips and transitional decor ideas to inspire your design.
<h2>5 tips to take on transitional decor</h2>
<a href="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/furniture/caspian-upholstered-curved-arms-sectional-sofa-white-and-black"><img style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-180076" style="width: 100%;" src="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/wp-content/uploads/Caspian-Upholstered-Curved-Arms-Sectional-Sofa-White-and-Black.jpg" alt="Transitional decor: Caspian Upholstered Curved Arms Sectional Sofa White and Black" width="1200" height="800"></a> Because transitional interior design blends two different styles (<a href="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/timeless-elegance-guide-to-traditional-style">traditional style</a> and <a href="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/less-is-more-guide-to-modern-style">modern style</a>), the risk of creating a clashing interior is higher than if you stick to one style. But with great risk comes great reward. If you get transitional design right, your home will be the picture of timeless sophistication &mdash; and you&rsquo;ll have flexibility to incorporate more of the pieces you love. Use these design tips to create a cohesive look in your transitional-style home.
<h3>1. Look for minimalist traditional elements</h3>
Traditional home decor can be very ornate with curves, scrollwork, and carved design elements fit for Marie Antoinette&rsquo;s boudoir. These over-the-top details will clash with the clean lines and geometric silhouettes of modern decorating styles. Instead, look for more understated traditional decor. Picture the furniture pieces that would have been in rural country homes in the 1700s and 1800s, not in palaces &mdash; less <a href="https://www.vam.ac.uk/articles/the-baroque-style" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Baroque</a> and <a href="https://www.vam.ac.uk/articles/the-rococo-style-an-introduction#slideshow=74976771&amp;slide=0" target="_blank" rel="noopener">rococo style</a>, more <a href="https://www.bhg.com/neoclassical-interior-design-7498639" target="_blank" rel="noopener">neoclassical</a> and <a href="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/french-country-style">French country style</a>. These styles of traditional interior design had more straight lines with subtler curves and ornamentation. Keep the word &ldquo;understated&rdquo; in mind as you shop for traditional home decor.
<h3>2. Stick to subtle colors</h3>
Neutral color palettes aren&rsquo;t just for minimalist homes. Transitional interiors relied on neutrals before the word &ldquo;minimalism&rdquo; ever became part of the zeitgeist. In transitional homes, neutral color palettes not only create a calming atmosphere, but they also make it easier to mix and match different pieces without them clashing. Transitional homes often embrace a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.elledecor.com/design-decorate/color/a26448514/greige-color/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">greige (or grey-beige)</a> color scheme. These shades of grey, taupe, and tan make flexible backdrops for any home decor, which is likely why <a href="https://www.sherwin-williams.com/en-us/color/color-collections/top-50-colors" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sherwin Williams&rsquo; Top 50 Paint Colors</a> are mostly shades of greige. You can add subtle pops of color with less expensive decor, like throw pillows, area rugs, window treatments, and wall art, and change those items out at any time to refresh the look of your room without painting or replacing your more expensive items. Typically in transitional decor, the pops of color will still come from soft shades, like earthy greens, pinks, and blues. But more saturated jewel tones and black accents are also becoming a popular design trend for transitional interiors.
<h3>3. Keep clutter away</h3>
Because you&rsquo;re mixing and matching pieces in your home, you&rsquo;ll want to give each piece a chance to shine. If you pile too many pieces of decor into one room (or onto one bookshelf), you won&rsquo;t be able to appreciate how they play off of one another. Make sure to incorporate some open space into your room design, and avoid small or busy patterns. For example, you don&rsquo;t typically see gallery walls in transitional spaces. You&rsquo;re more likely to see one or two large pieces of wall art instead. The idea is that you want to draw the eye around the room rather than overwhelm it.
<h3>4. Consider scale</h3>
You want your transitional space to feel clutter-free but not empty. So instead of adding more furniture pieces to fill your space, choose larger pieces. Oversized sofas and chairs are common components of transitional living rooms, and they&rsquo;ll make your space feel more welcoming and less stuffy than a traditional home. But scale is relative. A sofa that looks large in one living room might look tiny in another. Make sure to measure your space and block off the area where you want each piece of furniture to go.
<h3>5. Use texture to create visual interest</h3>
All the understated elements of transitional design &mdash; from cleaner silhouettes on the furniture to neutral colors on the walls and upholstery &mdash; can make the space feel boring. But even a monochromatic room can be visually interesting if you incorporate a lot of texture. Combine different textiles and materials to create visual depth in a simple room design. For example, you could pair a linen sofa with a velvet armchair and a chenille blanket, or style a marble countertop with leather stools, or place a wood lamp on a glass and metal side table. The combination of materials will make the space feel richly textured and inviting.
<h2>12 pieces of transitional decor to add to your home</h2>
Now that you understand the essentials of transitional decorating, get inspired to create the look in your home. These 12 pieces of transitional decor are the perfect fit. Use them to brainstorm your home design or find them at a&nbsp;<a href="https://storelocator.coasterfurniture.com/">Coaster Furniture store near you</a>.
<h3>1. Blaine Upholstered Reversible Sectional Sofa in Sand</h3>
<a href="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/furniture/blaine-upholstered-reversible-sectional-sofa-sand"><img style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-180075" style="width: 100%;" src="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/wp-content/uploads/Blaine-Upholstered-Reversible-Sectional-Sofa-Sand-2.jpg" alt="Transitional decor: Blaine Upholstered Reversible Sectional Sofa Sand" width="1200" height="801"></a> With a richly textured, wide corduroy upholstery in a neutral greige tone, <a href="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/furniture/blaine-upholstered-reversible-sectional-sofa-sand">this reversible sectional</a> is the perfect centerpiece for your transitional living room design.
<h3>2. Eastbrook Tufted Back Sofa in Grey</h3>
<a href="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/furniture/eastbrook-tufted-back-sofa-grey"><img style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-180077" style="width: 100%;" src="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/wp-content/uploads/Eastbrook-Tufted-Back-Sofa-Grey.jpg" alt="Transitional decor: Eastbrook Tufted Back Sofa Grey" width="1200" height="636"></a> For a more traditional style, the <a href="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/furniture/eastbrook-tufted-back-sofa-grey">Eastbrook sofa</a> pairs button-tufting with the straight lines of modern design, and it mixes textures with velvet upholstery and a gold metal arm base.
<h3>3. Artina Woven Rattan Round Coffee Table in Natural Brown</h3>
<a href="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/furniture/coffee-table"><img style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-180074" style="width: 100%;" src="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/wp-content/uploads/Artina-Woven-Rattan-Round-Coffee-Table-Natural-Brown.jpg" alt="Transitional decor: Artina Woven Rattan Round Coffee Table Natural Brown" width="1200" height="1325"></a> The earthy rattan texture and natural brown color of the <a href="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/furniture/coffee-table">Artina Coffee Table</a> will add interest to your transitional space, while the round silhouette pairs nicely with more traditional pieces.
<h3>4. Janessa Round Glass Top Coffee Table With Acrylic Legs in Clear and Matte Brass</h3>
<a href="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/furniture/janessa-round-glass-top-coffee-table-with-acrylic-legs-clear-and-matte-brass"><img style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-180078" style="width: 100%;" src="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/wp-content/uploads/Janessa-Round-Glass-Top-Coffee-Table-With-Acrylic-Legs-Clear-and-Matte-Brass.jpg" alt="Transitional decor: Janessa Round Glass Top Coffee Table With Acrylic Legs Clear and Matte Brass" width="1200" height="796"></a> <a href="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/furniture/janessa-round-glass-top-coffee-table-with-acrylic-legs-clear-and-matte-brass">This round coffee table</a> pairs matte brass metal with acrylic and glass to create an elegant yet understated look that fits perfectly in transitional decor.
<h3>5. Lucien Floor Lamp in Black</h3>
<a href="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/furniture/lucien-floor-lamp-black"><img style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-180080" style="width: 100%;" src="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/wp-content/uploads/Lucien-Floor-Lamp-Black.jpg" alt="Transitional decor: Lucien Floor Lamp Black" width="1200" height="1804"></a> The wavy edge on the shade of this floor lamp gives a subtle nod to the curves of traditional style design, and yet the V-shaped arm has distinct mid-century modern flair. This light fixture is the perfect reading lamp for a transitional living room.
<h3>6. Kelly Rectangular Dining Table in Dark Grey</h3>
<a href="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/furniture/kelly-rectangular-dining-table-dark-grey"><img style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-180079" style="width: 100%;" src="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/wp-content/uploads/Kelly-Rectangular-Dining-Table-Dark-Grey.jpg" alt="Kelly Rectangular Dining Table Dark Grey" width="1200" height="857"></a> The clean lines on <a href="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/furniture/kelly-rectangular-dining-table-dark-grey">this rectangular dining room table</a> are a signature element of modern design, and yet the dark wood means it will pair beautifully with the darker wood tones of traditional furniture.
<h3>7. Antoine Rectangular Dining Table in White and Chrome</h3>
<a href="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/furniture/antoine-rectangle-dining-table-white-and-chrome"><img style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-180073" style="width: 100%;" src="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/wp-content/uploads/Antoine-Rectangle-Dining-Table-White-and-Chrome.jpg" alt="Antoine Rectangle Dining Table White and Chrome" width="1200" height="928"></a> With round features on the base, <a href="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/furniture/antoine-rectangle-dining-table-white-and-chrome">this transitional dining table</a> gives a nod to traditional style without excessive ornamentation. The white and chrome will help lighten and brighten your space.
<h3>8. Ralland Upholstered Counter-Height Stools With Nailhead Trim in Beige</h3>
<a href="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/furniture/upholstered-counter-height-stools-with-nailhead-trim-beige-set-of-2"><img style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-180084" style="width: 100%;" src="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/wp-content/uploads/Ralland-Upholstered-Counter-Height-Stools-with-Nailhead-Trim-Beige.jpg" alt="Ralland Upholstered Counter Height Stools with Nailhead Trim Beige" width="1200" height="1489"></a> Add texture to your transitional kitchen by placing <a href="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/furniture/upholstered-counter-height-stools-with-nailhead-trim-beige-set-of-2">these counter-height stools</a> around your kitchen island. The woven upholstery, natural wood grain, and nailhead trim all add subtle details to your design.
<h3>9. Mosby Upholstered Curved Headboard Platform Bed in White</h3>
<a href="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/furniture/mosby-upholstered-curved-headboard-queen-platform-bed-white"><img style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-180083" style="width: 100%;" src="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/wp-content/uploads/Mosby-Upholstered-Curved-Headboard-Queen-Platform-Bed-White.jpg" alt="Mosby Upholstered Curved Headboard Queen Platform Bed White" width="1200" height="791"></a> The subtle curves of <a href="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/furniture/mosby-upholstered-curved-headboard-queen-platform-bed-white">this upholstered bed</a> give it an elegant and understated style that&rsquo;s perfect for a transitional bedroom.
<h3>10. Maria Upholstered Stool in Warm Grey and Gold</h3>
<a href="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/furniture/upholstered-stool-warm-grey-and-gold-2"><img style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-180082" style="width: 100%;" src="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/wp-content/uploads/Maria-Upholstered-Stool-Warm-Grey-and-Gold-1.jpg" alt="Maria Upholstered Stool Warm Grey and Gold" width="1200" height="1500"></a> <a href="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/furniture/upholstered-stool-warm-grey-and-gold-2">This upholstered stool</a> comes in a neutral color with elegant textures from velvet and gold metal. It&rsquo;s an excellent transitional piece to add at the foot of your bed or in the entryway.
<h3>11. Alderwood 3-Drawer Nightstand in French Grey</h3>
<a href="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/furniture/alderwood-3-drawer-nightstand-french-grey"><img style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-180072" style="width: 100%;" src="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/wp-content/uploads/Alderwood-3-drawer-Nightstand-French-Grey.jpg" alt="Alderwood 3-drawer Nightstand French Grey" width="1200" height="1200"></a> With beautiful neoclassical details like tapered legs, an understated carved frame, and ring drawer pulls, <a href="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/furniture/alderwood-3-drawer-nightstand-french-grey">this three-drawer nightstand</a> is the perfect traditionally-inspired piece to add to your bedroom.
<h3>12. Lucius Drum Shade Bedside Table Lamp in White and Gold</h3>
<a href="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/furniture/lucius-drum-shade-bedside-table-lamp-white-and-gold"><img style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" style="width:100%;" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-180081" style="width: 100%;" src="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/wp-content/uploads/Lucius-Drum-Shade-Bedside-Table-Lamp-White-and-Gold.jpg" alt="Lucius Drum Shade Bedside Table Lamp White and Gold" width="1200" height="1311"></a> Add a little elegance to your nightstand with this <a href="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/furniture/lucius-drum-shade-bedside-table-lamp-white-and-gold">bedside table lamp</a>. The marble and gold add rich contrasting textures, and the minimalist cylindrical shape pairs well with any decor.
<h2>Transition your home to transitional style</h2>
Furniture and home decor is an investment of both time and money. By choosing transitional decor, you can get the most out of your investment. This style ensures that your home will look as good 20 years from now as it does today. The modern design elements will ensure your home never feels stuffy or dated the way that a fully traditional home can. But the addition of more understated traditional pieces means you can incorporate your favorite antique and <a href="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/vintage-home-decor">vintage home decor</a>, adding timeless elegance to your space. Use the design ideas and tips above to start reimagining your space, or find more <a href="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/inspiration">inspiration on Coaster Furniture</a>.

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